On Monday, political parties and independent contenders in Guyana submitted their lists of candidates for representation at the community level, ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE). In a bid to secure support from the residents of the capital city, Georgetown, the General Secretary of the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo, pleaded with citizens to put their trust in his party, stating that a new, inclusive Guyana is on the horizon.
Georgetown has long been a stronghold of the opposition, with governance dominated by members of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), particularly the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR). However, Jagdeo expressed confidence that the PPP/C stands a chance of taking control of the city this year, after almost six decades of PNCR/APNU stewardship.
Jagdeo emphasized that it is time for the country to move beyond racial divides and work towards improving Georgetown. “We’re demonstrating in this party that the only way forward in a lasting way for development in this country is if all of our people work together regardless of their race,” he said.
The Vice-President also highlighted the PPP/C’s track record in national governance, with a focus on job creation, education, healthcare, and community development. He stressed that the party has never had the opportunity to run the city, and urged citizens to give the party a chance to do so.
Jagdeo, in response to condemnation from the opposition regarding crossover support by two seasoned APNU members, said that Guyanese are free to associate themselves with whichever party they choose.
