Janet Rosenberg Jagan, OE Former President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Janet Jagan became the first woman president of Guyana on 19 December 1997. She had been sworn in as Guyana's first woman Prime Minister on 17 March 1997, following the death of her husband, President Cheddi Jagan.
Early life and education
Janet Jagan was born on 20 October 1920 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She was educated at the University of Detroit, Wayne University, Michigan State College and Cook County School of Nursing.
She married Cheddi Jagan on 5 August 1943 and in December that year came to British Guiana. During her first 10 years in Guyana, she worked as Dental Nurse in her husband's clinic. At the same time she became active in labor and political affairs.
Career
In 1946, she founded the Women's Political and Economic Organisation (later called the W.P.O.). She also co-founded the Political Affairs Committee (PAC) and edited the PAC Bulletin. In 1950, she co-founded the People's Progressive Party (PPP), and was Elected party's General Secretary , a post she held that post between 1950 - 1970. She became the first editor of Thunder, the official organ of the PPP.
Janet Jagan held numerous positions of note. She was also the first woman elected to the Georgetown City Council. Following the suspension of the British Guiana Constitution and the removal from office of the PPP Government, she was jailed for six months.
In 1957, she won a seat in the Legislature, representing Essequibo and was appointed Minister of Labour, and Housing. Later she served as Minister of Home Affairs and a member of the Senate.
She served as a member of the opposition from 1964 until 1992, when the PPP won the election and Dr. Jagan became the President.
After the death of Dr. Jagan on 6 March 1997, she served as Prime Minister of Guyana.
New elections were held in December 1997 with Mrs Jagan as the Presidential candidate. The PPP/Civic won these elections and Janet Jagan was sworn in as President.
Mrs. Jagan resigned from the Presidency on 11 August 1999 because of ill . However, she remains head of the ruling party, the PPP.
Personal life
Mrs. Jagan, mother of two, and grandmother of five.
We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, or if you would like to share additional information on the topic, kindly contact us!
How to Reference Our Site
To reference our site, please use the following as a general guideline.
APA: KnowledgeWalk Institute. (Date Published). Title of Web Page. Retrieved from (URL)
MLA: "Title of Web Page." caribbeanelections.com. KnowledgeWalk Institute, (date published). Web. Date Accessed.
Chicago: "Title of Web Page," KnowledgeWalk Institute, last modified (date), URL.
QUICK FACTS
Occupation
Politician
Date of Birth
20 October 1920
Place of Birth
Chicago, IL, USA
Date of Death
28 March 2009 (aged 88)
Place of Death
Georgetown, Guyana
Notable Accomplishments
President of the Republic of Guyana: 19 December 1997 – 11 August 1999
Caribbean Elections provides comprehensive information on the electoral process, politics, and citizenship in the Caribbean. The portal includes election data and resources for the public, teachers, students, and researchers.
