The People’s National Congress (PNC) marked 59 years of existence during a simple ceremony held at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday.
From left: PNC Chairman Basil Williams, General Secretary Oscar Clarke, Vice Chairman Volda Lawrence, Party Leader David Granger, Chief Whip and Assistant General Secretary Amna Ally and Pastor Terrence Esseboom
President David Granger, who is also the party’s leader, addressed his comrades and coalition invitees on the lawns of Congress Place, Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He reminded them of the contributions that the late PNC founder/leader Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham made towards Guyana attaining independence back in 1966.
The Head of State pointed out that in the early days, public housing and social protection programmes were implemented to enhance social cohesion and public services.
“Guyana, under our founder/leader and first Prime Minister, strove to satisfy the needs of our people by expanding public education; by improving public health and public security; by increasing the stock public housing; by introducing social protection through NIS [National Insurance Scheme]; by enhancing social cohesion and by extending public infrastructure through bridges and highways and the delivery of public services to the people,” Granger stressed.
The PNC was formed after it split with the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1957, of which Burnham was a part, serving as Education Minister under a Jagan-led Government.
Granger also reminded that the last President under the PNC’s reign, Desmond Hoyte, paved the way for a green nation in 1989, by pioneering the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation project.
“We made a gift to sustainable development and to the protection of the environment through a generous grant of 371,000 hectares of our pristine forests to be used as an international model for green development,” Granger explained.
The party leader used the occasion to reaffirm his party’s commitment towards achieving a ‘green economy’.
He also reminded the gathering of his party’s mission in enabling all Guyanese to enjoy the ‘good life’ which they deserve as citizens of a ‘green’ state.
The President said, “Guyana is an emergent ‘green state’. Our natural assets, our commitment to sustainable development, our contribution to countering the adverse effects of climate change and our collaboration with the international community in seeking solutions to global threats will ensure a secure future for our people and our children in the pursuit of a ‘green’ economy.”
Minister of State, Joseph Harmon; former party leader, Robert Corbin; youth leader, James Bond; and Georgetown Mayor, Patricia Chase-Green were all present at Wednesday’s observance.
