Dr. Jagdeo highlights that the party will address contemporary issues such as social media’s impact on political discourse, the evolving international landscape and its implications for Guyana, gender equality in party politics, and strategies to increase youth participation at the upcoming People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Congress. The surge in new memberships has led to the largest-ever congress for the PPP, with over 3,000 delegates and observers expected to attend.
Led by General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the 32nd Congress aims to explore the party’s past, present, and future trajectory as it continues its mission to enhance the well-being of Guyanese citizens.
Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s headquarters, Dr. Jagdeo noted that overseas members, in addition to local supporters, will contribute to the discussions. Several ministers representing the civic arm will also be accredited as observers and actively participate in the congress.
The congress commences today at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Liliendaal, Georgetown. This state-of-the-art facility, named after Guyana’s first President, symbolizes our nation’s progress and development. Registration starts on the same day. The main sessions are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.
“We have delegates traveling from all ten regions to be here and in significant numbers. It’s the largest Congress ever held by the People’s Progressive Party,” Dr. Jagdeo highlighted that the previous congress, held in 2016, boasted just over 1,000 delegates, emphasizing the significant increase in attendance for the upcoming event.
The PPP General Secretary thanked over 500 volunteers who diligently prepared for the congress.
With the opening ceremony slated for live broadcast, Dr. Jagdeo announced that, as the current general secretary, he would present the Central Committee report.
Dr. Jagdeo elaborated on the report’s content, highlighting its focus on the party’s history, core values, and struggles across different periods in the country’s life.
Furthermore, he emphasized the report’s examination of events since the previous congress, held during their opposition tenure. It tracks the party’s journey amidst economic challenges and its efforts to safeguard democracy during the APNU+AFC administration.
“There will be seven workshops where all 3,000 odd delegates and observers will have an opportunity to express their views freely and have those views documented so the views can then infuse the future programs of the party with those ideas that come out of the congress,” he said.
The workshops will center on various themes, including enhancing the party’s resilience, political and parliamentary dynamics, social and economic policies, local governance, the impact of social media, global affairs, and youth and gender issues.
“We’re looking forward to an active participation from all of our members in a free, open manner so that we can grow the party, reaffirm its position on these matters, and, as I said before, come up with new ideas as to how we can we can grow the party,” the PPP General Secretary further stated.
Dr. Jagdeo elaborated that various party groups would present resolutions on topics such as the Palestinian issue and border disputes for consideration at Congress.
Regarding party elections, Dr. Jagdeo clarified that the congress does not include elections for the General Secretary or other secretarial positions. Instead, there are two elections: firstly, delegates vote for thirty-five members of the Central Committee from a pool of 93 candidates. Secondly, they elect five candidate members who can attend Central Committee meetings but do not possess voting rights.
“When they elect those, the Central Committee will meet and then elect the party’s General Secretary and other secretaries. This has been in our Constitution and the practice from the very beginning. It’s nothing new. I see some people not very familiar with our Constitution or what took place at every Congress before this one; there have been some fights of fantasy about what will happen at this congress,” Dr Jagdeo said.