PPP Central Committee Outlines Strategies To Counter New Challenges
The Central Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) held its quarterly statutory meeting on Saturday, July 3rd, at Party Headquarters, Freedom House. The meeting, which lasted just under 10 hours, saw constructive analyses of the agenda items. According to a release from Freddom House: "The meeting started with expressions of good health for one of the party’s founders, President Janet Jagan, who has since overcome the initial symptoms that caused her hospitalisation last week. The Party is indeed pleased that the Guyanese Leader will very soon resume her sterling contributions to the country’s progress. "Also, a minute’s silence was observed in tribute to the late Zimbabwean freedom fighter and Vice President Nkomo. Mr Nkomo was a compatriot of the PPP and his contributions to the struggle to win freedom from white minority rule in Zimbabwe have inspired the Party. "General Secretary Donald Ramotar presented a comprehensive report on the political, social and economic development of Guyana. He also reviewed the international situation and how it relates to Guyana. "Some of the issues covered in the General Secretary’s Report included the just-concluded public sector strike; the pace of implementation of major development projects; reaffirmation of tight monetary management and the elimination of waste and extravagance; the inter-party dialogue process; and the party organisation and structure. "Mr Ramotar further outlined some of the immediate tasks for the Party so that it can confront the immediate challenges posed by various anti-PPP elements. He particularly stressed the need for further growth of the Party in non-traditional areas of support and the importance of expanding the Party’s membership, while focusing on cadre development and attracting fresh forces into its ranks. More work will be done in the field of Party education. "The Congress of the Women’s Progressive Organisation was particularly assessed, and he urged that the Party provide easy assistance to the Progressive Youth Organisation not only to expand, but become increasingly assertive and vibrant on matters relating to youth and students. Several measures are underway to ensure the overall strengthening of the Party’s apparatus and its work among the masses and membership. "The Central Committee lauded the report, which was used as the basis for an in-depth discussion. "While the party defends the right of workers to be reasonably compensated, it viewed the public sector strike and the street violence as attempts to destabilise the PPP/Civic administration. The involvement of political elements, who took on the role of provocateurs and non-public sector elements who instigated and/or were engaged in confrontation and violent actions were particularly noted. "Despite the economic effects of the public service strike, the General Secretary pointed out that there were positive signs that the economy will be buoyant. He referred to the performance of sugar and rice and recovery on the international scene, which can certainly have a beneficial effect on Guyana’s economy. "The current path being pursued by the leaderships of the public service unions and the Trades’ Union Congress also engaged the Party leadership's attention and entailed much discussions.. "Following the discussions, the Central Committee agreed that the pace of development needs to be quickened. Several major development projects were highlighted for immediate attention by the PPP/Civic administration. These included: the stalled Essequibo Coast Road project, the Berbice River Bridge, the Guyana/Brazil road and the continued expansion of adequate health care and other vital social services, across the country. "The Central Committee urged that the Housing drive continues and efforts made to allow for more house-lots distribution to the homeless. "Also, the Central Committee expressed satisfaction about the work being undertaken by the Constitution Reform Commission. It committed the Party’s support for the work being done and expressed the hope that the Commission will work to produce a well considered report for Parliament and one which will provide a sound basis for further broad-based discussions. "The holding of Local Government elections was also discussed and the PPP reafirmed its commitment to local democracy recognising its democratic norms, particularly the involvement of people in managing their own affairs. While not oblivious to the financial and logistical constraints of such elections, the Party reiterated its readiness to ensure that these elections are held at the earliest opportunity and expressed its preparedness to take part at all levels of this process. "The Central Committee recommitted itself to advancing the legacy of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan and to lead the nation in the construction of a national democratic state."
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