GS Jagdeo reaffirms commitment to youth development

– as PPP/C youth arm grows to over 15,000 members

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration continues to garner significant support from young people across Guyana, with its Progressive Youth Arm now boasting a membership of more than 15,000.
This growth highlights the increasing engagement of youth in national development and politics, and reflects the administration’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young citizens.

The significant rise in youth membership within the PPP/C was revealed by Vice President Bharrat (VP) Jagdeo, who also serves as the Party’s General Secretary.
He made the announcement on Friday evening during a community outreach with residents of Linden, held at the Watooka Guest House in Region 10 (Upper Demerara–Upper Berbice).
Jagdeo highlighted the surge in membership, now surpassing 15,000, as a testament to the growing enthusiasm among young people to be involved in shaping Guyana’s future.
“After the congress of our party – and I’m general secretary of the people’s progressive party – I made a commitment that we’d establish a 5000 strong youth movement which is called the Progressive Youth Arm of the PPP/C, and I’ve gone to almost every region with the exception of (Region) 10 and [Region 7]; and we now have over 15, 000 members in the youth arm of the people’s progressive party,” he declared.

The VP emphasised that the PPP/C has a long and proven track record of promoting youth development and leadership. He pointed to his own political journey as a reflection of the party’s commitment: becoming Finance Minister while still in his twenties and later assuming the presidency at a young age.
Jagdeo underscored that such opportunities for young people to rise to positions of national leadership are a hallmark of the PPP/C’s inclusive and forward-looking philosophy. He contrasted this with what he described as a lack of similar support within opposition parties, where youth involvement often takes a backseat to entrenched leadership structures.
“When we look at our counterparts, they run a gerontocracy – meaning that you had to be over 65 to get into their cabinet; so we walk the walk with young people, we just don’t talk about empowering young people,” he noted.
The VP reaffirmed that the PPP/C remains committed to empowering young Guyanese, not only by including them in governance but also by equipping them with the tools, resources, and platforms to lead meaningful change.
Jagdeo stressed that youth development must go far beyond sports, noting that while athletics play an important role, young people also need access to a broader range of opportunities and essential services.
He emphasised the importance of providing youths with access to housing, quality healthcare, education, and job opportunities; critical pillars that contribute to their overall well-being and long-term success.
“We don’t believe that young people’s issues are only sports, giving them a football or a cricket bat and then you can satisfy their concerns. We think young people have ideas; they need to be listened to; they have skills; we must talk about housing for them so that everyone could have your own home; we must talk about jobs for them; we must talk about education and health care for young people, because in it is in your hands that the future of this country will be entrusted,” he advised.
During his weekly press conference on Thursday, the VP had stated that recent endorsements from members of the opposition reflect the growing strength and appeal of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).
He noted that these developments signal the party’s continued evolution into a truly multi-ethnic and inclusive national political movement, one that resonates with a broad cross-section of the Guyanese population.
Improved Health Infrastructure
Moreover, Jagdeo announced that residents of Linden and the wider Region 10 will soon benefit from enhanced access to healthcare services. He revealed that the Government is moving ahead with plans to rehabilitate the decades-old Linden Hospital Complex, bringing it in line with modern medical standards.
The upgrade, he noted, forms part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving public healthcare infrastructure across the country, ensuring that all citizens—regardless of location have access to quality and reliable medical services.