–as party continues to deliver real transformation, candidates say

ADDRESSING a massive gathering at Stabroek Market Square on Friday night, Attorney-General Anil Nandlall emphasised the growing support for the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in Georgetown communities, many of which had previously rejected the party.

He described this shift as a break in traditional racial voting patterns, with residents now recognising the transformation brought about by key policies and programmes implemented over the past five years.

Nandlall said: “The message that you are sending here is being looked at by all the international observers who are in Guyana. They said that we will not win the election. Then the second thing they said that they will reduce us to a minority government… now they are saying that they will not accept the results, but your presence here, your energy here, will assure the international observers and the world that we will win.”

He criticised the opposition for what he called manipulative tactics and a lack of tangible achievements.

In contrast, Nandlall pointed to the PPP/C’s notable accomplishments, including the distribution of 53,000 house lots and the launch of the GOAL scholarship programme, which has seen over 40,000 enrolments.

“When I watch this crowd here, when I watch this crowd, when I watch this energy, when I watch this enthusiasm, when I watch this zeal, when I watch this determination, [I am convinced victory is inevitable],” he related.

Taking a direct aim at the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the controversial We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) headed by US-sanctioned businessman Azruddin Mohamed, the Attorney-General argued that these groups lack credibility, and offer no clear vision for the country’s future.

“They know they have no track record to stand on; they have no accomplishment to stand on. They have no project to which they can point. They have no nothing to which can back up their record, both in and out of government,’ he said.

“We have been able to walk all the communities of Guyana, communities that you are never able to enter…when we enter those communities, they embraced us with love,” he added.

REJECT PROVOCATION

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn urged PPP/C supporters to remain calm and “reject provocations” from the APNU, following a brief but tense clash during a public meeting at the Stabroek Market Square.

As the PPP/C event was underway, a convoy of APNU supporters, decked out in party paraphernalia, passed along a nearby street, heckling and chanting slogans in what appeared to be a deliberate attempt to disrupt the gathering.

The disturbance sparked a brief exchange of words between rival supporters, but swift intervention by law enforcement officers on the ground prevented an escalation. The APNU convoy was escorted away, and PPP/C supporters were eventually dispersed without further incident.

Addressing the gathering immediately after, Minister Benn accused APNU of seeking to incite unrest and destabilise the democratic process ahead of the September 1 elections.

“The leopards can’t change their spot; the caiman can’t stop biting you,” Benn declared, noting that the opposition has a history of provocation.

He said: “And so, it’s no surprise that they came past here trying to provoke you with maliciousness, with slogans. They want to have an excuse to let us descend into violence. They want us to respond to the challenge that they are putting out.”

Benn warned that the opposition’s actions were calculated to create instability at a critical juncture, stressing that the PPP/C’s supporters must not allow themselves to be drawn into confrontation.

“They want to have a breakdown right here, so that we cannot go forward to elections,” he cautioned, adding: “But we will not give them that satisfaction.”

TRANSFORMATION

Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill highlighted the PPP/C’s achievements in tackling long-standing issues such as traffic congestion, inadequate street lighting, and flooding.

He noted the installation of 100,000 street lights, and the expansion of major roads, including Princess Street and Sussex Street.

The minister also pointed to rising property values and increased employment, particularly in areas once plagued by crime, as further evidence of the positive changes brought about by the government’s initiatives.

In drawing a contrast, Minister Edghill criticised the former PNC administration for neglecting Georgetown during its time in office, despite holding power.

He reaffirmed the PPP/C’s commitment to the continued improvement of the city and urged residents to support the government’s development efforts.