“THE race is not over. There is a lot of work to do. The same energy that you demonstrated in getting to Albion and participating at Albion, the same energy needs to be used between now and May 11… You need to ensure that you come out to the place of poll and put your ‘X’ next to the ‘Cup’.”

This emphatic comment was made by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) member, Dr Ashni Singh, who who was instrumental in organizing the Albion Rally, which has since been rated as one of the largest in Guyana’s recent history.

Appearing on a televised programme in Berbice, Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne), the Minister thanked Berbicians for their sterling support, and stressed that the show of loyalty at the party’s Albion rally on Sunday needs to be translated at the polls.
“It is important that this show of commitment translates into demonstrated support,” he said.
According to him, the rally was a “resounding success”, and the momentum of the event needs to be sustained.
Dr Singh said, “We have every right to celebrate a successful rally; it was a resounding success. But in the same breath, I would say that our work is far from over. We need to ensure that we use the momentum of the rally to continue working hard to ensure that this strong signal of support indicated by attendance at the rally translates into real support at the place of poll on May 11.”
He acknowledged that this undertaking requires much work, but added that the race is not over.
“This [demonstration of support] requires a lot of hard work by all those involved in the party machinery, and discipline on the part of party supporters. We are not at the end of the race until the polls are closed; the votes are counted; and the results declared. There is still much work to be done; we need to continue the work that is before us,” the PPP/C member said.

NO RENT-A-CROWD
Drawing a parallel to the political Opposition’s Whim rally, held in the latter part of March, Dr Singh said the ruling party did not have to resort to “rent-a-crowd.”
He said, “What was crystal clear was that this was a Berbice crowd; I saw faces of people who I know living in Number 57 Village or in Crabwood creek…if you looked around this was a Berbice crowd. This was Berbice coming out to say we support the PPP/C.
“…that is an important distinction. We don’t have to rent a crowd….this was the people of Berbice saying that we would like to wear a shirt that says ‘Vote Donald Ramotar’….this was a crowd that supported the PPP/C.”
He added that the mammoth gathering of supporters in Albion was a “record -breaking” show of support.
“Our rally in Albion had a record crowd….Berbice certainly did prove that it continues to be the centre of major political consciousness and political activity…it really was an electric atmosphere. The mood was fantastic too….in every instance the mood was alive and exciting. I think even the speeches that were given was encouraging,” Dr Singh said.
All considered, he reiterated the PPP/C gratitude to Berbicians. “I want to say thank you to the people of Berbice and say that the leadership of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic is moved by the strong expression of support that we saw. Even the President was at a loss for words when he saw the response.”
The PPP/C member expressed also his appreciation to the many volunteers and members of the private sector who made the rally possible. “All those persons who volunteered to make the rally a reality I would like to thank them.”
The tangible energy that sounded along the Albion Estate Road was “encouraging and inspiring,” according to Dr Singh, who added that the atmosphere bolstered the speeches made by both the young and experienced speakers.
The ruling party’s leadership at Sunday’s rally detailed a 23-point plan of other initiatives for Region 6, which forms part of its five-year plan going forward, which was well received.

By Vanessa Narine