A two-week photographic exhibition to commemorate the birth and death anniversary of the late President of Guyana and founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Cheddi Jagan was yesterday launched in the foyer of the National Library, Church and Avenue of the Republic.Dr. Jagan was born on March 22, 1918, and died on March 6, 1997, at the age of 79. His wife, Mrs. Janet Jagan, also a former President of Guyana died in the month of March as well. She died on March 28.
Meanwhile, there was a concurrent launch of a similar exhibition at the national library in New Amsterdam, Berbice, which will also run for two weeks and members of the public are invited to attend and view the exhibits.
The exhibitions, which feature scores of photographs highlighting the work and life of Dr. Jagan in various settings, also have on display several works written by Dr. Jagan.

Launched in Georgetown by Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC), Mr. Hydar Ally, the exhibition is an initiative of the CJRC. Also officiating was Administrative Assistant, Ms. Yashomatie Rampersaud.
In brief remarks, Mr. Ally outlined that the CJRC was officially opened on Dr. Jagan’s 82nd birth anniversary on March 22, 2000, and was established to promote the ideas and works of the veteran politician who entered into the political arena in the 1940s and founded the PPP on January 1, 1950.
Having entered the political arena, Dr. Jagan never gave up his struggles for a democratic free and independent Guyana. “One can therefore say that he had dedicated his entire life to the cause of the Guyanese people, for which he is aptly regarded as the father of this nation,” Ally said.
In extending a warm welcome to one and all to visit and view the exhibition, Ally added that the CJRC is dedicated to making available to Guyana and the world the very rich collection of material which captures the visionary thoughts and revolutionary ideas of the late Dr. Jagan.
Noting that the late Mrs. Janet Jagan also died in the month of March, Mr. Ally added that it is a good time for the Guyanese people to reflect on the work and teachings of both of them, since she also served as president of this nation.
Said Ally, “It is very remarkable that between the two of them, they gave over 100 years of sterling service to the people of Guyana, and we felt that this is something that we need to validate, and we want to encourage all Guyanese to visit the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre where lots of his works and collections are accessible.”
Reflecting on the life of the political icon, Ally remarked: “Dr. Jagan was such an extraordinary person, not only in his political pursuit, but was also a very prolific writer.” Commenting on some of the many books Dr. Jagan wrote, he cited “The West on Trial; Forbidden Freedom; A New Global Human order; the USA in South America; Selected Speeches; 1992-1994: My fight for Guyana’s Freedom…among others.”
For persons interested in knowing and reading more about Dr. Jagan’s life and writings, the CJRC extends a warm welcome to the facility at High Street, Kingston.
It says: “The centre houses a large archival collection of papers, documents, photographs, audio and DVDs related to Dr. Jagan’s long and enduring involvement in leading the political struggle in Guyana and at the global level. Dr. Jagan is a renowned and respected statesman. His immense stature in Guyana and the Caribbean and the world at large, stems from his ground-breaking contributions in numerous stages of the struggle for a better life for the people of Guyana and the world at large.
The Chairman of the CJRC said that the centre is currently putting on display some photographs and exhibits to give viewers a sketch of his life over the years.