The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is experiencing a surge in youth engagement, with the Progressive Youth Organization (PYO) reporting an influx of new members.
This significant boost comes on the heels of recent outreach initiatives led by the party’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, aimed at energizing the younger generation and ensuring their voices are integral to the party’s vision for the future.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday, Dr. Jagdeo who is also Vice President of the country, celebrated the overwhelming turnout at recent youth camps and conferences.
“We had over 6,000 young people attending, many of whom now formally join the youth arm of the party. I think this is an enormous number of young people,” he remarked.
He emphasized that no other political youth organization in the country comes close to matching these numbers, showcasing the PPP’s unique appeal.
What sets the PPP apart, according to Dr. Jagdeo, is its commitment to multi-ethnic representation and the diverse voices within its youth movement.
“If you look at the images coming out of these youth conferences, you will see the true nature of the People’s Progressive Party and the youth movement that we are forming. It’s a multi-ethnic gathering of young people,” he noted.
This inclusivity, he argued, distinguishes the PPP from its rivals, whose gatherings often fail to reflect the same breadth of representation.
Dr. Jagdeo highlighted the party’s rich history of advocating for freedom and democracy in Guyana, asserting that this legacy resonates deeply with the youth.
“The reason we are attractive to young people is because we are a party that has a long history of fighting for freedom, from independence to the return of democracy and beyond,” he stated.
This sense of purpose, coupled with opportunities for young leaders to rise within the party, has positioned the PYO as a vital incubator for future leadership.
Reflecting on his own journey, Dr. Jagdeo shared that he, too, was once a member of the PYO, rising through the ranks to become a minister in his twenties and later, the country’s president in his thirties.
“Most of our leaders have come from the youth arms of the party,” he explained, underscoring the importance of mentorship and development for young members.
The PPP is not only focused on personal growth; it also prioritizes fostering social consciousness among its youth.
“It’s about developing empathy with struggling people,” Dr. Jagdeo emphasized, explaining that understanding the concerns of citizens is critical for effective governance and policymaking.
As the PPP continues to galvanize its youth base, it contrasts sharply with its rivals.
“If you look at the average age of the cabinet in the APNU+AFC coalition, it was around 60,” Dr. Jagdeo pointed out, contrasting the youthful dynamism now visible in the PPP’s ranks.
“We are planning for the future. We are changing the guard,” he asserted, signaling a commitment to rejuvenating the party’s leadership through its vibrant youth.
