At Babu John memorial service… Ramotar warns supporters not to take coming polls lightly – ‘We cannot make any mistakes this time’
By Vanessa Narine, March 9, 2015, Source
“IN the name of Cheddi Jagan and in the name of the PPP (People’s Progressive Party), I ask you to stand with me on May 11 as we go forward to win this election.”That one line from President Donald Ramotar at yesterday’s memorial to mark the 18th death anniversary of Dr Cheddi Jagan, founder of the incumbent Party and former president, characterised the spirit of the event; captured the fact that Dr Jagan’s legacy is still very much alive, and informs the advances being made by the Party he founded. And, with elections in the air, a PPP win at the polls on May 11 will ensure that his vision is fulfilled.
The man widely hailed as ‘Father of the Nation’ died on March 6, 1997 after a brief period of illness.
Part of the large PYO contingent
Mr Ramotar stressed that in line with Dr Jagan’s vision for Guyana, much has been accomplished, and more is still to be done, given that progress is a continuous undertaking.
“Much is at stake at these elections,” he told what is the largest turnout in recent years at Dr Jagan’s memorial, held at Babu John, Port Mourant, Region 6 (East Berbice/ Corentyne), an annual event that celebrates the life and struggles of Dr. Jagan.
The programmes, policies and legislative moves advanced by the PPP, according to him, reflects the path that Dr Jagan would have walked, were he alive.
“Cheddi Jagan had to fight,” he said, outlining his Administration’s successes – fruits of struggle – in particular as it relates to its social programme – education, healthcare, housing and other advances.
Mr Ramotar said, “I want to warn you that we cannot make any mistakes this time, our country has gone through too much, now is the time that we have to continue to build and make our country more progressive, modern and prosperous.”
‘I want to warn you that we cannot make any mistakes this time; our country has gone through too much; now is the time that we have to continue to build and make our country more progressive, modern and prosperous’ — President Donald Ramotar
POWER FOR SAKE OF POWER
He decried the ‘power for sake of power’ mentality displayed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC), now coalesced into an alliance, which will contest the upcoming May 11 General and Regional elections as a unit.
The President stated that his November 10, 2014, prorogation of Parliament was to promote dialogue, in the interest of the Guyanese people.
He acknowledged that if he wanted he could have prorogued Parliament repeatedly and ensure that his Administration remain in office until elections were constitutionally due, in late 2016-early 2017.
Instead, Mr Ramotar said that since the primary objective of prorogation had failed, a return to the polls was the next best decision.
“I do not want to be President of a country where development is not happening,” he said, stating that seeing one development project after another shot down was nothing less than frustrating.
BLOCKING DEVELOPMENT
Blocking Government’s developmental thrust via the power of a one-seat majority in Parliament was all the APNU-AFC Alliance accomplished, Mr Ramotar said.
He added that “not one day” was the one-seat Parliamentary majority used by APNU-AFC to call for more roads, schools or hospitals.
Regardless, Mr Ramotar was emphatic in making clear that, challenges aside, his Government has advanced progress to benefit the Guyanese people and will continue to do so, once given the mandate by the electorate.
The President said, “The PPP does not want power for the sake of power…elections is a means to an end; the end being improved quality of life for the Guyanese people. That is what our struggle is for.”
The date for elections was set at the end of the constitutional six-month limit for any prorogation of Parliament, which was done in the face of the AFC-sponsored no-confidence motion against the Government.
‘Blocking Government’s developmental thrust via the power of a one-seat majority in Parliament was all the APNU-AFC Alliance accomplished’ –President Donald Ramotar
SPINS WON’T CHANGE FACTS
The President added that “spins” will not change what the facts are, what Guyana’s history is, and the achievements of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) cannot be “wished” away.
Moving forward, Mr Ramotar underscored the fact that Dr Jagan’s speeches, writings and public pronouncements always spoke to what is possible for Guyana – a visionary outlook that his Party maintains.
On that note, he gave something of an insight into the makings of the PPP/C manifesto, ahead of its public launch.
Among the projects he cited are: a deep water harbour in the Berbice River to boost trade and investment; additional jobs bolstered by developmental projects; new infrastructure, the Linden-Lethem road; a diversified agriculture sector that will see, among other things, a booming coconut industry; a modern international airport; reduced crime; greater emphasis on educational initiatives; and developments in the mining sector; among others.
Mr Ramotar also assured that the widely touted Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) will see construction started before the end of 2015, once the PPP/C is reelected with a majority in Parliament.
“We have to put ourselves in a position of readiness,” the President said.
This position will allow Guyana to capitalise on the numerous possibilities in the future, including the possibility of the country becoming a producer of oil and gas, given that the Exxon Mobile Deep Water Rig is in the country to drill an exploratory well.
Mr Ramotar was confident that all of this is possible for Guyana and, by extension, progress for the Guyanese people.
He noted that Dr Jagan’s passing was a sad day for all those who recognised his value to Guyana and recognised his vision for the nation’s development.
RECOMMITTING TO DR JAGAN’S IDEALS
“Jimmy Carter said Cheddi Jagan was the greatest asset Guyana had,” Mr Ramotar recalled, recommitting the PPP/C to the ideals and vision of their founder.
Almost two decades since his passing, Dr Jagan’s visionary outlook and extensive legacy is still praised.
(By Vanessa Narine)
