Reference is drawn to news item in Guyana media on commemorating the new iconic bridge named after former President and now Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo. It is richly deserving for a person who has made the most impact on the country’s politics and development over the last twenty five years. It is a fitting tribute. President Ali is commended for bestowing this honor on Jagdeo.
As someone who has followed Guyana’s affairs, I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this national recognition. The contributions made by the VP in his three decades in politics are incomparable. He is widely respected. He first entered parliament as Junior Finance Minister in 1992 and Senior Minister two years later. He served well. No one has made a greater impact on the economy over the last two decades than Jagdeo. He was a good economist who won praises from the Carter Center. He crafted PPP victory last month and he won two terms on his own. He is also internationally known through his work for the environment, as Champion of the Earth, etc. The UN honored him for his work on the environment.
I don’t support the VP or even the President or the government on several policies. I have differences. Some are quite good that I endorsed. But that aside, naming the bridge after Jagdeo is justified. Not one of the thousands who attended the commemoration on September 5 was opposed to the name. There is precedent. It should not be forgotten that Forbes Burnham named several entities, a city, streets, Gardens after himself and family members.
Everyone spoke positively about the grand opening of the iconic bridge that connects the East (Demerara) with the West. The bridge has beautiful esthetics; it is fantastic and shines brightly in the dark with its colorful lights. It is a wonder, an envy in the Caribbean. It will offer tremendous benefits to the nation. Initially, hiccups are expected with traffic jams and bottlenecks, but over time these will be addressed.
It is common and important to name bridges or iconic structure after famous people – politicians, writers, sports personalities, etc. Bridges, highways, streets, buildings, and other government projects are usually named after famous people who left a legacy in one or more areas. Many entities are names after individuals in USA, Canada, UK, India, etc. It is better to name things after people who are still alive rather than doing so after their passing. In this way, they can appreciate the recognition.
Whether one likes him or not, Jagdeo has left his mark and legacy in our nation in a variety of areas. Jagdeo has set his marks on politics, economics, and environment among other areas. He is visionary, emphatic, and decisive in decision making. He is politically dominant and strong, very analytical, adept at reading political situations, and reacts quickly to situations. He is highly perceptive, reading and navigating political situations.
It is not forgotten that he signed an amendment to the constitution to limit his own terms in office. He has made a significant difference in transforming the country as Finance Minister — the country grew under his watch when money was tight. He knew how to grow the economy. He introduced a number of grants and raised social assistance (pension, NIS, etc). He has helped to modernize infrastructure in particular. He reduced taxes. He brought attention to Guyana’s forest. He introduced the concept of LCDS in Guyana and was recognized internationally for his work to protect the environment. And more!
Whether we like him or not, one has to give recognition to the work of the VP. He is a very popular figure. He has played the politics skillfully. He is a master politician who has learned a lot about geopolitics since leaving the presidency 2011. There is no other like him locally.
Jagdeo is the most talked about figure in Guyana and the diaspora. It is fitting to name it after the VP, and I am certain he is deeply moved by this gracious gesture.
