Guyana’s historic change
Editorial
YESTERDAY marked an historic chapter in the politics of Guyana with the official handing over of the Executive Presidency by Janet Jagan, on the grounds of ill health, to her identified successor, Finance Minister Bharrat Jagdeo. This development will have a significant impact across the political landscape of a country which the Jagans – the late President Cheddi Jagan and his widow, Janet – have been at the core for at least half a century. The leadership change from the 78-year-old Jagan to Jagdeo, just 35, would also be of concern to the main opposition People’s National Congress, whose leader, Desmond Hoyte, has had heart problems and will be 72 years old in election year 2001. The legacy of the Jagans, has been one of endurance in the face of the utmost challenges in a long struggle against the plantocracy and British colonial rule, as well as Guyana’s post-independence battles against the undemocratic doctrine of “party paramountcy” and the restoration of electoral democracy. But the legacy is much more than endurance and political triumphs over great odds. The politics of the Jagans greatly influenced political debates across the Caribbean on contemporary ideologies and contributed in inspiring generations of West Indians to face up to the machinations of imperialism and what people’s power, power of the masses, is all about. In December 1997, Janet Jagan took up the challenge of leading her People’s Progressive Party (PPP)/Civic team into the general elections and became the country’s fourth Executive President. For all the personal attacks on her, racist and otherwise by her opponents, Janet Jagan, always managed to hold her head high. She has been ridiculed and strongly criticised by many Guyanese in Georgetown, a predominantly black stronghold. However, in Mrs. Jagan’s own words, she is loved by her people in the country areas. Her own victory as her party's presidential candidate in 1997, especially in the country district may attest to that support in this racially divided country. It is a wonder that Mrs. Jagan during her 20 months as President managed to keep the country from descending into anarchy, particularly in periods when organised disturbances and violence in Georgetown posed threats to the rule of law. Guyana remains a very troubled society and her young successor will have to exercise even greater care and summon all the co-operation he can get to ensure political stability to attain the social, economic, cultural and political goals the government has boasted about. Our best wishes to Mrs. Jagan for im proved health as she plans her future role in private life after almost 56 years in active politics. Her contributions will not be forgotten.
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