STAKEHOLDERS from the mining industry, Indigenous communities, and regional leadership have voiced strong support for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), praising the administration’s record of inclusion, progress, and people-first policies ahead of the September 1 General and Regional Elections.
Addressing a massive rally in Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Saturday evening, David Daniels, President of the Small Miners Association and former AFC Chairman, credited the PPP/C with restoring hope and fairness to the mining sector. Reflecting on the previous APNU+AFC administration, he said, “During 2015 to 2020, I have witnessed taxes and burden being placed on the mining industry,” and noted the imposition of VAT on the sector.
He contrasted that period with the current government’s policies, describing a renewed sense of optimism and a genuine commitment to the “One Guyana” vision.
“Many will come and tell you their plans for the mining industry. Many will come and tell you what they will do for the mining industry, but you tell them that under the PPP/C, taxes have been removed from machinery and fuel, and miners have been able to work and work more freely.”

Despite previously being aligned with the AFC, Daniels recalled his first encounter with President Irfaan Ali and Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat. He noted that his political background did not matter to the PPP/C leadership. He said, although they knew that he was with the AFC, they still listened to his concerns and assisted the miners.
Speaking as an expecting father, Daniels made an emotional appeal for the future, telling the crowd that come September 1, “You are not only voting for you, but you are voting for the future.” He added, “You should support and vote solidly for your child, for your future, for your Guyana.”
Meanwhile, former APNU+AFC Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshal, called for national unity and healing as he pledged his support to President Ali and the PPP/C. “United we stand, divided we fall,” he declared, calling on citizens to rise above political and ethnic division.
Marshal emphasised the importance of working together to ensure continued progress. He said, “Guyana needs us to work together”, and urged citizens to help return “Irfaan Ali for a second term.”
Despite facing criticism for switching his allegiance to the PPP/C, Marshal affirmed his dedication to national development. “I want to assure you that I remain strong, I remain courageous, I will work with President Ali for the better of the region, country…”
Calling for an end to racial and social divisions, he said, “For too long Bartica has struggled with racism, division and divisiveness.” He challenged Guyanese to rise above the past and unite for progress. “It is time as a country, as a community, as a region, as a town to work together.”
Addressing historical injustices, he added, “My children and your children should not have to endure the struggle, division and racism we have seen in the past.” He praised Minister Bharrat for fostering dialogue and partnership without demanding political allegiance.

Adding his voice to the call for continued PPP/C leadership, Toshao of Karrau, Shane Cornelius, highlighted the transformative impact of President Irfaan Ali’s policies on Indigenous communities. “President Irfaan Ali is a man with a vision, a man with a plan”, he said, pointing to the tangible benefits of the carbon credit agreement.
He emphasised the empowerment of Amerindian communities in shaping their own future. “Villages are planning their own future, villages are designing their own future under the leadership of PPP/C.”
He criticised the previous administration for abandoning land titling projects and marginalising Indigenous voices. “They were called greedy. We are not greedy, we deserve,” he asserted, referring to Indigenous peoples as “protectors of the forest.”
Furthermore, he said, members of the opposition are going into the villages and are able to broadcast and stream “live” content, but are unaware of how they are able to do so, as the internet was made available through the current administration.
As the country approaches a critical electoral juncture, voices from across Guyana’s diverse sectors are uniting behind the PPP/C. With a focus on equity, infrastructure, and long-term planning, other supporters and candidates at the Bartica rally said that the PPP/C’s leadership offers a stable and progressive path forward.