Quotations by Janet Jagan

“I have no religion save the religion of equality.” 1967

"You're never beaten as long as you go on fighting." 1954 Handwritten quote

"No one knows the future. Whatever I have to do, I'll do until the time comes when I can't do it." 1997

“I am a hard worker and I intend to work very hard. I have always been part of a team; I have never been a loner. I have never stood by myself and dictated. I don’t believe in it….I believe in consultation, I believe in consensus...I believe in sharing the responsibilities of government. I also intend to work very closely with each of the Ministers, give then guidelines, ask them to come to the Cabinet with their various problems and new ideas. In fact, one of the things I am very keen on is new ideas, new ways of doing things, new ways of resolving problems and I encourage all the Ministers to participate at their fullest. So if that's a style, then that's how I intend to go about my business. Jan 18, 1998 (Interview by Martin Goolsarran)

“A special thanks to my colleagues in the PPP and its leadership who have walked with me and my husband all these years. I want to thank the thousands from all walks of life who have welcomed me in their homes, who have visited me in my office, who have written me and have sent me photographs, messages of support and have kept me aware of the problems and aspirations of the Guyanese people. Meeting you, my Guyanese friends, was the best part of the job.” Aug 8, 1999

“By taking me to the library when I was a little girl, my father gave me one of the greatest blessings I have ever had – a love of books. Reading has been one of the great joys of my life and one, which I recognise, has carried me through periods when life was not always what I had hoped for.” 2002

"Jail wasn’t easy from the physical point of view. But like my husband, I treasured the quiet of jail from the furor outside. I did a lot of reading after insisting that women, like men, should have a right to have books. I also did handicrafts and my stuffed dolls and animals were sold outside." Oct 2003

“We have much to be proud of as we celebrate October 5th and we must not allow the negative elements in our society to suggest, as they do all the time, that we have not made positive gains. All we have to do is open our eyes and see that Guyanese today are better off in many, many ways than before, that democracy is in full bloom, that poverty is shrinking and that, most of all, people are free!” October 2004

"As to my responsibilities to the PPP, I think my approach has always been regular and steady work and attention to all problems." Nov 2004

“Looking back to those days (when I attended Wayne University) I believe my later involvement in the anti-colonial struggle in the then British Guiana was greatly influenced by two factors: the prejudices and discrimination l met as a Jew and the radicalism I met and participated in at Wayne University were decisive in molding my character into a person who despised discrimination and injustice and joined the long struggle as a freedom fighter in the world oppressed by imperialism and all its tentacles.” April 2007

About Cheddi from her diaries

"Rushed back to catch the 12.50 boat to attend the funeral of Alice know as Kowsillia who was killed on Friday by a tractor. What a tragic wasted life. She was protecting by way of blocking the entrance to the compound – she and other women. They were laying flat on the ground and the tractor ran over her – mutilated her – injured others. One had a broken spine, another fractured pelvic.

The body in the hearse travelled over by the 12.50 boat and then the procession proceeded by car up to Cornelia --- where thousands of persons assembled to walk to Leonora for burial.

People cheered and cheered as they saw Cheddi. We tried to indicate this was not behaviour for a funeral, but it could not be controlled especially by the young men. The women were more disciplined and orderly. Those in charge had the impossible task of keeping order as the crowds saw Cheddi. Everyone wanted to be near to him – to walk as close as possible to him. During the whole two hour walk this pushing, noise, etc. went on.

We marched past the bridge where she was killed and then to her house and then to the grave. There were speeches at her burial. Cheddi and Harry Lall spoke." March 8, 1964

"And now, more than ever, I miss Cheddi. I have no one to talk to – no companion and I keep remembering him in all the various situation and times. What a loss!" October 30, 1997

About Cheddi from correspondences

“Your Dad is busy exhausting himself with meetings for the elections. Out every night and all week-ends. I don't know where he gets the energy - but I'm trying to slow him down a bit - but he is quite stubborn.” Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira - Nov 05, 1980

“Your Dad is gone again - to Brezhnev's funeral. I never saw a man move so fast. From a decision at around 8 AM, he caught a 11.45 AM flight which means he organized the flight (no easy thing here), got the ticket, got permission for money, went to the bank and packed and was on time to get the flight. Hope he comes back direct and doesn’t do his usual stop-offs.” Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira - Nov 15, 1980

"Cheddi is as usual - disciplined - exercises, rests, works like a maniac. He never looses hope." Letter from JJ to her friend Evelyn Rayman - May 8, 1982

"Your Dad is busy cooking the dog food. That's his area of work."Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira - June 1, 1986

"Well, your Dad came back safe & sound - arrived home at midnight & had an interview with the Venezuelan President at 8.40am & we attended 2 events that evening, as well as his address to parliament - So he had a busy day after his arrival. Your Dad was out today to another celebration of his 40th anniversary in parliament. They gave him a cake." Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira - Nov. 21, 1987

"Yesterday was our 46th wedding anniversary, so we went to the sea wall & I had a roast chicken dinner with creamed corn, cranberries and cheesecake - compliments of the Branciers! I have a beautiful spray of the tiny yellow orchids. We're getting a fair amount lately. your Dad is gouging himself on mangoes. Sometimes he eats as many as a dozen a day!"Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira - Aug 6, 1989

"Today, Monday, is a holiday - the 25th anniversary of Guyana's independence, which the PPP won, but which was given to the PNC on a silverplatter anything better than us. Many have lived to regret this unjustice. Your Dad and I went to a state dinner in honour of the occasion. Interestingly enough, the PNC-run Chronicle had one photo of the dinner, which centered on your Dad and not Hoyte or Green. That can give you an idea of how the wind blows. Your Dad went on to the midnight lowering of the flag - as he did 25 years ago when the Union Jack was lowered and the Guyana flag rose in its place. Joey and Dr. Jacobs accompanied him. This time Roger Luncheon and Donald Ramotar accompanied your Dad and then yesterday, he went to a luncheon hosted by Green at the army headquarters." Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira - May 27, 1991

"Your Dad is overdoing it. He doesn’t take one day a week off for rest. All day through Saturday and Sunday. Hear this one. He left one morning at 7.45a.m as usual, came home at 8 p.m. (no rest during the day), went out at 10p.m for an appointment lasting to 1:30a.m the next day and then up at 5:30a.m to go to the East Bank, not returning home until 8p.m. You don’t think that is ridiculous? No one can go at that pace for long, but I try to tell him to slow down a bit, and he says, yes, but keeps doing the same thing.” Letter from JJ to her daughter Nadira- Oct 27, 1991

"Cheddi, of course, is working like a horse. Some days 8am -9.30pm with one hour for rest. He claims that the one hour keeps him going." Letter from JJ to her friend Evelyn Rayman - Jan 22, 1993

Remembering Cheddi

“I have known him longer than any, other than his brothers and sisters….I can testify to the very special qualities that have made him what he has become in the hearts of all Guyanese. He was, above all a fighter, a man dedicated to win 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 the face of almost 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 answers, always examining all aspects of a mater, 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, fulfill his dreams." We will Carry the Torch He Lit – March 10, 1997

"From the start, Cheddi and I went in together and stated everything together...I have always been my own person….We were strong believers in socialism and the socialist countries. But we weren't fanatical about it. The international friendships we developed during that period were important, but our main interest was Guyana and what was best for right here…We never compromised our beliefs.” (She said that she still considered herself a socialist. 1997 – Larry Rother – New York Times

"We were husband and wife, father and mother. He (Cheddi Jagan) inspired me to do what I'm doing now. I wouldn’t have done it if it were not for him." 1998 (interview with Ira Mathur)

“Dr Jagan always held close to his heart the need to create a harmonious society. We have to continue his efforts and remove whatever impediments exist that divide us and I will continue in that direction.” Jan 18, 1998 (interview by Martin Goolsarran)

"When I open a dictionary to assist in writing this bit, there is his name on the inside cover of the book he used at university. His photographs are everywhere. The very house I live in was designed and built by him, and he was proud of it. The mangoes and tamarind trees in my yard were planted by him. When I see an orchid blossoming on a tree, I remember when he brought the plant from the interior on one of his many trips… When he died a year ago, he left behind a legacy that enriches our lives, that remind us that on this earth there walked a man of unusual moral and intellectual stature who blended his ideas with a vibrant activism, not often seen in this special combination. As in life and so in death, he has become part of our lives." Walking Alone? – 1998

"Cheddi's long march from Port Mourant, a small rural village in the eastern part of Guyana, to become the first freely elected President of Guyana, until his return to Port Mourant where he was cremated, spanned a half of a century. During that period, he did what few men have done in their lifetime: he committed himself to a single goal of freedom for his country and people and never, even for once, wavered. In many ways his struggles and his accomplishments are so intertwined with the history of his country that sometimes it is difficult to study one without the other. Having dominated so much of Guyana's post World War II history, he perhaps contradicted his own view that history is not made by individuals but by the people. But that is only seemingly so. In fact he was the embodiment of the people's struggles. He became their most ardent defender, teacher and organiser. He never marched alone and that is perhaps the most single important reason for his success. He captured their basic interests in his programmatic platforms and defended these with a missionary zeal unmatched by any one in the last hundred years in Guyana. The same way he became their hope for liberation, in similar fashion he was their conscience. He was always there when the people needed him most and they put their faith in him, as one they knew would never betray the cause." March 27, 1999

"In my view, Dr Jagan's formative years were during this important period of his life, 1943 - 1948...The internal discipline that permitted him to do so many things and to carry such heavy loads of responsibility was emerging as a distinct aspect of his character...His ability to concentrate in the presence of many diversions was also becoming apparent...Also emerging as his character was further developing… studying, reading and writing. He read extensively. He enjoyed reading and then discussing, arguing, persuading and the general cut and thrust of debate with friends and opponents alike...

His unpretentious dignity and humility were part of his being. His stately posture, his gracefulness and his famous warm smile were part of the aura, the charisma of this outstanding man. He exercised daily, ate moderately and did not smoke or drink.

A very important part of his character was his love of people, his humanity and his unswerving desire to make the lives of people better.

His enemies have always accused him of 'race politics' but this is so far from the truth that it is an abomination. He never saw people as belonging to one race or another; he saw them as the exploited or the exploiters. He always, without exception, saw people without any regard to ethnic origin. He was in fact 'colour blind'. His goal was always national unity." Cheddi Jagan - The years 1943 to 1948 – 2000

"On this, his birth Anniversary (March 22) I would like you to join me in remembering Cheddi Jagan, the warm - hearted husband, father, grandfather and family man...He was a man who believed completely in women's rights, and at many times in my life, when I preferred a back seat, he would urge me to the front, as he did when I became a candidate in the 1947 elections and those thereafter. Even though he spent all his time writing, speaking and organising, he would help in the kitchen, wash dishes, carry out the garbage, etc. Unlike most Guyanese men, he accepted whatever meals and household arrangements were made without a grumble or a demand.

He loved working in the yard and planted many fruit trees. He got great satisfaction in watching the trees and plants grow and produce. How he enjoyed his home grown mangoes! It was a pleasure to watch him eating his mangoes. He had a favourite dungs tree and used to delight in picking the dungs which he took to Freedom House and gave the workers there, along with sugar cane he had cut.

He loved children and adored his five grandchildren. All five grandchildren used to love to go to his office at home (Bel Air) or the one at State House and swing in his hammock. He loved hammocks. The children used to play while he sat at his desk, and later they would "fight". He used to play-fight with them and they loved the "roughing -up". Remembering Cheddi – March 22, 2001

"Cheddi Jagan was very easy to live with. His needs or requirements were small. He ate small amounts of food and never over ate. He loved to garden and plant fruit trees. One of his greatest enjoyments was to eat the fruit from the trees he had planted and cared for. He exercised daily, usually while listening to the news. Every day, at least twice a day, he had to hear the news and his greatest possession was a small radio he could carry about and listen to when he had time...He used his time carefully and rarely wasted it. He sat at his desk for long hours, in and out of government.

Cheddi Jagan liked to consult a wide range of people on important matters…. Once the idea was conceived, he thought it out carefully and consulted a wide range of people, to hear their views. He was the direct opposite of "rigid." His ideas could flow in all directions until the point at which he felt he had sufficient ventilation of the idea to come to a conclusion.

he always looked forward to going out in the country or walking about Georgetown, meeting people. He told me that he felt "refreshed" when he met people at public meetings, just stopping off when people gathered, at social functions like weddings, or Party fund-raising activities. And, of course, people loved to be with him.

I can recall some of the hard times when stones and rotten eggs were thrown at him and others. When we would go into friendlier areas the women and children would come out and smother him with flowers. He accepted both kinds of treatment as part of the struggle." Cheddi Jagan- The Man -2002

"What I found amazing was how Dr. Jagan reacted to all these changes – from living in Red House to living in the new quarters– from Premier to Opposition Leader. He sat down quietly at a table and started assembling papers; then sat down for long hours in the day and night to write "The West on Trial." His powers of concentration were indeed impressive.

Of course, his daytime writings were frequently broken by internal party meetings, fulfilling his duties as General Secretary and going around the country side talking to Party members and supporters, helping them understand what had taken place and keeping their spirits high.

I cannot now remember how long it took him to complete the book, but I believe it was over a year, since he had so many other duties to perform, including his role of Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly." Reminiscences of Cheddi Jagan -1964-1966 – 2002

"As a family man, he was a role model. He did his best to give his brothers and sisters an education. He was a loving son to his mother and father, helping them as they had helped him. To his own children he was a caring father - a hero. He enjoyed being a grandfather and had fun with them, as well as guiding them. I recall how he would cut fruit for them and encourage them to eat local foods and not so many sweets. As a husband, he was understanding and demonstrated his genuine belief in the equality of women.

In politics, he was many things - an idealist who felt the pain of the world's homeless and poor, a visionary, some said, way ahead of his time, an academic who read deeply and studied documents and books all his adult life, a writer who has left a huge amount of his writings, now housed at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre And of course, his main role in Guyana as a leader, a teacher and an activist who never lost touch with the people he led." Cheddi Jagan - A Real Life Success Story – Babu John on March 3, 2002

"At the more personal level, can I but remember him when I eat a mango from the tree he lovingly planted or when I pet the same dog he petted the very night he took ill at State House?" Five Years After - 2002

"Dr Jagan, has made a distinguished contribution, in theory and practice, to the transformation of the political culture, the termination of British imperial hegemony and the beginnings of the development of a modern independent state in Guyana. While there are other roles and contributions for which he will be revered, it is truly through his political leadership and for the formation of the Guyana state that he will be remembered by future generations in his own country and the world far beyond it." March 5, 2003

"Perhaps, one of the most remarkable aspects of Cheddi Jagan's life was his consistent struggle for justice, never compromising his beliefs and always advocating equality, unity and struggle. Unlike many before him and after, he never sold out the people. His honesty and integrity made him unique in the realms of leadership. Even those who hated him the most, never doubted his honesty or his intentions... What we can learn from the life of Cheddi Jagan is never to give up, once you know that you are doing what is right. In the face of the most difficult situations and the most dangerous period, as in the 60's, Cheddi never gave up and in the face of terrible attacks, still called for national unity, as he knew how important this was" Cheddi - A Unique Leader – Babu John, March 9, 2003

"I got through the difficult period of Dr. Jagan's death by sheer determination to do so. The most difficult part, of course, was at the hospital where his immediate family was present 24 hours a day and where each day there was the hope that he would get well. When that seemed not possible it was much harder for all of us, but we endured." Nov 2004

"I brought from home a spray of yellow orchids to lay on the monument, flowers which are blooming from plants Cheddi lovingly grew. When not hard at work, which was greatly limited, he loved working in his yard, planting fruit trees and flowers. He immensely enjoyed this form of relaxation…" Remembering Cheddi – March 2004

"A person’s worth after death, will, to some extent, say something of his worth while alive. Since Cheddi Jagan’s death in 1997, his ideas and thoughts continues to influence Guyana, and, of course, the Party he built and nurtured and loved. His writings and ideas are preserved at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre established in 2000 and used by many researchers and students. His major book “The West on Trial” has now gone into its 6th edition and republished by his daughter.

Cheddi Jagan never forgot his roots, was proud to be the son of indentured labourers bound to Port Mourant. He used to tell me that he felt refreshed when he went amongst the people, as he did frequently, always seeking ways of alleviating the poverty that so many endured.

He was a man with a vision, never defeated, never giving up. During the 28-years of PNC dictatorship, when to many the future was hopeless, Cheddi always knew that things would change. After the many rigged elections he said “We have been cheated, not defeated.” Remembering Cheddi - March 2005

"Dr. Jagan was a very meticulous person and could not stand anything second rate or not of the highest standards. In the beginning, he was very stern with his two laboratory assistants and would send back their works – bridges, dentures, inlays etc, until they reached the perfection he demanded…He refused to accept second-best. He demanded the best from those who worked with him and gave the best to his patients – whether poor or rich, and he had both…Also, he refused to ruin good teeth by gold crowns, which then were in fashion. He was responsible for ending the gold crown craze that existed and destroyed good teeth.

He was not interested in money as the accumulation of money. In fact we never had much, since most of his income in those days went to his family. We lived frugally with just the minimum of clothing, the most inexpensive household furniture and goods and in rented houses until 1966 when we finally built a house in Bel Air, on land we had purchased in 1957 for $3,000. and we moved there in 1966, by this time with very little furniture, and with our two children, Cheddi Jr. and Nadira and our dog and monkey." Cheddi Jagan - The Dentist - 2002

"There was firstly the man himself- committed, honest, and compassionate. Then there was the contemplative scholar and reflective leader, forever thoughtful and analytical, discussing, advocating and, of course, writing. There was also the anti-colonial firebrand and nationalist political leader, ever championing the twin causes of the anti-colonial struggle and the national liberation process. There was, as well, the compassionate internationalist stridently advocating the cause of the dispossessed the world over.

While there are other roles and contributions for which he will be revered, it is truly through his political leadership and for the formation of the Guyana state that he will be remembered by future generations in his own country and the world far beyond it.

It is apposite that we also remember his preoccupation with creating, facilitating and sustaining the process of national unity. It was his belief that unity was the primary means of attaining peace, progress and prosperity and he never stopped searching for ways and means of molding the classes and races into a strong and united Guyana." Remembering Cheddi - National Unity Should be the Watch Word – 2003

"He refused to extract a tooth before he determined if it could be saved, and if so, he insisted on filling the tooth. He also urged his patients to bring in their children and recommended the best dental care for them, which was not being done in those days. Also, he broke the back of the gold tooth trade, when good teeth were covered with gold crowns for “beauty” purposes. He refused to encourage that practice which destroyed good teeth. Also, he annoyed his dental colleagues by having the lowest fees. He said he was there to help the patients, not exploit them." Man of the People – 2006

"From the very beginning of his public life, certain characteristics became clear and unchanging. He was first of all, an honest man, a man of genuine integrity, a man whose hands were clean throughout his whole life. I emphasise this quality because his unabashed honesty was the quality that let to trust, and trust is a very important aspect of life, particularly political life...He was trusted by all, even those who disliked his policies and his beliefs! In his whole lifetime there was never a shadow cast by any doubt of his integrity. " Babu John on March 2007

“For me, Valentine’s Day is the day that always reminds me of the loss of a great man, a loving husband, brother and father, father not only of his two children, but of the nation.

He died as he lived – composed, kind, understanding, not allowing his pain, his obvious discomfort, his knowledge that he knew he could not come out alive to add to the awful pain his family felt.

He was a simple, yet profound man, a kind and gentle person who could be strong and demanding when he was fighting for the rights of oppressed people; he was an impressive public speaker who could influence thousands, yet he consulted all and sundry, from the porter to the academic, on issues that he considered important and not for one man’s decision alone. His legacy is for all to see and know. But what is more important is the love that so many had for him and still treasure. ” Valentine's Day 1997 - Feb. 17, 2007 (Cheddi Jagan had a heart attack on February 14, 1997 and died on March 6, 1997)

"Cheddi, as those who knew him or heard him were aware, was a speaker who spoke at length on many issues, bringing out all the facts and statistics to prove his points. This was his style and he spent many hours doing research and gathering material for his speeches." 2007

"Today there are some hate-filled writers who attempt to lower the prestige and love Dr Jagan earned through some 60 years of work and dedication to the interests of the people and his country, forgetting the quality of the man, his intellectual grasp that led to a better understanding of the exploitation of the nation and to the man himself, a man of dignity, integrity, culture and most of all, his fighting spirit." Dr. Jagan 60 Years Ago- A Voice Calling for Justice - November 17, 2007

Struggle

"We cannot venture to get up an organization in Cadillac style if we can only afford a Hillman." April 27, 1959

"Throughout the decade of success and failure, loyalty and betrayal, disunity and unity, the Party has held faith. During the most trying hours when the Party was close to the edge of ruin, the loyalty and firm belief of members, the Party's sound foundation in the masses of working people and farmers, have kept it alive and vigorous." April 1960

"The people's confidence is built on many things, long association, wholesome and honest dealings with people, the fact that the PPP and its leadership always move among and with the people and is never divorced from their daily life and work." July 1961

"We led the struggle by educating the people of the ills of colonialism and the need for unity to end the exploitation of this country by the dominant clique that wanted only power and profits - profits and power. We attained power by the valid ballot and proved our worth by winning in three successive elections - without benefit of a daily press or foreign finances. We did not attempt to grab power by bloodshed." April 1962

“With the strength of the sun above us, the strength of the earth beneath us, the strength of the ocean before us and the strength of the people behind us, our fight against injustice will be won.” April 5th,1964 at Enmore beach

“We cannot move forward and have a strong society, a strong economy where we can eliminate poverty and unemployment, unless all the people work together and all feel safe and secure in our society.” Jan 18, 1998 – interview by Martin Goolsarran

"I don't react personally. (When asked about attacks on her) It didn’t bother me. Even when I was stoned it didn’t bother me. I've been in jail, I've had a rough life. Its part of the struggle." 1998 (interview with Ira Mathur)

Women

"In the 40’s and 50’s we fought for and won the right to universal adult suffrage. Before it was introduced, following mass protests including thousands of women, very few women had the right to vote. The vote then had been based on property and income qualifications which only a very few privileged women could meet." Sept 1975 (Women in the Struggle)

"The women must join in the struggle to bring about political and socio-economic changes so that there will be equal opportunities for all, so that we can end unemployment, poverty and hunger, so that genuine democratic institutions can flourish, so that our women can be free and equal citizens in the countries in which they live." Sept 1975 (Women in the Struggle)

“Aside from developing women ideologically and keeping them informed and active on local political matters, engaging working women in the struggle for better working conditions and pay, leading the struggle against the high cost of living and for better housing, education and health services, the WPO has maintained through the years a keen interest in promoting sports and handicraft, among women.” 1985 (Thunder April-June 1985)

"For women to be leaders they have to be tough, caring, willing to listen, able to make decisions without procrastination and to keep the peace by consultation and understanding Major challenges facing the world are to keep the peace, avoid bloody confrontations, solve the poverty problem. In Guyana, we have internal problems that we are facing and need to achieve national unity and an end to poverty." Nov 1999

"My advice to women in politics is, lead a discipline life, but keep close to your family." Oct 2003

"It is my view that if a woman wants to succeed in whatever position she holds, she must be present when she is expected to be, at work, at meetings, in travel and expect no concessions, make no excuses for not being there when she is expected to. Men have fewer home responsibilities and thus work, attend meetings and are on the spot when needed. Its harder for women to keep up, but they fail when they don't. I had to work harder to keep my home well regulated and cared for." Nov 2004

Race/Religion

"The psychology of race prejudice is not an instinctive antipathy caused by physical differences, but has its basis in fear. The cause of this fear may be traced to economic, social and political reasons or the fear that the “inferior” race might threaten the power and dominance of the “superior” race ... It is my belief that one of the main causes of race prejudice can be found in fear; the fear of one race being displaced by another." 1942

"I'm not a Jewish white woman. That's superficial and (that is) what the racists used to divide this country... You must remember I came here when I was 23, I'm now 78. I have been living and working here for 55 years. I feel Guyanese." 1998 (interview with Ira Mathur)

"They (PNC) didn't think I didn't belong when I took part in the marches, picketed before parliament and the governor's residence for independence, when I was jailed for six months, when I campaigned with Dr. Jagan for universal suffrage, free elections and against Burnham's dictatorship." 1998 (interview with Ira Mathur)

“I know that as long as the PPP/Civic remains the Government we would never tolerate any infringement of the rights of the Amerindian people to their lands. They are the first people in this country and their rights have to be respected.” Feb 8, 1998 (Interview by Michelle Elphage)

“Religion has played a very minor role in my life. My parents and grandparents were not religious and I learned very little of the Jewish religion from them. I left for Guyana in 1943 and during my 50-odd years here, I have had almost no contact with Judaism or Jewish people, so there are no such influences in my life of any significance, except my hatred and defiance of religious and racial prejudices and discrimination.” Nov 1999