We must never return to the dark days of PNC rule

…PPP/C speakers tell supporters

“You must come out on the 11th of May and make your voices heard by putting your ‘X’ next to the cup and by returning the People’s Progressive Party to a resounding majority, so we can continue to bring progress and development to Guyana…,” Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told an ecstatic crowd of supporters at the Party’s Albion Rally on Sunday.

“Onward with progress; we must never return to the dark days of the PNC [People’s National Congress} rule!” the Minister continued to screams and cheers from the gathering. Dr Singh, who was instrumental in organizing the rally dubbed the largest so far, also succeeded in grabbing the attention of the thousands in the crowd, joined in solidarity with them in reflecting on the pain, horror and struggles endured under the PNC era. “It is always a great pleasure for me to speak in Berbice on political occasions like this, because I believe that the people of Berbice understand the political history in Guyana, the people of Berbice understand how valuable our democracy is and how valuable is the freedom we fought for,” he said.

He urged them to compare the vast differences between the two Governments and vote for the party which stood with them through their ups and downs. “Comrades and friends, you have seen the track record of the PPP, you have seen the outstanding leadership of President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Donald Ramotar…you have seen the work we’ve done to improve roads and create jobs… you have seen the progress we have made, you have seen the efforts we’ve made,” Dr Singh highlighted to the thousands who nodded their heads in agreement.

“Dastardly attack”

In thanking Berbice for their demonstration of support by attending the rally, Dr Singh in a televised program also used the opportunity to condemn the attack on PPP/Civic supporters following the Albion rally. The attack which involved three persons, two school age children, who were enroute to their homes on the Corentyne, Berbice by a group of people, alleged to be Opposition supporters. It is reported that unknown persons tossed missiles at the truck transporting the individuals as it passed through Leeds Village, Corentyne. “I wish to say this emphatically, that this is a dastardly attack and it is an assault on democracy and it is to be condemned in the hardest possible way. There can be no justification, there can be no excuse, there can be no defending of this vile act,” he declared. Dr Singh implied that, “given the threats of the history of violent behaviour by the Opposition” and their “traditional refusal to accept the outcome of the democratic process”, it is extremely alarming when such a development should occur under those circumstances.

“We have already signalled that the Opposition is preparing their supporters for not accepting the result of the democratic process… and so, without a doubt there is an element of desperation setting in amongst their leadership and for that reason, this incident can only be interpreted as an assault on the democratic process by their supporters…,” Dr Singh said.