PYO played key role against PNC’s dictatorship, fight for democracy – PPP GS

– as over 3000 young people attend youth conference in Reg 6

More than 3,000 young people were told of the prospects for elevation within the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) at its Youth Conference on Saturday in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Held at the Tain Campus in Berbice, this conference is the latest in a series of similar events held as part of the party’s countrywide drive to recruit a new generation of young members to its youth arm – the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO).
PPP’s General Secretary and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, delivered the feature address to the massive gathering at Tain.
Dr Jagdeo outlined the history of the PPP and the PYO, highlighting their founding by the early leadership of the Party. He shared the instrumental role played by the PYO and its members in key aspects of the PPP’s political activism over the years, particularly in the struggle against the PNC dictatorship and the fight for democracy during the 1970s and 1980s, which culminated in the restoration of democracy in 1992.
The General Secretary also noted that the PYO has historically served as the Party’s leadership incubator, providing a path through which many of the Party’s current leaders entered political life. He cited examples such as President Irfaan Ali and himself, both of whom began their political careers in the PYO and have since gone on to hold the highest offices in the country.
Dr Jagdeo further emphasized to the young audience the importance of discipline and commitment to the ideals and objectives of the Party, which have been key to the sustained strength of both the PYO and the PPP over the years.
He further elaborated on the Government’s plans to transform Region Six, including the aggressive expansion of infrastructure essential for productive activities and quality of life, such as the construction of new Hope-like canals, a four-lane highway, community roads, and the creation of opportunities for personal advancement through training programs at the Guyana Technical Training College in Port Mourant.
Following the General Secretary’s address, an interactive session was held, allowing participants to pose questions to Dr Jagdeo. The youths later engaged in break-out sessions to discuss issues they felt needed priority attention from the Party and the Government.
This youth conference in Region Six follows several others held in various regions, with more scheduled as the party intensifies its recruitment of the next generation of members nationwide.
Only last month, Jagdeo told reporters at a press conference at the PPP’s Freedom House Headquarters that the party is making significant strides in engaging the youth of Guyana. In fact, over 6000 young people had participated in the party’s youth camps and conferences to date with similar engagements slated for Regions Three, Seven and Eight.
Jagdeo had emphasised the critical role that young people play in shaping the future of the nation and the party. He elaborated on the PPP’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders, stressing that these camps serve as an “incubator for leadership.” Young participants are not only learning about political processes but are also being prepared for future leadership roles within the party and on a national level.
“For us, the rebuilding of our youth movement is crucial for continuity, growth, and placing it in secure hands,” Dr Jagdeo had remarked. He further highlighted the importance of fostering empathy and social consciousness among young leaders, ensuring that their governance reflects the concerns of the people.
“They get a grounding, they learn empathy, ‘[and] they learn about struggles. It’s not just about personal development… it’s also about developing social consciousness and empathy with struggling people. If you can empathise with struggling people, you will become good leaders and people’s concerns will always be reflected in governance and policy-making,” Dr Jagdeo had stated.
The PPP General Secretary further expressed satisfaction with the enthusiasm of the youth, hoping that other political parties would take note of this trend.