Georgetown: The clarion call of the delegates to the 30th Congress of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) is for the PPP/Civic Government to continue to work tirelessly to deliver higher levels of goods and services to the people of Guyana- health, housing, education, water, jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities; the mobilisation of the Guyanese masses to support the identified higher level of infrastructure development- Amaila Falls hydro project, the Marriott Hotel, the Road to Lethem, deep-water harbour, a new crossing over the Demerara river, CJIA expansion; and to intensify community activism to address development at the local/community level.
The Congress was hailed by delegates and observers as among the most successful which saw a higher level of participation and enthusiasm to stand by the party in bringing together the masses to realise a Guyana of peace, progress and prosperity. The Congress was held during August 2-4, 2013, at JC Chandisingh Secondary School, Port Mourant, Berbice, Region 6.
Participating delegates and observers came from party groups stretching across the ten (10) Administrative Regions of Guyana, inclusive of significant hinterland delegations.
Ministers of the Government, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of fraternal organisations both locally and overseas, representatives of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) and Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) joined party delegates and observers for a dynamic opening ceremony which set the tone for the subsequent plenary sessions over the three days.
A major highlight of the Congress was the Report of the Central Committee delivered by the General Secretary and President, Donald Ramotar. The report analysed current political, socio-economic conditions in Guyana and the impact of the international political and economic environment. The Central Committee Report was an occasion for in-depth discussion on the way forward in the present situation where the party operates in a minority position in parliament. It also pin-pointed the key obstacles placed in the way by the political opposition in stymieing national development and undermining the democratic gains of the people of Guyana. The Central Committee report also emphasised the need to seek alliances and forge a national consensus to defeat the anti-national position of the opposition. The delegates rallied around the party to heighten the struggle for the realisation of Amaila falls – hydroelectric project.
There were several workshops on the party, the youth, women, local government, the political situation, parliament, elections, the regional and the international environment. The reports and recommendations from these workshops were adopted and will be reviewed and implemented by the leadership in the coming period
The delegates and observers of the Congress, as is customary were given the opportunity to make recommendations for amendments to the constitution and program of the party. As a result the Congress adopted amendments to the constitution that would encourage a higher level of activism by members.
In addition, there were diverse discussions on resolutions submitted by party groups. Delegates also adopted a political resolution. Also the party’s congress received messages and greetings from several fraternal local and overseas organisations. Congress also recognised those party activists who have contributed selflessly to social and political work for 25 and 50 years.
Another feature of the Congress were the meetings between leaders of the party and delegates from distinct geographic locations to deal with issues that would positively contribute to the development of the party and improve the work of government, especially in local communities.
Central to party congresses is the election of new leadership that would oversee the party between congresses. The congress elected a new Central Committee of 35 members and five Candidate Members. The results of those elections are as follows.
Central Committee Candidate Member
1. Donald Ramotar-886 1. Colin David Croal- 400
2. Bharrat Jagdeo-851 2. Ronald Harsawack- 223
3. Frank Anthony- 724 3. Ghurdat Shivpersaud- 163
4. Anil Nandlall- 690 4. Sandra Baldeo-162
5. Gail Teixeira- 651 5. Vickram Bharat- 158
6. Navin Chandarpal- 604
7. Roger Luncheon- 560
8. Indranie Chandarpal-552
9. Pauline Sukhai- 546
10. Clement Rohee-540
11. Robert Persaud-537
12. Ganga Persaud-528
13. Bheri Ramsaran-518
14. Hydar Ally-504
15. Mohamed Irfaan Ali- 503
16. Komal Chand-486
17. Ali Baksh-450
18. Zulfikar Mustapha-446
19. Clinton Collymore- 445
20. Jennifer Westford- 429
21. Dharamkumar Seeraj- 420
22. Nigel Dharamlall- 389
23. Neil Kumar- 387
24. Shyam Nokta- 381
25. Vishwa Mahadeo- 358
26. Desmond Kissoon-312
27. Fizal Jaffarally- 275
28. David Armagon- 268
29. Omar Sharieff- 248
30. Mohammed Hussein- 247
31. Philomena Sahoye-Shury- 245
32. Brian Alicock- 243
33. Kellawan Lall- 246
34. Kwame Mc Coy- 228
35. Chitreka Dass- 222
The new Central Committee will be meeting shortly and among other items on the agenda will be the election of a new Executive Committee and Secretariat of the party. The next Congress of the PPP is scheduled for 2016.
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