Passing of former US President Carter: President Carter’s legacy intertwined with Guyana’s democratic journey – Pres Ali

Former United States (US) President, Jimmy Carter who died on Sunday, is being remembered for his role in advocating for free and fair elections in Guyana and strengthening the country’s democratic systems.
These sentiments were expressed by President Dr Irfaan Ali.
President Carter passed away in Plains, Georgia at the age of 100. The 39th US President was a 2002 Nobel Peace Prize winner and beloved humanitarian. He is the longest-lived president in US history.
In a statement on Sunday evening, the Guyanese Head of State described President Carter as a respected statesman, a benevolent humanitarian, and an indefatigable champion of democracy. His departure, Ali said, represents an immense loss not only to the US, but to the entire free world that values and cherishes the principles of democracy and human rights.

According to the Guyanese Leader, President Jimmy Carter stood as a central protagonist in the wave of democracy that swept across the world following the end of the Cold War. Acknowledging the vital role of embedding democracy, human rights, and development within the evolving post-Cold War era, the Carter Centre, founded by him, diligently laboured to secure free and fair elections, respect for human rights and the promotion of development, across many continents, Ali stated.
“His legacy is intertwined with the story of Guyana’s journey towards democracy and development. Jimmy Carter’s name will forever be linked to the electoral reforms that paved the way for free and fair elections in Guyana, breaking the shackles of nearly a quarter-century of political dictatorship. President Carter also understood that democracy’s return had to be fortified by development. As such, after freedom had been restored in October 1992, he helped to support the crafting of a National Development Strategy (NDS) for Guyana and to mobilise resources for reconstruction,” President Ali posited.
The Head of State added that Guyana will forever remember and be grateful to President Carter for the election observer missions that the Carter Centre undertook in Guyana. These missions, he noted, acted as a watchdog of transparency, fairness, and credibility in the electoral process.
“My condolences, and that of the Government and people of Guyana, go out to President Carter’s family and to the American people, whom he served with distinction and honour throughout his life. Jimmy Carter’s place in history is secure, and his standing in the history of our own country, Guyana, is etched in gratitude and respect,” President Ali noted.

Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by former Guyanese President and current Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, who is also the General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C). He extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of himself and the PPP to the family, friends, and the people of the United States on the passing of President Carter.
Jagdeo said, “In Guyana, we will always remember President Carter for his pivotal role in advocating for free and fair elections, which greatly contributed to the strengthening of our democratic institutions.”
He further noted that President Carter was not only a statesman but also a champion of human rights and social justice. His tireless efforts through the Carter Centre to promote peace, democracy, and health care in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world have left an indelible mark on humanity.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his family find comfort in the knowledge that his legacy of service and humanity will forever be cherished,” the Vice President stated.
President Carter played a key role in ensuring Guyana returned to free and fair elections in 1992 – ending 28 years of rigged elections and dictatorial rule thus. Then in 2020, the Carter Centre, which he founded in 1982, was again instrumental in preventing rigging attempts by the David Granger-led A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration by calling for the will of the Guyanese people to be respected.
On Sunday, the Alliance For Change hailed President Carter’s monumental contributions, recognising his role in Guyana’s democratic growth and development
“Guyanese will remember President Cater’s ushering in of a liberal democracy in 1992, the work of his Carter Centre in crafting the National Development Strategy, a still and acutely necessary blueprint to follow and his ever-present team of observers, during and after, General and Regional elections. These are but a few of his worthwhile contributions to Guyana’s democratic growth and development,” the AFC said in a statement.
The Carter Centre on Sunday announced via a statement that President Carter died peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia and was surrounded by his family.
President Carter is survived by his children — Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rosalynn, and one grandchild.
“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” said Chip Carter, the former president’s son. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honouring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
There will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, DC, followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia. The final arrangements for President Carter’s state funeral, including all public events and motorcade routes, are still pending.