Dear Editor,
The PPP put out an advertisement for a rally in tribute to Dr. Cheddi Jagan to be held at the burial ground where the ashes of his body are entombed in Babu Jaan, Port Mourant this Sunday March 26. The two dominant figures in the government, President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Cheddi Jagan have been announced as the main speakers. The two did not visit Jagan’s tomb for over four years, not even during the 2020 election campaign. And close to three years since its return to political power in August 2020, the names Cheddi Jagan (and wife Janet) did not figure in any communication or tributes to the Jagans from anyone in the present government. It was as though Cheddi and Janet no longer matters although the party, in and out of government, owes its existence to the towering duo. Irfaan and Jagdeo have awakened from their slumber.
Why a rally on Jagan’s birth anniversary – 103 years. People generally celebrate annually or at major milestones like 75, 50, 100, etc., not 103. Is it because the party base has been ignoring the leadership? Local election related turnouts at meetings have been low. At a local election rally last weekend in Free Yard, only 11 people in the audience. Voters are not interested. The party supporters feel betrayed over widespread corruption and ignoring the base and the inability to work with the opposition.
No one in the ruling party or government can compare themselves to Cheddi and Janet. The government has extracted nothing from the playbook of the Jagans on good governance and engaging the opposition. The present government has completely eradicated the philosophy of the Jagans on governance – like running mean, lean, clean government and dedicating their lives to the people.
Dr. Jagan and his wife ran incorruptible administrations. They were not interested in accumulation of private wealth. They did not own businesses. They did not set up businesses in the names of others and bid for government contracts. They did not give contracts to friends or family members. They did not condone corruption. They did not give scholarships to unqualified. They made sure scholarships were given to deserving. They did not violate laws or rules of engagements in policymaking and governance. They did not ignore the opposition. They did not waste money. They did not wear fancy name brand suits. They did not accept gifts that were tantamount to bribes. They lived simple lives. The present leadership has built Pradovilles for the elite. The Jagans lived for the people. They did everything to improve the lives of the ordinary people. They dedicated their lives to the working class raising the salaries of the latter. Their friends were not among the wealthy. They socialized with the working class and the poor. They stayed at the homes of working class and party comrades when traveling. They tried to save as much government money as possible in their local and international travels. They never stole a cent from government. They were unselfish. They helped the poor as best they could with their earnings in government. Dr. Jagan was constantly educating people and never abandoning the struggle for economic and social dignity of all. None of the present figures in the PPP, save a handful like Donald Ramotar, Hydar Ally, Indra Chandarpal, can compare themselves to the Jagans. Dr. Jagan not only talked the talk but also implemented the talk. The Jagans would never have closed their eyes to destruction of the sugar industry that made the PPP what it is today. The Jagans were open to critiques and independent views; they did not use trolls to attack critics or take measures to silence media house. The present leadership of the PPP has aligned themselves with forces that are against Jaganism and the destroyers of Jagan’s philosophy.
Would the rally at Babu Jaan return the party to its roots and Jagan’s philosophy of good governance?
Yours truly,
Kevin Ragonauth
