WHEN the long struggle for electoral change succeeded 20 years ago, ushering in the People’s Progressive Party / Civic government under the slogan “Time for Change, Time to Rebuild”, the new government brought together patriotic Guyanese of every walk of life, of every race and of differing religious backgrounds, to recreate the great momentum and hope engendered by a united people.

That was the PPP’s vision, as stated in its manifesto of 1992. That vision captured the dreams and aspirations of the majority of Guyanese; who had, for 28 years, been subjugated to political, economic, social and psychological suppression in a variety of ways.
The PNC and its lackeys would like the Guyanese people to forget that part of our history, as they seek to refashion themselves and their party according to the biblical term -- putting old wine into new wine skins.
The Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), on this occasion, would like to salute all those thousands of Guyanese, in and out of Guyana, who were part of the journey to rid Guyana of the undemocratic regime.
We all suffered the indignity of experiencing great decline in our country, and having to witness our people being greatly humiliated as they migrated to different parts of the Caribbean region, looking for ways to eke out a living.
Never must we forget the most important freedom of all - the right to elect a government of our choice, which had been taken away from us.
We, the women of the PPP, were in every fight that was waged by that party; we were active players in every aspect and facet of party life. We walked till our feet were swollen and our bodies were sun-burnt; we shouted until we lost our voices. We were beaten, we were jailed, and some of us were even maimed; but we never gave up hope, and we never lost confidence in our leaders’ ability to take us forward.
Even though we were impatient at times, we still kept the faith with the confidence generated by the tested guidance of the Father of our Nation, Dr Cheddi Jagan, and the party which he founded and led.
As we reflect on where we were, and where we are today, we can deduce that the lofty objectives we set ourselves in 1992 were met by the many actions that were taken from October 5, 1992 to the present time.
One of the many important pillars of the manifesto of 1992 was on the economic and social objectives of the PPP, in which it states: “The economic and social objectives of the PPP/Civic Government will be to promote sustainable development for a just, free, and humane society, in which every citizen will enjoy full human rights, and have the possibility of developing his/her potential to the fullest in a conducive atmosphere of full employment.
“In our wider concept, development is not just economic growth, but also human development. Our development strategy aims at promoting ecologically balanced economic growth, and development with social justice and concern for meeting the basic needs of each and every citizen.
“Our government will count on the goodwill of overseas Guyanese, friendly governments, multilateral lending agencies, and local businessmen to provide the inflows to refurnish our infrastructure and put back on stream our idle productive capacity, which will have direct impact on our nation’s ability to produce and export.
“We hope to provide our people with the essential services for a meaningful life; and we envisage support for a mini-Marshall Plan through debt write-offs, long-term rescheduling, and soft loans and grants.
“The PPP/Civic envisages Guyana’s development as a model for underdeveloped states, not only for social progress and political stability in the Caribbean.”
The translation of those ideals into policies and programmes for implementation has been an ongoing task of the government. Without a doubt, we were able to achieve quite a lot for all Guyanese in the different areas of endeavour.
These are too many to mention, but every visiting Guyanese who had not seen the country for the last twenty years is overwhelmed with the developments and improvements in the quality of life of its people.
Much more could have been done, and should have been done; but we have to remind those who are critical of the party and government that they should not forget the years of “slow fayah and mo fayah”, and constant disruptions of national life by the PNC.
As we observe 20 years of the return to democratic rule, we in the WPO are mindful that there is still a lot more that has to be done.
As the economy grows, and we undertake new projects and initiatives, we are sure that people’s lives will continue to improve.
Once again, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all patriotic Guyanese who have helped in the journey to restore Guyana to democratic rule, and those who are still helping to continue the journey of peace, progress and prosperity.