Essequibians remember Janet Jagan at wreath-laying ceremony

Former President of Guyana and founder/leader of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Mrs Janet Jagan, was remembered at a moving wreath-laying ceremony organised by the Women’s Progressive Organization (WPO) in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), and held on Friday evening at the Cheddi Jagan Children’s Park at Anna Regina on the Essequibo Coast.

Planned to coincide with the 8th death anniversary of Guyana’s first female President, the wreath-laying ceremony attracted the attendance of many. Speaking to supporters of the PPP, Region Two Chairman Daveanand Ramdatt reflected on the late leader’s legacy, declaring that Mrs Janet Jagan had left a legacy as a dedicated wife which all Guyanese women should follow.

“Janet Jagan endured a lot of struggle alongside Cheddi Jagan. She was a great woman, a great example of how women should be. She stood beside him throughout the trials and tribulations,” Ramdatt said.

The Regional Chairman said the freedom that women presently enjoy is as a result of the work of the late Janet Jagan. He called on Essequibians not to forget the past and what had happened decades ago. At this time, when the economy is struggling, Ramdatt said, the struggles of the Jagans should be emulated and adopted for a better Guyana.

In the book The West on Trial, it was stated that Cheddi Jagan fell in love with Janet at first sight. After the late Cheddi and Janet Jagan had been married, the two worked together to form many organisations and unions that were dedicated to the betterment of all Guyanese. The late Janet Jagan dedicated her efforts to improving the lives of everyone, including rice farmers.

Janet Jagan was said to be one of the world’s 16 most rebellious women because of her struggle for democracy.

Poems, reflections of the great leader, and songs all complemented the wreath-laying ceremony. Wreaths were laid at the monument by representatives of the Women’s Progressive Organisation (WPO), Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO), Guyana Rice Producers Association (RPA) and well-wishers. (Indrawattie Natram)