Several persons who once supported and were even elected officials under the APNU banner had crossed over to the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) but in many cases failed to win their constituencies.
In the aftermath of Monday’s Local Government Election, PPP/C General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo committed that they will not be thrown aside.
In fact, he believes that their work has allowed the PPP/C to pick up hundreds more votes in these areas, many of them traditional opposition strongholds.
“Once you enter our family that’s it, we cling to you.
“All who voted and supported us, we see them as part of our family. They are in it for the long haul. Many of them called and said we got to work to 2025 now…that’s the attitude throughout.
“Those candidates will not be thrown aside or suddenly they can’t see me or any PPP official again,” Jagdeo said at a press conference held at the party’s Robb Street, Georgetown Headquarters.
Jagdeo said the PPP recorded successes at the June 12 LGE because of the cross-over candidates.
“These cross-over candidates are very courageous people. They knew everything was stacked against them. They knew they were contesting in APNU strongholds and they made that decision o cross to us,” Jagdeo added.
Among the crossover candidates were former Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green and former Councilors Trichria Richards and Malcolm Ferreira. They were all from Georgetown.
In other areas, there were persons like former Parliamentarian Barbara Pilgrim and other huge APNU supporters like Dawn Chapman.
In all these areas, Jagdeo said the PPP/C doubled and tripled its support although they were won by APNU candidates.
“They knew that these were tough areas to work in. but I want to thank the people in those areas because our flags flew there untouched. Histrionically that wouldn’t have happened,” Jagdeo added.
He said the PPP/C was allowed to campaign freely in opposition strongholds and even those who did not vote for the PPP were receptive to their message.
“These candidates who crossed the floor and came to us made a difference to us… I want to thank everyone again, they made a great effort,” Jagdeo added.
