Guyana at “threshold of national renaissance” – PPP on Independence message

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) said on Monday that Guyana is entering a new phase of national transformation as the country celebrates its 60th Independence Anniversary, describing the nation as being on the threshold of a “national renaissance” driven by economic growth, infrastructure development and expanding opportunities for citizens. In a lengthy Independence message, the party reflected on Guyana’s history, the struggles leading to independence, periods of democratic decline, and its vision for the country’s future development. According to the PPP, Guyana is now experiencing a convergence of “economic transformation, national confidence, and global relevance,” with infrastructure, digital systems and public services being modernised at a pace aimed at long-term development rather than short-term prosperity. The party said Guyanese are increasingly seeing the country as a place where careers, innovation and nation-building can occur simultaneously, while future generations are expected to inherit stronger institutions and greater opportunities. Reflecting on the country’s independence struggle, the PPP argued that colonialism thrived on division along racial, class and political lines and that Guyana’s independence was achieved through sacrifice, organisation and resistance rather than being freely granted by colonial authorities. The statement highlighted the role of the organised trade union movement, the Political Affairs Committee (PAC), and later the PPP under the leadership of Dr Cheddi Jagan in the fight for self-Government and social justice.
The party also claimed that external interference intensified as Guyana moved closer to independence, contributing to the political unrest and violence of the 1960s. According to the PPP, the divisions created during colonial rule continued to affect national unity long after independence was achieved. Addressing the period from 1964 to 1992, the PPP described those years as a time of authoritarian rule, economic decline and democratic suppression under the People’s National Congress (PNC). The statement referenced allegations of rigged elections in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985, as well as the 1978 referendum. The PPP further claimed that the period was marked by political violence, suppression of dissent and attacks on opposition groups, trade unions and civil society organisations under the doctrine of “party paramountcy.” The party said that by 1992 Guyana was facing severe economic hardship, with external debt exceeding 900 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and poverty affecting the majority of the population. It referenced the 1989 McIntyre Report, which ranked Guyana below Haiti as the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere at the time. According to the statement, economic decline, state control of the economy and suppression of private enterprise led to widespread hardship and migration, while many citizens struggled to meet basic needs. The PPP said the challenges faced after the restoration of free and fair elections in 1992 shaped its long-term development vision for Guyana. The party pointed to several national development frameworks introduced over the years, including the National Development Strategy (NDS), the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSP), the National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS), and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), first launched in 2009 and later updated as LCDS 2030. Looking ahead, the PPP outlined a number of initiatives it said would be pursued over the next five years. In education, the party said it plans to continue free education at all levels, modernise schools, expand digital learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) programmes, increase grants for students, and strengthen technical and vocational training. In healthcare, the PPP said it aims to operationalise 12 new hospitals, expand telemedicine services and recruit and train more healthcare professionals.

The party also outlined plans for economic expansion through the establishment of a Development Bank to support small and medium-sized businesses, opening 100,000 acres of arable land for cultivation, improving farm-to-market roads and continuing support for agriculture, mining, forestry, manufacturing and services.
Infrastructure projects, including the Gas-to-Energy (GtE) initiative, were also highlighted as part of efforts to provide affordable electricity, improve transportation and connectivity, and upgrade communities through drainage, sanitation, recreational facilities and security systems. The PPP further said it intends to strengthen border protection, expand community policing and introduce modern surveillance technology while advancing digital transformation through a national electronic identification system and expanded digital Government services. The statement also focused on social development, with the party saying it plans to expand opportunities for youth, women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and Amerindian communities through investments in housing, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and land titling. As Guyana marks 60 years of independence, the PPP paid tribute to those who fought for self-governance, democracy and national development while urging citizens to remain united and focused on nation-building. The statement warned against what it described as “populist ideals” and efforts to divide the population or distort the truth for political gain. Quoting the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan from a May 26, 1993 speech, the party said, “Freedom is indivisible; and unity and solidarity are essential for success. There can be no advance without struggle, and there can be no struggle without commitment and sacrifice.” The PPP also reaffirmed its commitment to defending Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, stating that “every square inch of Guyana belongs to the people of Guyana.”
The party extended Independence greetings to Guyanese both at home and abroad, describing the Diamond Jubilee anniversary as a moment to reflect on the country’s struggles, sacrifices and achievements.