Speaking at a Press conference in the Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown headquarters, Mr Ramotar said the theme for the July 20 through 21 programme, at J.C. Chandisingh Secondary School, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice, is ‘Defend Democracy: Build on our Successes’.

He said it would gather hundreds of delegates and observers from all ten Administrative Regions of Guyana and several fraternal organisations in the Caribbean, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Europe.

Major items on the agenda will be the presentation, discussion and adoption of the Central Committee’s report and consideration of measures to consolidate and deepen democracy.

“…especially in the face of attempts by opposition forces to derail the democratic process which was restored in October 1992, following 25 years of unbroken PNC (People’s National Congress) dictatorial rule,” Ramotar said.

According to him, the issue of racial unity will feature prominently, in the backdrop of the present political situation in the country and the context of “attempts by divisive elements to sow the seeds of discord between the two major ethnic groups in the country”.

Ramotar said the PPP, born out of a struggle to emancipate working people from the bondages of exploitation and indignity, has always embraced a policy of inclusive politics.

“The congress will also examine ways of strengthening the party, which is considered essential, if the momentum of growth and development, unleashed by the party, is to be accelerated and sustained.

“As the governing party with consecutive victories at the polls since 1992, the party must be in a position, both at the organisational and political levels, to advance the goals, which are to liberate the Guyanese masses from the scourge of poverty and want, enhance national unity and create the environment so that there can be equal opportunities for all the people of this country,” he stressed.

Ramotar said another important feature will be the presentation of the party’s draft programme, which will examine current trends in development, taking into consideration the dynamic character of the global, regional and national developments.

Also important are elections to the Central Committee of the party.

About the dialogue between President Jagdeo and Opposition Leader Desmond Hoyte, Ramotar said the PPP is ready at any time for continued discussions.

“We did not put on the pause button on the dialogue,” he asserted.

Referring to the PNC/R boycott of National Assembly sittings, Ramotar described it as “unfortunate and unreasonable” and reiterated that the PPP would like to have the PNC involved in parliamentary debates.

But, at the same time, the PPP cannot allow the boycotting to delay the passage of important legislation.

Alluding to the march organised by the PNC/R Thursday, which coincided with the twenty-second anniversary of the death of academic/politician Dr Walter Rodney, Ramotar said the PNC was “very insensitive” to the occasion and recalled that Rodney was killed as a result of his struggles for the restoration of freedom and democracy.

Ramotar said the menu of measures announced by President Jagdeo to counter the violent crime wave is a serious attempt by the Government to deal with that issue.