THE criticisms of the “born-again democrats” asserting that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has departed from the principles of its founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, hold no water.
This was the emphatic response from the PPP General Secretary, Clement Rohee, who addressed the issue at the party’s weekly press conference held at Freedom House. “Nothing could be further from the truth. Indeed, the Jagan legacy continues to be and remains the bedrock on which all major decisions on programmes and policies are being made both at the level of the party and Government,” he said.

The debate took on new dimensions after comments from former President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, attracted the attention of former PPP Executive and former House Speaker, Ralph Ramkarran, among others.
Rohee made it clear that his comments on the matter were not in defence of Dr. Jagdeo, but in defence of the PPP, which he stressed continues on the path of Dr. Jagan’s vision.
He said, “What is particularly disturbing is the selective and skewed application of the Jagan legacy and tendency to project a view that members and supporters of the PPP are not entitled to the benefits of a strong and prosperous economy.”
Rohee underscored the fact that the “rising tide of prosperity” has lifted all boats and Guyanese today enjoy a much better quality of life.
He said, “It is evident today from the number of persons who are the proud owners of their own homes, vehicles and consumer durables which was simply not possible under the incompetent and authoritarian PNC regime.
“…every single Guyanese, be they supportive or not of the PPP/C Administration stand to benefit from an economy that is growing and delivering more and more prosperity across our country.
“The benefits from a prosperous economy cannot and must not be from one class and social stratum of the population. All must benefit and they must be free to dispose of their wealth as they deem fit, provided it is done within the meaning of the laws of Guyana.”
POLITICAL AGENDAS
The PPP General Secretary contends that claims that the party has drifted from the values and principles of the late Dr. Jagan reveal a political agenda.

“They are deliberately playing up to a political agenda which is aimed at undermining the very institution which Dr. Jagan created and the lofty ideals which he stood for,” he said.
To this end, Rohee put forward several questions and benchmarks for a reality check in the matter.
“Did Jagdeo attack Dr. Jagan’s ideology? No! Did Jagdeo attack Dr. Jagan’s politics? No! Did Jagdeo attack Dr. Jagan’s economic policies? No! Did Jagdeo attack Dr. Jagan’s International policies? No! Did Jagdeo attack Dr. Jagan’s children? No!” the PPP General Secretary said.
Going the extra mile, he highlighted that Dr. Jagdeo, on the contrary, countered the political Opposition and sections of the media for attacking him; for using his personally accumulated wealth/savings to build something to his liking.
“By doing that does it mean going against what Dr. Jagan stood for?” Rohee asked.
He added that, “In the 1957-1964 Government, Dr. Jagan had many “well to do” personalities with him who were PPP Members of Parliament and ministers of Government.
“The same can be said about the 1992 Government. So why should it be OK for some in a PPP/C Government to be prosperous and to accumulate and spend their savings the way they want to while for others it must be different?”
All considered, Rohee conclude that it is “grossly unfair, unprofessional and unbalanced” to attribute Mr. Jagdeo’s statements to what the party stands for.
He said, “When a member of the PPP expresses a viewpoint, it is perceived by the newly found Jagan lovers to be “against what Dr. Jagan stood for.” We have to be suspicious of their intentions and pretentions. It is best left to the leadership of the PPP to pronounce authoritatively on such matters.”
The PPP General Secretary reiterated that there has been no deviation from the principles and vision of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, primary of which was “development with a human face” – a sentiment reflected in the social agenda of successive PPP/ C Administrations.