I recently travelled to Guyana.
It was an honour to stand in solidarity with the people of Guyana during their celebrations and to meet with PPP Government ministers.
In addition, I had the opportunity to deliver a letter of congratulations and solidarity written by our parliamentary chair Brian Leishman MP for and on behalf of Liberation (See full text below).
This letter underscores Liberation’s solidarity and our commitment to the people of Guyana. Liberation took up the cause of Guyanese self/determination, actively advocating for the PPP against British colonial rule and global interference some 78 years ago and so it was a great privilege to be invited by the former President of Guyana, Donald Ranindranauth Ramotar to speak at the Cheddie Jagan Research Centre (the Red House) set up by former Presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan.
Jeremy Corbyn, Liberation’s President also sent with me a message saying “my solidarity with the people of Guyana as they celebrate the heroic struggle that won independence. I wish a peaceful and sustainable future with the nature that blesses a wonderful land.”
Guyana’s recent oil discoveries promise unprecedented economic prosperity. As Brian says in his letter: “We send our solidarity as your government works to ensure that this wealth is used to improve lives, strengthen public services and build long-term prosperity and independence for future generations, while also protecting the country’s extraordinary natural environment and biodiversity for generations to come. We also want to express our solidarity with Guyana in defence of its territorial integrity, particularly regarding the Essequibo region. We support peaceful resolution through international law, diplomacy and respect for national sovereignty.”
My journey to Guyana was a childhood dream now fulfilled following Liberation’s former President and lawyer, John Bowden’s visits in the 1970s. There John represented Arnold Rumpersaud, a wrongly accused PPP member who was placed on a trumped up charge of murder by the then right wing government.
This was one of the most publicised political trials of the time. This human rights case was won triumphantly in 1977 with the help and pressure from internationalists including Liberation, the PPP and sugar cane workers who walked to the courts for miles in support of Arnold. This great man survived his terrible ordeal of being incarcerated and tortured. Today Arnold Rumpersaud lives a humble life and has dedicated it to humanity.
It was the greatest honour of my lifetime to meet him, and learn what he had been through, listening to his gratitude for John Bowden and all those who helped him was extremely moving and humbling. His story is about to be written into a book. We look forward to reading this soon.
Katie Bowden, Liberation Executive member
Photos: Clement James Rohee Former MP for Foreign Affairs and now runs the CJRC) / Katie Bowden – Liberation Executive / Donald Ranindranauth Ramotar Former President of Guyana sporting our Liberation and PPP caps at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC)
LETTER FROM BRIAN LEISHMAN MP
HOUSE OF COMMONS
LONDON SW1A 0AA
Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
General Secretary
People’s Progressive Party
18 May 2026
Dear Dr Bharrat Jagdeo
Re: Solidarity from Liberation on the 60th Anniversary of Guyana’s Independence
On behalf of Liberation and its predecessor (Movement for Colonial Freedom), I wanted to express our solidarity and congratulations on the 60th anniversary of Guyana’s independence from British colonial rule.
It is an important moment in Guyana’s historical struggle for sovereignty, democracy, self-determination and national development. It is also an important moment for all nations who are seeking their own independence from outside interference and enduring imperial domination.
The People’s Progressive Party has played the crucial role in this struggle through advancing national sovereignty, the interests of working people and fostering unity across Guyana’s diverse society. Liberation values the close relationship and solidarity that has existed between ourselves and the PPP since the 1960s and looks ahead to many more decades of solidarity.
With discovery of significant natural resources Guyana is at a turning point offering great opportunities for Guyanese people. We send our solidarity as your government works to ensure that this wealth is used to improve lives, strengthen public services and build long-term prosperity and independence for future generations, while also protecting the country’s extraordinary natural environment and biodiversity.
We also want to express our solidarity with Guyana in defence of its territorial integrity, notably in the Essequibo region. We support a peaceful resolution to the ongoing territorial dispute through international law, diplomacy and respect for national sovereignty.
Please convey our warmest greetings to President Irfaan Ali, Minister Gail Teixeira, the leadership of the PPP, and to the people of Guyana on this diamond anniversary.
In peace and solidarity,
Brian Leishman, MP
Chair of Liberation
