The life and legacy of the late President and founding member of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Cheddi Jagan, are being honoured and celebrated at a photographic exhibition and book display at the National Library in Georgetown.
The month-long exhibition opened on Monday.
Speaking at the launch, Cheddi Jagan Research Centre Chairman, Hydar Ally, said this marks the 25th year of the exhibition, which aims to keep Dr Jagan’s humanitarian efforts alive.
“For us at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre and the People’s Progressive Party, we believe that his vision continues to guide us, and he remains relevant, even though it has been 28 years since his passing. His ideas are still significant… Dr Jagan was a prolific writer and thinker, and this exhibition reflects some of his writings, ideas, and contributions. We want the public to learn more about Dr Jagan—his vision, his policies, and the principles he stood for,” Ally noted.
In her remarks, the centre’s Administrator, Indrani Chandarpal, reiterated Ally’s sentiments, emphasising that Dr Jagan had advocated for many of the benefits enjoyed today.
“He was a man full of ideas, and, for example, he was one of the first people to lobby for the West to write off the debt of the world’s poorer countries. Even here, and in some Caribbean nations, we have seen his vision materialise. He always used to say, ‘If we are the lungs of the world, then why should we not be paid for our forests?’—and today, we have seen that concept come to fruition,” she noted, adding that this was just a glimpse of what is featured at the centre itself.
A new feature, illustrating timelines of periods when Dr Jagan spoke on relevant issues, has been introduced at this year’s exhibition.
The event, hosted by the Management Committee of the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre, is a cornerstone of the centre’s annual March activities. It unveils stunning visuals and compelling narratives, paying homage to Dr Jagan’s life and his contributions to Guyanese society.
Hydar Ally (third left) and Indrani Chandarpal (second left) with others at the opening of the exhibition
