Dear Editor,

I had the honour and privilege on several occasions to campaign with Navin Chandarpal on the political platform on the Essequibo Coast for free and fair elections. I was always moved and deeply touched by the sincere way in which he expressed his beliefs in Dr Cheddi Jagan and the PPP.

This is the nature of a man who, while not forgetting his simple roots, rose in stature to become Minister of Agriculture and who was highly respected by his comrades. Even after he left that ministry, praise for his work kept echoing on the lips of many farmers across the country, whose lives had been touched by his humility, commitment and simplicity. He told me stories in disbelief, as though questioning his own sanity that he still remained faithful to Dr Jagan and the party, despite the long wearying hours of thankless work under discouraging conditions.

Navin, Khemraj Ramjattan and Moses Nagamootoo’s  memory remains fresh with us; they  were steadfast champions  of the party and  true fighters of the working class. They were true leaders who stood unswervingly in  their lofty principles, and leaders who inspired us in battles and in periods of calm. From them we have learnt that progress will come only from our united and principled struggles within the party. We cannot take the country forward if we remain fundamentally divided. I am disappointed that longstanding members of the party are being removed because they are speaking out against wrongdoing.

On July 20, 2004, I suffered a motorcycle accident while on duty as a Field Extension Officer for my employer, the Guyana Rice Producers’ Association. I pleaded my case for financial assistance to the party and government to undergo urgent spinal surgery overseas. I had to contend with my malady for four years, and I also had to overcome one disappointment after the next. From the top of the political hierarchy to the middle and downwards I was duped by the party that I had served for decades.

In my quest my sons keep cautioning me against all these political figures who emerge from the woodwork with vacuous promises, and who then disappear. The people who critiqued and attacked Jagan and the party now praise his contributions to Guyana, and some of them hold prominent positions in the government and party. I remember when we were struggling for the restoration of democracy, very few assisted us. I believe Navin was  marginalized for speaking out. The PPP was founded to promote the interest of the working class, not some of those who we see today.

Yours faithfully,
Mohamed Khan