HUNDREDS of Guyanese yesterday turned out at the annual fun day on the lawns of the State House on Main Street, Georgetown, part of the activities to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Addressing the gathering last evening, President Donald Ramotar urged patrons to, while enjoying themselves, take time to reflect on the memory of Dr. Jagan, who dedicated his life to fight for independence and democracy in Guyana.
He pointed out that the late founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) made many sacrifices for the country and much of what has been achieved by the current administration is owed to his sacrifices.
The president emphasized that citizens should not take for granted the things that the PPP/C has fought for and achieved, alluding to a time when persons had to line up and fight for basic necessities under the administration of the People’s National Congress (PNC).
He noted that the parliamentary opposition parties are attempting to hinder development in Guyana and that they are threatening to once again cut the national budget.
Ramotar also pointed out that at the most recent sitting of the National Assembly, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) voted against a bill, which was intended to reduce crime in Guyana, on the grounds that they do not like the Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee.
He added that the opposition had tried to prevent the minister from speaking in parliament, but the Speaker, Raphael Trotman found that he had no choice but to allow him to speak.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee highlighted that the thousands of persons in attendance was proof that the Guyanese people are behind the PPP/C.
He stated that many persons have expressed their frustrations over the current situation in Guyana’s parliament.
He stressed that he is certain that whenever the president is ready to call elections again, there is no doubt that the PPP/C will win.
The minister, who is also Chairman of the Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee, noted that the State House activity began during the life of Dr. Jagan, and stressed that memory and principles will continue to be honoured.
There were also many photos, and other aspects of Dr. Jagan’s life and work, such as the many books he had authored, on display.