Georgetown– Dr Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana called for holding the values of democracy, social justice and national unity as People’s Progressive Party (PPP) marked the 75th year of serving the nation.
Speaking at a special ceremony, the president said that it was time to recall the role played by PPP in liberation of Guyana from colonial rule. He said that the party has not only stood strong for the last 75 years but it has played a very important role in bringing freedom and sovereignty to Guyana.
He said that the role played by the party was historic and it will continue to work for strengthening the nation in years to come.
The president said that those who had laid the foundation of PPP had dreamed of creating a nation where free will, independence , unity and prosperity of its people was kept above all else.
The PPP was set up in 1950 and it has since been working to promote the rights of its people while ensuring social justice and equality for the citizens.
The president said that the contribution made by PPP in bringing democracy to Guyana can never be overlooked. The party not only inspired a renewed struggle for freedom, but also gave voice to thousands of Guyana citizens who had been suppressed under colonial rule. The president said the party also gave direction to the nation and eventually played a very important role in freeing the nation from the foreign rule.
The president said that today the citizens of Guyana lived with self esteem and free will to pursue their chosen life paths. “The leaders of the PPP fought for the right to vote for all citizens of the nation without any discrimination on the basis of class, gender or ethnicity.
He said that even during colonial rule the party stood strong in support of democracy and people’s rights. He said that leaders of the party made great sacrifices to secure freedom for all citizens of Guyana. The struggle lasted for long but eventually the will of the people prevailed, the president said.
He said that after securing freedom for the nation the PPP took upon itself to turn the fate of an entire nation which had been facing economic ruin due to foreign rule.
The policies and the vision adopted by PPP ensure that Guyana evolved into a growing Nation where social justice, economic growth and development became the norm.
The president said that not just within Guyana but PPP also supported freedom movements in other countries that were oppressed under colonial rule.
He said that the party always stood for democracy, colonisation and anti-imperialism throughout its 75 years of existence. ..
He said that it was not without a reason that former General secretary of the party doctor Cheddi Jagan was honoured with the prestigious Order of the Companions of Oliver Tambo, posthumously. The great sacrifices made by Dr Jagan inspired an entire nation to stand against colonial rule and seek freedom for themselves.
He said that inspired by the high values held by the party a large number of people joined PPP and supported various causes that were promoted by the party leaders.
The president said that the role of party members could never be overlooked and even in the future the members of the party will continue to hold a position of respect within PPP.
He said that the party and its leaders will continue to inspire the future generations who will be holding the baton of Guyana’s democracy and will ensure that the nation continues to progress by leaps and bounds in all spheres of life including economy, social and political.
He said that the party will continue to work for the upliftment and welfare of the people who form the backbone of the nation. The president also stated that Guyana will continue to grow in the year to come under the able leadership of PPP and active support of its citizens.
