President of the Permanent Council and Ambassador of Canada to the OAS, Graeme Clark noted that Mrs. Jagan played a relevant role in the development of Guyana, and received several distinctions, among them the Order of Excellence (the highest national award in Guyana), and the Gandhi Gold Medal for Culture of Peace.

“In 1997 she made history by becoming the first woman President of Guyana”, he recalled.

The Permanent Representatives of the 34 Member States of the OAS observed a minute’s silence as a tribute to her at the Washington headquarters of the organisation.

The organization said Secretary General José Miguel Insulza highlighted her important role in the democratic development of Guyana, and stressed the fact that she was the first woman in South America to be elected to the highest office in her country.

Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Ambassador Bayney R. Karran, also mentioned Janet Jagan’s political trajectory, who besides being President was also married to former President Cheddi Jagan, widely recognized as the “father of the Guyanese nation”, was Prime Minister, Minister of Labour and Minister of Health, among other relevant offices held serving the South American nation.

“Her contribution to the development of Guyana was profound”, Mr. Karran said.

Many delegations later expressed their sorrow at the passing of Mrs. Jagan, known in her country as “The Freedom Fighter”, the OAS said.

President Bharrat Jagdeo in discussion with Nadira Brancier-Jagan, daughter of the late Mrs Janet Jagan, at Babu John crematorium on Tuesday.