Cheddi Jagan showed unequalled leadership in the struggle for democracy
By Reepu Daman Persaud
OCTOBER 5th cannot escape recognition. It was on this day seven years ago democracy was restored in Guyana. The return to democratic rule and freedom was preceded by a relentless, courageous, and determined battle waged by the late Cheddi Jagan who mobilised individuals and organisations in his quest to return this country to democratic government. Cheddi's campaign was not confined to the borders of Guyana but beyond. He alerted the Regional, Hemispheric and International communities and exposed what was taking place in Guyana thereby highlighting the contempt for the electoral process and consecutive rigged elections. It was a long struggle but he was never deterred and as the fight to bring back dignity and pride to this land advanced, his optimism was strengthened and his confidence increased in the belief that this great nation of ours will once again rise in the world at large. We have achieved respectability in the international community. In pursuit of this noble objective, that is, to return to the citizens the right to elect a government of their choice, Cheddi Jagan demonstrated unequalled leadership. In his contingent of men and women fighting the common cause were people of different outlook and orientation but with his humility and special charm which no one will deny he was able to fulfil his resolution. Many made great sacrifices and there were those who paid the supreme penalty. We must remember them. We must value their contributions. We must pay tribute to them. In fashioning the future cognisance has to be taken of the past. In retrospect, those years remind us of innumerable violations. We must not only hope but ensure that we never ever return to those dark days. It is more than comforting to live in a democracy. Indeed, it is a right which must be cherished and zealously preserved. Gone are the days when citizens were afraid to speak. In fact, the power to support or remove a government has been replaced in the hands of the electorate. We must continue to expand the democratic norms and practices and so create a society in which the interest of the people is paramount and their well-being and welfare enjoy absolute priority. Such a society can be constructed once we live in harmony and togetherness. The dynamics of togetherness are inexplicable. It is the foremost prerequisite for progress and I wish to urge all Guyanese as we observe this most significant day to resolve to build a society on unity, understanding and harmony. We are a poor country. We cannot afford to expend our energies in conflict and in the pursuit of divisiveness. This does not mean, however, that we should not raise our voices against wrongs and demand equity and justice. In fact a democracy bereft of these ingredients will be shallow and incapable of survival. Guyana has travelled distance since the restoration of democracy but we still have a far way to go. The road is long, with many a winding turn. The future will be challenging but once we resolve to work together then no problem is insurmountable. We can build a land of abundance, stability and peace. October 5th, 1992 is now part of our history. It marked the beginning of a new era: the triumph of the people's will and the opening of a new chapter for this great land of ours. Let Guyana march forward to greater progress, prosperity and peace.
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