By Abena Rockcliffe
The election of members for the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) Central Committee is but a fraction of the action slated for this weekend as the party readies to host its largest congress in history.
At a press conference he hosted at Freedom House, incumbent General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo spoke of the heavy work agenda that is set out for his party’s 32nd Congress. It is being held under the theme “strengthen the party, defend Guyana, unite our people for progress and prosperity.”
Jagdeo reflected that the last congress saw over 1000 delegates, but this congress will see over 3000 delegates and observers.
Jagdeo said that delegates are traveling from all 10 regions in significant numbers to attend the congress for which registration begins on Friday.
Saturday, the heavy lifting begins. Jagdeo is slated to present the report of the Central Committee, which he said will outline the history of the part and the core values that unite the party. It will also include a heavy focus on what took place since the last congress. “It will trace our fortunes throughout that period, the struggle to ensure democracy prevailed and to fight off the excesses, the economic excesses, squander mania and corruption of APNU+AFC And the challenge of government and fulfilling our manifesto promises.”
Jagdeo also indicated that the congress will see seven workshops where all 3000 odd delegates and observers will have an opportunity to freely express their views and have those views documented.
Jagdeo said there shall be a political declaration to reflect the outcome of the workshops.
As for the exciting part of Congress, the election, Jagdeo said it will be very competitive.
There will be two elections. First, the delegates can vote for the 35 members of the central committee of the party, 93 persons are contesting.
There is then the opportunity for delegates to elect five candidate members who will be able to attend the central committee meetings but will not have the right to vote; 63persons are contesting.
The central committee will then meet and elect the general secretary of the party and other secretaries.
