Former Bartica Mayor, attacked for switching to PPP, urges Region Seven to vote for unity

Former Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall, on Saturday called on residents of Region Seven to put aside racism and division, work together for the country’s development, and return President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali to office at the September 1 General and Regional Elections.

“Region Seven, good evening. I feel the love. I’ll be happy to take this love to every home, every village, every community in this region and throughout the country,” Marshall told supporters at the PPP’s Bartica rally.

“For too long, we have struggled with racism, we have struggled with division, we have struggled with divisiveness. It is time that we put our shoulders to the wheel and show the world that Guyana is not cursed, but it is blessed. Show the world that we can work together. Show the world that we are one people, one nation, one destiny.”

Marshall, who said he has faced criticism and “been called all sorts of names,” vowed to remain “strong” and “courageous” in working with the President for the betterment of the community, region, and country.

Using his marriage as an example of cooperation despite differences, Marshall told the crowd: “At times we don’t agree on everything. But you know what is important? Working together and coming to a consensus… It is time as a country, as a community, as a region, and a town that we work together.”

He recalled hundreds of conversations with Minister Vikram Bharrat over recent weeks, noting: “Not once did he say to me, ‘Marshall, I want you to fill out a political form. Marshall, I need you to have a PPP card.’ Every time we speak… he would say to me, ‘Marshall, let’s work together for the betterment of our country.’”

Marshall said this commitment to unity convinced him to throw his support behind the PPP/C.