UG launches photographic and book exhibition – in observance of Dr. Cheddi B. Jagan’s 100th birth anniversary

March 22, 2018

DPI, GUYANA, Thursday, March 22, 2018

As part of the series of commemorative activities to observe the 100^th birth anniversary of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, the University of Guyana (UG) on Wednesday evening launched a photographic and book exhibition reflecting an academic perspective of the life and work of the late president.

The exhibition highlighted print and non-print items, photographs and selected quotations of Dr. Jagan.

A glimpse of the photographic and book exhibition.

UG’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ivelaw Griffith, reiterated that the institution’s objectives must be in agreement with the general role of universities to facilitate discourse on significant personalities, policies, programmes, and events, and analyse the relevant aspects. He noted that this will enable, “the university to extend the parameters of our engagement beyond the places we have discussed”.

Emeritus Professor and historian, Dr. Winston McGowan said that the range of the late president’s work was impressive and spoke of the struggle made for the freedom of the people and the nation.

Nadira Jagan-Brancier, daughter of the late leader, reminisced on her father’s days in office and after, and his push to have the University of Guyana established, even defying the then views of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). Jagan-Brancier also disclosed that she will soon be uploading the 459 appearances of Dr. Jagan on the programme Straight Talk, to his official website.

Dr. Nigel Gravesande, Chair of the Planning Committee and Registrar, said among other activities planned are symposia at both campuses and the installation of a commemorative plaque at the Cheddi B. Jagan Lecture Theatre on the Turkeyen Campus. Dr. Gravesande said this event provides an opportunity to raise funds to renovate the Lecture Theatre of the university whilst increasing awareness about the life and work of Dr. Jagan.

Dr. Gravesande said the committee was able to raise $10M, which is covers 50 percent of the revenue, required to repair the lecture theatre. He appealed for more sponsors to meet the outstanding amount of $20M.

The exhibition will also be hosted at the National Library’s New Amsterdam branch from April 13-20, UG’s Berbice Tain Campus from April 23-30, National Library Linden Branch from May 04-11 and at a location to be announced later in Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.