PPP/C vows to uphold Dr. Jagan’s legacy

Mar 10, 2014 News

– during Babu John memorial

As hundreds gathered at the Babu John Crematorium, Region Six, to observe the 17th death anniversary of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, they were reminded of the need to uphold his legacy by remaining resolute to his teachings and principles.

First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar delivering a message from President Donald Ramotar at the 17th death anniversary observance of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

People’s Progressive Party General Secretary, and Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee who delivered the feature address, noted that although 17 years have passed since Dr. Jagan’s death, his teachings remain relevant to the realities of the country today.
He called on Guyanese to always draw reference from the late Dr. Jagan’s life, alluding that there are many symbols that remind of his struggle to make Guyana what it is today.
Some of these including the University of Guyana, the Bank of Guyana, and the Guyana School of Agriculture still serve Guyanese from all walks of life today.
Reflecting on some of Dr. Jagan’s teachings, Rohee recalled the principles of fighting against any form of dictatorship at all levels and fighting for national democracy.
First Lady, Deolatchmee Ramotar, delivering a message from President Donald Ramotar at the 17th death Anniversary observance of Dr. Cheddi Jagan stated: “He has taught us to fight for national democracy, for peace and social progress, and to extend support and solidarity to the oppressed people around the world, and to fight for the establishment of a new Global Human Order,” he said.
Guyanese were urged to hold high the banner of peace, progress and prosperity while paying close attention to the political pressure from the opposition.
“Let us be on the alert, let us be aware that our political adversaries are working to change the political dynamics of the country. They are working to ensure that the PPP does not remain the solid political force in this country, but we in turn should work to maintain our ground,” Rohee urged.
Chronicling the progress of the administration for the past 21 years, Rohee said it is clear that efforts are being made by the opposition to destroy what they have built over the years.
The General Secretary also alluded to the fact that there has been significant development in every sector since the PPP/C administration came into power.
“The people of Guyana know that the past 21 years have been productive, and that they have not been wasted, all our plans and projects have touched the lives of Guyanese in one way or the other”.
The health sector under the PNC/R administration once had a budget of $1.5 B, but now has a budget of $19 B, the education sector has seen development to the tune of $28.7 B and the security sector $17.5 B under the current administration.
However, Rohee noted that while much has been done there is still room for improvement and plans are afoot by the administration to secure a brighter future for every Guyanese.
“More is yet to come for the working people and farmers of the country, we have to do more as it relates to drainage and garbage collection, roads and let me tell you that the government has not given up our flagship project, Amaila Falls (hydropower), CJIA expansion, Marriott and the other projects which all Guyanese will benefit from”.
All this, the General Secretary said, will bear fruit despite the efforts of the opposition to block progress, while pretending that they have the interest of Guyanese at heart.
“They seem to be entrapped in a philosophy of self destruction while sitting in parliament with the one seat majority and watch Guyana burn as they play around with the country’s future like they are doing with the AML/CFT bill”.
Already Guyanese have voiced their opinion about the bill, calling for it to be passed while making it clear that for too long they have endured hardship.
“This bill has shows the potential for unity at the national level of our country, and it has also shown that there is one enemy of national unity as there has always been, the APNU”.
With the bill in limbo as a result of the opposition’s stance, Rohee noted that Guyanese deserve a better future but the opposition is more focused on political power.
“With this one seat majority they want to bully this government, they want us to do their bidding, they are behaving as though the PPP is the executive arm of the one seat majority of the parliament. We want to remind them that this PPP government was democratically elected and until such time that elections are called, we will remain solid as a rock.”
Meanwhile, the First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, delivered remarks on behalf of President Donald Ramotar who expressed his regret for not being able to attend.
The First Lady also expressed similar sentiments about the life and work of Dr. Jagan, noting the relevance of his principles, given the current political situation the administration is faced with.
Pointing too to the attack on Guyana by the opposition, the First Lady noted that the opposition is doing everything to obstruct the social and economic progress in Guyana.
“They have taken a position to inflict as much harm on Guyana’s economy, this is evident with the situation we are in with the AM/CFT bill”.
It was noted, that the attack first started with the budget cuts and every other effort to sabotage progress for all Guyanese.
“At this time we see the opposition again attacking the welfare of Guyanese – the AML/CFT bill – trying to block us from meeting the standard of the international bodies, their actions are protecting drug lords, gun smugglers and terrorists, it is clear that they want to hit the economy”.
Highlighting such an important issue at this forum is an initiative that Dr. Jagan would have welcomed, the First Lady noted.
Also delivering remarks at the event was Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
(A GINA release)