General-Secretary of the RPA
How does one advocate for equality for the gender of the human species that provides the backbone for humankind to survive – from before and subsequent to birth? But the sad and unpalatable truth is that many men, after their mothers have nurtured them before and after birth, struggled in myriad ways to bring them to the point of adulthood; after their wives have loved them, cared for them and borne their children, they have used their strengths to diminish these very women.

They espouse the rum bottle and other women, then return home to bully their hapless families.  Many males in the society are convinced that it is proof of their virility to have many women, and even worse, to father as many children as they can manage.  But I use the word “father” in error there.

Even dogs procreate, but fathering embodies a spectrum of responsibilities, of which procreation is merely incidental (in most cases) to the process of the very demanding, but absolutely rewarding commitment of creating a complete person – healthy in body, mind, and soul.

Even more heinous are the abusers and sexual predators of the society – some who even prey on their own helpless children – an act of absolute betrayal worthy of castration.

There are no single mothers.  There are only recalcitrant fathers who create the single-parent status of many families.

Within the institutional landscape – whether in schools, workplaces, places of worship, service institutions, et cetera, the harassment of women by males in a dominant position is a given – even by some males highly respected in the wider society, until a single incident blows their covert activities open to the public.

Professional women are harassed in myriads of ways – whether because their male counterparts feel threatened; whether they see women as fair game – especially single women, most of whom would prefer to just do their jobs within a pleasant but professional milieu; or whether they are perceived to have invaded a male “preserve” and needs to be kept “in their right place,” which is secondary to the superior male of the species.

But even worse are female protagonists who, maybe out of envy, prejudice; or merely a nasty disposition, seek to diminish members of their own gender.  There is nothing more vicious and destructive than rumour-mongering.  Spread the destructive stories, even though you disregard the truth.  Sadly, many males are also party to rumour-mongering.

However, there is one primary organization that has led the struggle to change the status quo – from two fronts:  In l946 the Father of the Guyanese Nation, in equal partnership with indisputably the greatest frontline fighter for women’s rights in this country – the indomitable, inimitable Mrs. Janet Jagan, along with Messrs. Ashton Chase and Jocelyn Hubbard formed the Political Affairs Committee.

1946 also saw the formation of the Women’s Political and Economic Organization – the predecessor to the WPO, led by Mrs. Jagan, Ms Winifred Gaskin, and Frances Stafford.  These were intrepid women indeed, because they challenged the old order, and the bastion of male supremacy in the dictates of societal norms.  The WPEO, which is now the WPO, is the original and primary women’s organization in the nation.  In local parlance “Any other is a mock.”

On this occasion, I humbly take the opportunity to pay homage to the woman whom has truly loved and mothered this country and its people – first out of love and loyalty for her husband, then for their own sakes.

Time does not permit that I detail the perils and travails she endured in pursuit of social rights and justice, which included six months hard labour in prison, separation from her babies, curtailment of her freedoms in diverse ways, lifelong threats and attempts on her life.  When, out of the love, commitment, dedication, and the supreme loyalty she has always demonstrated to her husband, and by extension his people, she fulfilled his last request and accepted the presidency upon his demise, she was witch-hunted out of that office by the very nation for whom she fought all her adult life; yet she never advocated against any section or community, but always extended forgiveness with grace.  Her love for this nation and its people was paralleled only by that of her husband.

If married women can today work in public institutions, we have to thank Janet Jagan; if Guyana’s women have a voice against abuse – in all its myriad forms, we have to thank Janet Jagan; if women can vote today, we have to thank Janet Jagan; if women can stand today in equal partnership with male counterparts in the highest law-making and policy-making forum in the land – the Legislative Assembly, we have to thank Janet Jagan.

And today we humbly say “thank you“ for pioneering the way of the freedom we today enjoy in our homeland.

And I also wish to acknowledge the wonderful man who brought this amazing woman to this land and gifted her, with absolute generosity, to this nation.

Beyond their public personas, the romance of Dr and Mrs Jagan was an ode to love that transcended all the divides to emerge sublimely pure and indestructible.

POSTERITY WILL JUDGE US

There is a dire need for a restoration of democratic principles that should govern our society.   Even more so, there is a supreme need for honour to become a facet of our interaction and interrelation with our counterparts.

To deal justly with the vulnerable, and even help to empower them, should hallmark one’s philosophy for human interaction.  It is only by striving for universal respect for each member of society – man, woman, or child, can we create a better world for future generations.  Posterity will judge us.

Members of Parliament can enact legislation to dictate the behaviour of society:  But who will police the protagonists behind closed doors?  Many cases of harassment and abuse are thrown out of court for lack of evidence.  While legislation, both as guidelines and as empowering tools are necessary for the behavioral blueprint of society;  the real architects of appropriate behaviour, which will automatically empower – not merely women, but every member of society, should be community and religious leaders, teachers, parents, village elders, etc.  But who will in turn police the behavioral police?

If we, at this forum can find the answer to that question, then we would solve mankind’s perennial dilemma – and simultaneously save the world.

The following poem is in recognition of the contributions of the woman who helped to carve the future of our nation.  It spells the name “Janet Jagan.”

J- is for justice, for which she fought lifelong

A- Is for always, her spirit is so strong

N- is for never to bullies she surrendered

E- is for endurance, as this land’s defender

T- is for the tribute and homage we needs must pay

J- is for the Jagans, who fought hard, come what may

A- gainst imperialism, colonialism, and an unyielding man

G- is for gratitude, to the mother of this land

A- dvocate for the poor, and for peace and liberty

N- ational heroine of this land that your struggles helped to free

If married women can today work in public institutions, we have to thank Janet Jagan; if Guyana’s women have a voice against abuse – in all its myriad forms, we have to thank Janet Jagan; if women can vote today, we have to thank J
anet Jagan; if women can stand today in equal partnership with male counterparts in the highest law-making and policy-making forum in the land – the Legislative Assembly, we have to thank Janet Jagan.