Dear Editor,
March 22, 2024 marks the 106th birth anniversary of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, former President of Guyana and Founder-Leader of the People’s Progressive Party. To say that the emergence of the PPP in January 1950 has transformed the political, economic and social landscape of Guyana in significant ways would be an understatement. Indeed, all major developments, both political and constitutional since the early 1940s when Dr. Jagan first made his entry into the political life of the then colony of British Guiana, bore the imprint of Dr. Jagan and the PPP. These included the granting of universal adult suffrage in the 1953 elections; the introduction of the ministerial system of governance; the struggle for independence and the fight for democratic elections after it was stolen by the PNC regime during the 1968-1992 period. In all of those struggles, Dr. Jagan played a key and central role.
Dr. Jagan’s legacy is profound and enduring. Coming from humble beginnings, he rose to the pinnacle of political power after being elected on October 5, 1992 as the first democratically-elected Executive President of Guyana. His strong and tireless advocacy for social and economic justice underscored his unwavering commitment to the cause of a better and prosperous Guyana. Dr. Jagan was a visionary who was in many respects ahead of his time. His call for a New Global Human Order which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly showed his intellectual prowess and the depth of his thinking, deeply rooted in his strong and abiding love, not only for the Guyanese people, but for humanity as a whole. He was a strong advocate for debt relief and for compensation for our standing forests at a time when many expressed doubts and considered them as ‘wishful thinking’.
His visionary thinking was also evident from his decision to establish the University of Guyana, the first such institution of its kind in the British Commonwealth still under colonial rule. He was also a strong advocate for world peace and warned against the debilitating effects of wars and conflicts. The current carnage in the wars in Palestine and Gaza is testimony to such visionary thinking. As we reflect on his birth anniversary and his manifold contributions to a free, united, democratic and prosperous Guyana, let us draw inspiration from his parting words at the time of his passing, ‘Don’t worry; everything will be alright’. That mood of optimism for a better Guyana is becoming a reality. The country is now on the cusp of massive transformation and modernization never before experienced. As we honour and celebrate Dr. Jagan’s life and work, let us re-commit ourselves to the ideas and ideals for which he so passionately fought for and dedicated his entire life.
Sincerely,
Hydar Ally