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Dr. Jagan was unrelenting in his advocacy for national independence

May 26 2018

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Dear Editor,

This month, May 26 to be precise, marks 52 years since Guyana attained political independence from Great Britain. It is also coincided with the birth centenary  of Dr. Cheddi Jagan who is regarded as the main architect of our national liberation struggle.

I propose in this letter to focus on the role played by Dr. Jagan in the struggle for a free, democratic and independent Guyana.

It is necessary however to situate Guyana’s independence struggle within a broader international context, namely the end of the Second World War and the defeat of Hitlerite fascism. The victory of the Bolshevik Revolution and the creation of the USSR in 1917 also gave fresh impetus to the decolonization struggles in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

It was however the return to the colony in 1943 of Dr. Jagan and his American born wife Janet that really set in motion the struggle for independence. As a student in the United States, Dr. Jagan had been following intensely the independence struggles in India and a few other states in Africa such as Kenya and Ghana and lent his active support both politically and morally to these national liberation struggles. It was the support for the independence struggles offered to Ghana and Kenya under Jomo Kenyatta that was partly responsible for the overthrow of the PPP in 1953 following the suspension of the Guyana constitution. Dr. Jagan had been a strong supporter of the Kenyan struggle for independence. It was not accidental that he was invited to celebrate with the Kenyan people when independence was eventually granted to that country.

One of the first tasks that Dr. Jagan set out to do on his return from the United States was to raise the level of political awareness of the Guyanese people regarding the need for internal self-government and ultimately that of political independence. He found common cause with several others including Mr. Ashton Chase, HJM Hubbard and his wife Janet who together formed the Political Affairs Committee in 1946. This was the forerunner to the People’s Progressive Party which was formed on January 1, 1950.

It was the formation of the PPP in 1950 and the eventual victory of the Party in the 1953 elections that set the stage for sustained  assault on the colonial edifice and the eventual granting of political independence. Independence did not come on a platter but featured  lots of political drama and theatrics on the part of Britain and the United States. Dr. Jagan and the PPP became a formidable political force to reckon with and every effort was made to emasculate the PPP and its influence on the Guyanese masses.

Dr. Jagan for his part was unrelenting in his advocacy for national independence. In fact, he was the only colonial leader that was allowed by the United Nations to mount a petition for independence after prolonged foot dragging and other delaying tactics by Britain to grant independence despite an earlier commitment to so do.

It was the embarrassment caused as a result of the petition that resulted in the fixing of a date for independence even though the British government defaulted on an undertaking to grant independence to a government that emerged victorious from the 1961 elections. Instead, independence was granted on May 1966 but only after the PPP was removed from office in what a former British Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Wilson described as β€˜a fiddled constitutional arrangement.’

Despite being cheated and manipulated out of office in 1964, Dr. Jagan in a true spirit of magnanimity and patriotism attended the ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which was renamed the National Park on the conferral of independent status. The emotional embrace between Dr. Jagan and Mr. Burnham as the Golden Arrowhead replaced the Union Jack would forever be etched in the memories of Guyanese but it masked a deeper narrative of treachery and betrayal by Britain, the United States and other local reactionary forces which included the PNC and the United Force.

In his independence speech in Parliament during the handing over of the instruments of independence by the Duke of Kent representing Queen Elizabeth to Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, Dr. Jagan lauded the conferral of Independence even as he lamented the manner in which it came about and the political climate which obtained at the time.

But it was the fear and trepidation of a reversal of the democratic and economic gains expressed by Dr. Jagan during his speech that brought out his perspicacity and visionary qualities. As predicted, the true meaning of independence was negated in fundamental ways by the erosion of democracy, rigged elections, incompetence and denial of basic human rights. For nearly three decades the country languished under the yoke of authoritarian rule until democracy was finally restored on October 5, 1992. Dr. Jagan, after twenty eight years in the political wilderness was elected as the duly elected Executive President of Guyana.

Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally

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Django posted:

Dr. Jagan was unrelenting in his advocacy for national independence

May 26 2018

Source

Dear Editor,

This month, May 26 to be precise, marks 52 years since Guyana attained political independence from Great Britain. It is also coincided with the birth centenary  of Dr. Cheddi Jagan who is regarded as the main architect of our national liberation struggle.

I propose in this letter to focus on the role played by Dr. Jagan in the struggle for a free, democratic and independent Guyana.

It is necessary however to situate Guyana’s independence struggle within a broader international context, namely the end of the Second World War and the defeat of Hitlerite fascism. The victory of the Bolshevik Revolution and the creation of the USSR in 1917 also gave fresh impetus to the decolonization struggles in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

It was however the return to the colony in 1943 of Dr. Jagan and his American born wife Janet that really set in motion the struggle for independence. As a student in the United States, Dr. Jagan had been following intensely the independence struggles in India and a few other states in Africa such as Kenya and Ghana and lent his active support both politically and morally to these national liberation struggles. It was the support for the independence struggles offered to Ghana and Kenya under Jomo Kenyatta that was partly responsible for the overthrow of the PPP in 1953 following the suspension of the Guyana constitution. Dr. Jagan had been a strong supporter of the Kenyan struggle for independence. It was not accidental that he was invited to celebrate with the Kenyan people when independence was eventually granted to that country.

One of the first tasks that Dr. Jagan set out to do on his return from the United States was to raise the level of political awareness of the Guyanese people regarding the need for internal self-government and ultimately that of political independence. He found common cause with several others including Mr. Ashton Chase, HJM Hubbard and his wife Janet who together formed the Political Affairs Committee in 1946. This was the forerunner to the People’s Progressive Party which was formed on January 1, 1950.

It was the formation of the PPP in 1950 and the eventual victory of the Party in the 1953 elections that set the stage for sustained  assault on the colonial edifice and the eventual granting of political independence. Independence did not come on a platter but featured  lots of political drama and theatrics on the part of Britain and the United States. Dr. Jagan and the PPP became a formidable political force to reckon with and every effort was made to emasculate the PPP and its influence on the Guyanese masses.

Dr. Jagan for his part was unrelenting in his advocacy for national independence. In fact, he was the only colonial leader that was allowed by the United Nations to mount a petition for independence after prolonged foot dragging and other delaying tactics by Britain to grant independence despite an earlier commitment to so do.

It was the embarrassment caused as a result of the petition that resulted in the fixing of a date for independence even though the British government defaulted on an undertaking to grant independence to a government that emerged victorious from the 1961 elections. Instead, independence was granted on May 1966 but only after the PPP was removed from office in what a former British Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Wilson described as β€˜a fiddled constitutional arrangement.’

Despite being cheated and manipulated out of office in 1964, Dr. Jagan in a true spirit of magnanimity and patriotism attended the ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth Park, which was renamed the National Park on the conferral of independent status. The emotional embrace between Dr. Jagan and Mr. Burnham as the Golden Arrowhead replaced the Union Jack would forever be etched in the memories of Guyanese but it masked a deeper narrative of treachery and betrayal by Britain, the United States and other local reactionary forces which included the PNC and the United Force.

In his independence speech in Parliament during the handing over of the instruments of independence by the Duke of Kent representing Queen Elizabeth to Prime Minister Forbes Burnham, Dr. Jagan lauded the conferral of Independence even as he lamented the manner in which it came about and the political climate which obtained at the time.

But it was the fear and trepidation of a reversal of the democratic and economic gains expressed by Dr. Jagan during his speech that brought out his perspicacity and visionary qualities. As predicted, the true meaning of independence was negated in fundamental ways by the erosion of democracy, rigged elections, incompetence and denial of basic human rights. For nearly three decades the country languished under the yoke of authoritarian rule until democracy was finally restored on October 5, 1992. Dr. Jagan, after twenty eight years in the political wilderness was elected as the duly elected Executive President of Guyana.

Yours faithfully,

Hydar Ally

Quite true,  Dr. Jagan must always be remembered as a Freedom Fighter not only in Guyana but thought the world.   As Arthur Schlesinger, the late advisor to President Kennedy, in his article said "Great injustice done to Jagan".   We must never forget his contributions towards the improvement of his people. 

Reza R.  Rahaman

Had Jagan been left to promote communism in Guyana, MY country would have been like Chile, Guatemala, Congo and those places who had SHIT HEAD leaders who lacked COMMONSENSE to CAREFULLY considered the plights of their fellow citizens and chart policies to aliviate their sufferings.

Instead Jagan gave Guyana, Burnham and D'Augiar and their methods to nullify him Jagan.

May26, Remember The Wismar Massacre. Jagan legacy of the Punishment of Cooolie People. 

Doan blame the Blackman. Power is the elixir of all mankind, civilized and uncivilized. Any which way it is sought.

The PPP is a party that enslaved the minds of East Indians and prevents them to merger into the Guyanese society.  

Continue and Poverty will be the lasting companion, the same thing Jagan some 70 years wanted to change which Granger touts as The Good Life. Such a life is only achievable by decent minded ppl, of which guyana doan have.

S
seignet posted:

Had Jagan been left to promote communism in Guyana, MY country would have been like Chile, Guatemala, Congo and those places who had SHIT HEAD leaders who lacked COMMONSENSE to CAREFULLY considered the plights of their fellow citizens and chart policies to aliviate their sufferings.

Instead Jagan gave Guyana, Burnham and D'Augiar and their methods to nullify him Jagan.

May26, Remember The Wismar Massacre. Jagan legacy of the Punishment of Cooolie People. 

Doan blame the Blackman. Power is the elixir of all mankind, civilized and uncivilized. Any which way it is sought.

The PPP is a party that enslaved the minds of East Indians and prevents them to merger into the Guyanese society.  

Continue and Poverty will be the lasting companion, the same thing Jagan some 70 years wanted to change which Granger touts as The Good Life. Such a life is only achievable by decent minded ppl, of which guyana doan have.

Always cite source(s) for such information.

 

Reza R.  Rahaman
Dave posted:

Dr Jagan dream and vision is for all races to live together. Had he focus only on Indian, ayo would call the man a racist. 

Guyana had golden opportunities which politicians dwindled away.

1) Forbes should have governed and pulled up his black goons from intimidating Indian ppl.

2) Hoyte, tried and really tried. But CBJ rather hold his support base with sublime racism.

3) Cheddie should have governed, instead he had fools in his cabinet and such idiots they rather choose to be anti-PNC instead of governing for all.

4) The Jagans should have left Sam Hinds to be President, it was the proper thing to do. Instead they played musical chairs with the man. And alyuh still sey Cheddie wasn't a racist.

5) Jagdeo was the type of  Guyanese of the Burnham era-a phycological screwed up. Thief everything thing you lay yuh hands on, it is sure to worth something on the market. And the PEOPLES PROGRESSIVE PART let him have his way. And he still ***king the heads of the indoes.

S
seignet posted:
Dave posted:

Dr Jagan dream and vision is for all races to live together. Had he focus only on Indian, ayo would call the man a racist. 

Guyana had golden opportunities which politicians dwindled away.

1) Forbes should have governed and pulled up his black goons from intimidating Indian ppl.

2) Hoyte, tried and really tried. But CBJ rather hold his support base with sublime racism.

3) Cheddie should have governed, instead he had fools in his cabinet and such idiots they rather choose to be anti-PNC instead of governing for all.

4) The Jagans should have left Sam Hinds to be President, it was the proper thing to do. Instead they played musical chairs with the man. And alyuh still sey Cheddie wasn't a racist.

5) Jagdeo was the type of  Guyanese of the Burnham era-a phycological screwed up. Thief everything thing you lay yuh hands on, it is sure to worth something on the market. And the PEOPLES PROGRESSIVE PART let him have his way. And he still ***king the heads of the indoes.

I had conversations with Sam Hinds and he told me that he did not want to be president of Guyana. He wanted to get rid of the PNC. He was satisfied being the PM.

FM
seignet posted:

Had Jagan been left to promote communism in Guyana, MY country would have been like Chile, Guatemala, Congo and those places who had SHIT HEAD leaders who lacked COMMONSENSE to CAREFULLY considered the plights of their fellow citizens and chart policies to aliviate their sufferings.

Instead Jagan gave Guyana, Burnham and D'Augiar and their methods to nullify him Jagan.

May26, Remember The Wismar Massacre. Jagan legacy of the Punishment of Cooolie People. 

Doan blame the Blackman. Power is the elixir of all mankind, civilized and uncivilized. Any which way it is sought.

The PPP is a party that enslaved the minds of East Indians and prevents them to merger into the Guyanese society.  

Continue and Poverty will be the lasting companion, the same thing Jagan some 70 years wanted to change which Granger touts as The Good Life. Such a life is only achievable by decent minded ppl, of which guyana doan have.

You blame the victim instead of the perpetuators. Who instigated the Wismar massacre? What did the Commission of Inquiry determine in its findings? 

In your list of β€œCountries with Shit head leaders”you forgot the biggest one of them all.  

So, Guyana has no decent minded people.  All the good ones emigrated? Think about this. I think no thought went into that statement. Remember the millions of decisions and acts made by so many to result in you enjoying the good life, on whose shoulders you stand!

Z
Zed posted:
seignet posted:

Had Jagan been left to promote communism in Guyana, MY country would have been like Chile, Guatemala, Congo and those places who had SHIT HEAD leaders who lacked COMMONSENSE to CAREFULLY considered the plights of their fellow citizens and chart policies to aliviate their sufferings.

Instead Jagan gave Guyana, Burnham and D'Augiar and their methods to nullify him Jagan.

May26, Remember The Wismar Massacre. Jagan legacy of the Punishment of Cooolie People. 

Doan blame the Blackman. Power is the elixir of all mankind, civilized and uncivilized. Any which way it is sought.

The PPP is a party that enslaved the minds of East Indians and prevents them to merger into the Guyanese society.  

Continue and Poverty will be the lasting companion, the same thing Jagan some 70 years wanted to change which Granger touts as The Good Life. Such a life is only achievable by decent minded ppl, of which guyana doan have.

You blame the victim instead of the perpetuators. Who instigated the Wismar massacre? What did the Commission of Inquiry determine in its findings? 

In your list of β€œCountries with Shit head leaders”you forgot the biggest one of them all.  

So, Guyana has no decent minded people.  All the good ones emigrated? Think about this. I think no thought went into that statement. Remember the millions of decisions and acts made by so many to result in you enjoying the good life, on whose shoulders you stand!

If all of mankind were programmed to think the same way, then we would have had a God filled world. However, God gave mankind the freedom to think and formulate opinions. 

My comments were from my own observations. 

When I say, no decent minded people, I was referring to politicians. But I wish to change that statement. We now have Craig Sylvester, maybe you could join up with him.

S

Independent foh rum and noise and wine up and down foh de carnival...hey hey hey...put on de base and buss up de brain wid de noise...hey hey hey...doh mek dem forget all dem trouble and vote foh abie PPP...hey hey hey...Abie gat foh be pon tap come 2020. And let de blackman dem wine up and down pon de carnival...hey hey hey...Let dem fogget dem hard life. 

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Labba posted:

Independent foh rum and noise and wine up and down foh de carnival...hey hey hey...put on de base and buss up de brain wid de noise...hey hey hey...doh mek dem forget all dem trouble and vote foh abie PPP...hey hey hey...Abie gat foh be pon tap come 2020. And let de blackman dem wine up and down pon de carnival...hey hey hey...Let dem fogget dem hard life. 

Come election time, the black man knows who he votin' fuh. Even if they starve, they will vote PNC. One black woman said that she doesn't care if she has to wear the same panties and bra for the rest of her life, she would be happy as long as Granger and the PNC stay in power.

FM
seignet posted:
Zed posted:
seignet posted:

Had Jagan been left to promote communism in Guyana, MY country would have been like Chile, Guatemala, Congo and those places who had SHIT HEAD leaders who lacked COMMONSENSE to CAREFULLY considered the plights of their fellow citizens and chart policies to aliviate their sufferings.

Instead Jagan gave Guyana, Burnham and D'Augiar and their methods to nullify him Jagan.

May26, Remember The Wismar Massacre. Jagan legacy of the Punishment of Cooolie People. 

Doan blame the Blackman. Power is the elixir of all mankind, civilized and uncivilized. Any which way it is sought.

The PPP is a party that enslaved the minds of East Indians and prevents them to merger into the Guyanese society.  

Continue and Poverty will be the lasting companion, the same thing Jagan some 70 years wanted to change which Granger touts as The Good Life. Such a life is only achievable by decent minded ppl, of which guyana doan have.

You blame the victim instead of the perpetuators. Who instigated the Wismar massacre? What did the Commission of Inquiry determine in its findings? 

In your list of β€œCountries with Shit head leaders”you forgot the biggest one of them all.  

So, Guyana has no decent minded people.  All the good ones emigrated? Think about this. I think no thought went into that statement. Remember the millions of decisions and acts made by so many to result in you enjoying the good life, on whose shoulders you stand!

If all of mankind were programmed to think the same way, then we would have had a God filled world. However, God gave mankind the freedom to think and formulate opinions. 

My comments were from my own observations. 

When I say, no decent minded people, I was referring to politicians. But I wish to change that statement. We now have Craig Sylvester, maybe you could join up with him.

Yes Craig needs help to fill the chair!!

I man had to watch the video twice, who he talking to. 

I didn’t see any one at the head table and no diplomatic Corp... 

praise to you Craig, lots of them don’t have the balls like you. 

Them hide behind computer screen and want to run a country and them good with cut and paste. Them will do good plastering poster on them post.

Shout out to DJ, help we bro, Mr Craig.. you neva know, you could be sitting in Naga chair as the PM and the wife could hand out books to GNI grand children 

FM
Dave posted:

Shout out to DJ, help we bro, Mr Craig.. you neva know, you could be sitting in Naga chair as the PM and the wife could hand out books to GNI grand children 

Bhai,Guyanese stuck with the two peas of the same pod.I always advocate for smaller parties,and hopefully they grow,there is a way they can be a force,the electoral system have to chance.

The problems are the two dinosaurs don't want such,hence the stalling of electoral reform.

Django
Last edited by Django

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