On 29 March, leaders and supporters of the PPP party, along with the people of Guyana, will gather to celebrate the 108th anniversary of Cheddi B. Jagan, the founder of the PPP in Guyana. Voices from across the country are expected to unite in honour of his life, service, and legacy. The event will bring together citizens, community members, and supporters of the People’s Progressive Party to reflect on Dr Jagan’s lifelong dedication to democracy, equality, and uplifting working people.
The event in Port Mourant, Berbice, will feature speeches from national leaders, including the President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali, and the Vice President and Secretary-General of the PPP party, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who are expected to pay tribute to Dr Jagan’s vision and contributions to the nation. Their addresses will emphasise the ongoing relevance of his ideals and the importance of safeguarding his legacy for future generations as Guyana advances in development and unity.
On 29 March 2026, Guyana will mark the 108th birth anniversary of Cheddi Bharrat Jagan, affectionately known as “Bharrat” and widely regarded as the Father of the Nation. Across the country, citizens, government officials, and supporters will gather at Port Mourant to celebrate his enduring legacy of independence, unity, and social justice. The commemorations show deep national respect for a leader whose lifelong dedication to democracy and equality helped shape the modern Guyanese state.
Events will occur nationwide, including solemn wreath-laying ceremonies at the historic Babu Jaan Memorial Site on 29 March 2026 and in White Water, where communities gathered to honour Dr Jagan’s memory. These ceremonies brought together leaders and citizens from diverse backgrounds, reinforcing his reputation as a true “Man of the People.” Tributes highlighted his humble beginnings, unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, and his unique ability to unite Guyana’s multi-ethnic society under a shared vision of progress and fairness.
National leaders will emphasise the ongoing significance of Dr Jagan’s principles in shaping the country’s future. President Irfaan Ali stated that Dr Jagan’s steadfast commitment to democracy, equality, and anti-imperialism continues to inspire new generations and influence contemporary governance. The commemorations also paid tribute to the historic contributions of Dr Jagan and his wife, Janet Jagan, as founding figures of the People’s Progressive Party, whose struggles and sacrifices were crucial in securing Guyana’s independence from British colonial rule.
Dr Jagan was also remembered for his political integrity, humility, and consistent leadership. Many speakers compared his values and dedication to those of renowned global figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, and Kwame Nkrumah, highlighting his stature as a statesman of international significance. The 2026 commemoration emphasised that his vision for a united, free, and prosperous Guyana remains a guiding force as the nation continues its journey towards sustainable development and national unity.
The commemoration at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre featured a meaningful open-mic session in which citizens from diverse backgrounds shared personal stories and perspectives on a leader widely regarded as a champion of the working class and people on low incomes. Speakers emphasised Dr Jagan’s unwavering commitment to eradicating poverty and building a society based on fairness, dignity, and equal opportunities for all Guyanese.
A recurring theme throughout the event was Dr Jagan’s inspiring vision of a nation where exploitation had no place, and every individual could live with respect, hope, and equal opportunity. His deep compassion and genuine connection with ordinary people were remembered as defining qualities of his leadership and public service.
Veteran political figure Harripersaud Nokta shared heartfelt memories of travelling with Dr Jagan to remote Amerindian communities across Guyana. He explained how, despite initial hesitations from villagers, Dr Jagan was determined to engage with them, listening to their concerns, sharing knowledge, advocating for their rights, and inspiring them with a message of unity, empowerment, and national progress.
Nokta reflected deeply on those experiences, emphasising that Dr Jagan’s life was dedicated to reaching people where they were, understanding their struggles, and empowering them through awareness, education, and political involvement. Even at his advanced age, Nokta reaffirmed his ongoing commitment to the ideals of the People’s Progressive Party and its mission to improve the lives of all Guyanese citizens.
Many Speakers have also paid tribute to Dr Jagan’s personal integrity, humility, and moral strength. Hydar Ally described him as a man of simplicity, honesty, and unwavering character—someone whose reputation was built not on wealth or privilege, but on a lifetime of service to the people. According to Ally, Dr Jagan’s upbringing in poverty deeply shaped his worldview and fueled his relentless fight against inequality, not only in Guyana but across the developing world.
Born on 22 March 1918 in Port Mourant to parents of Indian indentured worker heritage, Dr Jagan’s early life reflected the struggles faced by thousands of Indo-Guyanese families. Like many others, the Jagan family lived in rural communities and worked in the cane fields to support themselves. His mother worked on the sugar estate until he was nine, while his father became the estate’s head driver. Despite this position, the financial rewards were limited, and his father’s poor health forced him to retire at 50.
Dr Jagan received his primary education at Port Mourant Primary School and later attended the Rose Hall Scots School. He then followed with secondary education at R. N. Persaud’s private secondary school. Recognising his son’s potential and eagerness to provide him with greater opportunities, his father made a life-changing decision when Jagan was 15 years old, sending him to Queen’s College in Georgetown, approximately 160 kilometres away, for further studies.
After completing his education, employment options in Guyana were mainly limited to agricultural work or converting to Christianity to become a teacher. Determined that his son would not return to the cane fields or lose his cultural and religious identity, his father made a significant sacrifice by maintaining his family’s ancient Hindu faith. With only $500—the family’s savings—he sent young Cheddi Jagan to the United States to study dentistry, setting him on a path that would eventually lead to national leadership and historic contributions to Guyana.
Indra Chandarpal spoke about the importance of preserving the historical and cultural significance of Red House, ensuring that the stories, sacrifices, and achievements of leaders like Dr Jagan continue to inspire future generations. She emphasised that safeguarding historical institutions is essential to maintaining national identity and educating young people about the struggles that shaped Guyana’s democracy.
Dr Cheddi Bharrat Jagan’s achievements were recognised not only in Guyana but also internationally. His dedication to freedom, justice, and global solidarity earned him numerous national and international awards. Among Guyana’s highest honours, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Liberation in 2007. Globally, he received the Order of Friendship of Peoples from the Soviet Union in 1978, the Order of Solidarity from Cuba in 1988, the Grand Collar of the Order of the Liberator from Venezuela in 1993, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean from Mauritius in 1994, and the Supreme Companion of the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo from South Africa in 2005.
During the meeting on 29 March 2026, one message will clearly resonate with everyone present: Dr Cheddi Bharrat Jagan’s life remains a powerful example of what it truly means to serve the people. His legacy—characterised by courage, compassion, sacrifice, and an unwavering pursuit of justice—continues to live in the heart and soul of Guyana, inspiring generations to build a nation rooted in democracy, equality, and opportunity for all.