Tributes to Cheddi Jagan
There is no question about it
He deserves all the respect and credit
The large throng who gathered around this son
The love of this nation he surely wonFarewell Cheddi, farewell Cheddi
Everyone loved you dearly
Like a brave warrior taking his rest
Truly this son of Guyana was the best
A fallen hero has now departed peacefully
To his wife, children, family and relatives the nation's heartfelt sympathyFarewell Cheddi, farewell Cheddi
You will be remembered eternallyA working class fighter from beginning to the end
To oppressors and opposers he did not bend
His stand had earned him international fear and respect
The best working class champion this nation will ever getFarewell Cheddi, farewell Cheddi
You will always remain in Guyana's historyNumerous people from all walks of life and ethnicity
Thronged State House, your loving face to see
Whether one was a friend or foe
All wanted to pay last homage to this National HeroFarewell Cheddi, farewell Cheddi
To this nation you brought unityThe scene at State House will always be remembered
No greater crowd in Georgetown had ever gathered
For the last time, to see this great patriot and fighter
Unquestionably, he was the nation's greatest leaderFarewell Cheddi, farewell Cheddi
This nation will miss you greatly.© W.A 1999
The spirit of a Great Man gone
Stays on ...
To give the many left behind
New Hope ... even in despair ...
To give the few
Who share the great responsibility
New Strength ... to guide - to plan - to serve
Even as we mournEven as we mourn ...
Cry out the gladness of another day
For us who wept to watch him pass that way
The sun will still glow brightly on the street
And from these sombre hours
Golden flowers of promise at our feet.
Pluck them now
a better morning to adorn
And build a blessing of this curse
Even as we mourn.© Helen Taitt 1999
A hero was he, a father was he,
Dr. C.B.Jagan, what a great fighter to see,
Never did he fail, in his quest for democracy,
Fighting for the rights of the oppressed against hypocrisy.His armour was truth, honesty and simplicity,
In his struggle for freedom and liberty,
The word "tired" in his vocabulary could not be found,
Nor could chains and bars or prison doors be bound.He was a man for all seasons and all people,
In the towns and countryside to all he was so gentle,
We loved him, we trusted him, we shared his vision,
He was a man endowed with an unfailing mission.In the history books, amongst them he will be,
This son, father and hero of the Nation, Dr, C.B.
When death took hold of his hand he turned and said,
Everything will be all right, so the message read.To the great beyond our hero has gone,
His thoughts and dreams of global world peace will dawn,
When all begin to see the light, the way Cheddi did see,
A better world for all, especially for you and me.Salute to our hero Dr. Cheddi
© Yasoda Badunauth-Cullen 1999
- Following Cheddi's Example by Kasinauth Jagnarain (Ankerville, January, 2002)
Cheddi
A true national hero,
Selfless and fearless,
Honest and matchless,
Thoughtful and peaceful,
Dedicated his life span
To free his native land
From the jail of poverty,
From the jail of mental slavery.
Can we follow his example?
Yes, we can!Cheddi
A unique political icon,
A political conqueror,
A conqueror
By intellect,
A conqueror
By noble deeds,
A conqueror
Of hearts.
Can we follow his example?
Yes, we can!Cheddi
His was a life
Embracing ideals
Embracing morality
Embracing truth and justice.
Can we follow his example?
Yes, we can!Cheddi
At the sight of the poor
Cheddi's heart bled,
He rushed to their call
And did what was right.
Can we follow his example?
Yes, we can!His reigning achievements
Bespeak his eminence.
Cheddi has gone
But his memory lives on.
Can we follow his example?
Yes, we can!
© Kasinauth Jagnarain 1999