Janet Jagan was unfairly treated and a victim of misconception and misrepresentation

May 03, 2009 Letters

Dear Editor,
Now that her death is all done, every ember form the pyre burned cold and the thoughts and wagging tongues – some slowly, some quickly fading and dying as is the way with all deaths – great and small, high and low.
And so too as the excitement, buzzing and controversy that it created has ceased, so her soul too must finally settle to bed, maybe into another realm which we the living can never know.

Judging from the plethora of letters that flooded the various newspapers, all in high praises of the former first woman president of this land, it is difficult for one not to get a picture of an angelic creation – the personification of a Good Samaritan, humanity and humility – indeed rare qualities found in politicians. Yet I have no evidence to doubt the encomiums heaped on her since I have never had the experience of being around her as others have.
In a letter published in the Kaieteur News of Thursday October 28th, 2004, under the caption “Janet Jagan deserves credit”, I was very accurate in my estimation when I stated at the beginning of the letter: “This letter is likely to stir the ire of many, but be that as it may, it remains my honest independent thought which I honour more than public opinion”.

It created just that. Some accused me of being an apologist for her and the PPP, which was and still is none of the sort, and what I said then I maintain to this day. No one will pump me up like a balloon nor will I allow anyone to implant false ideas/ideals and poppy-cock stories into my character as if I’m a lost and ignorant soul. Independence of thought and mind I will not surrender to anyone – King or Queen.

In paying attention to the many tributes, I was deeply moved by Minister Rohee reading the eulogy; I wouldn’t be truthful if I said I wasn’t touched. Minister Rohee was overwhelmed by his emotions as he spoke from deep down within, who Janet Jagan was, her long struggle in a foreign land which became her home and one who nurtured him like a son. Since we are of a higher order and there is an organ and not a stone that beats in our chest, how could we not be moved by the lost of our kind? Contrary to other suspicions, it was the feelings of one human being towards another, and his emotions spilled over and created similar reactions.

For me it brought back memories of Dr. Ptolemy Reid bursting into tears as he spoke of the majesty of Forbes Burnham at his funeral, and that is why I was not amused by those who took to derision at Minister Rohee’s hurt and tears; I understood. Without emotions we are just living dead.
In the article I had written as mentioned above, I also said “Mrs. Jagan struggled and battled with many issues on behalf of Guyanese women and Guyana for decades. It was on this land that she was imprisoned for her political activities when many full blooded Guyanese were apolitical and just not bold enough to become involved.

No one took objections then, not even the sagacious Forbes Burnham. Looking back, I’m glad that I had written that while she was still alive, and I do believe that she was unfairly treated and a victim of misconception and misrepresentation.
Sixty-five years as a political activist is no mean deed! Being among the first to champion so many workers causes and women issues, fighting for bauxite workers rights way back in Linden (Mackenzie) since 1947 are all commendable acts. It was said the she made many Guyanese women and community what they are today and her compassion for the needy, etc.
This is why the unsavory and mean comments I heard coming from some lips – women at that, nay even youths, made me cringe. When we feed on these things, what on earth are we expecting in return?
And this brings me to the point where it appears that on both sides we are refusing to be magnanimous, by not lending ourselves genuinely to each other.

For even on the funeral day I heard stories about the behaviour of some PPP supporters, even senior activists, towards some blacks who attended the funeral, even as they, these activists, passionately showered her with adulations: the selfless, all encompassing and charming lady of no feeble character. On hearing all this, then one is forced to ask how come those who were nurtured and groomed by this fine woman, those who were fortunate to constantly experience her warmth and kindness, were not in like manner exhibiting and extolling similar values and virtues?

Come on! We are talking about 65 years of generosity and magnanimity. If only all these multiplicity of virtues were emulated and duplicated by the many who spoke of their relationship and time spent with her, we would have definitely by now had a better Guyana. But here I am reminded by Gandhi, who in rebuking some Christians said, “you people are so much unlike your leader”.

And lastly an observation: I was looking out to hear Mayor Hamilton Green say his piece at the Parliament Building ceremony, for one who has in recent years been constantly talking about a spiritual revival and healing; one of the few remaining political soldiers from the Jagan/Burnham era, and who had congratulated Mrs. Jagan on her ascendancy to the presidency.
It was my feelings that he would have made a rather profound presentation.
Given that Mrs. Jagan fitted in to all that was said of her, then, indeed she would have been pleased.
Frank Fyffe