“We came here in the bad times, we have come in the good times, and we will keep coming to these communities over the next five years to ensure all of our people move forward. We are a responsive party.”
This was the central message from People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during a major public meeting held Friday night at the Patentia Market Square, Region Three, as the party intensified its campaign ahead of Guyana’s September 1, 2025 General and Regional Elections.
Addressing a large crowd, gathered despite a competing night of cricket, Dr Jagdeo emphasised that the PPP/C is committed to building on the gains made over the past five years and campaigning with substance.
“When we campaign, we campaign on real things,” he told the crowd. “Some parties promise things without regard to their sustainability… It’s not the money, it’s about how you use the money and your capabilities.”
Jagdeo recalled the hardships faced by residents in Patentia and surrounding communities following the 2016 closure of the Wales Sugar Estate by the previous APNU+AFC administration. He said the decision devastated thousands of families, stripping workers of their livelihoods and cane farmers of their economic base. The meeting was held just a short distance from the now-defunct estate.
He reaffirmed the PPP/C’s commitment to the sugar industry, noting that 4,000 of the 7,000 laid-off sugar workers had been rehired. He explained to the gathered residents that similar plans to restore Wales were stalled due to the dismantling of critical infrastructure.
“They had already given away the lands, sold out the houses, and sold out the factory as scrap metal,” he explained.
Dr Jagdeo painted a broader picture of the party’s economic and social achievements since returning to office in 2020, including job creation, the return of subsidies for pensioners, and expanded healthcare access.
“60,000 more people are working now than in 2020,” he said, highlighting job creation as a key pillar of the government’s success.
He announced several major infrastructural projects for Region Three, including commercial development across the West Bank, waterfront tourism facilities, and the $300 million port development at Vreed-en-Hoop that is expected to significantly expand Guyana’s shipping capabilities and create thousands of jobs. The toll on the Demerara Harbour Bridge will also be removed starting August 1, and the new bridge is expected to be completed in the coming months.
Healthcare infrastructure is also set for upgrades, including plans to demolish and rebuild the West Demerara Regional Hospital. In education and family welfare, Jagdeo promised the expansion of the school feeding programme and introduction of transport grants for children.
He urged supporters to remain vigilant and engaged over the final six weeks of campaigning.
“Don’t be distracted… spend time every day to prepare every home to come out on election day. Because likes on Facebook don’t win elections,” he cautioned. “We have no room for complacency.”
Joining Jagdeo on stage were several prominent PPP/C figures, including University of Guyana lecturer Dr Kofi Dalrymple, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Deodat Indar, Region Three Chairman Ayube Inshan, CEO of GuySuCo Paul Cheong, Head of Cardiology at the Georgetown Public Hospital Dr Mahendra Carpen, and Member of Parliament Dr Tandika Smith.
Former APNU+AFC member Thandi McAllister, now aligned with the PPP/C, said she has no regrets about her political shift. “The PPP/C is my home,” she told the crowd. “It is the PPP/C that fought for democracy and restored it when the party I came from tried to deny you your votes.”
Indar, in his address, echoed Jagdeo’s criticisms of the opposition: “Don’t let them come and lie to you again. You are in the right hands, strong hands… This is the government of increase – increasing jobs, increasing development.”
Sugar industry revival was a key theme of the evening, with GuySuCo CEO Paul Cheong declaring, “Today sugar is breathing again and we can look forward to a vibrant sugar industry in the future. We cannot turn our backs on it now.”
Dr Jagdeo closed by emphasisng the PPP/C’s long-term vision. “We are trying to build the next generation that will lead this party into a glorious future,” he said.
With election day approaching, the PPP/C has signaled its intent to run a campaign focused on performance, continuity, and development – promising to be, in Jagdeo’s words, a party that “keeps its word.”
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