MAY God bless Mandela for stopping a racial bloodbath in South Africa.

Guyanese can recognise Dr Cheddi Jagan as a parallel Caribbean Mandela for doing the same. With the 1992 election of Dr Jagan’s PPP/C, there was no widespread prosecution of his PNC predecessors whatsoever. He sought no revenge or to embarrass anyone in a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Despite the victimisation of his predominantly working-
class Indian supporters, Dr Jagan continued his advocacy of class, eschewing race and embracing democracy without any conflict with the West. Dr. Jagan was able to prevent racial clashes among Guyana’s races.
When the WPA presidential candidate Dr Clive Thomas refused the prime minister’s job, he gave it to the current Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

It is common knowledge that despite Dr Jagan’s PPP/C popularity among his core supporters, many did not embrace his Marxist philosophy.
But both he and his wife Janet were incorruptible, living very modest lifestyles, with no personal wealth accumulation, with historic devotion to the poor and neglected, found them still steadfastly personable, approachable, committed, honest and forgiving.

Recognising Dr. Jagan’s total life’s work can be a great leap to boost Guyana’s nation-building foundation, similar to that which Mandela inspired for future South African leaders to emulate.
What’s stopping us is just ourselves or something else?

VASSAN RAMRACHA