“This is the strongest the People’s Progressive Party has ever been” – Pres. Ali
Decked out in red and black, the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal, was packed as the 32nd Congress of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) got underway on Saturday.
With approximately 3,000 delegates – this congress dubbed the largest ever – not only saw a number of speakers but a packed cultural program, showcasing Guyana’s rich heritage.
In his address to the gathering, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted that the party is “solid as ever.”
“This party that we are part of has never been on such solid footing in the history of this party,” the Guyanese Leader posited. “This is the strongest the People’s Progressive Party has ever been.”
He attributed the strong foundation to the sacrifice made by the party’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who also serves as the country’s Vice President.
“He sacrificed every hour of this time for the PPP to ensure that it remains strong, resilient, and champion,” the Head of State remarked.
Dr. Ali reflected on the party’s evolution, particularly the ‘One Guyana’ concept, which he described as a philosophy rather than a mere slogan. He underscored the party’s mandate to represent all Guyanese, regardless of background, and reiterated its commitment to a unified, prosperous future for the nation.
Furthermore, Dr. Ali said the party suffered from narratives that sought to align it with a group representing Indo-Guyanese. He, however, rebuffed this narrative, noting that the PPP is Guyana’s only national party.
“From the day we took back control of that narrative by naturally showing the people of this country what the PPP stands for, the population rallied behind the PPP, and that is what allowed us to grow this party.”
Since taking control of the narrative, the Guyanese Leader posited that young Guyanese, whom he described as the future of the country, have rallied behind the party.
He noted, too, that they are embracing the PPP as a beacon of hope and a vehicle for realising their aspirations.
“They see in us a party that has stood the test of time and didn’t remove from its founding philosophy, its founding principles, and its founding values, and that is to always be on the side of the people.”
This year’s congress theme is “Strengthen the Party, Defend Guyana, Unite All Our People for Progress and Prosperity,” and will be held over the weekend.
At the Party’s last Congress, held in Essequibo from December 17 to December 19, 2016, Dr. Jagdeo was elected General Secretary by secret ballot.
