—Voices unite to reflect on Dr Cheddi Jagan’s legacy of humanity, fight for equality, service to the people

REMEMBERED as a champion of the working class, former President, Dr Cheddi Berret Jagan was honoured last week as Guyanese observed his birth anniversary by reflecting on his philosophy, which was deeply rooted in compassion and social justice, and his life-long, relentless fight against poverty and inequality.

His 108th birth anniversary was commemorated at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre in an open-mic session and this saw Guyanese from all walks of life speaking extensively on the former President’s struggle for justice and equality to reach every corner of the nation.

Dr Jagan’s vision for a society where man would not exploit man and where opportunity and dignity could be extended to all was a common reflection by attendees as they stated that the national hero’s love for humanity was true.

A veteran in the political struggle, Harripersaud Nokta also reflected on Dr Jagan’s life and his character, especially the former President’s tenacity, endurance, incorruptibility and dedication to the ordinary Guyanese.

Nokta’s personal stories brought vision to the life of the late President as he recalled accompanying Dr Jagan on trips to remote Amerindian communities, to not only share newspapers, but to also speak to them  about their rights.

This, too, was not without struggle as the veteran politician recalled that often communities resisted and were hesitant at first to welcome outsiders.

In a sentimental remembrance, Nokta detailed, “Life was not easy, but comrade Cheddi wanted to meet the people that is his life. He wanted to tell them something, to teach them something, and to do so, he let them know that despite how struggles will come about and how life is hard, there is a party, the People’s Progressive Party, which is with you and the party will continue to fight and liberate this country to make Guyana a better place for all of us in this country.”

He went on to say: “Comrades, I regret that in my age now I’m losing memory too. I’m already past 88. I’m moving. I don’t know how far more I can go, but I want to say that, so long as I have that little strength in me, I will continue to be with the comrades who are struggling to keep the People’s Progressive Party alive and fighting to continue to make life better for [the] Guyanese people.”

Nokta stated that Dr Jagan’s vision for a prosperous Guyana will continue to live on, as his energy and dedication are still vibrant as ever in the Guyanese society.

Describing Dr Jagan as a “very simple, honest, man of integrity, a man of character,” Hydar Ally stated that the former President earned his reputation as he spent his life fighting for Guyanese.

“There are not very many people in this world who would have had that sense of humanity and love for people as Dr Cheddi,” Ally said.

Dr Jagan’s fight against imperialists and his determined efforts to form global alliances that would benefit the lives of all Guyanese were highlighted during the commemoration, as all speakers pointed out that the national hero’s commitment to betterment for all citizens is a legacy that will live on.

What was evident is that Dr Jagan left a trail of what it means to dedicate one’s life to service to the people, especially at the grass-roots level and Ally, during his remembrance of that great life, pointed out that the former President understood the struggles of the ordinary man.

Ally said, “And because he grew up in that environment of poverty, I think he understood poverty, and he dedicated his entire life for the eradication of poverty, not to only in Guyana, but in the world. That was Cheddi Jagan.”

Dr Jagan was the son of East Indian indentured labourers and was born at Port Mourant, Corentyne Coast, on March 22, 1918. His parents were staunch Hindus and he himself acknowledged attending many Hindu festivals as a little boy. He received his primary education at the Port Mourant Primary and the Rose Hall Scots School. He then pursued his secondary education at R.N. Persaud ‘s private Secondary School, the only secondary school in the area at the time.

At the age of 15, he continued his secondary career at the prestigious Queen’s College in the city of Georgetown. This was the colony’s premier secondary school and entry to that institution at the time was the almost exclusive preserve of the urban social upper class. There, he had a distinguished academic career culminating in successes at the Oxford and Cambridge Certificate Examinations.

Even with Dr Jagan leaving behind an unblemished political career and a footprint that marks his fierce fight for the Guyanese people’s struggle for social dignity and democracy, Ally noted that there are attempts to stain the former President’s ideology and vision.

He said, “Dr Jagan’s ideology was rooted in humanity.”

Ally rejected the efforts to ridicule the former President, noting that the outstanding national hero lived a selfless life fighting for a better Guyana.

Indra Chandarpal shared similar sentiments, stating: “For us here at Red House, it is our responsibility, because we were given that mandate, Hydar and myself, we were given that mandate to oversee the legacy of Red House, to ensure that we maintain the legacy of our leaders, of the past and the rich history of them, and we are proud to say to all of you that we have never failed from that responsibility, in taking on that responsibility.”

Other speakers, including relatives of the late President, shared similar heart-felt stories and reflected on the life of the pivotal Guyanese politician and dentist who served as the fourth President of Guyana (1992–1997) and is still revered as the “Father of the Nation.”