Supporters urged to ‘rise above intimidation’ at Region 2 tribute

20th death anniversary of Dr Cheddi Jagan

Late President of Guyana and founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Cheddi Jagan was on Monday remembered during a  grand  wreath-laying ceremony held at the Cheddi Jagan play park, at Anna Regina in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The activity was organised by PPP Freedom House Anna Regina and the Region’s Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee in observance of Dr Jagan’s 20th death anniversary. The programme featured poems, songs, and lectures reflecting on the life of the dynamic politician.
During his feature address, Regional Vice Chairman and PPP/Civic executive member Vishnu Samaroo shared information on the legacy of the great leader, who, he emphasised, fought for a better Guyana. He reminded the audience that Dr Jagan was born at Port Mourant and although he was an ordinary person, he used his time on earth to transform all sectors in Guyana through his hard work.
During his reflection, Samaroo described Dr Jagan as a teacher, a father and a politician who had the working class at heart and who made a vow to liberate Guyana to a democratic and free nation.
He recalled that the late President formed a party that has a rich history, and he called on party supporters to work together to strengthen the legacy of the former leader. He said Dr Jagan saw the struggles of rice farmers and with that in mind, he formed the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA). With the GRPA, many things were done to assist rice farmers which, in turn, made the rice industry viable. He even reminded the gathering that Dr Jagan was sent to prison numerous times, but with determination, he stayed focused and made Guyana an independent nation.
“Our comrades must remember the history and the rich legacy of Jagan; he had vision for Guyana, inherited a Government that was bankrupt and with begging hat he went out to various countries asking for debt write-off; he made this economy start blossoming,” the PPP member said.
Samaroo also expressed his disappointment at the recent announcement made by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon over the “recycling” of envelopes alluding to the fact that the Government was cash-strapped.
In his remarks, Region Two Chairman Devanand Ramdatt described Dr Jagan as a fighter outlining that “local government” and “independence” were just a few of the things the leader battled for, for a better Guyana. Ramdatt commended the Regional Cheddi Jagan Commemoration Committee for hosting the event and called on the Committee to plan a grand programme next year for the celebration of the former leader’s centenary.
The Regional Chairman stressed that Guyana’s history could not be complete without remembering the selfless work of Dr Jagan. He, therefore, called for supporters during March – “Jagan’s month” – to dedicate their energies towards self-less works.
As to the struggling rice industry, he acknowledged the hardship of farmers and underscored that although the Government has been in office for 20 months, nothing has been done to support the rice farmers.
Ramdatt reiterated that Dr Jagan fought for working-class people, especially rice farmers, and called for party supporters to unite and embrace all forms of peaceful struggle and to rise above any intimidation.
“Comrades, we have to do introspection, examine our sacred responsibility; we need to strengthen our district and make Region Two strong. We have to ensure the PPP/C get back into Government and this can only happen by dedicated support by members and working with the grassroots,” Ramdatt said.
Wreaths were laid at the foot of the monument by Executive PPP members, including  Samaroo, the First Secretary of the PPP/C in Essequibo; Regional  Chairman Ramdatt; representatives from the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO); Women’s Progressive Organisation representative Juliet Coonjah, as well as representatives of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) and GRPA.