Dear Editor,
There is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of the Guyanese people will remember and highly regard the historical role of former American President Jimmy Carter in restoring free and fair democratic elections in Guyana. His passing has been noted in the condolence message released by His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and this would also register the tributes of all sectors of Guyanese. But is also opportune to recall that Mr. Carter developed a strong bond with Dr. Cheddi Jagan – both as a Democrat as well as an advocate for human rights and peace. These are traits, if we like, that are not often displayed in ordinary individuals however intellectually gifted.
As a 20th – 21st century reformer, Carter shaped historical forces in multilateral jurisdictions including Venezuela where the Atlanta-based Carter Center monitored elections in that country resulting in landslide popular support for Col. Hugo Chavez. Here in Guyana, his mission extended into branches of legislation, including support and training for lawmakers such as modules for parliamentary improvements (workshops, seminars and technical facilities). The award of this country’s highest honour, the Order of Excellence during 1993, predated the Noble Peace Prize recognition of 2002. And these are only two of the orders of excellence of which this great man was a recipient.
Perhaps, a delegation of executives including members of the current administration who are ‘eternal friends’ of Carter’s philosophy should be represented at the final tributes whenever these are held in the USA. Long live the Carter model for democracy and social justice.
Sincerely,
Lawrence Rodney
