…promises continued development, realistic campaigning, at Patentia rally
“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 (GS) and Vice President (VP) 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.
The community of Patentia at the public meeting held Friday night at the Patentia Market Square
With election day approaching, the PPP/C has signalled 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.”
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 also recalled the hardships experienced by residents of Patentia and nearby communities following the 2016 closure of the Wales Sugar Estate under the previous A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (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 have since 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.
Achievements
GS 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 also 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 (WDRH).
In education and family welfare, Jagdeo promised the expansion of the school feeding programme and 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 Mr Jagdeo on stage were several prominent figures from the PPP/C, including University of Guyana (UG) lecturer Dr Kofi Dalrymple; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar; Region Three Chairman, Ayube Inshan; Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (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 emphasising 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
