It has been a decade full of challenges, but one in which the PPP/Civic administration has done well. The ruling party, in alliance with its Civic partners, has been able to score substantial gains for the Guyanese people, more particularly the working people.

It was on October 5, 1953 that the first PPP administration under the leadership of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, was forcibly removed from office by British troops after winning 18 of the 24 seats. The Constitution was suspended and an interim administration was installed made up in the main of defeated candidates.

It is testimony to the fighting spirit of the PPP and its leadership that the party successfully managed to overcome the odds and fought its way back into office in elections held in 1957, which saw the party winning a landslide victory. The party again won elections in 1961 and 1964 but was denied an opportunity to form the Government in 1964 due to a change in the Constitution which allowed for a coalition of minority parties to form the Government, even though the PPP commanded the single largest bloc of votes.

Instead of asking the PPP to form the Government, the British Government, through the Colonial Office, asked the People's National Congress/United Force (PNC/UF) coalition to form the new Government. What followed is now history.

By the time the PNC was defeated in free and fair elections on October 5, 1992, after more than two decades of authoritarian rule, a once prosperous country had been reduced to a state of virtual bankruptcy. Guyanese were ranked among the poorest in the entire western hemisphere, even poorer than Haiti in per capita terms.

The return of the PPP/Civic to power on October 5, 1992 opened up new windows of opportunities for the Guyanese people. Under the leadership of the late Dr. Jagan, social and economic conditions of the Guyanese people improved consistently as the administration pursued a policy of "development with a human face." Major emphasis was placed on enhancing the material and social conditions of the Guyanese people.

According to a World Bank Report conducted in 1992 - the Ramperkash Report - the poverty level in 1992 was 86%. The most recent survey of living and working conditions of the Guyanese people showed the poverty level had declined to less than 40%, due mainly to people-oriented policies and prudent fiscal management. Per capita income more than doubled and inflation was kept to single-digit numbers. All of this translated to an improved quality of life for the Guyanese people.

The death of Dr. Jagan in March 1997 did not in any way slow down the momentum of growth and development. Under the leadership of Mrs. Janet Jagan who demitted office due to failing health, and now under the leadership of President Bharrat Jagdeo, the development train continues unabated. Despite a less than favourable international environment and a hostile domestic situation, the current administration managed to sustain the pace of progress and human development.

The PPP/Civic has also introduced good governance which was sadly lacking in the past administration. The current administration has been paying particular attention to accountability norms as evidenced by the presentation of the Auditor General's Report on a timely and regular basis. It is worth noting that under the previous administration, no audited reports were presented to the National Assembly for over a decade.

Of course, much more remains to be done. This, however, will require the full participation of all Guyanese in the exciting task of nation-building.

Guyanese have demonstrated a remarkable capacity to overcome even in the face of adversity. It is only fitting and appropriate that those who serve with dedication and distinction be recognised at the Investiture Ceremony due to take place today.