-warns of APNU’s continuous attempts to compromise democratic values

AS Guyana navigates its path forward, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is fighting to preserve the soul of the nation amid attempts from opposition “forces” to compromise the democratic values that define the nation’s identity.

This is according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, who on Sunday addressed a mammoth crowd gathered at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne, to pay homage to the party’s late founder, Dr Cheddi Jagan.

Speaking to a diverse audience, President Ali invoked the spirit of unity and shared identity, stating, “It is the soul of the country that allows us to understand the fundamentals of the country and will allow us to understand what constitutes the value system of the country.”

In making his case, he said that Dr Jagan led a group of persons who crafted the soul of this nation, especially for the working class.

Drawing parallels between the soul of a nation and a newborn child, he stressed the importance of nurturing and protecting this vital aspect to ensure the country’s growth and advancement.

President Ali’s address took a serious turn as he referenced historical challenges faced by the PPP/C, emphasising the party’s commitment to protecting the rights of the people and fighting against any attempts from the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) to compromise the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded.

“Less than four years ago, the evil and dark forces tested the soul of our country once more when they tried to steal the elections, once again, from the People’s Progressive Party…the soul which [sic] stood that test because Dr Cheddi Jagan’s party -the People’s Progressive Party has in it, citizens who are committed to the fundamental values of the soul of our country and will never allow the dark forces to take the soul of our country,” he said to loud cheers.

ALARMING REMARKS

President Ali underscored the party’s unwavering commitment to preserving the “soul” of Guyana, a commitment intensified in the face of recent alarming remarks from the opposition.

Former Prime Minister Hamilton Green, historically associated with the People’s National Congress (PNC) which is one of the parties comprising the APNU coalition, stirred controversy during the recently held LFS Burnham Foundation’s Annual Commemorative Symposium.

Green had implied that election rigging was a legitimate strategy to get back into power.

Green’s statements: “…if they say he rigged elections, I say we should keep rigging to save us from these devils, these bastards, these demons that we have,” have ignited a firestorm of criticism and concern over the APNU party’s posture.

His suggestion that election rigging could be justified to reclaim power, have sent shockwaves throughout the political landscape, particularly in light of the PPP/C’s dedication to democratic values.

To this, President Ali on Sunday said: “Anyone who seeks to spread racial division is an enemy to the country and an enemy to themselves.”

The President called for a united front against those who pose a threat to the nation’s soul, urging citizens to “destroy them with the truth, with facts, and political consciousness.”

“Work in every community, every street, and behold, destroy them,” President Ali declared, while highlighting the need for a grassroots movement to counter any forces that may pose a risk to Guyana’s democratic identity.

The Head of State led a cry for unity and vigilance, urging citizens to actively engage in protecting Guyana’s national soul against any forces that may seek to undermine its democratic foundation.

President Ali’s public display of his desire to protect Guyana’s national soul extends beyond rhetoric and serves as a clarion call for citizens to actively engage in defending the democratic principles that form the bedrock of the nation.

STAND STRONG

Against the backdrop of recent controversy and concerns over potential threats to the electoral system, the President reaffirmed that just like Cheddi Jagan, each citizen must stand strong in securing the nation’s soul.

He stressed the importance of collective action, stating, “The soul of our country, thought tested, is alive and well. Because the principal foundation on which the soul was developed is alive and well and that foundation is the People’s Progressive Party… We are alive and well because the protectors of the soul will do everything in their power and capacity for the upholding of the principal values of the soul.”

In paying homage to Dr Jagan, the President urged citizens to become guardians of the nation’s soul and to rally for unity, resilience, and a shared commitment to uphold the democratic principles that have shaped the essence of Guyana.

“Racism is the greatest curse of our land. Anyone who spread racial propaganda must be severely dealt with. Such a person is an enemy to himself and his country. That is the fundamental principle on which the People’s Progressive Party stands.

“We stand on the principle of national unity; on the principle of oneness of the Guyanese people. Anyone who deviates from this principle, anyone who seeks to spread racial division is an enemy to the country,” the Head of State said.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s Vice-President and General Secretary of the PPP/C, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo also called out the PNC-led APNU’s racist philosophy and use of race-baiting to mobilise and mislead its supporters.

“Today, again, the buzzword for APNU again is racism. That’s the only political tool they use to mobilise people. That is the fundamental difference between us. So, some people may believe Oh, APNU is fighting for us. They’re not fighting for you. They’re fighting for themselves.

“The only party that you can find a home in, if you’re Afro-Guyanese, Amerindian, mixed or Indo-Guyanese that will ensure that you and your children see progress, sustainable progress is the PPP/C,” Jagdeo said.