Ramotar, Harper outline vision for Guyana’s development

Part of the mammoth crowd at Damon Square, Essequibo

PPP/C’s mammoth Essequibo rally….

 

– Jagdeo urges thousands to reject Opposition with the ballot

 

BY GOMATIE GANGADIN

 

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) continues to deliver its message of hope during the campaign promising Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) residents on Saturday further development in that region once the party is re elected into power when General and Regional elections are held on May 11 in the country.

President Donald Ramotar addresses the rally

Speaking to the massive crowd of more than 10,000 which had turned up at the party’s public rally which was held at Damon’s Square, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast on Saturday evening, President Donald Ramotar told the gathering that should his party be returned to power with a resounding victory after the May 11 polls he will ensure that the region is further developed so as to realize its full potential.

Pointing to the investment made about a month ago, for the opening of a rice cereal factory which will significantly add value to the rice industry, the President promised those present, particularly the young people that more job opportunities will be created for them so that they will not be required to move to the capital city to source jobs despite having the necessary qualifications.

“One of the investments we want to make here to ensure that the brilliant students, the young workers, who are now more educated that their parents were, they will not have to live Essequibo to go searching for jobs in Georgetown. We are building the foundation that they can be right home here in Essequibo and build a sound future for themselves…,” he said.

PPP/C supporters enthused, rejuvenated after Ramotar’s speech

He further promised that he will ensure that information technology, internet and communication advancements are also made so that the region can be kept up to date with what was taking place around the world while adding that indoor sport facilities will also be developed for the benefit of the youth population.

President Ramotar noted that his Administration was committed to ensuring a better life for all. He reiterated that the Opposition has incessantly tried to harm the country and Government through its non-support for developmental initiatives.

Among those, the Opposition voting against the new airport, even though it initially agreed to support the project – the changed position opened the Government to litigation.

The Opposition also did not support a change in law to accommodate a reduction in environmental taxes charged on an imported aerated drink to ensure the playing field was level for both local and foreign companies distributing the product.

He said the Opposition’s destructive behaviour was evident in past elections, and it continued during the past three years with an anti-development thrust in the National Assembly, he stated. The Specialty Hospital would have not only provided improved and more advanced services to Guyanese, but aided with medical tourism to develop Guyana.

Government is also hopeful for a new energy sector with the drilling for oil and gas that is ongoing. “What is at stake in May 11 is extremely important …you should judge us on our record and there is no way the APNU and PNC record can compare to us…That is why they don’t want to talk about the past, they don’t have a record that could compare to our record…elections are about character as well and the PPP/C is proud of the fact that it takes its promises seriously.”

An avid PPP/C supporter

Also speaking at the rally was former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who told the mammoth crowd that the government has always had the best interests of the people of Essequibo at heart.

He noted that the government had invested more than $54 million dollars in drainage and irrigation systems for the rice farmers in that region so that they further grow and develop while pointing out that on May 11, the victory should be a decisive one.

He noted that should the Region endorse the PPP/C, they can be guaranteed a better life, more opportunities and a higher standard of living. He warned that if the victory was a narrow one, the Opposition will ensure that trouble is brought to the streets.

“They are preparing for trouble. Already after three years after continuous registration, after claims and objections, the PNC said nothing about the list. Three weeks ago, Granger is now questioning the veracity of the voters’ list. Why is he doing this? They are laying the grounds as they have done in the past so that if they lose they can use the list as the tool around which they will mobilize. So we have to ensure that the victory is such that we can’t question the results at all and that depends on all of you,” Jagdeo warned the crowd.

He related to the supporters that the matter was not a matter of political game or power but was rather about the future of their children and grandchildren. “You don’t want your family to grow up in a country where you are thrown into jail because you speak against the government like they did in the past. You don’t want your children to dream their dreams in a land where they are treated as second class citizens…because we in the PPP/C are notorious for treating people equally…,” he said.

President Ramotar leads a procession to Damon Square for the rally

He noted that the Opposition has proven time and time again that they cannot be trusted by anyone since they have constantly voted down the government’s developmental projects but are now promising to implement the same project should they be elected to power.

The former President cautioned that they must not be deceived by the coalition and their deceptive messages. He admitted to the crowd that while the PPP/C has indeed made mistakes, they are a better alternative to the coalition.

The opposition on the back foot.  PPP timed their charge very well.

It's definitely one of the biggest crowds I have seen in the pics posted so far.

AFC+APNU RALLY IN ANNA REGINA:

A sizeable crowd as well, see the pic on the link I posted, we have to give this area to PPP.

Good crowd.

However, the PPP has outlived its usefulness, and must be defeated

massively.  Go and look back at all the promises at previous elections.

Every project is a scam that costs more than market prices, and they always have cost overruns and missed deadlines.

The PPP has done well for its "Friends and Family."  Mrs. Ramotar's ad said we are part of their family.  DO YOU FEEL THE LOVE?

It's the working poor catching hell everyday.

Both PPP and APNU+AFC did exceedingly well in Anna Regina.

But I will venture this: my close relative, a decades-long PPP activist, attended to show her face and avoid answering questions, but she will stay home on May 11, as will her husband. He stayed home yesterday.

Another thing, lots of attendees were there for free T-shirts with money tucked inside. Let's see who they will vote for.

Report from Essequibo:

Over 200 persons left stranded in Essequibo by PPP/C.

The PPP/C used mini buses to take persons from Georgetown and East and West Coast Demerara to Parika, thence to Supenaam via the ferry on Saturday April 18 for their rally at Anna Regina. The rally was specifically scheduled to commence at 3pm to allow for persons to return to Parika on the 6pm ferry. The buses which were supposed to have taken persons from Anna Regina to Supenaam left without the passengers and other persons were not able to make their way to the stelling after the PPP/C plans fell down.

The ferry left and over 200 persons were left stranded on the Essequibo Coast with nowhere to stay. These persons included staff of several ministries, government agencies and the Office of the President. Accommodations were hastily arranged for the Office of the President staff after they complained to senior PPP officials, however hundreds of others were left without accommodation for the night and were forced to seek out distant relatives in an effort to not be left on the street.

Many of the persons were seen at shops and bars after the rally frustrated that they had no place to spend the night and PPP officials took no interest in attending to their plight.

Heard the PNC was giving out good food.  The PPP took a leaf out of the PNC play book.  Attend all meetings in mass, but put the X at the cup.  Remember how Afros flooded the AFC meeting and all was orderly as long as the message did not turn anti-PNC.  Well, alyuh have fun with the irrelevant.

Alena

There is a difference, the PNC crowd was bussed in from GT.

The PPP crowd is Essequibo residents. The PNC cannot fool Guyanese.

Attendees can be bussed from all parts to attend meetings, and indeed that is a very good process in the election campaign ... more people, more fun and energize the meetings for each political organisations.

However, the time to cast the votes will indeed demonstrate the support for each political unit.

Eh eh, dem children by dee podium also look quite interested in the proceedings.

PPP is also involving the young ones in the political process.  PNC must never fool them.

This Area has always voted overwhelmingly for the PPP. Others never got more than 33 percent. If the opposition  take only 5 percent and that seems likely, then the PPP loses again. Do not count crowd at meetings as indicators for who will win.

At massive PPP/C Essequibo rally… Harper says committed to vision of PPP/C

By Rebecca Ganesh, April 19, 2015, Source

AS prime ministerial candidate for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Elisabeth Harper took the stage to address thousands at the ruling party’s rally at Damon Square on the Essequibo Coast, she asked: “Are you ready for another victory and let progress continue?”

Harper explained that she is committed to the vision of the PPP/C party and it is a vision that will clearly take Guyana forward. “For the past nine years our country has recorded growth even though our sister nations were affected by the fall of economies worldwide. And this is because of the strategic planning that will have our country remain influential and continue to advance the interests of our country.

“My party aims to carry out our vision on key areas, particularly through education, job creation agricultural processing, tourism and hospitality among others,” she declared.

She pointed out some of the achievements that the Government has recently made realities and “only recently we had the opening of the Marriott Hotel, the first five-star hotel here in Guyana.” This shows, Harper explained, investors’ confidence in our economy.

Harper highlighted that travel for persons living on the Essequibo Coast has been made much easier than in the past. “It is a tremendous achievement for the PPP/C to have acquired the two ‘roll-on roll- off’ ferries from China, reducing travelling time for many.”

Harper alluded to many facts in the PPP/C’s manifesto for the upcoming May 11 poll, explaining that one of the major issues she will be looking at is the empowerment of women. She explained that the PPP/C builds national pride and has an unwavering commitment to build Guyana, through the development of the different sectors that would have already seen national development such as housing and water, health and education are always priority.

Empowering women is vital, Harper noted, “We will review all the laws that will encourage and promote women’s rights and equality. We must exercise zero tolerance on domestic violence.” She explained that domestic violence destroys who we are and everything we stand for and we as a community should not encourage it and “I encourage our men to participate in this fight also.

“Single parents will be able to also further their education, training and day care services will be provided, child support will be mandatory by the court” [and these] are some of the opportunities that will be available to single parents, Harper noted.

She further explained that the PPP/C Government has over the years upkept “the rights of women, our rights in all aspects of the country, our right to an education more importantly.” Harper further explained that teenage pregnancy is also a big problem and our manifesto will address these issues also; “If you had to leave school early, you have another chance to continue your education and provide for your family, opportunities will be available to support you.”

Harper noted that presently, more attention needs to be given to job creation for our young people and in the PPP/C manifesto, “we will make sure jobs are created and more development and a number of new initiatives for job-creation opportunities will be embarked upon.

“With these new initiatives, many more people will be able to enjoy a higher standard of living in this country,” she said. “Our manifesto will talk about housing for young people, a vision that is geared to creating a Guyana with a great future, with more interacting and dialogue and facilitating our decision making within this sector,” Harper said.

“Come out and cast your vote for the PPP/C on May 11, vote for progress to continue,” Harper urged. -- By Rebecca Ganesh

Ironic that in a place named after an slave rebel not one black face is visible.  So much so that even poor Elisabeth is now taken to make herself look as Indian as possible to fit in.

With Indians now at only 40% of the population, and less than 50% of the voters do you really think that one race rule in Guyana is sustainable?

I don't expect any intelligent reaction from you so that's OK.  All that motivates you is "ah be pan tap".

The notion that the PPP had to bus in people from outside of the Essequibo Coast to ensure a sizeable meeting ought to be giving the PPP chills.   This should be one of the staunchest PPP areas.

So says the Emperor.

Essequibo and Berbice are gonna be all PPP.  Demerara will be shared with the PNC. 

Continue preaching the evils of the PNC to the young ones. Keep the history fresh in their minds so they can pass it on to their children and gran children.  

All the opposition needs is one seat from Region 2 one seat and guess what? 

chances are they are gonna get it this time in Essequibo. Trucked in supporters that get stranded after PPP boat leff at 6 PM won't deliver votes.

I think the Coalition will get a seat there.

PPP cork ducking.

Coalition crowd was just about the same size, and more multiethnic. That was amazing for Region 2. This PPP crowd is expected.

one seat in region 2 and some more votes in region 3

apnu/afc wins.

Virtual seats?

Do you understand that Geographic Seats mean nothing in terms of deciding the overall winner of the election?

You're alluding to overhang seats in a PR system which will not alter the outcome in any way whatsoever for a major party.

51% of the national vote will guarantee 51% of the seats in Parliament regardless of the party breakdown in assigning the "geographic" seats. 51% of the national vote won't get you 55% of Parliament by "winning" in a particular region.

Let's hope the kids aren't ass dumb as some of you old goats here. Let's also hope they use their brains to think for themselves and stop being like you frgen sheep.

all he wants is one more seat

RE: Take a close look at the picture...there are clearly many "kids" in the midst "

That's how they does big up the crowds.

While you may know what I mean, I'm just tired of people equating our so-called Geographic Seats with seats to be found in a FPTP system.

Winning some 900 vote seat in like Region 1 will not alter in anyway whatsoever.

Region 2 is worse in that the Geographic Seat "electoral quota" there is a whopping 8,966. Almost 4000 votes north of the national electoral quota of 5000 votes per seat.

I'm just saying that Guyana has a truly national election not a series of regional elections like our state-by-state contests here in Merica.