Dear Editor,

AS our nation and people take a moment to pause and reflect on the massive contribution made by former President, Dr Cheddi Jagan on his centennial birthday, it is disturbing that the Government, by its actions or inactions, has sought to sully what should be a time of remembrance and celebration. There is no argument regarding Dr Jagan’s role in Guyana’s and Guyanese advancements and development, and he is rightly regarded as a foremost hero and patriot.

At this time when several celebratory activities are being held, the APNU/AFC Government has chosen to renege on an arrangement, contractual I may add, to produce stamps in honour of a gentleman who is widely regarded as the Father of the Nation. I recall Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, writing in his March 17, 2018 column in the Guyana Chronicle saying “I expected that as part of the national effort to remember the late President, that the Guyana Post Office Corporation will issue a commemorative stamp”. But Mr Nagamootoo’s Government says it seeks also to have national symbols commemorating Dr Jagan and other leaders, which while welcome, cannot erase the fact that apart from breaching its contractual undertaking, it has sought to cast a partisan light on the celebrations of such a great man.

Certainly, if the Government was enthusiastic, as it appeared from its statement in the press, it would have ensured the symbols it promised would have been in place already. But it seems the Administration, in its usual self, has woken up from its deep slumber and may be upset by the rightful adulation and reverence being paid to Dr Jagan. In pondering over this development, I also cannot see how such an act will contribute to national unity, which the country surely needs.

Regards
Patricia Persaud