Dr Cheddi Jagan’s greatest achievement was the return of democracy – PPP
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on Wednesday observed the 22nd death anniversary of former President and Founder of the PPP, Dr Cheddi Jagan.
In a statement, the Party said Dr Jagan’s death saw Guyana losing a great fighter, politician, statesman and human being and March 6, 1997, is a day that will forever be remembered as one of the saddest in the history of the country.
“Dr Jagan is regarded as the Father of the Nation for his relentless and selfless struggles against the colonial masters
for Guyana’s independence. A struggle he led to free our people from colonialism, to improve their lives and to return democracy following the dark, oppressive period when our people were subjected to a brutal dictatorship for almost three decades under the [People’s National Congress] PNC regime,” the Party said on Wednesday.
The late President’s ideals and principles, it noted, are as relevant today as it was then, especially during this period owing to the total disregard for the Constitution of Guyana. “After about four years in office, the [A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change] APNU/AFC Government is swiftly pushing the country into economic ruin after 23 years of unprecedented prosperity under the PPP Government, started under Dr Jagan in 1992 and dubbed the “Return to Democracy”,” the Party said.
Dr Jagan’s greatest achievements, the Party added, would have been the return of democracy and the renewal of hope to all Guyanese, regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, gender, religion or class. “Unfortunately, today, PNC-led Government impunity has returned, discrimination continues unabated and hope is once again fading into
the sunset as it did during those dark ruthless days of the PNC rule.”
Dr Jagan was a champion of the working class, the Party said, adding that he truly believed in equal opportunities for all – a fundamental ideal of the People’s Progressive Party.
“The PPP will not relent from its responsibility to represent the Guyanese people and to free them from the oppression that the current Government is foisting upon the nation. Dr Jagan led the struggle, and it will be continued by our Party until Guyanese and Guyana can return to progress. There are some who are bent on distorting our history in a calculated effort to diminish the outstanding contributions made by this Guyanese hero, but his work will live on and its relevance will remain firm in the hearts and minds of our people.”
Wreath laying
Meanwhile, hundreds of persons turned out in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) on Wednesday at Anna Regina to pay tribute to the late President and leader of the PPP.
To observe his 22nd death anniversary on Wednesday, March 6, the Party held a memorial service at the Cheddi Jagan Play Park in Anna Regina where tributes, prayers, songs, and poem were done as supporters remembered the son of the soil.
In attendance were Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt; Regional Vice Chairman Nandranie Coonjah; MPs Cornell Damon and Nigel Daramlall; Deputy Mayor of the Anna Regina Town, Rudolph Williams; and other senior regional and party members. During the ceremony, the speakers called for the upholding of democracy and fight for free and fair elections just as Cheddi Jagan did all his life.
A wreath laying ceremony concluded Wednesday’s activity.
