Journal reflecting on Cheddi Jagan’s life launched

21st death anniversary

…memorial service held at Anna Regina

The collaboration of 20 editors of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre saw the publishing of a new journal which reflects on the life of late President of Guyana, Cheddi Jagan.
Published in observance of the former leader’s 21st death anniversary, the journal called “The Thinker” examines how critical a thinker Jagan was during his time as President of Guyana.

The journal is expected to give expression to progressive thinking, to defend human right to democracy and to hold up the proverbial mirror to happenings of our society.
As history is replete with publications, the journal was created to keep the legacy of Jagan alive.
“The Thinker” explored Jagan as an internationalist and showed how his formative years were influenced by his years of living and studying in the United States, his linkages and alliances, his vision and his leadership.
It also covers issues such as the ongoing tragedy unleashed on the sugar workers at Wales, Rose Hall, Enmore and Skeldon.
Dr Frank Anthony, who gave an overview of the journal, noted that some might not agree with some of the articles, however, the journal looks to reveal truth.
President of the Guyana Peace Council (GPC) – which was founded by Jagan – Clement Rohee, in his remarks, noted that the journal is intended to stimulate debate in our country which is currently lacking in Guyana.
“Critical debate, intellectual debate and discussions, a group of us came together with the intent of reviving the spirit of debate and discussions and as such we created the journal to be a tribute for those kinds of discussions in our country,” Rohee said of the ‘journal with a difference’.
Jagan was described as being influenced by many world leaders who made significant contributions such as Charles Baird, an American progressive writer.
Former President Donald Ramotar called Jagan a profound thinker who came up with broad ideas.
He reflected on projects undertaken by the late leader, which according to him, showed how he thought; an example being the conceptualisation of the University of Guyana.
“Today, 21 years later, we are still standing on some of the foundations that he left behind us. The University of Guyana, the Guyana School of Agriculture, the Bank of Guyana, the question of expanding the productive sector of the economy… these are some of the things that he did while in Government,” Ramotar reflected.
According to the former President, Jagan was of the custom of building models which he executed himself until he came up “with something that can work”.
Following the launching ceremony and observance, a copy of the journal which is to cost $1500 was handed out to members of the PPP/C.

Memorial Service
In the meanwhile, a memorial service was held at the Cheddi Jagan Play Park, Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast. In his tribute to the late President, Regional Chairman Devanand Ramdatt reflected on the life, teachings and struggles of Jagan, who he explained sacrificed his entire life for the poor working class of this country.
At the wreath -laying ceremony, wreaths were laid by the Regional Chairman, Regional Vice Chairman, Mayor of the Town of Anna Regina, representatives of the PPP, the WPO, PYO and other groups.