By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Guam joined the nation in mourning the passing of former President Jimmy Carter on Dec. 30. He was 100.
Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981 and was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for work in finding peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights, and promoting economic and social development.
Officials issued the following statements:
Guam Gov. Lou Leone Gurrero: “On behalf of the people of Guam, we mourn the passing of former President Jimmy Carter and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as to the American people who grieve the loss of an extraordinary leader.
“As the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter served with a deep moral conviction and a commitment to peace, democracy, and human rights. His leadership during a time of great challenges reflected his belief in the power of diplomacy, compassion and service to bridge divides and bring about meaningful change.”
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio: “President Carter’s lifelong dedication to finding peaceful solutions to conflict and uplifting underserved communities earned him the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize—a recognition of a legacy that resonates strongly in today’s world, where the values he championed are needed more than ever. Guam joins the nation and the world in honoring his remarkable contributions. May we continue to draw inspiration from his vision for a better, fairer and more peaceful world.”
Democratic Party of Guam: “It is with profound sadness that we join the nation over the passing of Jimmy Carter. President Carter’s tenure from 1977 to 1981 was marked by significant achievements, including the Camp David Accords and a steadfast commitment to human rights. His post-presidential years further exemplified his dedication to humanitarian efforts, notably through the establishment of the Carter Center, which has made substantial contributions to global health and democracy.
“In 1978, President Carter transmitted Guam’s proposed constitution to Congress, underscoring his support for the island’s political development.
“Additionally, in the 1980 United States presidential straw poll in Guam, President Carter received significant support, securing over 55 percent of the vote, reflecting the island’s favorable view of his leadership.
“Carter’s legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and unwavering service to humanity. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the world, and he will be deeply missed.”
Guam Del. James Moylan: "On behalf of our office, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late President Jimmy Carter. President Carter will forever be known as one of the greatest advocates for human rights in the modern era. He was a fighter for global democracy and a champion of economic and social development in many foreign countries.
“President Carter’s most significant achievement as commander in chief was brokering peace between Israel and Egypt during the Camp David Accords. His post-presidency efforts in undertaking peace negotiations, campaigning for human rights, and working for social welfare earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
“President Carter was the husband of the late First Lady Rosalyn Carter, who founded the Carter Center, a non-profit institution. Together, the Carters advocated for mental health, caregiving, early childhood immunization, human rights, and conflict resolution through the Carter Center. Their work will live on."
Rep. Ed Case of Hawaii: “Faith, hope, service. These will always define President Jimmy Carter. Faith in God and humanity. Hope for our country and world and for each and all of us. Service as the purpose of life, each in our own best way. His was truly a life of consequence.”
Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata: “I have fond memories of the entire
Carter family from the time President Jimmy Carter sent his son Jeff and daughter-in-law Annette to Pago Pago. The president designated them as his personal representatives to the first inaugural of an elected governor of American Samoa, Uifa’atali Peter T. Coleman.
"My dad had me show them around part of that time, as did others, and in turn, they invited my husband Fred and me for private dinner in the White House family quarters. This was a particularly generous act on their part to allow us in the areas that few people get to see, including guiding us through the map room, the famous Lincoln bedroom, Queen's bedroom and third floor. While we were there, President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter arrived and very kindly greeted us.
“That personal kindness is forever part of President Carter’s lasting legacy. He spent his decades of influence as a former President helping people especially through Habitat for Humanity. As president, his most famous foreign policy achievement is perhaps brokering the sustained peace between Israel and Egypt, signed in 1979 following the Camp David Accords in 1978.
“This achievement has served the world well for many years, and all supporters of Israel’s right to exist can celebrate it. I know millions of people are thinking of the Carter family, praying for them, and remembering the historic life and personal Christian faith of President Jimmy Carter.”
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