-Jagdeo said in report to congress
General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo in his report to the PPP’s 32nd Congress last week said that the party is well on its way to returning to the racial unity of the 1950s before the split of the party and he warned against complacency as the 2025 elections loom.
In the report of the Central Committee to the Congress seen by this newspaper, Jagdeo said “The PPP is, today, well on its way to achieving a return to the spirit of the early 1950’s when there was political and ethnic unity. We are advancing a national movement and finding new ways to expand the multi-ethnic appeal of the Party amongst Guyanese of all backgrounds. The objective conditions are much more favorable to win cross-cultural support for the Party when you consider the monumental economic and social gains already made by the PPP/C administration and being experienced by all Guyanese”.
He was referring to the period in the PPP’s history before the split of the party into factions headed by Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham.
Jagdeo warned against complacency as general elections loom next year.
“Looking ahead, there can be no room for complacency. If there is one thing the March 2020 General and Regional elections has reminded us, it is that the deeply ingrained undemocratic instincts of the PNC and its allies are very much alive. This requires maximum vigilance on our part. It means that we have to work harder to strengthen our Party and to consolidate the democratic gains we have made over the past decades”, he asserted.
Jagdeo, who was returned as General Secretary of the PPP last week, urged that new alliances be formed and he cautioned about critics who are out to undermine the party.
Sprinkled liberally with the leftist invocation of friendship, `comrade’, Jagdeo said that alliances have to be forged and strategic partnerships built with groups that subscribe to democracy and constitutional rule.
He also called for more women and youth to be brought into the party.
“Our women have historically played an integral role in the political struggles for Guyana and have always been a bastion of support to the Party. We have to continue to look for new and more creative ways of bringing women from all backgrounds closer to and into the Party.
“Youths have also played a vital role in the defense of our democracy. We have many youths involved in the Party. We have to continue to find new and more exciting ways to engage and organize our young people with a view to harnessing their collective energies to reinforce the future of the Party”, he asserted.
He also said that the party has to step up its political and ideological work. “The strength of the Party has always resided in the embrace of its working-class and pro-people ideology, even as we create the environment for business growth and development”, he said, a day prior to the party ditching references to Marxism-Leninism and Socialism in its constitution.
He called for defence of the party from those who are ganging up against it.
“Party Comrades have a duty and a responsibility to defend the Party especially at a time when several forces are ganging up against the Party with a view to diminish the growing influence of the Party among the masses. Unable to attack the Party on the solid economic and social gains made in government, these forces are resorting to baseless allegations of racial discrimination and corruption. This narrative must be debunked by all Party members and supporters”, he urged.
On the matter of broadening the party’s support base, Jagdeo called on the delegates to remain connected with the grassroots and to capitalize on “current favourable conditions” to garner cross-cultural support. He also urged that they expand outreach and collaboration to consolidate support in “traditionally challenging areas”.
Meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Jagdeo also promised inclusivity.
“Our Party is uniquely poised in government to navigate this exciting future for our country and our people. In this regard, our primary focus is to ensure sustainable economic growth, bolstered by innovative policies that prioritise both technological advancement and social welfare. We aim to cultivate a dynamic ecosystem where businesses can thrive, fostering job creation and prosperity for all citizens. Additionally, we remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality, where every individual has the opportunity to contribute to and benefit from our nation’s progress”, he said.
The theme for the congress was “Strengthen the Party, Defend Guyana, Unite Our People for Progress and Prosperity”.
