— VP Jagdeo highlights party’s ongoing commitment to grassroots engagement

WHILE other political figures engage in drive-by politics and election-time theatrics, the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) remains deeply rooted in communities, consistently working for the people year after year, according to General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

During a recent press conference at the party’s headquarters, Freedom House, the General Secretary, who is also the country’s Vice President, pointed to the numerous outreaches being conducted by him, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and other cabinet officials.

While the political opposition has only now taken an interest in citizens with elections on the horizon, Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP has been steadily making inroads and delivering real improvements in people’s lives. As evidence of this progress, he pointed to a notable shift in public discourse — from widespread complaints about systemic issues to more personal concerns, reflecting the tangible advancements under the PPP’s leadership.

“This is a major qualitative leap forward because I recall when we just got back into office, how dominant those issues were at the public engagements we had. People used to say, ‘we’re driving on mud dams, we don’t have a proper road, we don’t have service at the health centre.’ All of those issues have receded substantially and now we’re engaged with a lot of individualised problems,” the General Secretary said.

Dr. Jagdeo emphasised that when citizens voice their concerns, it should not be seen as a negative. Rather, he views it as a constructive opportunity — a chance for the government to listen, respond, and continue enhancing the quality of life for all Guyanese.

“The key thing is that we’re (PPP) the only ones who’ve been doing this consistently…Which political party has done this or any individual, in those years? You see them now talking about going on the ground because we are approaching elections.

“They don’t do this in a sustained way, out of concern for people. They just show up at election time.”

He noted that even when the PPP was in opposition, the party remained on the ground consistently. In fact, in his first year as Opposition Leader, he recalled that he had over 80 community meetings, where he listened to the people.
Dr. Jagdeo did not mince his words as he ripped into the opposition for only showing their faces when elections are around the corner.

“They see people as vote banks only, not to address their concerns… We (PPP) don’t mind spending our time doing it there than sitting down and sipping coffee…and pontificating about development. That’s not how development works.”

In 2015, the A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) promised human and social development, but instead, Guyanese faced a burdensome period. That APNU+AFC government hiked the salaries of its ministers and placed Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, water, basic food items, among other amenities, shortly after taking office.

Guyanese also faced over 300 new taxes, which caused an immense strain on the backs of citizens. The PPP, since assuming office, has not only reversed those taxes but the administration has also created opportunities in areas such as education, housing, employment and small business support.