FORMER United States President Jimmy Carter has been a good friend to Guyana.
There is no denying his "deep personal interest in Guyana” which he stressed when he arrived here a week ago on his latest visit.
Mr Carter is credited with being a critical player in getting the way cleared for the sweeping electoral reforms that led to the country’s first free and fair elections on October 5, 1992 and through his Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia, he has remain engaged in helping to strengthen democratic renewal in Guyana.
His efforts in helping the restoration of democracy here have been so recognised that he has been accorded one of the country’s highest national honours.
All parties appreciate his commitment to seeing Guyana move ahead and this is indicated by the readiness of all groups to meet him whenever he is here.
The Nobel Peace Prize winner carries immense stature on the world stage and he has been instrumental in critical peacemaking missions in trouble spots in several countries.
After his latest visit here last week, he flew to Venezuela to lead an observer mission for the Sunday recall referendum on President Hugo Chavez.
Mr Carter has worked for more than a year to end Venezuela’s simmering political crisis and it is left to be seen how that neighbouring country now moves on with the voters having spoken.
Before he flew to Caracas, the former American President pulled no punches and sounded a wake up call to the major political parties here.
Putting it mildly, he is frustrated at the continuing political deadlock that is hampering the country’s progress, and if there’s no movement to resolve this impasse, a good, solid friend who carries a lot of clout internationally, could end his longstanding engagement here.
It’s been some 13 years of close involvement but the patience is wearing thin.
Mr Carter has concluded that there is "little prospect for either substantial economic or social progress unless there is a truce in the political wars."
"No one party should bear the blame. The traditions and culture of both major political parties are deeply entrenched and have their roots in fifty years of fierce rivalry that denies the legitimacy of the other party's concerns”, he noted.
"We want to help but it is frustrating that nothing much has happened to improve the political situation over the years", a key aide to Mr Carter told us.
"It all depends on movement forward by all sides", he said.
Mr Carter, based on his discussions with President Bharrat Jagdeo and Opposition and People’s National Congress Reform Leader, Mr Robert Corbin, has put forward some proposals on which they can move, and he has called on Mr Corbin’s party to end its boycott of parliament.
President Jagdeo has come out in support of the proposals and looks forward to the continued engagement of the Carter Center in Guyana.
That continued engagement, so much desired by so many here, depends on how quickly and firmly the major players can mend the political fences and keep the communication door open.
It is up to all sides to show that they are up to the task and will not be found wanting in the national cause.