The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) yesterday expressed its condolences to the people and Government of Guyana on the death of former President Mrs. Janet Jagan.

“Ms. Jagan played a relevant role (in) the development of Guyana and received several distinctions, among them the Order of Excellence (the highest national award in Guyana) and the Gandhi Gold Medal … In 1997 she made history by becoming the first woman President of Guyana”, said President of the Permanent Council and Ambassador of Canada to the OAS, Graeme Clark.

An OAS press release said too that the Permanent Representatives of the 34 Member States of the OAS observed a minute of silence as a tribute to Mrs Jagan, who was Guyana’s president from 1997 to 1999. General Secretary of the Organization, Jose Miguel Insulza, highlighted Mrs. Jagan’s important role in the democratic development of Guyana and stressed the fact that she was the first woman in South America to be elected to the highest office in her country.

Permanent Representative of Guyana to the OAS, Bayney Karran also mentioned Mrs. Jagan political trajectory, noting that besides being President, she was also married to former President Cheddi Jagan, “widely recognized as the `father of the Guyanese nation’”, was Prime Minister, Minister of Labour and Health, and also held other offices.

“Her contribution to the development of Guyana was profound”, the diplomat was quoted as saying, adding that he would personally communicate to the people and Government of Guyana the condolences expressed by the Council. Many delegations also expressed their condolences, the release said.