TWO months ahead of the March 2, 2020 elections date, the APNU/AFC Coalition Government launched their campaign with a massive cultural show at the D’Urban Park on Friday.

Scores of Guyanese of all ages, from near and far, flocked the tarmac and the stands, clad in their green-and-yellow attire, waving high their party flags, roaring in support of the current administration.

Manoeuvering through the tightly-packed crowd, the Guyana Chronicle pulled aside a few of the supporters to ascertain their reason for supporting the APNU/AFC government.
Given the intense yet blissful aura, the people were all energetic and passionate while sharing their sentiments.

Sherron Matthews, who travelled all the way from Bartica with her friends, said “I will always continue to support the government because they have paid attention to Bartica. We are developing, and all we have seen is development over the years. We have roads; we have lights. Our schools are repaired and looking good, and things like that. So we came all the way from Bartica to support this rally here, because we will be putting our vote again for the government.”

Travelling from even farther, was Schenelle Bremner who hails from Kumaka Mines in Region 10 and was adamant about attending the launch on Friday.
This, she said, is due to the fact that she is grateful for all the government did for her community.

GOOD CONDITION
“I would encourage other young people to vote because they have done so much for Kumaka. We have always had road issues; very bad roads. And since APNU/AFC Government has taken over, our roads are in smooth condition. The minute the rain falls and the road starts to get bad, they come and they look it after. They provided lights for the community, so the place is no longer dark. They have done so much for our community; they are doing something, and everyone can see their progress.

I think we should give them a next chance, because if they have done so much for us, I think that there is more that can be done, and they will do in the future for us,” Bremner said.

Amid her loud exciting cheers, Cassie Lowe said “I think that this government pushes the agenda of having a diverse society, and actually accepts people of all races. And there is literally no segregation or discrimination, and there is equal and equitable access to opportunities. The second thing that they did was the implementation of the PSM Secretariat, whereby they offer scholarships to persons who otherwise could not possibly afford to have a university education; something which the previous government took away from the youths of society. The other thing that they did was implement the International Decade for People of African Descent, which really focuses on persons of African descent who have been neglected under the previous administration, and even focused on vulnerable communities which are constantly marginalised and neglected. So those are just like a few things the government did that I want to see them continue doing. And also I trust them to manage our oil monies, and not be corrupt and mismanage our funds and resources, so that I can benefit, and my children’s children can benefit.”

LOVE, EQUALITY AND FAIRNESS
Standing close to Lowe, another young woman, Daneeka Marks, vehemently said, “I believe in equality. I believe in love; I believe in fairness. And all that and more is what this government offers. The fact that they can do it with such honour and integrity and excellence, is completely what I stand for. It gives us a chance to have somebody who can go on the international platform and represent us with integrity, and that is what I love most about David Granger and his administration. Added to that, there is a plethora of things that he has done for the youths in Guyana and many Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese, and we can benefit from it all today, and generations to come. I can’t put my ‘X’ another way.”

The crowd continued to scream and wave as they were entertained with dance performances; performances from Guyanese artistes, and remarks from several government officials.
A group of men from Crabwood Creek said they are all happy with what was done for all of them. The leader of the group, Dewan Dwarka said, “We would give them back power, because they come and they listen to the people complains. They didn’t do all, but they do some, and they are still helping the people. And that’s very good. I’m from Crabwood Creek. And from there, right down to Moleson Creek, they do a lot for we in there. They help the community with street lights; they do streets and trenches for people.”
Three young men from Eldorado Village, West Coast Berbice, Jason Archer, Oswin Ross and their friend said they have much respect for the government for all it has done. They spoke about the developments in Berbice, and lauded the government for improved security, better roads, street lights, and improvements in the education system to ensure better academic performances.

“He’s doing a lot of work, and I will support he till I die. Like first time, when you hear somebody get rob, you does say they done get away and you ain’t getting back your thing. But now, somebody could get rob, by time two days after, you see them going to jail. The police upgrade a lot; everything just going smooth, and I’m not complaining. I enjoy these five years. I gon vote for him; I respect de big man,” Archer said.

STAND FIRM
Beni Raymond, an old PNC stalwart said that she has been here through LFS Burnham and Desmond Hoyte, and will stand firm with the current leader.

“I feel five into 23 can’t go; therefore we need another five years, and more five years, because what we have done in four- and-a-half years, the PPP have not done anything compared to what we have done. And I think Mr. David Granger will make a very good President. I believe in the APNU; I believe in the PNC party. I am a PNC to the bone, and, therefore, I think that we will win this election,” Raymond said passionately.

PNC Party Member, Mervyn Williams said that Guyana has to put potential into actual prosperity, and that can only be done under the leadership of the current administration.
“What I see in the People’s National Congress, which is the major stakeholder in this coalition arrangement, I do not see and I have never seen in any other political party. And that is a national party that is people-centred; that is focused on issues that touch and concern the very life of each citizen of this country. And the record of the APNU+AFC Coalition speaks to major accomplishments. And in the face of those accomplishments, even if one were not supportive of the APNU+AFC Coalition Government, one would be hard-pressed to vote for any other party or any other group than the APNU+AFC.

The development is overwhelming. The leadership quality and style is superior, and there is no other option. Guyana is a gem in its rough stage, and the only way we can polish this gem that is this beautiful green land of Guyana, is to ensure that we keep our President, David Granger, at the helm of this country’s governance, and the APNU+AFC as government. That way we will be able to place Guyana in a rightful place of pride among nation states of the world,” Williams said.