DURING a small memorial service in observance of her 13th Death anniversary, Former President Janet Jagan was remembered as a towering figure, and an outspoken and generous woman.

The event, which was held at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre on Monday, saw several members of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO) sharing some of their most cherished memories of the former president as they celebrated her life and exemplary work as a politician, journalist and stalwart in the party.

WPO President Indranie Chandarpal described Mrs. Jagan as a revolutionary leader who cared greatly for the poorer class of citizens.

Similar sentiments were also shared by Former President Donald Ramotar, and Former PPP/C General Secretary Clement Rohee.

March 28, 2022, marked 13 years since her death.

Born Janet Rosenberg in Chicago, USA, on October 20, 1920, Mrs. Jagan left home at a relatively young age to join her husband, the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, in a struggle that would change the power dynamics of the then British colony to one of internal self-government, and then to full political independence status.

While she believed in women’s emancipation, she also recognised how irresponsible it would have been to obtain emancipation in the environment that existed at the time.

Adult suffrage had to be for women, and freedom from colonial rule was also necessary. According to her, Comrade H. Hubbard, better known in political circles at the time as Jocelyn Makepeace Hubbard, had political vision and astuteness, and it was he who urged her to form a women’s organisation, and even assisted on the many aspects of the establishment of the WPO.

She was a pioneer of the movement to improve the conditions of Guyanese women, organising them in their communities and at the national level for equal treatment and full human rights.

The former president lived a purposeful life filled with many challenges and triumphs. The challenges were numerous, starting from the decision she took when she decided to marry Dr. Jagan and to come to the then British Guiana. Those challenges continued up to the time of her presidency.

Her feats are chronicled in various documents. Her passion and commitment were referenced by Dr. Jagan in his book, ‘The West on Trial’.