Commemorative Ceremony Turns Political as President Ali Urges Voters to Reject “Experimental Leadership”
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News
What was intended to be a solemn commemorative ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the deaths of the Enmore Martyrs quickly took on a political tone Monday, as President Irfaan Ali used the occasion to urge Guyanese not to “gamble with their future” when they head to the polls on September 1, 2025.
Addressing the gathering, President Ali stated that Guyana needs “stable, respectful, and committed leadership,” warning against what he described as “experimental leadership.”
“We cannot gamble with our future,” the Head of State declared. “This is the period for consolidation… not experiment. It is the period to consolidate the gains that we have made.”
The President reiterated his party’s stance that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) is on the right path and called for national unity to build a better Guyana.
During his address, President Ali also unveiled a list of promises should the PPP/C be returned to government in the upcoming general and regional elections. These included:
- Higher salaries
- More homes and housing grants
- An increase in the “Because We Care” cash grant
- Higher old-age pensions
- Tax breaks
- Easier access to vehicle ownership
In classic campaign fashion, the President also criticized the former APNU+AFC coalition government, accusing it of leaving behind what he described as a “trail of destruction.”
“More than 40,000 families were affected by the closure of estates in this industry alone,” he stated, referencing the sugar industry.
The event was initially meant to honor the five sugar workers — Rambarran, Lallabajee, Pooran, Kissoon, and Surajballi — who were gunned down by colonial police during a protest outside the Enmore sugar estate on June 16, 1948. They are remembered as symbols of resistance and labor unity in Guyana’s history.
