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Remembering Oscar Clarke and relations with Derek Jagan of PPP

May 31, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor,

Many glowing tributes were deservedly paid to Oscar Clarke. I would like to contribute an anecdote as relates to the relationship between Mr. Clarke, then PM Forbes Burnham, and Derek Jagan (brother of Cheddi), former Speaker of the Assembly. I was informed that Derek and Oscar enjoyed very warm relations despite the toxic politics between the then ruling PNC and the opposition PPP.

I happened upon Mr. Clarke in passing during the 1970s when I was a high school student and again at other times when I spent extended periods during my breaks in Guyana during the 1980s and after. Mr. Clarke was well known as a Regional Minister and a Minister of Government. I knew of him as someone who was married (second wife) to a former resident of Free Yard, Port Mourant, one of a handful of Afros (Mixed) who lived in Port Mourant prior to the 1960s race riots. I also learn that in spite of the divisive politics of the 1960s, he became close friends to leading Indian figures in the PPP. Oscar was respectful!

As related to me years ago, when Derek Jagan was alive, Oscar and Derek were close though I am not familiar with the nature of the relationship.  Derek was also very friendly with Forbes Burnham and they would frequently meet for social drinks after parliament or after work. Derek played some role in Oscar being promoted by Burnham either as General Secretary and or Minister of Government. As related to me, at a social together, Burnham was chatting about filling a vacancy and Derek recommended Oscar Clarke.  Burnham turned to Derek and asked, why Oscar for the position, querying whether “it was because they were friends”. And Derek replied no, Oscar was competent and qualified for the position.

I was told that Oscar was instrumental in providing limited assistance to the Jagan’s including neighbourhood security where they lived especially when Cheddi and or Derek was out of town.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

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