Over 6,000 youths engaged in recent conferences and events PNCR and AFC accused of “recycling fossils”
The Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), the youth arm of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), has experienced a significant surge in membership in recent weeks, with thousands of young people joining its ranks. The PPP’s General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, highlighted this development during his weekly press conference on Thursday.
Dr. Jagdeo revealed that over 6,000 youths from across the country participated in a series of camps and conferences organized by the PYO.
“I think this is an enormous number of young people; I do not think that there is a youth organisation that has those numbers anywhere in our country,” Dr. Jagdeo told reporters during a press briefing at the party’s Freedom House headquarters.
He attributed the large turnout to the party’s inclusive, multiethnic nature and its longstanding democratic tradition.
“If you look at the images coming out of these youth conferences, you will see the true nature of the People’s Progressive Party and the youth movement that we are forming; it’s a multi-ethnic gathering of young people,” Dr. Jagdeo said.
He contrasted the PPP/C’s approach to youth engagement with that of its political opponents, asserting that the PPP/C stands out not only for its youth outreach efforts but also for creating substantial opportunities for personal growth. According to Dr. Jagdeo, this unique approach has led to the “unmatched” turnout seen at recent youth events.
“The reason we attract the young people is because we are a party that has a long history of fighting for freedom in this country. From independence to the return of democracy to Guyana, and then fighting off again the PNC’s, AFC’s attempt to steal the 2020 elections,” Dr. Jagdeo said. “We have a long track record of accomplishments moving Guyana forward; we have a track record of giving young people opportunities, at various levels, even at the highest levels in the country; at the ministerial level; at the presidential level.”
He noted that his own political journey began within the PYO and highlighted the rapid rise of young leaders in the PPP/C.
“I grew up in the PYO, the youth arm of the party, and by my 20s, I was minister, and by 35, President. Irfaan Ali was a member of the youth arm of the party; he became a minister in his 20s, and by age 40 he became the President of the country.”
Dr. Jagdeo described the PYO as “an incubator for leadership,” emphasizing its role in shaping future leaders with a focus on social consciousness and empathy.
“They get a grounding there; they learn empathy with people. They learn about struggles, and that’s the message we have been speaking about at these youth camps. That it is not just personal development; we push our people to grow personally,” he said.
The PPP/C plans to continue its engagement with young people nationwide, aiming to build a new generation of leaders. Dr. Jagdeo also took a swipe at opposition parties, accusing them of “recycling fossils.”
“The rebuilding of our youth movement is a crucial part of the continuity of our party, for the growth of our party and placing it in secure hands … I’m pleased that the party is growing among young people,” Dr. Jagdeo concluded.
Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo deserves immense praise for his youthful energy and unwavering ambition for the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), a cause that remains deeply personal and close to his heart. His exceptional leadership and forward-thinking vision have been instrumental in guiding the party toward a brighter future.
Dr. Jagdeo understands the crucial role that young people play in Guyana’s economic development and has made it a priority to empower them. At the same time, he is deeply committed to uniting all communities under the banner of “One Guyana,” fostering a sense of togetherness and national pride. His leadership is truly inspiring, laying the groundwork for a prosperous and inclusive future for all.