The memorial service was organized by Dr. Tara Singh and Shrad Kublall in co-operation with the ACG and other groups.

In his brief remarks, President Jagdeo described Janet as an extraordinary woman beyond comparison. He noted how she gave up her country and adopted Guyana as her home.

The President said the Guyanese nation has had a great love for Cheddi and Janet Jagan and together they led an important era in Guyana’s history which people will never forget. “They helped shape our country’s destiny. And their passing has marked the passage of that remarkable era. They organized political activities which transformed the nation and we are grateful for their hard work and what they have left behind for us to inherit”.

The President noted that often times Janet’s contributions to the freedom struggle are placed on a lesser mantle than her husband. “But she has a special place in our nation’s struggle. Sometimes her struggle and contributions to the freedom struggle were overshadowed by Dr. Jagan. But she was a great partner to him and played a significant role in our freedom struggle. Cheddi was at the helm but she was at the top level and we should not understate her contributions and achievements. When we think of her, we must think of her struggle which defined ”.

President Jagdeo noted that Janet overcame many obstacles after being unfairly vilified for the color of her skin and her country of birth after she became President in December 1997.

He also noted she cared for her adopted homeland and it was unfair for anyone to attack her especially after she was elected as President. “Those who know Janet know she was a patriot, a true Guyanese. She has had only love for and commitment to Guyana. She tried to change the course of the country through her dedication to a long struggle. We have a better country today because of her struggle. We are so much enriched by her actions. We enjoy many freedoms today because of Janet and her partner, Cheddi and we shall forever be grateful to them”.

The President pointed out that although Janet was imprisoned, “that did not deter her from continuing the freedom struggle for independence and as a result today she has a special place in our heart”.

The President said the best tribute to Janet and Cheddi would be to ensure their memories live on not only at their birth and death anniversaries but daily. “Otherwise, we will demean their contribution to society. We must not deviate from the path which they set for us to walk. We must be constantly guided by their principles”.

The President said that at a recent birthday bash for Janet at Freedom House, he corrected a speaker who described Janet as a woman’s activist. “She was a Guyanese activist for all people regardless of gender, race, and nationality”.

President Jagdeo said the PPP will miss Janet as she was among the last surviving elders but he is not worried about the future of the party. “Janet and Cheddi left the party in good footing. They made the party strong. They built the party on principle not personality. The party must remain committed and strong to their principles. And we have a few elders who will guide the party according to these principles”.

President Jagdeo said Janet lived a full life and she was mentally prepared for death. “We are going to send her off in a dignified way. She will have a state funeral”.

Minister Robert Persaud was also glowing in his tribute to the President. He said he and the President were saddened upon hearing the news of her passing and they immediately rebooked their flights to go home.

Minister Persaud said Janet’s passing is a severe loss to the PPP and to the nation as well as to women. Persaud talked about how Janet introduced him to politics. “She inspired a whole nation and was an inspiration to the world through her action, her struggles and her way of life. She was a champion of women everywhere. In Guyana, we continue to be guided by her passion, commitment, firmness, resolve, dedication and steadfastness”.

Persaud said Janet was the driving force behind the party. “She was a woman of steel and strength. And we admired her. We must never forget her contributions to society. We must ensure her legacy is maintained. She has done her part. It is now up to us to do our part?”

The remarks of the President and the Minister were carried live on the Indo-Caribbean radio network worldwide broadcasting WICR.

Others also paid tribute to the former President at the hastily organized memorial service.
VISHNU BISRAM