Cheddi Jagan’s ideas remain relevant today – Min Mustapha

– as PPP stalwarts gather at 24th death anniversary observance

Founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), the late President Cheddi Jagan, was on Saturday remember for his teaching and leadership as party stalwarts gathered to observer his 24th death Anniversary at Babu Jaan, Corentyne Berbice.
During a wreath-laying ceremony, former General Secretary of the PPP/C, Zulfikar Mustapha recalled that the late founder dedicated his entire life to fight for freedom of all Guyanese and his ideals are even more relevant presently.
Mustapha further stated that under Dr. Jagan’s leadership, PPP/C focused its energies on supporting the struggle for democracy. This is particularly significant since Guyana’s democracy was under severe threat in 2020 following the National and Regional Elections when the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) attempted to hold onto power.

“All of us should make a silent pledge that we will never again allow those dark days to return to our country.” On this note, the present Agriculture Minister explained that the reform to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) is necessary and has called on the populace to support same.
“We must all support those kinds of measures that would put an end to rigged elections, to skullduggery and to those persons who are bent on taking away our freedom,” the Party official said.
He added that the time is opportune for Guyanese to draw inspiration from the life of the former leader. Further, Mustapha noted that the Party continues to live by the teaching of its founder.
In fact, Mustapha stated that the 2021 National Budget which was approved in parliament on Thursday proved that the Party is still in connect with the ideology of Dr Jagan.
“I think Cde. Cheddi would have been proud to know of those measures that are in this budget to enhance the poor and vulnerable. Measures that would enhance the lives of these people, measures that would help to alleviate poverty and suffering in our country and that is the way we have learnt to develop our country from the struggle and teaching of Cde. Cheddi Jagan. So today after 24-years the struggles, sacrifices and teaching of Cde. Cheddi Jagan is relevant today as it was when he started the struggle.”
He called on all Guyanese to rededicate their lives to live by the teachings of the great leader who was not only loved by Guyanese by leaders around the world. The former President was born on March 22, 1918, at Port Mourant.
He suffered a heart attack on February 14, 1997, but despite treatment at the Walter Reed Army Medical Centre in Washington DC, he took his last breath on March 6, 1997.