Cheddi Jagan
From The West Indian Encyclopedia
Jagan - Cheddi Bharat (March 1918 March 1997) (Executive President of the Republic of Guyana: Oct 9, 1992 - Mar 6, 1997). Jagan was born on March 22, 1918 on the sugar plantation of Port Mourant, Berbice. His father was a foreman of a work crew on the plantation. His grandparents had come from India as indentured labourers.
After primary school and two years of secondary school, his father sent him to Queen’s College in the city of Georgetown. He was then fifteen years old. In September 1935, Cheddi left for the United States where he did pre-dental studies at Howard University. He was able to earn a scholarship to pay for his second year at Howard.
In 1938, he entered Northwestern University and embarked on a four-year dental program graduating in 1942. While studying dentistry he was also doing courses in social studies. He graduated in 1942, with a degree in dental surgery (DDS) and a Bachelor of Sciences degree (B.Sc).
On August 5, 1943 he married a student nurse, Janet Rosenberg before returning home in October that year. Cheddi set up his dental practice with the help of his wife, as dental assistant, his brother, as laboratory assistant, and a cousin. He also spent a great deal of time with the workers and was soon established as a labour leader.
In 1947 Dr. Jagan formally entered the political arena with his election to the National Assembly. In 1950, three years later, he created the People's Progressive Party (PPP). In 1953, the PPP won the first elections held under Universal Adult Suffrage. However, Britain suspended the Constitution, citing the PPP's pro-communist ideology. The British sent troops and warships to deal with any resistance they might encounter but there was only peaceful demonstrations. Dr. Jagan was imprisoned for six months for not obeying an order limiting his movements.
In 1955 Dr. Jagan was re-elected leader of the People's Progressive Party. Between 1953 and 1957, the PPP was split in two factions. Dr. Jagan continued to be leader of the PPP, while the new faction, named the People’s National Congress (PNC), was led by Forbes Burnham.
The PPP won the 1957 and 1961 elections becoming the country’s first Premier, and formed the Government. In 1964 the PPP again won the election with a majority of the votes cast. However, the elections, was held under the system of Proportional Representation, the Government was formed by a Coalition comprising the PNC, led by Burnham and the United Force (UF), led by businessman, Peter D’Aguiar.
Dr. Jagan was leader of the Opposition until 1992, when the PPP won the elections that year. He became President and remained so until his death on March 6, 1997.