| President Bharrat Jagdeo, in his final address to the 29th People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Congress, as Head of State, assured delegates that the party will be victorious in the 2011election, but he urged that the members remain united.And even as the President addressed the party’s core supporters yesterday at the Diamond Secondary School, East Bank Demerara, he used the opportunity to point out that, because some Guyanese do not know enough of their history, they allow a series of ‘pseudo-intellectuals’ and so-called analysts in the newspapers to redefine the country’s history.In this redefinition and rewriting of the history, he said, the analysts put the PPP and its role within that historical context in a ‘disparaging’ way.He said that these persons do not recognise Cheddi Jagan and his achievements for what they are valued, despite the fact that those achievements were tremendous.“They pick and choose issues…not showing the dedication and sacrifices that went into those struggles, and how hard and how far we have come. They never choose to write about the context or the challenges that we had in dealing with issues.“You have some intellectuals who hope that, because they are pedantic and because they are PPP haters, they would never see anything we do in a positive light,” the Head of State said.On the other hand, he pointed out, there are some intellectuals, such as Kaieteur News columnist Freddie Kissoon, who have many analogies which they pass off as intellectual pieces.He told the large gathering yesterday that he has never harboured any doubts about the future of the PPP,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, since the party has become an ‘impregnable’ force.The presence of thousands of supporters at the congress, the Head of State said, shows that ‘we are a popular, viable organisation, contrary to what is being said in many parts of this country.“It is because of this selfless dedication to the party that I am convinced beyond any doubt that in 2011 the PPP will be once again unstoppable.”He pointed out that this congress gives the party and its supporters the opportunity to rebuild the camaraderie that has always been at the core of the party.The President urged the delegates to use the opportunity to analyse the issues affecting the party and Government.“We also need to spend time on determining the challenges of the future, and what those challenges are and how they will impact on the future of our country. We also need to help craft policies to address these challenges, to deliver sustainable results.”He also addressed future challenges, such as climate change, fuel prices, soaring food prices, the agricultural sector, and crime.Addressing the congress on his decision not to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement with Europe, Jagdeo said that he wants Guyanese to truly understand the agreements and their impact on the country.“We are the only country in the Caribbean that said that we are not signing yet, and that we are going to have national consultations, because I want people to see what is coming out of this agreement, and how it will affect our future.”He said that he has pointed out to many people that, over the long term, these agreements ‘will harm the interests of the developing world more than it would help us,Cheap Jerseys For Sale, because it would wipe out certain sectors of our economy if we are not careful.’According to the Head of State, if changes are to be made, then it should be in the best interest of the nation.“We have to increase productivity in this country, and we have to ensure that our economy becomes competitive in each area,” the President pointed out.Dressed in red T-shirts and white hats bearing the impression of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan on their clothing,Wholesale Baseball Jerseys 2018, delegates gathered at the Diamond Secondary School for the two-day congress.Under the theme, ‘Strengthen the Party, Secure the Nation and Accelerate Development,’ the 29th Congress will end today.In a more sober presentation than the Head of State, the PPP General-Secretary,Cheap Authentic Jerseys, Donald Ramotar, told the delegates that a sound future is based on broadening the economy to make it less susceptible to crisis.“We have to diversity the economy and broaden it…we have to diversity many of our agriculture products.We should not only be the producers of raw materials, but we must work towards adding value to all the products that we have here in Guyana. We must constantly try to add value at every level,” he said.He said that Guyanese must try to secure the nation from the crime and criminals, whether they are narcotics criminals or whether they are criminals inspired by other agendas.“We have to work hard as an intelligent party….as a Government, in ensuring that security forces have the instruments to fight crime…we hope sooner rather than later to bring the criminals to justice.”He told the gathering that to improve the lives of Guyanese, the party must strengthen its core whilst at the same time remain united.“Strengthening the party means unity…and we must guard against many who are trying to divide us, many of them from outside of our party. We must avoid speculation in the press, ranking us in categories,” Ramotar said.The security forces were out in their numbers at yesterday’s gathering, with constant overhead security checks by the Guyana Defence Force.This congress is being held during the 174th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in Guyana,Jerseys Cheap Wholesale, and according to Ramotar, it is a good time for Guyanese to rededicate their efforts to fight for unity, peace, progress and prosperity of the land.This year’s congress will review the gains of the party since the last such event in 2005.Among them is the PPP/C’s victory at the 2006 polls, which saw the party increasing its majority in the National Assembly.Like the previous congresses, this year’s event has attracted members from the Diaspora, mainly from the Caribbean,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, but also from the United States of America and Canada.Another issue of great significance at the PPP congress will be the general political situation in Guyana, where the party will analyse its relationship with the main opposition PNCR and other political parties.This will include what has changed since the 2006 General and Regional Elections. (Tusika Martin) |
