–PPP stalwarts ready to continue serving

DESPITE serving Guyanese for decades, and aiding in the transformation of Guyana as government ministers under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), political stalwarts Clinton Collymore and Harripersaud Nokta are not ready to call it a day.

The duo, who both had stints as ministers of local government, still feel that they have more to give back to their party, and, by extension, their country.

During a double birthday celebration at Freedom House on Tuesday, the political veterans reminisced on their time in government, and their years in the party.

President Irfaan Ali was among those in attendance who also recollected the past, and heaped praise on their overall achievements.

Nokta celebrated his 84th Birth Anniversary on Monday, while Collymore celebrated his 85th on Tuesday.

DECADES OF ACHIEVEMENT
Nokta, who is originally from the Essequibo Coast, but now resides in Ogle, on the East Coast of Demerara, said his political fight began over 65 years ago when he joined the PPP in August 1956. Collymore joined less than a decade after, in 1963.

“Today, I am happy that I am still in the party to continue my struggle. I always remember the road we travelled, whether in the rivers or in the mountains, or in the savannahs or in the villages, wherever,” Mr. Nokta said.

According to the former minister, memories of his work are among his happy moments, and he is thankful for the support he received from ordinary Guyanese during his early political years.

“So many things we faced, and we were not afraid; we got through, and we will continue again, wherever we can. It has been a long struggle, but it won’t end,” Nokta said, while noting that he hopes that the younger members and budding politicians will emulate both him and Collymore in their perseverance and determination to fight and struggle for not only the party, but the country as well.

He recalled travelling the length and breadth of Guyana with former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, and returning to Freedom House to serve under former President Janet Jagan, who, he said, “was like the strength of all of us”.

WORKING HARD FOR THE PARTY
Nokta said he recalled working with Collymore to raise funds for the party in its early days, and went from walking from village-to-village, to using bicycles, horses, carts, boats, and eventually a motorcycle.

“That motorcycle took me into all the savannahs, from Lethem to Aishalton and back; to Northwest and Mabaruma, to Karasabi and all around,” he said.

Both Nokta and Collymore said that since joining the party, it has evolved and grown over time, not only in numbers but also in philosophy and beliefs.

They recalled how sugarcane workers and the farmers would contribute, without hesitation, to their cause.

“It was a hard struggle, and we endured. In addition to that, we faced the wrath of PNC and the House of Israel,” Nokta explained.

He said that although he is older, he would get back into action, if called upon by President Ali or the PPP.

UNBROKEN COLLYMORE
Collymore also noted that during the years of struggle, he remained resolute, strong and “unbroken”.

“No matter what the dictatorship did, I was strong, steadfast, and remained constant to the party. And I’m still here. I got licks, I was locked up, I was treated badly, and I am still here. I feel good; I feel at peace with myself, and I know I have done well. I have not done anything dishonest and disrespectful to the Guyanese people,” Collymore said.

For him, it was more of a struggle, since he grew up in Plaisance, and his father was a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC). But this, he said, did not deter him from joining the PPP.

“I used to read the PPP publication and communique, and it made a lot of sense,” he said.

He said he stood by his ideals, and continued his support for the PPP, and was even eventually able to persuade his father to join the party as well.

The two stalwarts reinforced that their support of the party is unwavering, and they will continue to give their utmost to continue fighting for a better Guyana.