Thousands witness last rites at Babu John

Apr 01, 2009 News

Thousands from all walks of life turned out at the Babu John Crematorium, yesterday, to pay their last respect to the first female President and the fifth Executive President of Guyana, Janet Jagan.
Heavy showers that threatened were not enough to keep supporters away from saying goodbye to the woman whose name is etched in the annals of Guyana’s history.
It was at the very site that her husband was cremated 12 years ago.
The cortege arrived at the Babu John Crematorium just before 14:00 hours and the members of the Guyana Defence Force carried the coffin a short distance before handing over to the pall bearers selected from among supporters and members in Berbice.
These included former Region Six Chairman Rohit Persaud, Region Five Chairman Harrinarine Baldeo, Community Development Officer Faizal Jaffarally, Bijulee Motie, Newborn Pompey, and Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo.
Region Six Chairman, Zulfikar Mustapha, who was chairperson for the final stage of the State Funeral, told the gathering that the late former President’s career and contribution to Guyana spans over half a century.
He said Guyanese owe a debt of gratitude to the woman who sacrificed so many years of her life in service to Guyana.
Because of the threatening weather, a decision was soon taken to commence the cremation before the tributes were given.
Children, Dr. Cheddi Jagan (Junior), daughter, Nadira Jagan-Brancier and other family members assisted in making the final preparation for the cremation.
As the final military rites were performed, the 21-gun salute rang out.
Soon the fire raged, and the programme continued with General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Donald Ramotar who, in eulogizing the icon, pointed out that she fought and won many battles.
He spoke of the highlights of the former president’s life both public and private.
Two of her grandchildren told the gathering of the Janet Jagan they knew and loved dearly. Natasha Brancier spoke of the many summer vacations that were spent with her grandmother.
Though many may refer to Mrs Jagan as a revolutionary leader and a freedom fighter among names, her granddaughter only remembered her as a grandmother that was a kind and soft spoken person, who at all times provided unconditional love, support and strength.
President Bharrat Jagdeo said that the analysts in the newspapers have predicted that his party will implode.
He, however, reassured supporters that his party does not have a ‘Jagan’ in its leadership now, but though they are not there they will continue to guide the party and the members.
His party, he acknowledged, may not be perfect but it is the party of Cheddi Jagan and Janet Jagan and it would continue to grow and their ideals would not disappear, he said.
According to the Head of State, the party would never allow people’s race, religion, or class to matter.
The Guyana Police Force band was in attendance and Phyllis Carter, a close friend of the late Janet Jagan, recited a poem as the former president’s remains were cremated.

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Thousands witness last rites at Babu John

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