Prior to the United States 2008 general elections, many Americans were wary of the aggressive policies of former President, George W. Bush. According to some experts, the 43rd President, through his decisions, had basically caused many countries to despise the US.

This led to a continuous erosion of that country’s image across the globe. Anti-American sentiments had grown and became more conspicuous over the last few years.

The effects of the two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq on ordinary Americans compounded President Bush’s problems. Towards the end of his tenure, the US economy began to collapse with devastating consequences globally. Many countries are still reeling from this.

During the last election campaign, many of those who sought the Oval Office, castigated Bush’s polices and the hardships which were forced upon Americans and others in various countries as a result.

Internationally, the war on terrorism in Iraq, while initially justified, given what was told to Americans and the rest of the world, is now seen as an invasion for the wrong reasons. Weapons of mass destruction, which were supposedly possessed by Saddam, were the passport for the incursion which still continues. As it turned out, no such weapons were found and it is believed that the information was deliberately exaggerated to allow the invasion as retaliation for the 911 bombing. The war in Afghanistan which began before the Iraqi invasion was on the basis that wanted man, Osama Bin Laden, was given sanctuary there. He is still at large.

The bombing of the twin towers in Manhattan which changed the world, is unjustified. The perpetrators must be brought to justice. America like any other country which would have experienced such horrific events would be justified in seeking those responsible wherever they may be.

However, to say that the current price in terms of casualties is enormous would be a gross understatement. Thousands of civilians have been killed in Iraq, not only as a result of the invasion, but by civil unrest after the country became unstable. The carnage which continues, fortunately not as frequent as before, has spread to other countries, notably Pakistan.

These events generate scorn for America by millions, especially Muslims, across the world. They felt that it was an attempt to besmirch Islam and denigrate Muslims. Whilst this sentiment is not necessarily new, it was exacerbated under President Bush’s terms. His handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and his seemingly lacklustre approach to the economic downturn which began during his second term did not help his cause domestically. The odds, which he generated, were stacked against him. His and the American image were damaged. Aspiring Presidential hopefuls pledged repairing efforts. President Obama is currently on that path.

He is reaching out to the Islamic world. He is adored by the vast majority of Americans and millions across the world as evident from his recent trip to Europe. He is yet to complete his first 100 days as President. The odds of success seem to be with him; rebuilding his country’s image would be challenging and can be protracted. In this regard, his upcoming meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo at the Summit of the Americas in Trinidad can be useful for him; he can be given numerous tips on the rebuilding of image by President Jagdeo who faced the similar daunting task a few years ago following the erosion of Guyana’s image under PNC misrule.

Following the 1992 democratic elections, the PPP/C under the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan, embarked relentlessly to repair Guyana’s international image. Less than two years after 1992, Her Majesty, the Queen visited Guyana. This effort was not only continued by President Jagdeo, but has gathered momentum under his stewardship.

The Queen’s visit and that of other Heads of State, leading world diplomats and politicians and many reciprocal visits to other countries, are testimony to this effort. These, along with the confidence shown by donor countries and foreign investors, have repositioned Guyana on the international scene and brought respect to the only English speaking country in South America.

The classification of Guyana as a developing country against what was inherited by the PPP/C in 1992 as being the poorest in the western hemisphere, is probably the best indicator of how much the country’s image has been restored by this administration. President Jagdeo’s economic acumen has been pivotal in this regard.

The vindication is in the numerous social and infrastructural developments which have taken place within the short period of seventeen years. Space would not permit the publication of the exhausting list. However, the stadium, the many new hospitals, health centres and new schools, the construction boom in housing and hotels, the rehabilitation of the various major roadways and the building of new ones, the vast reduction in the number of residents without potable water and electricity and the Berbice Bridge, are just a few.

These impacting developments would not have been possible without the efforts of President Jagdeo and similarly without the rebuilding of Guyana’s international image. The hosting of major conferences like the RIO Summit, the Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting, other events such as Cricket World Cup and the ICC Champions Trophy in 2010 are further vindication of how much the country’s image has been improved. Guyana’s success in the reduction of the spread of HIV is another example. The President, through his initiative on climate change, has built his own international profile in this regard and has become an international authority on the subject. This has complemented his efforts in putting Guyana firmly on the international scene.

Guyana is now a partner on many international fronts. This is the fruition of those efforts. This has provided the experience that can be tapped by other world leaders in their efforts to improve their country. This is priceless. This knowledge can be imparted to President Obama as he continues his efforts to help rebuild the American international image. He can seek the assistance of President Jagdeo in this regard. Oh, by the way, President Obama is committed to dealing with climate change. Here again he can seek President Jagdeo’s insight on the topic. The Summit in Trinidad next weekend can be the beginning of a new era in Guyana/US relations. George is probably kicking himself.