Kamla extends condolences on the passing of John Agitation
Leader of the Opposition Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, today extended condolences to the family of Ramdeen Ramjattan, who was known to the people of Trinidad and Tobago as John Agitation.
I was saddened to learn of the passing of “Agi” as he was fondly called, who brought joy to so many, for many decades. I recall his gift for poetry, and his unique ability to weave local and Caribbean folklore into his story-telling.
Notably, he was the first candidate to run on a United National Congress (UNC) ticket, contesting and winning a by-election in the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation for the Guaico-Cumuto district in 1989. This win gave him the distinction of being the first comedian in the Commonwealth of Nations to win an election.
In 2003 he was awarded the Hummingbird Medal (Silver) for his dedicated work, spanning more than half a century, in preserving local culture and folklore through the art of oratory. Ramdeen’s passing is a great loss to Trinidad and Tobago, and I hope that young people will be inspired to develop this particular art form of comedic story-telling, and continue to showcase our rich culture to the world.
We have lost a cultural stalwart during the height of our country’s major cultural showcase. His contribution to local artforms and national development cannot be overstated.
On behalf of the United National Congress and on my own behalf, I extend sincere condolences to his family and wish them God’s guidance in this time of grief and loss. May he rest in peace.