‘Real opportunities, real inclusion, real progress’ – Young candidates rally around PPP/C

Several young candidates of the ruling People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) took the stage at Bath, West Coast Berbice on Sunday, commending the leadership of incumbent President, Dr Irfaan Ali and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

They highlighted the massive transformation taking place in the country in less than five years and urged residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) to vote the PPP/C back into office on September 1.

“The People’s Progressive Party Civic has always believed that the dreams, talents and ambitions of our young people are the foundation for building a stronger Guyana. This is not just a slogan; it is a commitment, backed by action, programmes and opportunities that are changing lives,” said Pooja Mohamed, an educator.

Tanuja Singh, a young entrepreneur, told the huge crowd that the PPP is not just a political party but a “movement – a movement that believes the future belongs to young minds and that youths are the lifeblood of this nation.”

“Real opportunities, real inclusion, real progress,” Singh said, noting that, “Young people are finally being heard, seen and supported like never before. Our voices matter, our presence is recognised, and real doors are opening for our growth and leadership.”

Travis Pilgrim, another youth candidate, highlighted that youth empowerment is “more than a policy, it is inclusion. We have seen the exclusion of youths in Parliament, on boards and in decision-making.”

Pilgrim reminded the thousands gathered of the cruel treatment meted out to Region Five by the former APNU+AFC government.

“We have seen in 2015-2020, the cruel…APNU+AFC government put [the agricultural sector] in a coma. But in 2020, President Irfaan Ali revitalised this sector.

“This is leadership, this is purpose, so we know, come September 1, we have only one choice – to vote for the PPP,” Pilgrim said.

Describing herself as a “proud daughter” of Region Five, Alisha Rodrigues, also a youth candidate, spoke about the sport sector and the development it’s undergoing.

Additionally, Ricardo Phillips, a civil engineer, commended the infrastructural development taking place across the country.

“As a civil engineer, I know that strong foundations create enduring and lasting benefits and bonds. Comrades, a strong foundation that has been set by the President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for the future of this country; he has created a nation that is resilient, that is inclusive, and that is striving.”

Sordas Ramjattan described the PPP as a “trustworthy and reliable” party, noting that the lives of farmers in Region Five are now better.

“Our farmers have received fertilisers, improved drainage and irrigation and farming tools. The PPP didn’t forget us, they invested in us. We, the youths, are not just the future; we are the present. We have a government that believes in our power, our potential and in our dreams,” Ramjattan said.

Meanwhile, Dr Nardeo Basdeo, a veterinarian, commended First Lady, Mrs Arya Ali, for raising millions of dollars for animal shelters. Dr Basdeo also reminded citizens that the former APNU+AFC government abandoned rice farmers.

“Let us not forget comrades and friends, that when they came in 2015, and promised hefty and all sorts of goodies, but the other day, they left us in the backdam. And you know what they said? They raised the rent on us as rice farmers, and they left us in the backdam and they said rice is private business.

“Tell them no more because we are going to continue the progress of this country, and we are going to make sure that progress continues,” Dr Basdeo said.