People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo says Guyana must remain vigilant in safeguarding its democratic freedoms while ensuring the country’s development and growing prosperity reach citizens in every community.
Jagdeo made the call Sunday as Guyana marked the 34th anniversary of the Oct. 5, 1992, elections, which he described as one of the most consequential moments in the country’s political history.
He said the elections ended 28 years of People’s National Congress rule and restored free and fair elections to Guyana, paving the way for broader democratic and institutional reforms.
“That victory represented more than a change of government,” Jagdeo said.
He said the restoration of democracy strengthened key national institutions, including the judiciary, Parliament and the free press, while constitutional reforms provided greater protections for citizens.
Despite their imperfections, Jagdeo said, those institutions remain hard-won gains that are essential to preserving citizens’ freedoms and their ability to participate in shaping the country’s future.
The former president also linked the restoration of democracy to Guyana’s economic recovery, saying debt reduction, sound economic management and long-term planning laid the foundation for economic growth and improvements in health, education, housing and other social services.
Jagdeo warned, however, that Guyanese should never take democracy for granted.
He pointed to the controversy surrounding the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, accusing the APNU+AFC coalition of attempting to overturn the will of voters. Jagdeo said those efforts failed because of resistance by the PPP/C and others who defended the integrity of the electoral process.
Looking ahead, Jagdeo said the PPP/C would remain committed to protecting democratic freedoms while expanding economic and social opportunities across Guyana.
“We will also ensure development reaches every family and every region,” he said.
Jagdeo identified job creation, housing, education, health care and support for children, young people and the elderly among the party’s continuing priorities.
He said achieving those objectives would require time to implement programmes, fiscal discipline and transparent management of public resources.
The PPP/C, he added, would continue delivering on its commitments while fighting corruption “in all of its manifestations.”
Jagdeo said the ultimate objective is to build a country in which national prosperity benefits Guyanese regardless of race, religion or creed.
“That is what we fought for in 1992,” Jagdeo said. “It is what we will continue to deliver.”