The People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has stated that as Guyanese citizens celebrate yet another Arrival Day it is opportune for everyone, across the ethnic, cultural and political spectrum to re-commit themselves to the goals of a peaceful, progressive and prosperous country.
In taking a swipe at the Coalition Government regarding its performance since it took office at the May 2015 General Elections, the party said that it is aware of the “harsh realities of life which now obtain in our country as a consequence of poor governance by the APNU-AFC regime”.
The party pledged it commitment to work towards achieving a united, democratic and prosperous Guyana.
The following is the full statement:
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) extends warm greetings to all Guyanese on the occasion of Arrival Day which is being observed on May 5.
This Arrival Day coincides with our 50th anniversary as an independent country and is therefore a good opportunity to reflect on the trials tribulations, pain and sacrifices made by our fore parents who came to the shores of Guyana in quest of a better life, only to find such hopes and aspirations crushed by a ruthless and exploitative system of plantation labour.
The savage and inhuman treatment meted out by the African slaves were substituted for “paper chains” following the abolition of slavery in 1838 as the indentured labours sooner found out.
Despite the horrible conditions, a significant number of indentured labourers opted to remain in the colony after the system of indenture labour ended in 1917.
The huge influx of East Indians into the colony changed the demographics of the country into one of greater pluralism and diversity especially with the arrival of Chinese and Portuguese in the colony. This diversity was further enhanced with the earlier coming to the colony of Africans and our indigenous Amerindian people.
Each ethnic group brought with them their own skills and culture which has today blended into a unique and distinctive cultural mosaic in which we are all proud of.
The PPP has always encouraged and embraced our diversity and our multiculturalism and will continue to play its part in the creation of a cohesive and strong society.
As we celebrate yet another Arrival Day it is opportune for Guyanese right across the ethnic, cultural and political spectrum to re-commit themselves to the goals of a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Guyana.
There can be no doubt that our country is enriched by our diversity and by the contributions made over the decades by our ancestors and their offspring.
Indeed, the architecture of modern-day Guyana was crafted on the anvil of the collective labour of our fore parents to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.
The PPP takes this opportunity on this Arrival Day anniversary to pledge its continuing loyalty to the cause of a united, prosperous and democratic Guyana. The PPP is aware of the harsh realities of life which now obtain in our country as a consequence of poor governance by the APNU-AFC regime.
The PPP remains confident that the dreams and aspirations of our fore parents for a united and prosperous would be realised and stands ready to continue the struggle to realise the dreams and aspirations of our ancestors for a better Guyana.
People’s Progressive Party
May 4,2016
