Dear Editor,
The concern raised (and advice proffered to address the problem) by Dr. Joey Jagan that the PPP, the party founded by his father, the great Dr. Cheddi, has deviated from Jaganite principles of good governance should be heeded (SN Aug 11). I spent almost three weeks in Guyana in July speaking with people while conducting a NACTA opinion survey on contemporary issues. Supporters of the PPP vented the same worry as Dr. Joey complaining the party has been abandoning them over the last five years and that it has moved away from its working class character.
Many say they can’t identify with the party any more (complaining it has become a party of the wealthy) and wish if it could return to its founding principles and provide better governance. And as Joey rightly stated, contrary to the feeling of Freddie Kissoon (persistently attacking and seeking to discredit Cheddi in his KN columns), “the doc” is loved by people of all ethnic backgrounds and classes and he remains the most respected political figure in our nation. Yes, people still view Cheddi as “Mahatma” and wished if he were still alive saying the PPP would not have deviated from its working class character. And an overwhelming majority of people (including supporters of the PNC) view Cheddi as father of the nation. Dr. Jagan is viewed by all as the most honest, decent and incorruptible politician in the history of Guyanese society who neglected his own life worked selflessly for the benefit of others.
Joey is right that unless the PPP returns to the grass roots and grounds with the people, its political future will be bleak. More and more traditional supporters of the PPP have indicated they will “park up” for the next elections. While disgruntled PPP supporters stayed away from the polls last elections and many abandoned the PPP to vote AFC, those now upset with the AFC for teaming up with the PNC) are not returning to the PPP’s fold. They have indicated they will blank the next election but they said they will give consideration to returning to the PPP if the party reforms itself, returning to Jaganite principles of better governance.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
