The month of March will always invoke memories of the painful loss which was inflicted on Guyana. It was this month 14 years ago when the country’s greatest hero, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, fell after illness. Twelve years later his supportive wife of decades, Janet Jagan,  suffered the same fate. To say that their contributions to Guyana’s freedom and development are monumental would be an understatement even though the statement itself says a lot. For decades they sacrificed unselfishly to improve the lives of all. This did not come easily. They were jailed in the process. This and other forms of harassment did not deter them from remaining steadfast in their quest to rid Guyana of its oppressors. They were not intimidated by the guns that were pointed at them. If they were, then the freedoms we now enjoy would not have materialised. In fact, many of the things that we all now enjoy would not have been possible had the Jagans flinched in their efforts.

Guyana’s history will always hold prominently the immense and invaluable contributions made by a humble husband and his loyal wife. Had they not been unrelenting in their rebellious endeavours, Guyana would not have been freed from the shackles of dictatorship. In addition to their patriotic struggles for a free country, the Jagans ensured that all from this multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural nation were involved.

Today, this inclusiveness continues to be one of the pillars of the PPP/C Administration. This is in addition to democracy, transparency and the freedom of expression which have permeated since the dawn of a new era 18 years ago. Guyana has experienced colossal changes during this period, a period which saw the end of dictatorship. Dr. Jagan’s efforts have made him the “Father of the Nation”. None can argue with this title. By extension, his faithful wife, Janet, is the “Mother of the Nation”.

Her journey to help free Guyana began at a time when women generally had no voice or even rights. This discriminatory tool was not seen by her as a deterrent. It probably served to strengthen her determination to help realise the dream of the champion freedom fighter whom she had married. She and her husband were icons of simplicity. For them the people mattered. Their love for people was one of the qualities that characterised the Jagans. This has remained alive and has been fostered as exemplified by President Bharrat Jagdeo, who continues to work tirelessly for the betterment of all.

What really matters is people and great leaders are remembered and revered for their nobility towards humanity. Every year since his unfortunate passing, thousands flock to the Babu John cremation site to pay homage to an extraordinary son of the soil, Dr. Jagan. Over the last two years, Guyanese have been gravitating to the site in commemoration of the lives of both Dr. Jagan and his wife, Janet. Recently, TIME Magazine published its choice of 16 most rebellious women. Among them is Mrs. Janet Jagan.

The 16 named are women of calibre who were driven by humanitarian instincts.  Mrs. Jagan’s name on this illustrious list was not a coincidence. Given her struggles, sacrifices and achievements, the magazine’s choice must have been automatic. This recognition has vindicated her efforts and what tens of thousands of Guyanese know. It is unfortunate that a few here would continue to disparage her name and that of her husband. What is ironic, is that those, who today by the simple act of writing publicly in their attempts to besmirch the good name of the founders of the People’s Progressive Party and the nation, are benefiting from the fruits of labour of the Jagans.

If only they could pause in their poisonous articulations and contemplate the genesis of the freedom they enjoy and abuse, they would understand why TIME Magazine has named Mrs. Jagan in its distinguished list of women who have been recognised for their invaluable contributions towards the freedom of humanity. If only they could, then they would know how valuable that freedom is.
It’s not a freedom to abuse.