PPP/C launches campaign Manifesto in Lethem

PPP/C MP Gail Teixeira delivering the feature address at the launch of the PPP/C campaign and Manifesto in Lethem

LGE 2016

… garbage, health & security concerns among priorities

By: Devina Samaroo

Amid pomp and ceremony, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) on Sunday launched its Local Government Elections (LGE) campaign Manifesto in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takatu/Upper Essequibo) under the theme “A Return to Progressive Ideas”.

Vying for a seat on the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) are Lennox Ramsahoye (Constituency 1), Debra King (Constituency 2), John Macedo (Constituency 3), Jacqueline D’Aguiar (Constituency 4) and Jason Williams (Constituency 5) – all representing the PPP/C.

A section of the crowd at the launch of the PPP/C campaign and Manifesto in Lethem

The candidates, during the Manifesto launch, took turns explaining to the sizeable gathering about their plans and visions for the people of Lethem.

Chief among the mandates outlined in the Manifesto include improvements in solid waste disposal, cleaning of the city, infrastructural development, health access, strengthening security sector, and construction of sporting complexes.

According to the document, the Party plans to secure more garbage trucks to increase and improve garbage collection on a timely basis from both residents and businesses.

Additionally, the Party intends to employ staff to regularly clean parapets and alleyways within the municipality.

The construction of drains in each constituency along with regular weeding, slashing and clearing of vegetation are all part of the plan to keep the city clean and also to avoid flooding.

With regards to better infrastructure, the candidates intend to use their influence at the Council level to construct proper roads in each constituency including the housing schemes.

Moreover, they tout the construction of a water purification plant and public conveniences as well as the timely upgrade and maintenance of the abattoir and public schools.

For educational/sporting and social development, the Manifesto guarantees that there will be attractive support and sponsorship of activities for schools and youth groups; commemoration activities for the elderly; and education and awareness on topical issues such as health and climate change.

Focusing on health, the document promises that there will be regular fogging and regular health inspections of bakeries, hotels, restaurants, market places, malls, supermarkets and other public places to ensure the surroundings are safe and sanitary.

In relation to security concerns, the PPP/C assured that more streetlights will be installed, there will be more aggressive police patrolling within the municipality, formation of community policing groups and the establishment of neighbourhood watch teams.

Meanwhile, during the Manifesto launch, city businessman Basdeo Ramlall endorsed the PPP/C candidates and encouraged residents to come out on Local Government Elections Day to show their support by voting for the Party.

Notably, Ramlall was a candidate for the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition at the General and Regional Elections 2015.

Other speakers at the event included PPP/C Parliamentarians Gail Teixeira and Alister Charlie.