Democracy paved way for Guyana’s economic, social progress – Jagdeo

…says democracy must not be taken for granted

People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary (GS) Bharrat Jagdeo has said the restoration of democracy in Guyana on October 5, 1992, created the foundation for economic reconstruction, stronger democratic institutions and improvements in social services.
In comments marking the 34th anniversary of the restoration of democracy, Jagdeo described October 5, 1992, as one of the most consequential dates in Guyana’s political history, saying the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) victory at the elections ended what he described as 28 years of undemocratic rule by the People’s National Congress (PNC).
Jagdeo said the significance of the 1992 elections extended beyond a change in Government, arguing that the outcome paved the way for an independent judiciary, a stronger Parliament, a free press and a new Constitution that enshrined fundamental protections.
He acknowledged that those institutions have had imperfections but said they remain essential to a society in which citizens can live freely, pursue opportunities and shape their future.
According to Jagdeo, the restoration of democracy also gave Guyana an opportunity to rebuild its economy and expand prosperity.
He pointed to debt reduction, sound economic management and long-term planning as measures that helped establish the foundation for growth and advances in health, education, housing and other social services.
However, Jagdeo warned that democracy must not be taken for granted.
He pointed to the 2020 General and Regional Elections, alleging that the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) had attempted to overturn the will of the electorate.
Jagdeo said those efforts failed because the PPP/C stood in defence of Guyana and the right of citizens to choose their Government.
He said the PPP would remain vigilant in protecting democratic freedoms while continuing to pursue development across the country.
Among the areas he identified as priorities were job creation, housing, education and health, as well as the wellbeing of children, young people and the elderly.
Jagdeo said the implementation of these initiatives requires time, fiscal discipline and transparent management of public resources. He also said the PPP would continue its efforts to fight corruption “in all its manifestations.”
He said the party’s objective is to build a Guyana in which prosperity reaches every community and citizen, regardless of race, religion or creed.
“That is what we fought for in 1992. It is what we will continue to deliver,” Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo’s remarks came as Guyana marked 34 years since the October 5, 1992 elections, which were also addressed in statements by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
Ali described the 1992 elections as the culmination of a prolonged struggle to restore democratic rights following decades of disputed elections, political authoritarianism, economic decline and the suppression of freedoms.
In his anniversary statement, Ali said the elections restored the ballot as an instrument through which Guyanese could genuinely determine who governed the country.
He said the restoration of democracy also created the political space for national reconstruction and linked the country’s subsequent progress in infrastructure, education, health, housing, telecommunications, economic activity, international engagement and social development to the restoration of democracy.
Jagdeo, in his anniversary message, similarly linked democracy to Guyana’s economic and social development, while stressing the importance of preserving the institutions and freedoms associated with the democratic system.
He said the country’s future must involve continued development while ensuring that citizens are able to participate in shaping that future.
Jagdeo’s comments also placed emphasis on the need for the benefits of development to reach communities and citizens across Guyana, regardless of race, religion or creed.