PPP/C launches election campaign

Jan 06, 2020 News

“Are you ready for victory?”

The main opposition party, the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) launched its 2020 election campaign at Alexander Street, Kitty yesterday.
Hundreds of its supporters, decked in red shirts with PPP/C logos, shouted and screamed for party frontbenchers Bharrat Jagdeo, Irfaan Ali and Mark Phillips.
There are several notable mentions.
Bishop Juan Edghill gave an impassioned, sermon-like speech, addressing a stigma on the PPP/C from some sections of the public that it may not be a party welcoming to African Guyanese. He stressed a firm rebuke for those aspersions on the reputation of the PPP/C, then went on to list a number of African Guyanese party members as proof that it is welcoming.
Brigadier Mark Phillips, the prime ministerial candidate for the PPP/C, opened his address by asking the crowd “Are you ready for victory?”… to which there was a resounding “Yes!”
He made notice that the PPP/C is listening carefully to the cries of youth and the elderly.

An impassioned supporter carrying the party flag and symbol.

He told the party’s supporters that after his retirement from his military service, he has determined that it is necessary for him to serve the people as Prime Minister.
Phillips made specific reference to the state of crime in security in Guyana, promising that, as Prime Minister, he would develop a comprehensive anti-crime and security strategy for Guyana.
He said that he “will be the next Prime Minister” because he brings a lot to the ticket, for the benefit of all people, regardless of race, religion or political persuasion. He said that he has years of experience in public service, and sound leadership to help the PPP/C’s administration move Guyana forward. Phillips stressed that the team approach to nation building is a concept he is very familiar with, as he has led teams in various sizes. The Brigadier shouted that he is satisfied when his team gets results that effect positive change in the lives of ordinary people, so they can go on to pursue their dreams with a solid foundation for their future.
With that, Phillips urged the electorate to use the vote to send a strong message to the ruling coalition.
Opposition Leader and PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo said that the ruling coalition has not brought a single large-scale investment to Guyana, stating that large-scale investments currently in play are all those that the PPP/C set in motion. His listings include the development of the oil sector, bauxite and other extractive industries, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) renovation and the Marriot Hotel.
Jagdeo said that a PPP/C government would ensure that measures are taken to improve ordinary lives from the first day that they set foot in office, such as moving to achieve Constitutional Reform. He added that such reform would include considerations for power sharing to ensure that there is more inclusive governance going forward.
This was starkly in contrast to a promise made by APNU+AFC’s presidential candidate David Granger, who said at the coalition’s Friday launch that their Constitutional Reform would target the No Confidence Motion, on which the coalition government was defeated on December 21, 2018.
Irfaan Ali’s address tended to target the incumbent President David Granger, implying that the President does not have a proud record of serving. He started to describe Granger, stopping at intervals to say “This is your record, Granger!”
Ali said that he will send Granger into an early retirement,
The presidential candidate said that Guyana is a sinking ship, and that the captain is asleep at the wheel. He promised that he will rescue the sinking ship, and the sailors who are currently drowning or dying.
Ali urged that voters elect his ticket to victory so that he could create a better Guyana for all.