In memory of ‘Auntie Janet’

Apr 02, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
Over the weekend I learnt with a heavy heart about the passing of Mrs. Janet Jagan. So much has been said and written since about her life, and the enormous personal and public sacrifices she made on behalf of her adopted country.
Her public role in the lives of especially Guyanese has been and will continue to be dissected, questioned, and debated for generations to come. When all is said and done, I sincerely hope the social and political commentators, historians, and students of our unique path towards independence, will be objectively kind to her.

I am still reeling and reflecting over the recent deaths of two very special Guyanese who have made enormous impacts on my life so far: Dr. Joshua Rueben Ramsammy, principal at my alma mater (“Tagore Memorial High School”, No 63 Village, Corentyne); and Dr. Roy Ibbott, impressive conversationalist and raconteur with whom Rohit Jagessar and I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know personally since, while we were promoting the movie “Guiana 1838” in Berbice.
I knew Dr. and Mrs. Jagan, Nadira and Joey, since the mid 50’s. I was at that period of my life boarding at the Millers, whose home at the corner of Laluni & Oronoque Streets was a stone’s throw from where the Jagans resided in Queenstown. I was accepted as a close member of their household, a relationship that was never broken since.

Many incidents stand out as I reflect on the private “Mrs. Jagan”, a motherly individual I would call “Auntie Janet”. Some scream out to be told in order to deflect the political “pit-bull” image of this genuine “Guyanese”.
She had so badly wanted to sign an “affidavit of support” in order for me to pursue my studies abroad. However, given the political climate at that time, with words to the effect she said, “John, your request entry would be denied once the embassy recognises your support sponsor”.
Quite the opposite of what is today taken for granted, Mrs. Jagan has enormous love for the sincere. When I suffered a personal tragedy in the mid-90s, and when she learnt of it from Joey, hers was a most comforting shoulder.

At her insistence, and with a date she chose, Ingrid and I got married at the hallowed Office of The President. It was a first, I was told, as the ceremony was witnessed by President Janet Jagan, ex-Commissioner of Police Laurie Lewis, ADC Captain Francis Abraham, Mohammed “MFK” Khan, and Pastor Dr. Dale Bisnauth.
Ingrid and I would see her for the last time on Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Table No 8 Browne’s Café, at the Pegasus Hotel. We now sadly recall her seated embrace, the ever-present smile on her face, and her welcoming pecks on our cheeks, the cane at her chair – the tell-tale signs that “old age has yet its honour and toil: death closes all…”
I am sadly comforting myself as fortunate to have met a genuine servant of Guyana who, from the “get-go”, in the words of a recent daily editorial, “lived a frugal life, shunning the trappings that would usually accompany the roles of President and Head of State.”

To Joey, Nadira, and their families, Ingrid and I will today light two candles, place them in the pair of “@ Correira Guyana, 1998” candle-holders, and take in the “N. Nunes 1985” pastoral painting of a farmer and his wife on a donkey-cart returning home at dusk. All gifts from Auntie Janet! We will also raise two cups from the tea-set she gave us, and wish her God’s Speed on her final journey.
I do not envy Peter as he allows “Auntie Janet” entry through The Pearly Gates to again be with “Uncle Cheddi”, and continue their passionate calling and discourse…
John “Slingshot” DrePaul

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