Condolences for Janet Jagan

Jagan made indelible contribution over 65 years – IAC

By Stabroek staff | April 1, 2009 in Local News 

The Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) says the late former president Janet Jagan made a monumental and indelible contribution to Guyana over 65 years.

The IAC hailed Mrs Jagan’s contribution to government and politics, her input in journalism, women’s rights and in arts, culture, history and literature. In a press release the group said too her work ethic and discipline, particularly during the fight for national independence and as co-founder of the PAC, PPP and the WPEO (now WPO) is to be commended.

Additionally, the IAC lauded Mrs Jagan as a leading light in the movement for women’s rights, as a minister of government, prime minister and as president from 1997-1999. The group said she "possessed great ideological clarity and depth, remained steadfast, unwavering and consistent in her beliefs, convictions and positions."

Mrs Jagan was the architect of the women’s rights movement – Guywid

By Stabroek staff | March 31, 2009 in Local News 

Guyanese Women in Development (Guywid) said late former president Mrs Janet Jagan "laid the foundation and provided the vision for the women’s rights movement in Guyana" as it mourns her passing.

In a press release the group said it remembers too Mrs Jagan’s "distinguished and selfless contribution towards the betterment of our country, our people and especially our women." Together with her husband, the late president Dr Cheddi Jagan, she withstood many adversaries, challenged the colonial regime and blazed the trail in the struggle for political independence and working class unity.

The release said too as a leader and a journalist Mrs Jagan unwaveringly joined with others in the battle against rigged elections and for the restoration of democracy in Guyana. Since her entry into politics the late former president had been an advocate for and encouraged women to educate themselves and their children, particularly their daughters. She led the way both through her spoken works and by her actions, and became a symbol of what women could achieve of they are committed and hardworking, the release said.

Guywid said Guyanese women have been and will continue to be inspired by Mrs Jagan’s unflinching dedication, integrity and sense of purpose for she has left an indelible imprint on their lives. It said too it considers the most fitting tribute to her to be a commitment to strengthening democracy; to ensuring the poor and vulnerable benefit from labour and to empowering women to take on the helm of decision making in the society.

Guywid extends deepest sympathies to Mrs Jagan’s children and relatives.

Mrs Jagan had great courage and resilience – Dharmic Sabha

By Stabroek staff | March 31, 2009 in Local News 

In paying tribute to the late former President Janet Jagan the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha described her as a woman of great "courage and resilience which was demonstrated throughout her life in all her endeavours."

In a press release the Sahba expressed condolences to her children and relatives and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on the passing of Mrs Jagan.

According to the Sabha Mrs Jagan was never one to succumb and fought valiantly for whatever cause she espoused and she believed and supported the cause of the downtrodden and oppressed and at all times identified with ordinary folk in their pursuits for better life.

Mrs Jagan, the Shaba said, showed a keen interest in the development of women and was settled on the principle that women were entitled as of right to equal status as men and ought to be so treated.

"She formed the Women’s Progressive Organization, through which she worked assiduously for the upliftment of women affording them the exposure and opportunities for self improvement thereby making a contribution to their communities and country," the release said. Mrs Jagan also had close to her heart the causes of children particularly in education and she has authored many children’s books.

And as a journalist Mrs Jagan was disciplined and for more than forty years edited the Thunder and Mirror newspaper and she unequivocally subscribed to freed of the press.

She will be remembered for her selfless dedication and struggle for the betterment of Guyana, a country which she adopted as her own.

Mrs Jagan ‘lived for her people’ – Carrington

By Stabroek staff | April 4, 2009 in Local News 

Caricom Secretary-General Edwin Carrington has hailed the contributions of late former president Janet Jagan to Guyana, saying hers was "truly a life lived for her people" in a message of condolence.

Although Jagan was born in the USA she devoted her life to the development of the Guyanese culture and people, particularly the women. In pursuit of that goal she co-founded the People’s Progressive Party, along with her late husband Dr Cheddi Jagan, himself a former President of Guyana, the release said. The Secretary-General also said Jagan, "served her country in tumultuous times and displayed a fortitude and uncompromising commitment to her ideals which ensured she maintained her focus through the most difficult of circumstances."

Through the party Jagan "waged a tireless struggle to improve the lives of Guyanese," a struggle which earned her the nation’s highest award, the Order of Excellence in 1995 and its highest office, the presidency, in 1997.

Carrington also lauded Jagan’s "abiding love for journalism" which she demonstrated through her editing of the party paper the Mirror and even more so after demitting office.

He noted too that Jagan was a devoted mother of two children and a grandmother as well as a devoted wife to her late husband. Her invaluable contribution to Guyana will long be remembered. Carrington extended condolences to Jagan’s family, the government and citizens on behalf of the Community and the Secretariat.

OAS pays tribute to Mrs Jagan

By Stabroek staff | April 2, 2009 in Local News 

The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) yesterday expressed its condolences to the people and Government of Guyana on the death of former President Mrs. Janet Jagan.

"Ms. Jagan played a relevant role (in) the development of Guyana and received several distinctions, among them the Order of Excellence (the highest national award in Guyana) and the Gandhi Gold Medal … In 1997 she made history by becoming the first woman President of Guyana", said President of the Permanent Council and Ambassador of Canada to the OAS, Graeme Clark.

An OAS press release said too that the Permanent Representatives of the 34 Member States of the OAS observed a minute of silence as a tribute to Mrs Jagan, who was Guyana’s president from 1997 to 1999. General Secretary of the Organization, Jose Miguel Insulza, highlighted Mrs. Jagan’s important role in the democratic development of Guyana and stressed the fact that she was the first woman in South America to be elected to the highest office in her country.

GCA JOINS WITH GUYANESE RELIGOUS & SOCIAL
ORGANIZATIONS IN  CELEBRATING
THE LIFE OF THE HON. JANET JAGAN

A Tribute from the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc.
Read at the Remembrance Service at the Arya Spiritual Center, Queens, New York by Malcolm Hall, President, Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
 

President Janet Jagan, or "Comrade Janet," as she was affectionately called, never wavered in her belief in the role that the creative arts had to play in the creation and building of the modern Guyanese nation.  She dedicated every day of her life to this cause during the sixty-five years she lived in Guyana. 

As we celebrate her life today, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc., the organizers of the annual Guyana Folk Festival, is proud to reflect upon a small but significant portion of her inspiring body of work in support of the creative arts in Guyana. 

     •     President Janet Jagan recognized the importance of the printed word.  She served with distinction as the Editor of the Thunder and the Mirror—two outstanding examples of activist journalism in Guyana.  For historians, social scientists, and generations to come, those publications will always be important sources of Guyanese history.

     •     We must not forget that "Comrade Janet" was also a writer of children’s books.  In works such as "When Grandpa Cheddi was a Boy", "Children's Stories of Guyana's Freedom Struggles" and "Alligator Ferry Service" she drew effortlessly upon Guyana’s multi-racial heritage to tell inspiring and motivating stories.

     •     President Jagan was an ardent supporter of dance in Guyana.  She was a silent supporter of the pioneering work in dance by her good friend Helen Taitt.  Even before there was a National School of Dance or a National Dance Company, Comrade Janet encouraged Helen Taitt to explore and celebrate Guyana’s entire dance traditions including, Ballet, Katha, Nagara, Cumfa, Kwe Kwe, and Mari Mari.

     •     President Janet Jagan loved music and encouraged its development.  She was proud20of the collection of music she and her husband shared.  She loved Paul Robeson and Nat Cole as she loved Brahms and the calypsonians such as "32" who lived near to Freedom House.  She encouraged steel band in Guyana and is said to have played a role in sending the first Guyanese steel band to Cuba.  She also played a personal role in helping Alan Bush to compose "The Sugar Reapers"--the first full-length opera on the Guyanese working-class struggles of the 1950s.  The opera was premiered in December 1966 in Leipzig, East Germany.
    
•     President Jagan supported the visual arts.  Again, her support was not loud and full of self-serving bombast.  It was quiet and focused.  We must recognize on this day the role she played in housing Guyana’s National Art Collection in Castellani House and placing it under the supervision of the Office of the President.

     •     President Janet Jagan recognized the importance of research, the preservation of historical documents, and making those documents accessible.  This orientation is evident in the work she and her daughter Nadira did in creating the Cheddi Jagan Research Center in Georgetown.

In the words of her friend Martin Carter, she "did not sleep to dream, but dreamt to change the world"—and she achieved that in Guyana.  Thank you Comrade Janet!  Like you, the Guyana Cultural Association of New York Inc; is committed to Preserving, Promoting, and Propagating Guyana’s creativity.

Mrs. Jagan should be judged by her achievements

by NEIL ADAMS

AS I stepped into Freedom House my words to the official there was, "she whom I seek is not here" and then the tears began to flow. I make mention of Mrs. Janet Jagan my friend, my mentor and a great Icon. Even as I pen this letter the tears still flow because I know I have lost a good friend and Guyana is all the poorer at her loss. There is so much to be spoken of this great lady that it will fill volumes, but I shall only curtail my discourse to a few.

There are two Caribbean leaders who will remain engraved in my mind and these are Sir John Compton and Dr Cheddi Jagan and by extension his wife Mrs. Janet Jagan. Their life long energies were centred on the development of their nation's peoples, all the people, which make them stand out towering above the rest of the lot of that era. I was privileged to have met Mrs. Jagan when she became Guyana's President in 1997(a photograph of myself and this good lady is in their family home) and ever since that time I would write letters to her and hold discussions with her sharing my thoughts on many developmental matters for my country, in fact, there was a scheduled meeting for the very same week that she died but as fate would have it she has passed to the great beyond.

She instituted labour laws which helped to stop the exploitation of domestic workers and ensured that they got a fair day's pay. Under her watch the housing schemes that are in East La Penitence and West Ruimveldt were built. During her short stint as President, Sophia and other squatting areas were transformed into thriving settlements thanks to a kind and caring lady. Some of her detractors would like us to forget these achievements but they are there etched on the landscape for all to see. Mark well the travails of the Sophia squatters, who were raided off the land like animals by Desmond Hoyte, using police dogs. She came and changed all of this. On behalf of Guyana I say thanks Mrs. Jagan. So when those in the opposition try to demonise her they must first judge her by her works which has that touch of excellence which no one can take away from her.

I was reliably informed that the PNC and their acolyte TV stations gave hours of broadcast coverage of the tossing of the court order by Mrs. Jagan at a time when they should have been showing her achievements.

Let me first express my handling of this matter, I would have bundled the order together then played a little game of football with it. I say Mrs. Jagan was very modest about it I would not have been. You see Justice Desiree Bernard was very ignorant of the law and very much out of place, Mrs. Jagan did not make herself President of Guyana she was elected by the people and at that stage of the proceedings she was asked to form the next government which was her legitimate right, not a privilege. Justice Barnard should have served the Elections Commission with that order if there was cause for doubt in the process leading up to the declaration of a winner, but not to stop the swearing in ceremony. Yet in all of this Mrs. Jagan was humble enough to have signed the order making then Chief Justice Desiree Bernard Chancellor of the Judiciary
 

Jagan was passionate about politics and the arts - Dabydeen

By Stabroek staff | April 5, 2009 in Local News 

Professor David Dabydeen recalls late former president Janet Jagan an engaging woman with a passion for politics and a love of the arts, in a tribute to her.

In a press release, Dabydeen said he met Jagan in November 1992 through her husband the late Dr Cheddi Jagan who had just been elected president. He said over the years they maintained a close friendship and "she became a friend, indeed like a mother to me."

Dabydeen said during their many conversations on their shared love of the arts, Jagan had expressed an appreciation for Chekhov. She also spoke of Guyanese and Caribbean writers Martin Carter, Jan Carew, Wilson Harris, VS Naipaul and Derek Walcott and others she engaged with since the 1940s. "It was my privilege to listen to her talking about her meetings with Edna Manley, Phyllis Allfrey and other pioneers of Caribbean creativity," he said, adding that her support of the arts was fierce.

This later led to the efforts she made for Castellani House to become the location of the National Gallery of Art and her work there as a board member.

Dabydeen said too he "had a huge admiration for her passion for books and paintings," noting that Jagan had also authored several books of children’s short stories and had edited an anthology of Guyanese writing. "Janet Jagan believed that the reconstruction of Guyana was bound up not only with political reform but with a literary, artistic and intellectual renaissance. As such she was a politician of vision," he said. "[B]ut for now I wish to remember, with profound gratitude, the insights she gave me into the unfolding of West Indian literature from the 1940s, and the inspiration she provided for my own writing," the professor said.

Added to that, Dabydeen said to him she was not a sombre matriarch, "for over the years there was much shared laughter, gossip and irreverence, and the odd cigarette and glass of Baileys." He said as much as she loved politics and books her life was abundant.

Mrs Jagan made possible trips to Cuba to restore my eyesight

By Stabroek staff | April 3, 2009 in Letters 

Dear Editor,

I am deeply saddened at the passing of Mrs Janet Jagan and my sympathy goes out to her family and friends.

I met Mrs Jagan on many occasions when my father David Westmaas took me to Freedom House. I would drift in and out of various offices in Freedom House. I remember her saying to me once, "Hello and how are you," and I scampered back to dad’s office.

I would have liked to say thanks to Mrs Jagan most of all for giving me the chance of going to Cuba to get my eyesight back. A knife had by accident cut me in my right eye back in 1978. Mrs Jagan was instrumental in facilitating two operations and constant trips back and forth. I remember my father saying that one day I will have to say thanks to Mrs Janet Jagan. Unfortunately, I will not be able to thank her now directly, but do so through this medium. I do hope her soul rests in peace.

Yours faithfully,
Christopher Westmaas

Tribute from the United Force - Janet Jagan was ‘no ordinary woman’

THE Executive and members of the United Force has extended deepest sympathy to the children, relatives, friends and the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) on the passing of Mrs. Janet Jagan, former President of Guyana. 

‘Although this is a sad occasion, we are so very proud to salute one of the most powerful and genuine freedom fighter who had our nation’s interests at heart to the very end of her life and who has now gone to rest’ – the United Force

“The passing of a life affects people differently, this being so because of the types of relationships formed during the lifetime of that person,” the United Force said in a statement.

“Our former President was many things to us here in Guyana. She was a wife, a nurse, a mother, a Trade Unionist, a Politician, a women’s rights advocate, a Minister in the Government, the President of our country -- if only for a short while, a journalist, author of children’s books to name a few, and she was also a friend.”

“Strange as it may sound, she was also a friend to those who did not think of her as a friend,” the party stated. 

“She was their friend because she lived a life of service to the people of Guyana, her adopted country, always seeking and pushing for betterment for this country and its peoples,” the United Force asserted.

The party also noted that the decision Mrs. Jagan made so long ago, to stand beside her husband and make his dreams hers as well shows great strength of character, loyalty and compassion for her fellow humans.  

“Not everyone has the courage to change things for the better on a grand scale; mostly people look to take care of themselves and family, donate to a needy cause and are content with their lives. We are so very lucky that Mrs. Janet Jagan was not that kind of woman and today we are better off as a nation because of who she was. Indeed she was a leader and no ordinary one.”  

“Her outspokenness and battles for various rights she felt that we ought to have are legendary, her brilliance as a politician, her absolute loyalty to her party -- so steadfast in her beliefs, yet understanding and compassionate according to many ordinary people who had the opportunity to meet her personally.”  

The United Force also stated: “Mrs. Janet Jagan will always be with us because she is that part of our history where the courageous, the loyal and the visionary were the movers and shakers of this country.”  

“The opportunities we enjoy today are the direct result of the blood, sweat and tears of Mrs. Jagan and all her colleagues who fought for them. They sacrificed so that today we can hold our heads high as a proud Guyanese nation.”  

The United Force said, too, that Mrs. Jagan was in heart and soul a true Guyanese, the country she so readily adopted when she married her dear husband, Dr. Cheddi Jagan.  

“So although this is a sad occasion, we are so very proud to salute one of the most powerful and genuine freedom fighter who had our nation’s interests at heart to the very end of her life and who has now gone to rest,” the party said.
Farewell dear lady and rest in peace,” it added.
 

Upper Corentyne Chamber expresses condolences on Mrs. Jagan’s passing

THE Upper Corentyne Chamber of Commerce and Industry (“UCCCI”) express their heartfelt condolences to the children, relatives, People Progressive Party and the Nation on the passing of the Former President of Guyana, Janet Jagan O.E  

May her soul rest in peace
Guyanese people have indeed lost one of their most precious gems  

THE Guyanese people have indeed lost one of their most precious gems. I agreed with the People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Donald Ramotar when he said that Guyana’s history was changed when she touched these shores in 1943.  

Mrs. Janet Jagan played a great role in Guyana’s attainment of independence from its colonial masters. I could not help but notice the many people and all different races in the crowd at the state funeral. It was then that I realized that she was loved by the people of Guyana.  

The women in Guyana are indeed empowered by what she did for them. Even though she was a foreigner she gave so much to this land and I believe that she did not deserve the treatment she received from some sections of society.  

Mrs. Jagan was an outstanding journalist and until her death she was still writing articles. She has indeed made a mark on contemporary history in Guyana.  

Guyana will never forget the Jagans and their contribution to this nation. Let’s take this time and reflect on the achievements of these great personalities.
DEREK ELIAS
 

Sincere condolences from Prem Persaud

ON the passing of the Hon Mrs Janet Jagan, OE, Former President and First Lady of Guyana, I take this opportunity to express on behalf of my family sincere condolences to her children, grands and other relatives.
 
As we travel along the corridor of life, we experience so many incidents and events which create lasting impressions, and guide our conduct. Our late President has been the beneficiary of varied and various lessons that enriched her life which she has lived beautifully, to the end. I remember witnessing at firsthand her courage and her determination, and despite the circumstances and environment in which she found herself in 1954 after the suspension of the Constitution in 1953, her grace and charm.
 
I was clerk to Magistrate Mr. Harold Brodie Smith Bollers at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court when Mrs J appeared under police escort, charged with being in the unlawful possession of a Police Manual. It was the allegation of the Crown (we were a British Colony then) that such a manual was restricted to the possession and use by certain police officers, and it was illegal for such a document to be in the possession of private citizens. Her defence, led by Mr. Forbes Burnham, was that the manual was planted in her home by the Police when they invaded her residence ostensibly looking for banned literature. The magistrate did not believe the defence and convicted her as charged. The prosecution was headed by Sgt, Carl B. Austin (later Commissioner of Police).
 
The trial was for me a learning experience and the wit of defence council Burnham enlivened the proceedings. At one stage Mr. Burnham was making submission after submission and the magistrate was getting ruffled. At one point he responded to Burnham saying, “Mr. Burnham, I disagree and I submit…”. Counsel got quickly to his feet and with a wry smile and a bow retorted, “With respect, Your Worship, you cannot submit but only rule”. The Court was immediately adjourned by the magistrate, and Mrs J. had been enjoying the exchanges. During the trial she remained calm and completely relaxed and took the verdict with a smile. To me that displayed the strength of her character.

The magistrate sentenced her to a term of imprisonment of six months. The unenviable position fell to me to prepare the warrant of commitment for her to be taken to the prison.
 
The next occasion when I was in very close proximity to her was 44 years later when she was President of the Republic. In July, 1998, she administered the oath of office to me when I was appointed to act as Chief Justice. She apparently remembered, and said to me, “Times and circumstances have indeed changed over the years”. It was indeed a nostalgic moment and brought home the fact of our late President’s humility and memory for things long past.
 
It may not be inappropriate at this time to sum up her philosophy of life, and in the words of our own poet Martin Carter, as if she has spoken,

“And so if you see me looking at your hands
 Listening when you speak
 Marching in your ranks you must know
 I do not sleep to dream but dream to change the world….”

Tributes from the Mayor and City Council

THE Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown have expressed profound sadness at the news of the passing of former President of Guyana, Mrs Janet Jagan last , March 28, 2009.

Mrs Jagan served as a councillor at the Mayor and Town Council in 1951. In fact, she was the first female to be elected as a councillor at the Council. In January 8, 1951, the then Deputy Mayor moved a motion on citizens education: The Deputy Mayor, Hon. Lionel A. Luckloo, read the following motion: - “Whereas it is desirable that citizens should be kept informed on Municipal matters and whereas many useful contributions could be made by citizens for the welfare and progress of the city;
 
Be it resolved that the Council arranges for quarterly informed meetings in the Town Hall at which members of the Council may meet the citizens and discuss Municipal affairs.”
 
Councillor Janet Jagan seconded the motion and said that she considered it a very excellent motion. It gave voters an opportunity of hearing from their representatives the progress the Council was making and direct contact to review the past activities of the Council. Voters would also be able to express their views and make suggestions which could be brought before the Council. Therefore, she made a contribution to the development of the city of Georgetown.
 
Indeed, Guyana has lost a great leader whose life was multi-dimensional and well-balanced. Mrs Jagan placed herself at the service of the city and Guyana.
 
The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown extend sincere condolences to her children, Cheddi (Joey) Jnr, and Nadira -- and those, who loved and cared for her.

Royston King
Public Relations Officer
Mayor and City Council

Janet Jagan’s contribution to Guyana invaluable – IAC

THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) wishes to express its deepest sorrow to the family and relatives of the late former President Janet Jagan and to the members of the People’s Progressive Party on her passing on Saturday, 28 March, 2009.

The IAC recognizes the monumental and indelible contribution made by the late former President in the areas of government, politics, journalism, women’s rights, arts and culture, history and literature, and to the general development of Guyana over a period of sixty-five years since her arrival in this country as the wife of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Father of the Nation.

The IAC recognizes also the tremendous work she did as a fighter for national independence of Guyana for which she was imprisoned by the British; as a co-founder of the PAC, PPP and WPEO (later WPO); as a leading light in the movement for women’s rights; as a Minister in the government; as Prime Minister; and as President (1997-1999).

The IAC believes that she was a good role model, especially for her work ethic and, and for the fact that she had transcended race long before she came to this country.

The IAC recognizes that comrade Janet Jagan, who possessed great ideological clarity and depth, remained steadfast, unwavering and consistent in her beliefs, convictions and positions; and was the driving organizational force, conscience and guardian of the PPP until her demise.

The IAC believes, also, that in the history of this country this multi-dimensional, multi-faceted and multi-talented woman has had a long an illustrious career unequalled by anyone else.

Tribute from the Commonwealth Youth Programme

THE Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean Centre presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of the Republic of Guyana and has the honour to extend sincere condolences to the children and relatives of Her Excellency, the late Janet Jagan, Former President of the Republic of Guyana who passed away during the early morning of March 28.

The Commonwealth Youth Programme Caribbean centre avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation the assurance of its highest consideration.
 

Tribute from Mexico

THE Embassy of Mexico presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of the Republic of Guyana, on the occasion of expressing in the name of the Government and the people of Mexico, to the Government and people of the Republic of Guyana, its deepest condolences and profound sympathy for the passing of former president, Her Excellency Janet Jagan, a relevant personality in the modern history of the country.

The Embassy of Mexico avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and International Cooperation of the Republic of Guyana the assurances of its highest consideration.
 

Tribute from the British High Commission

ACTING British High Commissioner Mr. Simon Bond said he was saddened to hear the news of the death of former President Janet Jagan and is extending his sincere condolences to Mrs. Jagan’s family, the Government and people of Guyana.

He said in a press statement that Mrs. Jagan’s tireless and lifelong service and commitment to the people, politics and Government of Guyana is well known.

He said her contribution to Guyana’s social and economic development has been enormous and she will be greatly missed in Guyana and beyond.
 

PSC mourns with the nation

The Private Sector Commission (PSC) wishes to express its profound sadness at the passing of former President Mrs. Janet Jagan.

Over the past 66 years, Mrs. Jagan has contributed immensely to the fabric of our country’s political and social infrastructure, the PSC said in a release..

“Along with her late husband, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, Mrs. Jagan was one of the giants that enriched national consciousness and dignity by relentlessly opposing a world order that entrenched colonizers in their unequal relationship with the colonized. Her unwavering commitment to the ideals of a just world energized her life as a political and social missionary and the nation should eternally honour her memory.

“The Commission wishes to extend condolences to her family, the People’s Progressive Party and the Government of Guyana” the release concluded.