The Progressive Youth Organisation of Guyana (PYO) on Tuesday marked its 64th anniversary by reflecting on its sterling contributions to the overall development of Guyanese youth and the country’s thrust for sustained socio-economic progress and equality in the pre- and post-independence eras.

The PYO, which was established on September 6, 1952, also reflected on the struggles and sacrifices made by many of its young leaders in the fight for social justice and democracy in Guyana, over the past few decades.

The body expressed heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the scores of youth organisations and pressure groups that have worked tirelessly side-by-side with the PYO to ensure that young people were part of the country’s decision-making process at every level and the general political process.

In addition, the PYO congratulated the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on its excellent track record in and out of office, as far as laying the foundation for youths to play an integral role in the country’s political system was concerned, while creating opportunities for them to reach their full potential in every area of life.

Today, the PYO remains strong and more committed than ever before to working with youths from all across the country to improve their standard of living, access to equal educational opportunities and well-paying jobs.

The PYO, as the youth arm of the PPP and a strong youth advocacy organisation, has stated that it would continue over the next few years, to speak out against the injustices committed against youths, and the current Government’s apparent policy of reducing them to puppets and silent minions.

The PYO further contended that all young people, regardless of their race, class, creed or social background, must be treated with respect and dignity by those who wield political power, as was demonstrated by the actions of many former presidents, inclusive of Bharrat Jagdeo, Donald Ramotar, Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds and Cheddi Jagan.

The PYO also used the opportunity to call all young people to action and to urge them to pay attention to the actions of the new Government which threaten to reverse the gains made in youth activism and socio-economic progress.

Even as the PYO acknowledged the current hostile environment in which young people are being dismissed from their jobs, discriminated against, subjected to rising levels of unemployment, increasing levels of criminality and economic hardship, the body expressed optimism that a bright future still lies ahead once the right policy measures are taken to reverse or reduce the aforementioned plights facing the country.