He is an incomparable patriot, and would be judged as one of the most influential and contemporary leaders the Caribbean has produced,” Professor Clement Sankat, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), said as he reflected on the work and life of President Bharrat Jagdeo on Friday, September 16 at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara.
Sankat was one of the many speakers who joined the thousands in celebrating the presidency of Jagdeo at the historic Appreciation Day event, dubbed “A World of Thanks”.
Sankat noted that tribute must also be paid to Jagdeo’s ideals, as he worked tirelessly to serve Guyana with “great distinction.” Evincing a sense of pride, the former pro-vice chancellor of the UWI said it cannot be questioned why Guyana’s development had progressed over the years.
“It is now easy for all of us to comprehend why the president has been so successful: he has had a tremendous apprenticeship in the areas of planning and finance. He has accumulated a remarkable record of service to his country, to his people, to the Caribbean region, and yes, to the world,” Sankat stated.
Sankat noted that “President Jagdeo’s vision has always been that of an integrated region. Through President Jagdeo’s leadership, Guyana has become a leading light to the Caribbean.”
Stressing that Guyana’s youngest president has fought to ensure his country makes a mark not only on the regional front, but internationally, Sankat said, “President Jagdeo’s vision has always been that of an integrated region”.
“President Jagdeo has shown to the world that developing countries can indeed help to shape the future of tomorrow… The world has taken notice of his initiatives on the international front.” Professor Sankat further explained that, even as Jagdeo prepares to demit office, he has “been a big voice for small states.”
“You have created a new hope for Guyana,” Sankat told the president before thousands of Guyanese who flocked the National Stadium.
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, paying tribute on behalf of his fellow Cabinet members, described Jagdeo as a man of great courage who fought to ensure that all citizens are safe, secure, and enjoy a life that is free from negatives.
An impassioned President Jagdeo delivering the feature address at the President's Appreciation Day
“President Jagdeo has been a leader who leads from the front with a focus on details and results … he was never afraid to make decisions… President Jagdeo has been an intense fighter for survival and success – as president of Guyana, for all Guyana and all Guyanese,” Hinds said.
Hinds has played an instrumental role in the current administration, and has also served as president when Jagdeo was abroad. He said President Jagdeo has displayed great courage in boldly steering Guyana through testing times here.
“Members of the Cabinet take this opportunity to express appreciation for the many (lessons) learnt, which would serve us well wherever we go. Many thanks, best wishes, long life. Forever our president!”
Presidential candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Donald Ramotar, in reflecting on Jagdeo’s life in politics, said he has done Guyana proud by laying the foundation for the future development of the country. “We have created a springboard for development, and the next PPP/C government, which I hope to lead, will see us moving at even more rapid pace because of the conditions we have today. We are going to move at greater heights, as we are in the process of installing the kind of infrastructure that can allow us to develop more rapidly.”
He assured the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and diverse groups of Guyanese who gathered from every conceivable area of the country that development will continue, and Guyanese will continue to benefit significantly.
“I say to you we will move from strength to strength, and if it is good today, it will be much better tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the National Toshaos Council, Yvonne Pearson, in an emotional ‘thank you’ speech, said there aren’t enough words to express the gratitude felt by the indigenous population, as much development had occurred over the years.
Making reference to the enactment of the Amerindian Act 2006, Pearson declared: “It makes us proud that Guyana has pioneered (much legislation) to protect the rights of Amerindians.” She continued: “It is our land; it is our life, culture and heritage.” She pointed to the advancements in the health, education, and agriculture sectors that have aided Amerindians to enhance themselves academically through scholarships tenable locally and abroad, while giving them scope to reach their full potential.
“We are very proud of our achievements over the years,” Pearson said proudly, pointing to the role the president played in ensuring equality amongst genders.
Regarding the establishment of the Indigenous People’s Commission and the National Toshaos Council, she said, “There have been significant accomplishments in terms of empowering our women.” Noting that President Jagdeo’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) has paved the way for hinterland development, the leader of the Toshaos Council said, “We will continue to be involved in the Low Carbon Development Strategy… it is the gateway to our development… we will protect our forests.” Representing the Sporting fraternity, cricketer Lennox Cush lauded the initiatives of President Jagdeo, and noted that it is because of Jagdeo’s drive to ensure that sports men and women here are given equal opportunities as their counterparts across the Caribbean and the wider world that the Guyana National Stadium, the Olympic size swimming pool, and the recently- constructed Squash Court at Woolford Avenue, among other initiatives, were realised.
Cush said, “My president, I want to express the appreciation of all players and fans of cricket for your vision and leadership in the development of this facility.
“The stadium is an example of your enduring legacy. My president, I know your passion for sport is not limited to cricket, I know you have helped develop cricket and football throughout the region. It is because of your impact that the Kashif and Shanghai Football Tournament has grown to become the premier football tournament in Guyana. For all these acts of caring, for all these acts of kindness, I thank you on behalf of all sports men and women of Guyana.”
