Jamaica yesterday joined the rest of the Caribbean and South American region in expressing condolence at the passing of former president of Guyana, Janet Rosenburg-Jagan.

Former president Jagan died Saturday at the age of 88, having served as Guyana's president from 1997-1999.

Adding his voice to the expressions of condolence, Prime Minister Bruce Golding said the passing of Janet Jagan, first woman president of Guyana and wife of the late Cheddi Jagan, represented the end to an era in which leaders were committed to dedicating their lives to the struggle for democracy and independence.

Golding said former President Jagan did her nation proud when she was named the recipient of Guyana's highest honour - Order of Excellence (OE), Woman of Achievement award from the University of Guyana and the Gandhi Gold Medal for Peace, Democracy and Women's Rights by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation in 1997 .

In conveying condolences to her family, friends and associates, Golding said her work will live long through the many publications and books she has written and in which she recaptured and preserved the rich history of the people of Guyana.