Tribute by His Excellency, President Bharrat Jagdeo at the official funeral cermony for the late Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Derek Jagan, OR, CCH, SC. Friday October 2OTH, 2000.

 

Posted October 29th 2000

Fellow Guyanese,

Our nation today mourns the loss of an outstanding and dedicated son. Derek Chunnilall Jagan was a dear friend and compatriot. It is fitting that we are gathered on the forecourt of the highest institution of the land, in which he served with distinction, to pay homage to him.

It seems as if it was just yesterday when we spent about two hours conversing over a course of "seven-curry" at Manny"s house. And that was last Saturday evening, just about 12 hours before he left us suddenly.

On Sunday morning, when I was told that Derek died of a heart attack, I refused to accept the fact of his death until I went to his home and confronted the shocking reality. I was not prepared for his sudden passing. But as John Payne reminds us: "ALL THINGS MUST END THAT HAVE BEGUN."

What can I say of Derek that would do justice to his worth to the nation? Can words truly capture the spirit of Derek Jagan?

On October 5th, 2000 the nation honoured Derek with the Order of Roraima. The Award was in recognition of the yeoman service he gave to the nation, both in the Courtroom and in the National Assembly. At that time, Derek seemed happy and healthy, proud yet as always humble. His eyes shone with that glimmer that always signaled when he was happy. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would be here today at his funeral.

Much has been and will be said about his service to Guyana. I would like to share a few thoughts of the Derek I knew and respected.

I know Derek for many years. But I can remember vividly our encounters in Parliament. To me, a newcomer to this arena in 1993, Derek was there to offer much needed words of advice. He took the business of the House with all seriousness. As Speaker, he sought to reestablish the respect one associates with this Assembly. His mission as Speaker was to make Parliament a truly representative institution. His legal background, knowledge of the Standing Orders of the Assembly, as well as his considerable experience as a parliamentarian more than qualified him for this challenging job.

Outside of Parliament, we shared many, many light moments. He was my friend. At times, he treated me like a brother and a son. There was always something to be learnt from his vast experience and understanding of politics, law and life. His death is a personal loss to me.

He was endowed with those fine qualities that exalt human nature, and stamp their imprint permanently in people's hearts. His personality won him esteem, commanded respect and compelled affection. The intrinsic worth of his life was far more valuable to him than any fame he might have achieved.

As a person, he was amiable and blessed with an easy politeness. This disposition allowed Derek to mix readily with any and everyone, a fortunate gift for someone who has been active politically for over four decades. Derek was a model of simplicity and modesty. He, of course, had his difficult moments in life; but under every trial and affliction that life threw at him, he emerged composed, cheerful, and unruffled. Derek Jagan is an example of what a person can become with hard work and dedication. He came from a humble and poor family, yet was able to study law, establish for himself a successful practice in the legal profession. He played more than his fair share as a "soldier for democracy", served for many years as Parliamentarian, and became Speaker of the National Assembly.

Derek was the brother of the legendary Dr. Cheddi Jagan. While he was faithful to the late President throughout his political career, he made himself his own man and earned his own distinction in the legal and political fields.

Derek's quiet outward countenance concealed a burning passion. He brought to his professional work commendable enterprise and energy. He was to his dying day a believer in freedom and justice: causes that he fought for both politically and in the Courts.

For many years, he was a Parliamentarian of the PPP, playing his part in the long struggle for freedom. Many may not have shared his views but they certainly could never fault his commitment to those causes that he gave so much of his life to.

To his wife, children, relatives and friends, I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Derek. He has left a nation in mourning.

I trust that the cherished memories of him will be a source of comfort to you during this most difficult time. That he lived a full, good, and honourable life a source of pride to all of us. Our grief cannot restore him but he lives in our hearts and in our memories.

He was born in Port Mourant on the Corentyne and it is there that he will return tomorrow to be interred. Once again, we say to Port Mourant and to Berbice, thank you for giving us another truly great son.

I will miss my friend Derek; I will miss going out with him; I will miss our long conversations and his words of advice; and I will miss his support in times of need.

We cannot give significance to his life unless we honour his memory. To do so is to strive to maintain those things and values that he stood for. Derek’s friends and associates spanned all ethnic, religious and political groups. He was a Guyanese who understood the importance of working with and respecting each other in our rich multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society.

In this special period, as we approach national elections, we must commit to conduct ourselves, in such a way, that will not exacerbate differences and division, even whilst competing fiercely. Also, we must all commit ourselves that once we are through with this period, we will work together as one family to realize the true potential of our country. To do so would be a fitting tribute to Derek's memory.

Farewell my Friend!


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