According to Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) stands as a bulwark against the detractors of development.
In a speech last Sunday, he joined hundreds of people in paying tribute to the founding leader of the PPP/C, Dr Cheddi Jagan, at Babu Jaan, Port Mourant, East Berbice-Corentyne.
The Foreign Minister asserted that Dr Jagan paved the way for Guyana’s development and called him “committed” and selfless.
As Todd described, Dr. Jagan was a “stalwart who gave his entire life to serving this country.” It was dedicated to uplifting everyone regardless of ethnicity, education, or social status.
According to the Foreign Minister, he united this country and fought against imperialism.
It is reported that Dr Jagan’s lineage traces back to India. He was born on March 22, 1918, in the Dutch county of Berbice, into a family of sugar workers.
Dr. Jagan rose from poverty to president in a nation rich in natural resources, exploited by colonialism, plagued by slavery and indentureship, beset by economic disadvantages, divided by racism, infused with class discrimination, and permeated by cultural suppression, among other oppressions.
Minister Todd said Dr Jagan was respected locally and internationally because of his commitment to Guyana.
“His legacy remains intact,” said the minister.
According to him, “When you look back over the past several decades, your People’s Progressive Party/Civic has remained true to the values and principles of the founding father of the only political party that has ever been dedicated to the people of this country.”
Todd says the PPP/C’s founding leader highlighted “people-centered, people-driven, and people-focused” development rather than solely relying on foreign investments and capital.
Todd firmly stated, “He taught us that we must invest in our human resources to move Guyana toward the independent, free, and committed development of every Guyanese.”
As he continued, he thanked President Dr. Irfaan Ali for his outstanding leadership, which has put Guyana on a fast development path.
With continuity with President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, he is now leading this country’s first industrial revolution while remaining true to the values and principles of the party’s founding father and, I dare say, the father of this nation.
Furthermore, Todd noted, “We’re here today [last Sunday] united, committed, and well-organized to keep moving forward, regardless of distractions or naysayers… We can prove to the world, to the rest of the country, that we are the only political party that can unite this nation and move it forward.”
The Foreign Minister urged the crowd to remain committed and focused.