Born on March 22, 1918, to Indian national parents who once served as indentured labourers on the sugar plantation, Dr Jagan, though from a humble beginning, rose to the nation’s highest position, that of being the country’s first democratic president.

He was a truly people’s president, one who did not forget his roots, but made tremendous contributions as they struggled for freedom, justice and social progress.

At yesterday afternoon’s ceremony, flags bearing the party colours decorated the roadway leading to the site of the death anniversary celebrations. A specially erected stage also bore photographs of the “man of the working class” whose memory remains fresh with us, as reflected by the sea of persons who attended the two-hour ceremony chaired by Region Six Chairman Kumkarran Ramdass . President Bharrat Jadeo in his feature address, reminded the crowd that the ideas of the now deceased President is very much alive. He recalled that Dr Jagan was concerned about persons and hated racialism, but nevertheless, dealt fairly in every position he took.

He noted that despite efforts to de-stabilise the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) during 1957 to 1964 through bombing and strikes, and even after the party won in 1992 through racialism and protests, the Government has continued to make strides.

“The business community made the greatest stride under the PPP which directs development. We have recognised that the country had to flourish for the poor,” the Head of State said and reiterated that although the PPP are duly elected, the struggle is not over.

“It is not over, the fight goes on everyday, they want to divide us by distorted facts and spread racialism but you need to be watchful,” he declared.

The President remembered Dr Jagan as a person who had tremendous faith in collective efforts which are reflective in his writings and teachings. He assured the throng that the Government will continue its fight to maintain the regime so as to keep the legacy of Dr Jagan alive.

Continuing he said, “Dr Jagan’s commitment to the working class has caused the Government to fight to maintain the regime, so that there is development in the industries. The sugar industry is vital to our country, restructuring will take place in addition to the construction of a refinery and distillery at Skeldon. We are also addressing the needs of the gold and bauxite industries.”

Commenting on the upsurge of criminal activities in the country, the Head of State stated, that while deportees with records of murder and robberies using sophisticated weaponry are being thrown into our land, our trained teachers and nurses are being recruited overseas, causing our country to be void of valuable assets.

Despite the social ills, the President told the gathering, that he would not tolerate police excesses. He urged that the nation be supportive to the law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line everyday in the execution of their duties.

President Jagdeo also called on the gathering to be watchful and supportive in order for the government to carry out its mandate, despite threats, so that the vision of Dr Cheddi Jagan can remain.

Earlier, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds said in his brief presentation at the remembrance rally which was punctuated by cultural presentations, that the death anniversary comes at a time when all should reflect on the life of Dr Jagan and discern some guidance.

The PM recalled that Dr Jagan’s major task as he entered politics was to make a people and build a country.

“If we reflect on his life-long commitments, how he kept the faith, we can observe and make a difference. At this ceremony we must leave with a new commitment to establish a common brotherhood, which will not shrink from leading the way in developing new relationship with people around the world.

Earlier following the singing of the national anthem and the commencement of the ceremony, President Jagdeo, Prime Minister Samuel and Mrs Yvonne Hinds and PPP General Secretary Donald Ramotar and other Ministers of the Government, took turns at laying wreaths at the monument erected in Dr Jagan’s honour.

The monument has the inscription of the extract from a national broadcast “ I have no personal ambition, except what I can achieve for Guyana and the Guyanese people.”

Notably absent was widow and former President Janet Jagan, who due to ill health was unavoidably absent.

However, in a pre-recorded message which was played, she reminded the gathering of her husband’s enormous contributions to the nation and compared his struggle for nation building, as those of Mandela and Neru.

Mr Jagan described her husband as a non-compromiser whose honesty and integrity made him a unique leader.

She urged the crowd which listened to the pre-recorded speech from the speaker boxes which were strategically placed for them to hear the entire proceedings, to never give up, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Mr Ramotar said that the late President had put Guyana on the path of democracy and described him as non-racist. He condemned certain sections of the media which promote racial propaganda.

Quoting an excerpt of Dr Jagan’s statement after he was cheated from office in 1965, Ramotar said, “racism is the greatest curse of the land. Such a person is an enemy of the country”.

He recalled that it was unity that allowed the PPP to retain office in 1997 and 2001, and further stated that those who incited racialism did not reveal the statistics of the various regions which the PPP dominated.

The PPP General Secretary was confident that the PPP will cross the racial barrier and bring national support.

“There is much development in every sector, schools, hospitals and water among others, are put in place without any discrimination. While others are discouraging investors, giving moral support to criminals and while glorifying them by desecrating the national flag, remarkable developmental works are on going for the betterment of the nation. Dr Jagan has already blazed the trail and we will follow,” he remarked.