Revocation of Jagan Centre lease further divides

Dear Editor,

The decision by President David Granger, leader of the PNC-led faction of the coalition Government, to unilaterally and forcefully revoke the signed lease agreement for use of the Red House by the Cheddi Jagan Centre flies in the face of his Coalition’s announcement that it is interested in national multi-racial unity. This latest PNC-led action against the research centre dedicated to the iconic leader and former President does not foster social cohesion. It will further the racial division in the society as Jagan is hero among Indians who are already being victimised by the racist regime. They see Granger’s action as racist. It is also a violation of the law, not to mention the commitment the Coalition made during the election campaign not to be vindictive to those affiliated with the PPP regime. It also violates the national trust people have had in the PNC/AFC coalition of its promise of responsible governance – not to violate the law and to respect Jaganism (democratic governance and peaceful co-existence). Indian Guyanese in the diaspora are very upset by this PNC highhanded action and the inaction of the AFC to speak out against it. It was the AFC’s 11 per cent from the Indians that put the PNC in control of the regime to unleash terror on the centre. The AFC leaders should stop the PNC in its tracks in its anti-Indian policy.

Red House was the State home of Premier Jagan during 1961-64. It was felt that since Jagan and Mrs Janet Jagan, also a former President, lived there, it would be fitting to convert it into a library and Research Centre for the Jagans. The lease was granted by the PPP government to host the Jagan papers. It was a legal (lawful) binding agreement; any issues pertaining to the lease have to be handled by the court. Government or Granger cannot act unilaterally to terminate or revoke the lease. Yet Granger’s Government has acted like violent bullies to revoke the lease without any court order. In addition, Granger’s men descended on the property and tore down the signs of the centre that bore Jagan’s name. It is an affront to the great freedom fighter. It is an illegal, criminal act. It is a shame and Moses Nagamootoo and Khemraj Ramjattan, both of who view Jagan as their hero, stood by and let this criminal act happened.

Many commentators say what happened at Red House is vintage Burnhamism – using violence and illegal actions to coerce opponents to submit to the way of the regime. The revocation of the lease on the last working day of the year comes across as vindictive, spiteful, and revengeful against the great revolutionary leader. Dr Jagan was a nationalist and a champion of racial unity. He promoted social cohesion. He was unquestionably the father of the nation. He was a hero to all regardless of ethnic background. It is recalled that when Jagan’s funeral cortège made its way from town to the Corentyne, it was stopped in Buxton where Buxtonites came out in full to pay tribute to a man who fought the colonialists to uplift the lives of the downtrodden and poor. Jagan was the people’s leader. It is shocking, therefore, that the PNC leader and the PNC have taken this decision with the support of the WPA and AFC to dishonour and disrespect Jagan.

It is noted that Dr Jagan and his PPP were not spiteful to the acolytes of the PNC when there was a change in regime in 1992. Jagan and PPP did not go after the PNC crooks who looted the treasury and also awarded themselves State properties. Jagan did not seek to prosecute or persecute anyone in the PNC for crimes committed against the nation during the 28 years of dictatorship. Stolen State properties were not recovered; Greenidge knows that. No attempt was made to seek compensation for rigged elections and political violence against opponents. It is noted that Burnham’s family occupied land and other property that belonged to the State. Jagan and his successors Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar never sought to reclaim the land or properties. President Jagdeo gave four acres of land to Burnham’s wife Viola for a centre. The property was sold by the family that kept the proceeds. The PPP’s generosity and kindness should be used as a model by the Coalition not to be unkind to Jagan and his family who sponsors the Centre.

What is Prime Minister Nagamootoo and Public Security Minister Ramjattan’s view on the revocation of the lease? Why are they silent when only months ago they said Jagan’s Centre will not be touched? They should publicly dissociate themselves from this spiteful PNC act. And what about the WPA and David Hinds’ position? Do they support the PNC’s violent action?

President Granger’s action comes across as an attempt to destroy Jagan’s great reputation and legacy as a non-partisan ruler. Clearly, the PNC leadership does not want any public property to be named after Jagan. The act is bound to hurt the sentiments of the Indian population and drive them away from the Coalition. Jagan did not see himself as an Indian leader but he is so viewed by the Indian population and the nation at large. The Coalition should seek to win over Indians, not alienate them which this action has done.

Granger’s decision to revoke the lawful lease arrangement of a public building named after Jagan flies in the face of the motto of one people, one nation, and one destiny and of social cohesion. The coalition Government should reconsider its revocation of the lease.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram