“I ASK you to place your confidence in the PPP/C for continued progress in this country,” was People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial Candidate, Mrs Elisabeth Harper’s humble appeal to the thousands of party supporters gathered at the Stewartville Sideline Dam yesterday.She began by speaking at length of some of her recent visits to several communities across Guyana, and being fascinated by what the people there had to say. “I heard their stories and their dreams for their country and their children,” she said, adding that she was particularly struck by the children and their achievements, and their expectations for the future.
RIGHT CHOICE

As to her future as an aspiring politician, she said, “The duty of leadership is not to be taken lightly.”
It is this sobering thought, she said, that has deepened her conviction even more that the PPP/C is where she belongs. “I know I have made the right choice in joining the PPP/C, a party that has interest in all, and with a track record that shows that it has the leadership and a vision,” she said.
She spoke to residents on the current crime situation in Region 3, explaining that the government is on top of it, and has been working, and will continue to work, with the Police Force to help its members to better execute their duties.
She also commended the community leaders of Region 3, and encouraged them to work with the young people.
Harper spoke with confidence about the achievements that were made a reality under the PPP/C Government. “In your community, you have more services in education, health and job opportunities,” she said. “You are now able to build your own homes with the help of the Housing Ministry; the agricultural sector improves even further under this government.”
Speaking specifically to those young people who will be voting for the first time, she said: “I want you to listen very carefully: Soon you might be standing on this stage and putting forward a vision… I encourage you to work hard and help to build this blessed country…”
Having explained to the audience that on Saturday last, the PPP/C launched their 2015 Manifesto, Mrs Harper spoke of its many aspects and benefits contained therein. “Food security,” she said, “is at the top of our agenda, as is increased production and the diversification of our other crops. We will also continue to partner with the Private Sector to create more investment projects and jobs creation.”
SPECIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

She noted that as enshrined in its Manifesto, the PPP/C government will establish a special development fund that will encourage job and health creation activities. This, she said, is in addition to improvements in the education sector, which is a priority of this government. She noted that with a better education system, the country will have enhanced job opportunities.
EMPOWERING WOMEN
On the issue of empowering women, Harper said: “We will review all the laws that will encourage and promote women’s rights and equality. We must exercise zero tolerance on domestic violence.” She explained that domestic violence destroys who we are and everything we stand for and we as a community should not encourage it and “I encourage our men to participate in this fight also.”
“Single parents will be able to also further their education, training and day care services will be provided, child support will be mandatory by the court, ” Harper noted, citing some of the opportunities that will be available to single parents.
She further explained that the PPP/C Government has over the years upkept “the rights of women, our right in all aspects of the country, our right to an education more importantly.” Harper further explained that teenage pregnancy is also a big problem and our manifesto will address these issues also. “If you had to leave school early, you have another chance to continue your education and provide for your family, opportunities will be available to support you.”

JOB CREATION
Harper noted that presently more attention needs to be given to job creation for our young people and in the PPP/C manifesto “we will make sure jobs are created and more development and a number of new initiatives for job creation opportunities will be embarked upon.”
“With these new initiatives many more people will be able to enjoy a higher standard of living in this country”, she said. “Our Manifesto talks about housing for young people, a vision that is geared to creating a Guyana with a great future, with more interacting and dialogue and facilitate our decision making with in this sector,” Harper stated.
The PM Candidate concluded by urging supporters that on “May 11 you will be making a very important decision and I ask you to place your confidence in the PPP/C for continued progress in this country.”