–promises expanded housing, support for young entrepreneurs in Linden

ENERGISING a mammoth gathering of supporters at Lieu-Ken-Pen Square, Wismar Linden, Region Ten, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo on Sunday evening reaffirmed his party’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of the region, stating that while the government aims to develop 3,000 house lots, this number could be expanded even further.
“I said to the young people, apart from education, we want each of you to own your own home. That is why we’re expanding nearly 3,000 house lots in this region, but we will do as many as it takes to ensure that every resident in this region and every other region has a house,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo, who is also the Vice-President, reminded the crowd that the PPP/C remains committed to creating more jobs and expanding opportunities for young people across the country.

“We will create more jobs in this region, better-paying jobs, so that young people can start a life,” he stated.
This focus on youth empowerment is a key part of the government’s broader development agenda, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead and contribute meaningfully to national growth.
Though the mining town and the wider Region 10 have long been considered a stronghold of the People’s National Congress/A Partnership for National Unity (PNC/APNU), Dr. Jagdeo noted that if the electorate embraces the PPP/C’s track record of delivering on its promises, the region can experience even greater development.

“We have never won this region at the regional level and we have had all sorts of disruption from the people who manage this region, sabotage, they don’t want region 10 to progress, because they can then say the PPP/C discriminates against you.”
Speaking to the crowd, Dr. Jagdeo recalled the impressive turnout at previous political rallies, noting that at Kitty, Albion, and Anna Regina, the gatherings were described as the biggest ever.

Now in Linden, “this is the biggest crowd ever”, the general secretary declared.
He credited the massive turnout to the strength of the PPP/C as a national party, representing a vision of a united and strong Guyana.
“It’s the vision of a Guyana that is united and strong. A vision where all our people, regardless of their race, or their religion or their gender, find a home in a political party where they’re treated with respect and they can look forward to the future,” Dr. Jagdeo posited.
Dr. Jagdeo also criticised the APNU-led Regional Democratic Council for obstructing progress.
“They want you to believe that you can only make progress if you vote for them. Well, they can’t even help themselves. How are they going to help you?” Dr. Jagdeo asked.
He urged residents to have open “conversations” and to examine the PPP/C’s plans and performance critically.
“We’re a party of substance, a party that is offering a future for every Guyanese, unlike the others.”
Speaking candidly to youths, he cautioned against being easily swayed by short-term handouts, taking a jab at US-sanctioned businessman and leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, Azruddin Mohamed, who has reportedly been paying individuals to rally behind him.
“When someone comes along and promises you $50,000 to wear a T-shirt or attend a meeting, ask them what happens after the $50,000 is gone?” he said.
Dr. Jagdeo contrasted that transactional approach with the PPP/C’s long-term investments in infrastructure, housing, education and healthcare investments, which are transforming lives and building a stronger, more resilient Guyana.
“We will create more jobs in this region, better-paying jobs, so that young people can start a life, get the education they need, get the health care US $30 million will be spent on upgrading the Linden hospital.”
He added: “There will be more opportunities, because when we start building the concrete drains here in Linden and across the country, many more will get contracts, those who want to start a small business. We are now setting up a development bank so that you can get a zero per cent interest loan to start and expand small businesses.”
Dr. Jagdeo further urged the gathering not to become ‘beguiled’ by the sweet talk some would offer and to take heed of those who only seek to divide.
“But Tonight is a night for you who’ve come here to go back home and have that conversation with your family and with your neighbours, with the young men who are being misled by propaganda, those who continue to push racism in this country, tell them we are killing racism in this country, the PPP/C is killing racism.”