Jagan’s 100th birth anniversary
The Ministry of the Presidency has scrapped the commemorative stamps project that was initiated by the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre (CJRC) to celebrate Dr Cheddi Jagan’s birth centenary.
Head of State David Granger stated that Cabinet decided that the commemorative stamps, which are national symbols, must adhere to national criteria. He added that such symbols must not be associated with private, partisan or political purposes.
These statements were made in light of the CJRC and the former Chairman of the 
Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC), Juan Edghill, expressing concerns that the production of the proposed stamps to honour the late President was being hindered because of political interference.
President Granger further explained that while there are no objections in honouring the legacy of Dr Jagan, Cabinet has indicated that there should be equity in the printing of such stamps. It was revealed that the Government will announce shortly, national symbols in commemoration of the 100th birth anniversary of both President Raymond Arthur Chung and President Cheddi Bharrat Jagan, which will be set as a criterion to honour eminent Guyanese.
Meanwhile, the CJRC slammed the GPOC earlier this week for failure to deliver on its commitment to make the collection of stamps available for Dr Jagan’s birth centenary.
In a statement on Wednesday, the organisation blasted the Government for its deliberate attempt to disturb the activities planned on Tuesday to launch the stamps.
The CJRC highlighted that despite given assurance by the GPOC and the Public Telecommunications Minister, Cathy Hughes, that the collection would be made available, they were told by the post office that the Office of the President should be contacted in this regard.
Furthermore, they believe that this should have been a routine transaction between the two parties, rather than a politically interfered one and view this as a measured attempt to hinder the work of the Centre, amid the Administration’s attempts to seize Red House.
Additionally, former Chairman of the Board of GPOC, Juan Edghill, said it is unprecedented for a client, in this instance the CJRC, to be referred to the Ministry of the Presidency for explanations or other information as it relates to this unfulfilled transaction between the Corporation and a client.
“This is nothing short of a full and open display of petty, partisan politics influencing a business transaction that could be considered purely an administrative matter,” Edghill noted on Wednesday.
The CJRC has reflected this as an “action of assault” against the late President of Guyana who made significant contributions towards the development of the nation. The centenary of the late President was celebrated on Thursday.
