Mammoth gathering overwhelms Babu John Memorial site

As a nation pays homage to its ‘Fallen Father and Hero’

THE vision of the ‘Father of the Nation’, the late former president, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, continues to inform the policies of his party, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), with the intent to improve the lives of all citizens of Guyana.
And at yesterday’s memorial for Dr. Jagan, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar — who spoke on behalf of her husband, President Donald Ramotar, who is away on government business –- was the first to make note of this when she said “…this ‘Man of the People’ remains alive as a living guide for as long as his vision remains alive.”

The First Lady’s observations were preceded by a massive march of over 300 members of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) who, decked out in red, yellow and black, moved along the Port Mourant Public Road shouting: “Long live Cheddi Jagan!” “Long live the PYO!” “Cheddi Jagan: Man of the People!” and “Long live the PPP!”

The energy of the PYO enthused the already mammoth gathering at the Babu John memorial site, where the march ended.
With accommodation for the large gathering being insufficient, many had to squat on the ground, as encouraged by the host, Navin Chandarpal, whose squatting quip was one of the many light moments at the solemn occasion.
Bob Marley’s ‘Don’t worry’ added to the tangibly charged atmosphere, where the gathering was united by their intention to pay tribute to a man who was unquestionably a man of and for the Guyanese people.