— Teachers, farmers and youth leaders among the fresh voices

By: Indrawattie Natram

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) unveiled a dynamic and youthful slate of candidates during its highly anticipated rally at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast. Among those who took to the stage were passionate educators, a farmer and emerging professionals, each representing the vibrancy and diversity of Region Two.

One of the youngest speakers was Kareena Persaud, a pre-medical student from Queenstown, who confidently addressed the packed audience. As a beneficiary of government-funded opportunities, Persaud shared how these initiatives have shaped her journey.

“I didn’t just read about opportunities, I lived them. I’m a proud daughter of this soil, and I stand as proof of what is possible when a government invests in its people, especially its youth,” she declared.

Joining her on the PPP/C’s Region Two candidate list are other new and dynamic figures: Varshanie Dyal, Sonia Latchman, Azizi Christiani, Tandika Delicia Da Silva, and Gaitree Bharrat—six vibrant representatives of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).

Varshanie Dyal, a young teacher and proud scholarship recipient, captivated the crowd with her message of empowerment.

“I am proud to say I am a teacher,” she proclaimed. “I’ve benefitted from multiple scholarships—opportunities that allowed me to grow and succeed. Just a few days ago, I was awarded my Bachelor’s Degree!”

Dyal emphasised that her journey is not unique but rather reflective of thousands of young Guyanese who’ve been uplifted by the PPP/C’s investment in education and youth development.

“These are not empty promises,” she said. “These are real opportunities changing lives across Essequibo and Guyana. Our youths are rising. Our people are moving forward. And our country is growing stronger every single day under the PPP/C!”

With pride and purpose, she urged the crowd, “Come September 1st, vote for the PPP/C—the party that includes everyone! The party with strong leadership and youth empowerment! The party that is building our country and your future!”

From Hampton Court, Gaitree Bharrat, a farmer, expressed her unwavering confidence in the PPP/C. She credited the party’s swift interventions in agriculture for saving countless acres of paddy and sustaining livelihoods. “Because of the PPP/C, the rice industry is thriving. I’m endorsing the PPP/C and will proudly vote on September 1,” Bharrat said.

Also speaking was Azizi Christiani, a teacher at Abram Zuil and a sports journalist. He highlighted the strength of the candidate list, noting, “I looked at the other parties’ lists, but when I saw the PPP/C’s, I saw vision. I saw representation. I saw leadership.”

Dr. Ranjeev Singh, the region’s Regional Health Officer, reminded the crowd of how far the country has come. “My father could not afford to pay for CSEC exams. Today, every child is writing them free of cost. That’s the PPP/C difference. That is what inclusive leadership looks like.”

Tandika De Silva of the Pomeroon River, said that she will support the People Progressive Party Civic, a party she said that continues to believe and uplift.

She said for far too long Pomeroon farmers were forgotten. De Silva said that under the PPP/C said that Pomeroon is developing is the bread basket of Guyana. She said over five years the residents have received improved drainage and irrigation.

She said that the dredging of the Pomeroon River mouth has been done and farmers are safe from flooding. She said that the PPP/C continue to talk about youth development and delivering.

The candidates said that they have confidence in the People’s Progressive Party Civic and will be voting for President Irfaan Ali for a second term.