General Secretary of the PPP, Mr. Donald Ramotar yesterday said a national congress committee is making preparations for the July 20-21 congress and a local congress committee is to be convened, within days, to commence preparation works on the ground.

"This congress would be historic as delegates and observers will review a new party programme, the first in a decade," he told a news conference at the party's Freedom House headquarters in Georgetown.

This is in keeping with ongoing efforts to ensure that the PPP's programmatic platform remains relevant, given changes locally and externally, he said. He said the constitution of the party will also be discussed as part of a statutory congress function.

"The party is focussed on its short and long-term goals (and) all our supporters are asked to be on guard and ever vigilant against those who would seek to undermine our gains," Ramotar told reporters.

"The PPP, united as ever, will not be distracted as it continues to construct a more harmonious society in which there is abundant and lasting peace, progress and prosperity," he said.

Ramotar also reported that the Central Committee, the highest decision making body of the party outside of Congress, met last Saturday at Freedom House for its first quarterly meeting. Elected party leaders from all 10 regions of the country were in attendance, he said.

According to Ramotar, the meeting was important not only due to the timing, but because it addressed a host of issues pertinent to the progress of the nation and the strengthening of the party's organisation.

"There was a full assessment and evaluation of emerging and new social and political issues locally and internationally and how these relate to the work of the party and the functioning of the PPP/Civic Government," the General Secretary said.

He noted that highlights of the meeting included the presentation of his General Secretary's report and an update on the work of the PPP/Civic Government by President Bharrat Jagdeo.

Ramotar said the ensuing debate and discussions on these reports, which lasted for more than four hours, led to positive contributions as well as important guidance being offered on a number of issues.

He said too that his report reviewed the international situation, socio-economic developments, political issues, and most importantly, the work of the party since the previous Central Committee meeting.

POLITICAL SITUATION REVIEWED
"The report, containing comprehensive analyses, pointed to developments in various sectors. It also identified concomitant challenges and tasks for the party in the period ahead," Ramotar said.

An important component, he reported, was the review of the political situation in the country. "The report, in noting the ongoing campaign by sections of the political Opposition to frustrate the work of the Government, proffered counter-strategies to ensure that the Government is able to implement its development agenda, for all the people, with minimal impediments."

He indicated that the achievements of the PPP/C Government to consistently and evenly improve the living conditions of Guyanese were applauded.

"The Government's success in maintaining economic and social stability, at a time when the world economy is in a slump and in the face of deliberate destabilising efforts at home, was fervently lauded," Ramotar said.

The report also addressed issues of concern to the party membership and the society as a whole and it was held that "the political and industrial stability was imperative if the pace of the progress is to be quickened", he said.

On the work of the PPP, Ramotar said his report noted that emphasis on and work towards the strengthening of the party's structure will be intensified. He said too that additional support will be given to the party's youth and women's arms - the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) and the Women's Progressive Organisation (WPO).

He declared that this year will also see bold and new measures to continue the party's efforts to reach out to all sections of the population, consistent with its historical objective of being a party for each and every Guyanese. Work would also be placed on fulfilling the PPP's dedicated, but complex mission of promoting national unity and peace, he asserted.

In this regard, he pointed out that the party will soon be refocusing internal discussions on the subject of a National Democratic State.

Ramotar said that President Jagdeo, in his presentation, updated the meeting on the work of the Government in the various sectors. This included plans for sustaining economic and social growth, in the context of a global economic downturn and the many challenging situations internally and externally.

Ramotar said the meeting was also briefed on the 2002 Budget preparation process and how the various measures proposed will impact positively on the economy and the living and working conditions of all Guyanese.

The presentation by Mr. Jagdeo was well received by the meeting that took note of advances in the economy, the social sector and the physical infrastructure areas, among others, the General Secretary of the governing party said.

The meeting was further provided with an update on the state of the on-going dialogue process between President Jagdeo and Leader of the Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Mr. Desmond Hoyte.

SUPPORT FOR DIALOGUE PROCESS
"Again, the meeting unanimously supported this process and urged that it continues to contribute to an environment of constructive engagement and cooperation between the Government and the main Opposition party," Ramotar said.

On the issue of the sectoral committees of Parliament, he said the Central Committee urged a speedy resolution of this issue so that pending constitutional issues, such as the creation of the Public Service Commission, the Judicial Service Commission and the Police Service Commission, be resolved early.

"The Central Committee offered its unqualified support for the Government as it proceeds along the course of sustained development and to provide opportunities for all our people," he said.

Ramotar said that consistent with the party's thrust of expanding and making Guyana's democracy more vibrant, the Central Committee has voiced its concerns about the negative effects caused by the delay in holding Local Government Elections. He said it has urged that all necessary steps be taken and needed support be rendered for these elections to be held this year.

He said the meeting expressed concern that further delays in holding local government elections "can harm the reputation of the local government bodies and lead to erosion of confidence by the citizenry in these vital local institutions".

"The party is committed to working assiduously at all levels - the Local Government Reform Task Force, the National Assembly and the Guyana Elections Commission - to realise these elections, this year," Ramotar told reporters.

"We urge all political parties and stakeholders in the process, to offer unequivocal support for the holding of Local Government Elections in 2002," he added.

Also at the news conference with Ramotar was Public Relations Secretary of the Party, Mr. Robert Persaud.