MINISTER within the Ministry of Agriculture and member of the Central Executive Committee of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Mr. Alli Baksh has said its late founder, Dr. Cheddi Jagan changed Guyana from a begging basket into a prosperous nation.He said that happened after Dr. Jagan took office on October 5, 1992, because of his vision, will power and determination.
Speaking at a Wednesday wreath-laying ceremony in commemoration of the great leader’s 17th death anniversary, Baksh said the former stood the test of time and never said no to difficult conditions.
According to the minister, when Dr. Jagan took over the reins of Government from the People’s National Congress (PNC) regime, the country had been reduced to a begging basket but, with determination, he called on those countries that Guyana owed debts to write off or reschedule loans.
He maintained that Dr. Jagan, being a man of great vision, has caused Guyana to move forward.
Reflecting on the life and struggles of the great leader and Father of the Nation, Minister Baksh said he was also a teacher, educator, who did not differentiate between race or religion but saw people as human beings and made a vow to liberate Guyana from all forms of discrimination and ensure that the nation lives in peace and harmony with a bright future.
He called on all Guyanese to protect that for which Dr. Jagan worked and fought.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) Isahack Basir called for the visions of the great leader to be kept alive.
He traced the history of the sugar plantations on the coast and said it was when the colonial masters shut down the factories and the East Indian labourers and freed slaves were left to suffer that Dr. Jagan came on the scene.
Mr. Basir said Dr. Jagan loved plants and encouraged Guyanese to plant trees, pointing out that he has left his footprints which must be kept bright at all times.
Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam) Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud said the work and legacy of the great leader must never be given up.
He said it is the task of the people of Guyana to expand and develop the visions that Dr. Jagan left so the country can become the one that he dreamt about many years ago.
The wreath-laying function also featured songs and poems on the life of the great leader. Wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument by Minister Baksh, Regional Chairman Persaud, representatives of Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), PPP Anna Regina Office, Rice Producers Association (RPA), Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and Department of Education.