Detailed Guyana News - March 19, 1997

Georgetown — Janet Jagan was on Monday sworn in as Guyana’s Prime Minister following her appointment by President Sam Hinds on Saturday. Her selection to this top post came nine days after the death of her husband and former Guyana President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

Mrs. Jagan, 76, is Guyana's first female Prime Minister. She has served as Agriculture and Home Affairs Minister in pre-independence governments in the 1950s and 1960s.

Speculation in Guyana and abroad was that Mrs. Jagan would take up a significant position in the government with the death of her husband.

Approached by the media on March 9, days after Jagan’s death, Mrs. Jagan had said it was too early to say exactly what the future held for her.

"All my life I've been a member of the PPP's (People’s Progressive Party) Central Committee and Executive Committee, and I'm certainly not jumping out of that position which is crucial. I have been Editor of the party paper for many years, and I have enjoyed the work, so probably all the things I've been engaged in will continue," she said.

Mrs. Jagan is considered by the 50-year-old PPP, of which she is one of the four co-founders, to be "the most experienced and knowledgeable of the party's leading officials," Information Minister, Moses Nagamootoo, said earlier this month.

"At some of our most critical periods, including the long struggle for political independence and restoration of electoral democracy, she embodied, alongside her husband, the courage and defiance of the PPP," Nagamootoo said.

The other government change on Monday saw Agriculture Minister, Reepu Daman Persaud, sworn in as Second Vice-President.

Days before Mrs. Jagan had participated in the national grief for the loss of her husband, the President of Guyana.

Following is the full text of her address on March 12, the day of Dr. Jagan’s cremation.

"We have all been deeply moved by the demonstrations of love, respect and genuine grief which we have seen demonstrated by so many Guyanese of all strata of our society, of all faces and religious groups, and from the young and old.

"That in itself tells the tale of the man who today we mourn. I have known him longer than any other except his brothers and sisters.

"I can testify to the very special qualities that helped make him what he has become in the hearts of all Guyanese.

"He was above all a fighter, a man dedicated to winning advances, not only for the people of his native land, but for all humanity.

"He was a man who never gave up. When the odds were high against him, in betwixt of all those hopeless situations, he never lost strength, never lost the will to achieve his goals.

"I can testify to his goodness, to his honesty and integrity, to his lack of concern for the material things of life; to his remarkable intellect, always seeking the truth.

"He was constantly analysing, looking at two, three or four sides of a problem in order to arrive at the correct answer.

"My greatest regret at his death, aside from the loss of my companion of over half a century, the father of my two children, and the grandfather of five, is that he was not given the time to complete his plans to fulfill his dreams.

"He had many dreams for Guyana, to eradicate poverty, to build a strong and independent nation, to consolidate the democracy he had struggled to restore, and above all, to unite the nation.

"He fervently sought unity and never succumbed to pessimism. He always knew that the battle for unity would be achieved.

"Today we are seeing his hopes come true.

"Those who carry on despite this great loss, have worked under his leadership and know his direction.

"They have been his students; those who have stood by him faithfully all these trying years struggling for the people's rights, know his wishes, his dreams his plans.

"All of us will carry the torch he lit so many years ago.

"We say farewell to our dear comrade, our friend, our hero.

"Cheddi, rest in peace. Your name will live on."

Georgetown — Life was this week slowly returning to normal in the capital and throughout Guyana as the nation began adjusting following a week of national grief at the death of Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

The climax to the week of mourning came minutes after 1 p.m. on March 12, at the Babu John cemetery in Port Mourant. There a barefooted Dr. Cheddi Jagan Jnr. had struck a match to light a white cloth that had been dipped in ghee. With this, he touched the pyre in which his father’s body had been place.

And so, the mortal remains of Guyana’s President were consigned to the flames.

Sister Nadira held the stick immediately after, and together they walked around the pyre, setting it alight. Mom Janet then joined them by throwing petals into the growing flames. Then came the five grandchildren. Together they all threw incense into the leaping fire.

A crowd, estimated to be in the vicinity of 80,000, looked on. Many were in tears.

Before the pyre was lit, Christian, Moslem, and Hindu prayers were offered.

A contingent of the joint services had also fired a salvo in final tribute, and two buglers sounded ‘The Last Post’. Army and police offices had come up to the pyre and saluted one by one.

As the flames leapt upwards, a helicopter, and four aircraft flew low over the cemetery in tribute.

The fire was allowed to smoulder into the night, watched over by guards.

The next day, the family, and top members of the People’s Progressive Party gathered his ashes.

Jagan Jnr. later told the Guyana Chronicle it was likely that the ashes may be scattered in the country's three main rivers, the Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice. This he did on Monday from a helicopter.

At the cremation, executive member of the PPP, Ralph Ramkarran spoke about the life of Dr. Jagan.

Following is the full text of his remarks:

"Dr. Cheddi Jagan's journey through life has now come to an end. As we return his body to the winds of his native village and weep his passing, we try to understand what combination of elements created such a life as his and what forces determined his unerring but uncharted course in service of his people.

"Revolutionaries believed that no struggle is ever in vain. If this is so then the soil of Port Mourant would have absorbed the battle sounds and revolutionary spirit of resisting slave and indentured labourers.

"And as young Cheddi roamed the fields of Port Mourant in childhood abandon, he must have subconsciously heard the cries of pain of his people rising up form the fields in which he worked and played.

"Dr. Jagan himself remarked about the importance of his early life. Shortly after the election of the People's Progressive Party/Civic in October 1992, he addressed a series of rallies to thank the Guyanese people for the trust and confidence they reposed in him. I attended the rally in Kitty, in Demerara, and listened to it with rapt attention. I recall his moving recollection of his father and his childhood years in Port Mourant.

"It was clear and even though Cheddi Jagan had physically left Port Mourant in 1936 at the age of 18, and had already spent several years in school in Georgetown, the lessons of his childhood which helped to shape his dreams and ideals were among the most powerful and enduring.

"Yet his childhood was as ordinary as any at that time. As he grew older and became more knowledgeable and experienced, as adult life taught him the realities of deprivation, discrimination, and struggle, he began to understand the exploitation of labour and the anguish of class destruction which he experience as a child, but the significance of which he did not then grasp.

"As we reflect on his life and work, we try to seek out those lessons of his childhood that helped to create this mighty warrior with a warm heart and a gentle spirit.

"His restless energy and powerful intellect drove him on and on, to seek answers to the problems of injustice, exploitation, and poverty. No matter what others felt, he did not believe that such conditions of life were an inevitable consequence of our existence, or that they were ordained by any superior force.

"He believed that they were man made and capable of being resolved here and now by the actions of men and women.

"His sensitivity to social, economic, and political injustice and his amazing capacity to summon up and focus his entire being for his entire life after he graduated from University, must have been qualities which he inherited from his parents.

"From what he spoke about his parents we gather that he took his drive form his father, whom he clearly admired, and deep and profound hatred of colonialism from the realisation that this system of exploitation was responsible for keeping his mother and millions of mothers around the world in bondage and servitude. He alluded directly to all of these matters in his writings.

"Early in his life, Cheddi Jagan determined that not only will he not subscribe to British rule in British Guiana, but that he will actively confront the might of the British Empire in Guyana and wherever else it existed.

"His journey from Port Mourant took him to Georgetown, then to the United States where he saw and experienced racism in practice, where he learnt about the independence struggles in India, where the heroic resistance of the International Brigade to Spanish fascism was being played out, where the triumphant march of socialism stood its ground against the German Nazis in the Second World War.

"These lessons triggered his childhood experiences, and supplemented by his lifelong thirst for knowledge which he acquired by reading. He led the way in the establishment of the Political Affairs Committee in 1946 along with his life partner Janet Jagan, Ashton Chase, and H.J.M. Hubbard, before he was 30 years old.

"He won a seat in the Legislative Assembly in 1947 and joined in the struggle of the Enmore sugar workers in 1948. When the Enmore Martyrs gave their lives for our freedom, his pledge was made, his life's course was set, there was no turning back.

"He took the lessons of Port Mourant with him for the next 50 years, and this humble village will forever mark the life of this patriot as the place from which he embarked on his extraordinary career.

"It is most fitting that he should return at the end of his eventful journey which took him on a national and international crusade against poverty and injustice to become once again a part of the atmosphere which gave him life.

"The nation on Monday paid formal tribute to the life and work of our late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, freely and fondly referred to as Cheddi by every Guyanese man, woman and child.

"We heard of his great qualities and achievements and the devoted service he gave to the working people of Guyana. We heard that his service to Guyana left it a different place from when he started his journey. We heard how he fearlessly challenged Guyana's powerful opponents without a moment's hesitation, without regard to personal cost or sacrifice. Above all, we heard of his humility, befitting a son of this soil.

"We heard the tributes which have been paid to him by distinguished Guyanese personalities and politicians. We heard the sentiments expressed by foreign governments.

"Above all, we heard the footsteps of the largest numbers of Guyanese ever to come together in our history, putting aside all differences, united at last in sad but warm embrace of Cheddi Jagan and his message of peace and unity.

"No greater tribute could have been paid to this simple, unassuming man than the time taken by so many to set their eyes on him in a final glimpse as he lay at rest, or as he went on his way in his final journey to this place.

"And so we send him on, forever grateful that he touched our lives and showed us that we do not have to accept a destiny for ourselves which is determined by others, that our own actions can make a difference to our lives.

"Our entire nation is grateful to Port Mourant for sending us this son. We ask you to receive him back with our thanks."

Stories by Sharief Khan

Georgetown — The mammoth national outpouring of grief and support was the main factor that influenced her decision to accept the appointment as Guyana’s new Prime Minister, Mrs. Janet Jagan said on Monday.

She was appointed to the post by President Sam Hinds on Saturday and formally sworn in at 1.30 p.m. on Monday. The post of Prime Minister had become vacant with the swearing in of Hinds as President following the death of Dr. Cheddi Jagan on March 6.

Mrs. Jagan said she had never contemplated such high office.

She was also asked if the unprecedented turnout of Guyanese for her husband’s funeral, and the sweeping national outpouring of emotion at his death was one of the main reasons for her decision to take up the position.

"I think so. Because it never entered my head that I would ever be a Prime Minister or anybody else.

"But when I saw all those people, and they connected me so closely with Cheddi, and all of them telling me that I had to carry on, that I have to take the responsibility – about every other person I saw said that – I felt, maybe I could be of help in this period of transition."

Mrs. Jagan helped found the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) in 1950, and is one of the country’s most outstanding political fighters.

She has been a central figure in the PPP since its founding, and has held several ministerial positions in previous governments under British colonial rule.

But with the historic comeback to power of the PPP with the Civic alliance at the country’s first free and fair elections in 28 years at the October 5, 1992, national elections, she eschewed any ministerial appointments, remaining instead a Member of Parliament. She also concentrated on charitable groups dedicated to children, women, and other causes, and on being Editor-in-Chief of the Mirror newspaper.

"If I understand it correctly, people have confidence in me, and so I will do my best," she said.

"I can do no more but try my best to try to ease the change from this great man to more ordinary mortals that will have to take over…

"As I told my party, every party in the world has had to face this, at some stage or the other, and they have to carry on what the person who is the founder and the leader – in this case Cheddi is really, sort of, the father of the country – you just have to carry on; the change has to come and the policies and the standards and the concepts he laid down, it would be a waste, it would be a dishonour to him if we did not carry on what he worked for so hard all his life.

"So we all have to do our best to make his dreams a reality, to complete many of the things he could not get completed… we have a job, and I feel that his lieutenants who lived and respected him and worked with him very closely… we have to all fulfill (what he worked for) or we will dishonour his whole life if we don’t do that."

When she took the oath as Prime Minister and First Vice-President, Mrs. Jagan became the country’s first woman Prime Minister, adding yet another achievement to her political career.

In 1950, she was one of three women to enter the House of Assembly, and became the first woman Deputy Speaker.

A statement from the Office of the President on Saturday night said President Hinds had appointed Mrs. Jagan as Prime Minister and First Vice-President after consultations with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic alliance government, and on the advice of Cabinet.

Agriculture Minister, Reepu Daman Persaud, was also sworn in as Second Vice-President.

Georgetown — A Cheddi Jagan Children’s Fund has been launched to help disadvantaged children in Guyana.

The scheme was formally launched on March 15 at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

Contributions channeled through the fund, to be coordinated by leading entrepreneur, Yesu Persaud, are expected to help the homeless, abused, and handicapped children, among others.

Donald Ramoutar, Executive Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, which Dr. Jagan founded, said the late President and his wife always had a deep love for children, and an interest in their welfare.

He noted that the Head of State, cremated last week, was concerned about the impact of poverty on them and about their education and health.

Jagan’s family had advised members of the public who wished to send wreaths at his State funeral to contribute to the fund instead.

Subscriptions and donations can be sent to Persaud at 44 High Street, Kingston, Georgetown. Or to Ramoutar at Freedom House, Robb Street, Georgetown, or any other authorized persons.

A list of account numbers at all commercial banks will also be published.

Georgetown — Agriculture Minister, Reepu Daman Persaud, has declared that the government intends to take all constitutional and legal measures necessary to ensure rice farmers are paid some (G) $150 million owned by millers.

"No stone will be left unturned to see that you get your money," he assured growers at a meeting called by the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) in Georgetown.

The Guyana Chronicle said about six millers have not yet paid farmers for grain supplied from the last autumn crop, despite several official pleas.

Persaud, sharing the meeting with Finance Minister, Bharrat Jagdeo, condemned those not honouring their obligation, saying they will "face the wrath" of the GRPA, the Guyana Rice Millers/Exporters Development Association (GRMEDA), and the government agency, Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB).

He said the GRDB Act will be amended, if necessary, to give the body more clout.

The authorities will be following up the matter to ensure the payments are made to the estimated 1,000 producers affected, Persaud said.

He suggested the black listing of those not keeping their commitments, noting payment difficulties frustrate farmers, most of whom are poor.

In addition, he urged that the groups agree on prices commensurate with production costs.

Farmers criticized the (G) $1,000 being offered for a bag of paddy produced in the current 1997 Spring crop. According to GRPA General Secretary, Fazal Ally, millers who are getting (US) $350 to $380 per tonne of cargo rice should pay producers between (G) $1,350 and $1,450.

The offers should be higher if international buyers pay more, he reasoned.

Jagdeo recommended that farmers enter into legal arrangements with millers, with detailed timeframes for payment and interest charges if there are delays.

He noted that many producers have been given notes on slips of paper, which is not acceptable, and volunteered to do a draft of a proper agreement.

Georgetown — Finance Minister, Bharrat Jagdeo, has reported plans to launch a (US) $20 million project for secondary towns in various parts of the country.

A Guyana Chronicle report said he made the announcement at a meeting with rice farmers, indicating efforts to secure funding will be followed up soon in Washington, D.C.

Under the plan, the authorities intend to build roads along the banks of the Essequibo and Demerara Rivers.

Areas between Parika and Lanaballi on the East Bank Essequibo, on the West Bank of the Demerara River, and Crabwood Creek to Orealla in Berbice, are being targeted.

Jagdeo, addressing a gathering of farmers at the Guyana Rice Producers Association (GRPA) base in Georgetown, also announced the building of five large drainage and irrigation schemes.

He said feasibility studies will be done, and while the government may not be able to finance the projects, it hopes to seek help from big private sector firms that have access to capital.

The government, he explained, is looking at building new infrastructure in preparation for the 21st century.

This includes bringing more land under cultivation, establishing industrial estates, a new airport, and shipping facilities to accommodate larger vessels.

In addition, Jagdeo said the authorities have completed negotiations for a loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to explore new forms of maintenance for drainage and irrigation systems.

These include communities, Jagdeo reported, noting that new and more effective methods of involving people at the local levels have to be devised.

Jagdeo assured the government would continue to allocate enormous amounts of resources to improve drainage and irrigation, pointing out that it will take time to fix all the problems in this sector.

He observed that work is continuing on sea defences, which form another link to the agricultural belt.

A complete rehabilitation will cost about (US) $600 million, and the government is, in the meantime, looking at critical areas.

It is also negotiating for a $20 million loan and plans to use a substantial part of a $40 million grant from the European Union on this area.

This year, the administration also budgeted (G) $125 million to dredge the mouths of the Mahaica, Mahaicony, and Abary rivers, which have become silted and contributed to widespread flooding.

Jagdeo also reported that research is being done on added value for products like rice, which could be used to make cereals, and in food processing.

Georgetown — Rice shipments to Europe through the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCT) route are almost at a standstill, Charles Kennard, Chairman of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) has reported.

Exports are not likely to improve until a review of the quota, scheduled sometime this month, he said.

The current four-month arrangement for 42,000 tonnes have been "formally utilized" and shipments to European markets are at a "virtual standstill," he added.

According to Kennard, the best bet is the reduction of the levy for direct shipments to Europe from ACP producers.

Word on a requested drop from 50 to 35 percent is likely later this month, he added.

Kennard said the timing would be ideal as many farmers have just harvested the year’s first crop, and the paddy could be processed and shipped immediately.

But the current uncertainty has placed all industry operators in a dilemma, he noted.

So far, 32,213 tonnes of rice have been exported for the year, earning (US) $10.4 million.

This compares with 33,762 tonnes last year, which netted $12.5 million.

The restriction of shipments through the OCT resulted from a decision by the European Union to safeguard producers in Europe.

Other markets are being sought in the meantime, and Kennard said opportunities are being explored in Colombia and neighbouring Venezuela which have expressed interest in paddy.

Haiti will also be buying 15,000 tonnes of polished rice soon. It is likely to take more depending on the response by consumers.

Meanwhile, Kennard said bad weather has affected farmers in Essequibo who had sown early.

Arrangements have been made with millers to provide drying facilities to farmers whose grains have too much moisture.

Efforts to get the Guyana Stockfeeds Limited to buy poor quality paddy are also being finalised.

Some 8,000 acres in Essequibo were swamped during heavy rains, leading to a drop in the projected 185,000 acres this crop.

Georgetown — A recently approved master plan to combat the illicit drug plague here over the next three years will be delivered through a framework of national institutional arrangements.

An executive summary of the strategy said these arrangements have to promote and sustain efficient coordination.

These also have to incorporate a number of inter-linking committees.

These include the National Anti-Narcotic Commission (NANCOM), which is tasked with determining policy, ensuring proper coordination of programs, approving financial and other resources, and promoting bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

NANCOM is to be chaired by the President and its members will include relevant government ministers, the Attorney General, senior officials in the Army, the Police, National Service and Customs Department.

The Home Affairs Ministry will coordinate, monitor and supervise the implementation of the plan through a national secretariat, which will be accorded the appropriate authority and independence to pursue its mandate.

Other committees identified to further the implementation process are the Joint Anti-Narcotics Operations Committee (JANOC), the Joint Information Coordinating Centre (JICC), Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU), and the National Coordinating Council for Drug Education and Rehabilitation (NCCDER).

The plan also takes account of the regional and international agencies that are involved in initiatives to combat drug trafficking and drug abuse.

It affirms as well, Guyana’s intent to cooperate with these bodies and to support actions designed to reduce the drug problem.

The summary said lead sectors in the fight against drugs would be required to design specific and appropriate schemes.

These will have to reflect the realities of available economic and human resources and seek to build on current initiatives.

The plan, the summary explained, is "influenced by the ways in which people and communities live and the conditions under which they live; recognising that drug abuse and drug trafficking can wreak havoc on social well being and social order, and in the process severely threaten life opportunities of the Guyanese people."

Georgetown — A sleeping four-year-old schoolboy perished in an early morning blaze at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara on March 16. The fire left his elder brother hospitalised.

Govindra Samaroo, asleep on a foam mattress inside a small house where he lived with his mother and brother at 298 Martyrs Ville Housing Scheme, died before rescuers could reach the building.

His badly burnt brother, five-year-old Kamal Samaroo, was admitted to the Children’s Ward of the Public Hospital Georgetown. Nurses on Sunday said he was in "stable" condition.

The mother, Dhanmattie Mahadeo, 29, was on her way home from a Hindu temple when neighbours broke the news.

At the hospital, she said she had left both children safely at home.

Mahadeo said she had put a plate of fish curry on a dressing case for Govindra, called ‘Toffy’, who had still been sleeping when she left around 7.30 a.m.

Kamal, also known as Shaun, had awakened by then, and she claimed she had left the single door of the wooden house open.

The distraught mother said she had no idea how the blaze could have started, as she did not leave any lighted candle, mosquito coil, or any other thing inside.

Neighbour, Lolita Singh, said she heard cries of "Mammy! Mammy!" from within the house and saw smoke coming from it around 8 a.m.

She claimed the door had been locked and some men doing construction work nearby pushed it open and saw Kamal stumbling out screaming for help.

His clothes, a green shorts and vest, had already caught fire, and had to be doused and eventually cut off from his scorched, swollen skin.

Concerned citizens quickly formed a bucket brigade, fetching water from a nearby trench to douse the flames that had engulfed the mattress on which the younger son lay.

Singh said when the fire was under control, and they peeped inside and saw the child’s burnt body lying in a crouched position. Only pieces of the foam were still visible, and the wooden support on which it was on had turned to coals.

The single bedroom was on the upper half of the building, about eight feet wide and ten feet long. The walls enclosing the bed and a shelf were charred.

Another mattress, which was underneath the bed, was burnt. Two kerosene lamps stood on a vanity set in the southern section by the door, which had not been touched by the fire.

The kitchen downstairs was locked.

Neighbours claimed the door was padlocked from the outside, but the mother said she had left it open and Kamal must have secured it from the inside.

The young single-parent, who does domestic chores to maintain herself and the children, fainted when she reached the yard, it was reported.

Kamal was rushed across to the nearby Mon Repos agricultural road and transported in a bus to the hospital. Police arrived at around 9 a.m. and took Govindra away in a hearse.

Statements were also taken from neighbours.

Georgetown — The National Library in Georgetown has mounted an exhibition in tribute to the memory of the late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

A statement from the library said the display includes a selection of his main works and a portrait in the middle of the flags of Guyana and the People’s Progressive Party, which he founded 50 years ago.

The exhibition is open to the public from Monday to Friday, and will end on March 22, when Jagan would have celebrated his 79th birthday.

"Dr. Jagan was a good friend f the Library and always showed a keen interest in the development of (its) service. The Chairman, committee members and staff… extend condolences to the sorrowing wife, Mrs. Janet Jagan, children and relatives," a statement from the library said.

Georgetown — Former Attorney General, Fenton Ramsahoye has said the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan has left an enduring legacy to the world.

In an obituary published in the Guyana Chronicle, Ramsahoye recalled working with Dr. Jagan as the first elected Attorney General when he was in command of the country under internal self-government between 1961-64.

"…I remain one of the few still living who served in his Cabinet throughout his time as Premier. Soon after he took office, Guyana was plagued by internal strife which was inspired and motivated by relentless and remorseless opponents of his from both within and without Guyana.

"It could be said with truth that from February 1962 he carried on as Premier, but was denied the peace which is essential to successful government.

"Throughout his time as Premier he cared for the well being of his people in a way which bore no mark of hesitation. He selected ministers who worked with him and who together with him ensured that the public administration would be honourable and that no profit of any kind would be made out of the condition of Guyana’s peoples by politicians who held public office.

"During the darkest days of the country’s history when the people were being manipulated to revolt, and when it became clear that the imperial government in Britain and the government of the United States wished to put an end to his government, he and his ministers carried on their duties with scrupulous honesty, integrity, and dedication.

"Sir Ralph Grey, later Lord Grey, was one of the Governors while he was Premier… Grey, with whom I had direct telephone contact from the Attorney General’s Chambers, called me one day during our most troubled times to discuss a matter concerning the government.

"He intimated displeasure with me, as was my impression, for using my talents in support of Cheddi Jagan’s leftist regime, which he no doubt considered too left and with leanings to the Soviet bloc.

"I must have appeared visibly disturbed and as a result, as I was about to leave his office, he called me back and said he felt obliged to let me know that it was the first time he had worked with colonial ministers who did not steal.

"So it was indeed. Cheddi Jagan and his ministers did not compromise the nation’s money by deals, and they carried on the government without thinking that theirs was a form of political investment, which had to bear dividends.

"As Premier, this was his clear example which his ministers followed. With them, he was able to establish for the world to see that public administration could be honourable and accountable. He had total respect for all laws which dealt with the public service, but his enduring legacy to the world is the lesson which no Guyanese should ever forget, and that is that it is possible to constitute and administer a government wholly devoid of corruption."

Georgetown — The ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic government has backed a repeated challenge by Finance Minister, Bharrat Jagdeo, to the Minority People’s National Congress (PNC) to debate allegations of corruption.

The party rejected what it called the "wild accusations" of wrongdoing by the government and its functionaries. The "accusations" were made by the PNC and its leader, Desmond Hoyte.

Jagdeo recently challenged the party to debate the charges, asserting its allegations were based on a network of lies.

Hoyte has charged that the administration is continuing a "brazen and bizarre course of corruption and irregular conduct."

But the PPP/Civic has countered that Hoyte’s party, when in government, was active in corruption at many levels, and there are many documented records that testify to this fact.

The PPP/Civic added that the nation is not oblivious to the fact that corruption under the PNC was so deep that its presence still has adverse effects.

"But it is clear that, contrary to the PNC’s hypocritical ranting and ravings, there is no support for such activity from central government," the statement added.

The party noted that corruption in all forms and at all levels is a serious threat to social and economic development that has plagued this nation for too long.

It declared: "The consistent efforts by the entire Cabinet to uproot and fight this social ailment are worthy of praise and support. There have been many bold initiatives taken in this regard as the government seeks to combat this cancer, which has been eating at the sinews of our society."

One of these, the PPP/Civic said, is the timely preparation of the Auditor General’s report after a ten-year absence.

"We believe that this is an indispensable tool in any flight against corruption at the State level, as it ensures accountability and exposes wrong-doings."

The party added that the establishment of Commissions of Enquiry is also another instrument used effectively by the PPP/Civic administration in its efforts to institutionalize accountability.

It said it seeks the support of all socially responsible groups for the government’s initiatives in the fight against corruption, one of which is for political forces to exchange ideas and to hold frank debates on this important issue.

"Mr. Jagdeo’s challenge for a public debate with PNC’s leader, Desmond Hoyte, or its Finance spokesperson, Mr. Winston Murray, is still on the table. We hope that in the interest of promoting a democracy where members of society are willing to exchange views and share opinions, the PNC would stop making excuses and summon the courage to respond to the Finance Minster’s challenge for a public debate at an early date."

Georgetown — Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, Brigadier Joe Singh, has said the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan was an inspiration, and members of the Joint Services mourn his passing.

In a statement, Singh said of Dr. Jagan, also Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces:

"Throughout his tenure as President and Chairman of the Defence Board, he displayed sustained interest in the professional development, operational and administrative efficiency of the Services, and also the morale and welfare of the Officers and Ranks.

"In spite of his hectic schedule, he frequently identified with many activities ranging from training and operations to sports and culture.

He was an inspiration and an example to us all of a patriot, and one who displayed a tenacity of purpose and a will to succeed and survive.

"We mourn his passing and extend to his bereaved family our sincere condolences."

Georgetown — President Sam Hinds has formally commissioned a new electricity plant on the island of Wakenaam in the Essequibo river, fulfilling a promise by the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan.

A 325-kilowatt Caterpillar 3412 generating set, valued at (US) $183,000 is now supplying the island with reliable electricity.

Hinds unveiled a plaque at the site dedicated to the memory of Dr. Jagan who introduced an electrification programme in the Essequibo region.

The late Dr. Jagan had many times publicly said that improving the appalling national electricity system that his government inherited was a top priority of his administration.

The Wakenaam project was funded by the Government and the set was purchased from the Machinery Corporation of Guyana (MACORP) firm.

The Guyana Chronicle said the sales agreement includes training of Guyana Electricity Corporation (GEC) operators to ensure proper and timely maintenance of the equipment.

Officials explained that before the new set was installed, residents got about 14 hours of power each weekday, with continuous supply from 5 p.m. on Fridays to 7 a.m. on Mondays.

Hinds in an address at the Wakenaam ceremony, referred to other new power sets being commissioned this week, and recalled a statement by Jagan that Guyana will soon get to the levels of "good living" as any other country.

"We in Guyana, can by our efforts and by our works, produce a country that we can all be proud of, and that can provide satisfaction to all the people," he added.

Hinds said Jagan had set the country on the right path and "our task now is to keep on that direction for many years and steadily, step by step, keep raising our level."

He felt the commissioning ceremonies would be a fitting tribute to the efforts of the late President, who always took a leading role in improving and extending rural electrification.

Hinds said that from the time of Jagan's earlier government, and since his election as President at the October 5, 1992 national polls, this was always his objective.

"The deterioration of the GEC from where he had left it (when he was first in government) was one of his griefs, and a huge amount of his time was spent on seeking, clarifying and determining the base if all alternatives available."

Hinds said that Jagan had urged "us to implement that alternative as rapidly as we could, so we could bring reliable electricity to our people, at the lowest possible prices.

He said that with the reliable electricity on the island, it would be expected that people would find it easier to develop agro-industries, food processing operations, and other things Jagan talked about.

He said Jagan was an idealist and a practical man driven by the ideal of working towards an ever better living for all Guyanese.

Local Government Minister, Mr. Harripersaud Nokta said although Jagan has died, his dreams for a better Guyana is there for all Guyanese to fulfil.

He pledged that Jagan's dreams for improved social services, a better health service, better roads, water supply, education and other things will be realised.

"I would like to use this platform to inform the residents of Wakenaam and all Guyanese (that I) and members of the Cabinet... and all the members of the PPP/Civic government will continue to strive and struggle so that we will be able as the days go by, to bring to the people of this island an improved social standard of living," he said.

"We have long suffered and we have waited patiently, and today we can say that Wakenaam is going to have improved service," Nokta said.

Georgetown — The privately owned Guyana light aircraft skyjacked in the north-west district late last year is expected to be flown back here from Colombia soon.

The islander, owned by Roraima Airways, was found in Colombia in January this year, and has been released by the Attorney General's Office in that country, officials here announced last week.

Investigations by the Attorney General's Office in Colombia found that the aircraft was not involved in any crime, and has given orders that the Islander, skyjacked here on November 27 last, be handed back to Roraima Airways, the Guyana Chronicle said.

Third Secretary and Consul in the Colombian Embassy in Georgetown, Howell Richardo Quimbay Morales, last week officially notified Roraima Airways’ Managing Director, Gerry Gouveia that the release of the plane had been authorized by the relevant authorities in that country.

Colombian Ambassador to Guyana, Juan Angel Sanchez Rodrigues said

Guyana's Foreign Minister, Clement Rohee, played a key role in the talks with the Colombian government, ensuring that the aircraft was returned speedily.

The plane's pilot, Frank Rowe, and co-pilot, Chris Brown, were overpowered after picking up five men on a scheduled charter from Kwebanna airstrip in the North West District.

They were dumped from the aircraft, which was then flown off by the skyjackers.

In December, the plane, valued at (US) $300,000, was spotted under a canopy of leaves in Colombia by its Air Force.

Gouevia returned from Colombia on January 22 after flying the aircraft , under military escort, from the jungle where it had been spotted by a keen-eyed Colombian Air Force pilot.

Gouevia said he was informed by the Ambassador and contacts in Colombia that this was the first time in the history of Colombia a matter like this was resolved diplomatically. It was the first time a matter of this nature was resolved so quickly, he added.

"In fact, there were other planes sitting in Colombia now which were sent there under similar circumstances in the last two years, and they are still there; and it is a long process... so I think this is a good demonstration of the relationship between Guyana and Colombia at the moment," he said.

Gouveia felt that the return of the aircraft demonstrated the commitment on the part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guyana in pursuing the matter to bring it to a close.

When the plane returns it will have to undergo a thorough maintenance check, and re-certified by the Civil Aviation Department, formalities which could take about a month.

The remote Puerto Carreno jungle and savannah terrain where the plane was found hidden is near the Colombia-Venezuela border and is a base for Colombian Leftist guerrilla groups, Gouveia said.

There is no doubt that the late Dr. Cheddi Bharat Jagan was a well-loved leader of Guyana, and a true Caribbean citizen. And the tributes that came following his death from Caribbean leaders and those close to him are a tremendous testimony to this achievement.

Said Caricom Secretary-General, Edwin Carrington: "We have lost one of our most visionary leaders, one of our most determined fighters for Caribbean development — a man who was not afraid to come to grips with the peculiar problems of the region and to forge ideas and approaches which respond to these peculiarities."

Grenada’s Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell: "He showed genuine love for all Caribbean people, and was a champion for the working class in the country, and has been consistently so throughout his entire life.

"I don’t think there is any politician that has shown that longevity in terms of standing for principles, despite the difficulties which he had to face in Guyana in the ’70s and the ’60s...

"I think he played an immense role in the struggle in the ’60s and ’70s in the Third World context, when he stood firmly in the position on South Africa and Black people of South Africa."

Barbados’ Prime Minister, Owen Arthur: "Few of us have the privilege to work, and be associated with historical figures of another era, but such has been the case with those of my generation, who as Caribbean leaders in the nineties, have been blessed with the opportunity to work with Dr. Jagan in recent years as he pressed on with his mission to forge a lasting Caribbean unity.’’

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson: "Dr. Jagan was a towering figure in Caribbean politics, whose remarkable career began in the fight against colonial oppression, and ended in his efforts as Head of State and government to achieve the full development of his people and the abundant resources of his sovereign country.

"His political tenacity and intellectual contribution to the dialectics of our time can never be questioned.

"His long and dedicated service will leave an indelible stamp on Guyana, and in time, the entire Caribbean and the developing world as a whole."

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister, Basdeo Panday: "Cheddi was the most kind, the most generous person that I have ever known."

St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister, Sir James Mitchell: "Cheddi Jagan, perhaps, beyond all politicians in this region, demonstrated the fortitude exceeded by none.

"I do not know who else would have languished so long with so much adversity and still stay the course; smaller man, lesser men would have abandoned the struggle."

And his widow, Mrs. Jagan: "He was... a fighter, a man dedicated to win advances, not only for the people of his native land but for all humanity...

"My greatest regret at his death... is that he was not given the time to complete his plans to fulfill his dreams... He had many dreams for Guyana, to eradicate poverty, to build a strong and independent nation, to consolidate the democracy he had struggled to restore, and above all, to unite the nation.

"He fervently sought unity and never succumbed to pessimism. He always knew that the battle for unity would be achieved. Today we are seeing his hopes come true."

As we continue mourning for the loss of this "towering" man, we look with hope to the future for Guyana, and the Caribbean, particularly in the light of the many rich legacies he left behind.

By Dwarka Lakhan

Toronto — "I will not rest until my country is free."

This is the last line in the book, Forbidden Freedom, which was written by Guyana's late President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan in 1954.

When he died 43 years later, he left a free Guyana and set the stage for the establishment of an economic powerhouse in the Caribbean.

Carrying on Jagan’s unwavering struggle for Guyanese that lasted for more than half of a century is a formidable challenge. He was always selfless in his quest for uplifting the standard of living of Guyanese from all walks of life, particularly the working class and the poor.

His government’s economic policies in the late 1950s and early 1960's produced steady growth, earning Guyana respect among its peer group of countries. Then, Guyana was known as the "Food Bowl of the Caribbean."

Unjustly displaced from power through the collaborative efforts of the British and the Americans because of his ideological leanings, he saw all his efforts go to waste in the 1964-1992 period as Guyana was plunged into a state of poverty under Forbes Burnham's People’s National Congress (PNC) regime into becoming the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere behind Haiti.

When Jagan returned to power in 1992, he inherited an economy that was in chaos. Its infrastructure was in a sad state of disrepair. The literal "food bowl" was no longer full. He immediately set out on a path to put Guyana's "economic house" back in order.

Since then, progress has been steady. Guyana today enjoys the highest growth rate in the region. The standard of living of its people is slowly rising. The poor are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel through creative program funding. Investments were made in areas that are necessary to sustain continued growth.

The productive sectors have all responded to the propitious environment he created. Put simply, Jagan gave Guyanese a vision for prosperity.

With Jagan's passing, it is appropriate to examine the road ahead for Guyana and the constraints that must be overcome as the country moves forward. On the political front, selecting a successor that can take the People’s Progressive Party/Civic through the next general elections that are constitutionally due no later than March 1998 should be highest on the agenda.

Apparently, succession planning in the PPP was not a priority. The names of Mrs. Janet Jagan, her son Dr. Cheddi Jagan Jnr., Clement Rohee, Ralph Ramkarran, Feroze Mohamed, and Roger Luncheon have all made the news as potential successors.

The current acting President, and Prime Minister until Jagan's death, Sam Hinds, is also a possible candidate, but is reportedly not interested in the position. However, it will not be surprising if he changes his mind.

Economically, Jagan launched a comprehensive National Development Strategy (NDS) in January, which was prepared by the Ministry of Finance in consultation with a wide cross section of the population.

The NDS identifies the priorities that will drive Guyana's social and economic development over the next ten years. It analyses in considerable detail the problems and prospects in all crucial sectors of the economy, making recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes where necessary to ensure that its objectives are met.

The document provides guidance along four broad policy lines, namely macroeconomic policies, the social sectors, the productive sectors, and infrastructural sectors. The NDS does not contain any political biases, and sets the economic course for the nation going forward.

This was among the last of Jagan's major contributions to Guyana's development process. Undoubtedly, the PPP/Civic government will ensure that the NDS is successfully executed.

One big challenge facing a PPP without Jagan is the pervasive issue of race. Jagan was a monument of respect for promoting racial harmony in Guyana. His policies and plans included all six races as one people. Although by nature Guyanese are not openly racial, certain elements within its population are continuously bent on exploiting racial differences to stir up strife, in order to achieve political gain.

While the PPP is a multiracial party, it draws the majority of its support from the Indian population, while the main opposition PNC party gets its support mainly from the Black population. Inherent in this support structure is the perception that the party in government will most likely patronize its own supporters.

Unlike the former PNC administration that was notorious for patronizing its supporters, the PPP under Jagan did not favour its supporters in executing its policies. The role of Jagan as a leader in maintaining an unbiased stand on racial issues will not be easy for a new President, especially given the strength of the opposing parties which will be looking to capitalize on the loss of Jagan, a man who almost single-handedly built a barrier against the spread of racism.

Some analysts contend that the PPP will falter without Jagan insofar that he was the father-figure that held the party together. The name Jagan was synonymous with PPP and people voted for Jagan, and not the PPP. This view is held by those who see a struggle for leadership within the party akin to what happened in the PNC when Forbes Burnham died. The result was the Desmond Hoyte and Hamilton Green factions that now share the supporters of the former united PNC.

If the Local Government elections held two years ago is any indication of how quickly the voters can take sides, considering Green's victory in Georgetown, then some credibility must be lent to this view.

On the other hand, some believe that the PPP is now stronger with the realization that the passing of its leader has left a void that will be tough to fill. As well, the PPP is cognizant of the fact that fringe parties that have historically cropped up at elections time target mainly its supporters. Should any rifts develop within its own ranks, then the chances of it remaining in power with majority support will diminish.

One PPP official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, summed up the party's renewed strength as follows: "Think of the loss of Jagan as the loss of the father in a home and all his children must now band together to preserve family unity and strength." Put this together with the statement of Mrs. Jagan, who said: "… all of us will carry the torch he lit so many years ago," and we get the picture of a united and strong PPP.

The stage for a prosperous Guyana is already set. The country's growth should continue to surge ahead.

The PPP/Civic government has established an enviable track record. Only a change in government, which is most unlikely, can reverse the work of its greatest leader.

Among Jagan's last words were, "Everything will be all right." Let us hope that his successor, and the PPP, ensure these words remain etched in stone for the good of all of Guyana.

By Peter Jailall

Toronto — Guyanese mourned deeply the untimely death of President Dr. Cheddi Jagan on March 6. So much so that many touched the cold glass on his casket as they filed past as his body lay in State in Georgetown. So much so that may bid him farewell, saying they hoped they will one day meet again. So much so that many wept openly.

His was a face they will never forget – bold, friendly, courteous, kind, and even regal.

The Comrade Leader’s death was untimely. It came as a shock, leaving some of his life’s work undone.

He needed at least a second term to take Guyana further along the path to economic recovery.

So determined was this leader that he even battled at the very doors of death, surely to complete the work he had started half a century ago.

Now that Jagan is gone, his supporters must celebrate his remarkable life, and his distinguished accomplishments, if they want to realize his dreams for a new Guyana. They are even called to work harder to continue the job of rebuilding our dear land.

The new leader will have a difficult act to follow. As a matter of fact, it is unfair to expect him or her to do so.

Jagan was a respected, working class leader in the Caribbean and in the Third World. He had international stature. World leaders were willing to open doors for him. He was the most honest politician in the whole world.

The new leader has some serious challenges ahead, and one of these is party unity. When a leader is gone in any movement, there is a period of grieving, of charity, goodwill, and goodness. Then there may be some bloodletting in the party. In politics, power and control sometimes surface at unlikely times. It’s the nature of the political beast.

Will the party be ready and able to stop the blood-letting immediately?

There is no doubt that President Sam Hinds is capable enough to take the party through the grieving period until the next election is called.

Whoever decides to take up the mantle of leadership then to lead the People’s Progressive Party/Civic into elections, and if victorious, the government, will face a number of challenges.

And challenges there will be. Here are a few of them.

The new leader must be able to get the full support of the sugar workers, the bauxite workers, and the rank and file Guyanese living in the urban areas.

The new leader must be able to gain the confidence and the support of the Civic wing, the Trade Union Congress, the army, and the police.

The new leader must be a friend of the business community.

The new leader must be able to bring the six races together, especially the East Indians and the Africans. After all, race will continue to play a major role in the next election.

When Jagan was alive, he had to work hard to prove that he was not a racist. Yet he failed to get the full support of the Afro-Guyanese working people.

It is true that his death brought together all races in mourning, but paying respect to the dead is deeply rooted in our culture.

Ideological purity in the new leader may not be a factor, especially with the end of the Cold War, providing the leader is not dogmatic and blatantly anti-American.

The new leader must be able to maintain the seven percent growth in the economy.

There must be a guarantee that the building of schools and roads continue; and that progress is maintained in health, and in the supply of electricity and water.

The new leader must be clear and incorruptible, bold and forthright to fight corruption at any level.

The new leader must be neutral where matters of religion are concerned, showing no bias

for any religious group.

The Carter Center will expect the new leader to continue the task of rebuilding the economy, and at the same time continue repairing a fractured democratic culture in Guyana.

The new leader must be able to work hard to win the support from overseas-based Guyanese who can be instrumental in being good ambassadors for Guyanese abroad, as well as providing skills and material resources when necessary.

The new leader must be strong to protect Guyana’s natural environment and its mineral wealth, which must not be sold out cheaply to foreign corporations.

Finally, the new leader must be sensitive to gender issues. For too long we have been governed by a ‘male-stream’ political culture. The rights of Guyanese women and children must be top priority.

This is a tall list, and indeed a hard act to follow. The good leader is called upon to serve the people, and the cost is extremely high.

Who will be chosen?

Who is willing to come forward?

By Manshad Mohamed

Toronto — Problems encountered by the People’s Progressive Party in Guyana, as well as a look at the history of this nation’s politics, were among the items that came up for discussion when the Ontario Society for Services to Indo-Caribbean Canadians (OSSICC) hosted Dr. Prem Misir as its guest speaker.

The event, which is one in a series of lectures being put on by OSSICC, took place on March 2 at Bethune College, York University.

Misir is originally from Guyana, and is a Clinical Associate Professor at New York University.

During what was a wide-ranging lecture he spoke on teething problems experienced by the PPP/Civic government in Guyana during its political transition. As a resource, he used one of his books, Worker's Participation in Management.

Misir also spoke of the difficulty in getting data from the People’s National Congress (PNC) government, and from the administration of the civil service, which he said has retained its power under the PPP government.

The PNC's broad concept of power had the imprint of being in office, but not in power, he noted. And indicators of the relationship between power and social development of workers were low self-esteem, a lack of tolerance, and a low level of aspirations in their social development.

"I believe that we have not seen any kind of movement that the PNC government was sympathetic to workers. The IMF was also opposed to workers’ participation in management. The outcome was the working class was badly hurt, and that includes both Indian and African workers," he said.

Misir also touched on his book Work Commitment in Education, using it to illustrate how the system of patronage and corruption, together with the doctrine of paramountcy, was instituted in Guyana. This included the police and military forces, both of which were accountable to party elites who established public policy.

And while some Guyanese succumbed to the PNC's oppressive regime, Misir said many fled to Britain, Canada, and the United States, creating a massive brain drain. Those who valued their professional skills, freedom, and dignity, were the first to leave in the 1970's, when economic conditions worsened and jobs were hard to find. The exodus has continued, particularly to the US and Canada.

He later described life under the new PPP/Civic government in Guyana as "being more meaningful." However, he was of the view that there cannot be "full workers’ participation in a full workers’ system."