September 6, 2002 will mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of the PYO, a press release from the group said.

The theme of the 50th anniversary celebrations is "PYO: 50 years of service to young Guyanese - Today's Youth, Tomorrow's Leaders".

The Essequibo Coast event was the first in a series of anniversary activities planned for the months of August and September.

PYO groups from Regions Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands) and Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam), participated in the march-past and day of activities.

Greetings were received from the PPP, Working People's Alliance (WPA) and other fraternal organisations, the release said.

Mr. Ali Baksh, Region Two Chairman and a member of the PPP Executive Committee, urged the young Guyanese to continue to build the organisation so that it can be able to serve all young people and defend democracy.

He also reflected on some of the tasks for the PPP youth arm in the coming period.

Mr. Robert Persaud, Chairman of the PYO and a member of the PPP Executive Committee, delivered the feature anniversary message. He applauded all members, past and present, for their invaluable dedication and contribution to the PYO.

Persaud noted some of the successes and outlined several challenges facing the PYO as it celebrates 50 years of continued service and representation on behalf of all young Guyanese.

The PYO Chairman, speaking on the current crime situation in the country, urged young people to play their part in the fight against crime, to preserve law and order and the unity and harmony in our land.

"We, the young people, must not sit on the sidelines and allow criminals and other elements to take us back, to divide our people, to criminalise our society and to create disorder. We must help the Government and law enforcement agencies.

"We must support our law enforcement agencies, in whatever ways, join our security forces, and support community policing groups", he said.

In this regard, he referred to the struggle of young Palestinians who were an integral part of the Intifada against occupation of and oppression in their homeland.