PPP leadership reaffirms support for major policy issues
- Discipline and unity of ranks highlighted
Guyana Chronicle
February 1, 2004
THE Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) held its statutory quarterly meeting yesterday at Party head office, Freedom House, where President Bharrat Jagdeo reported on the government’s positions on major political, economic and social issues.
An update of government’s accelerated development programme aimed at brining higher levels of prosperity to all communities was also presented.
A release from the PPP yesterday evening said the Central Committee reviewed the current political environment and reaffirmed its support for the constructive engagement process, and the administration’s handling of the opposition/media allegations against the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Ronald Gajraj, among other issues.
Party leaders from all regions attended and deliberated on party organisation and mobilisation, national political issues, the economy and strategies for the period ahead.
General Secretary Donald Ramotar presented a comprehensive report on the international and local situation and an assessment of the state of the party and its structures. He also positioned the Party in the current political environment.
Following the presentations, there were full and incisive discussions by the leaders on the two reports which were adopted, the release said.
The Central Committee further reviewed policy initiatives to accelerate economic growth, create more jobs and enhance the political environment. The Central Committee urged that safety and security issues continue to be of high priority and again accentuated the role of the security forces. The human rights and democracy track record of the PPP/Civic administration was further noted.
A number of strategies and proposals were made for enhancing the work of Party. A plethora of political interventions was tabled for consideration.
The release said that at the start of the meeting, a number of members “raised the issue of Khemraj Ramjattan who has consistently and unjustifiably attacked the Party Congress, the Party, members of the Leadership and the Government.”
&#Members expressed discomfiture in sitting in a meeting with Mr. Ramjattan in view of the usual vehemence of his positions and remarks, their lack of confidence that discussions will remain confidential and indicated they would either leave or not participate in the discussions. Mr. Ramjattan thereupon left the meeting of his own accord. The Central Committee was informed that a letter had been written last week to Mr. Ramjattan inviting him once again, to discuss the attacks referred to above,” the release said.
&#The Central Committee held that party discipline and unity will not be compromised,” it added.