UPDATED: Jimmy Carter falls ill, leaves Guyana with several others

Last Updated on Sunday, 10 May 2015, 16:10 by GxMedia

U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Carter Center election observation delegation co-leaders — Dame Billie Miller of Barbados and Dame Audrey Glover of the United Kingdom with Guyana presidential candidate David Granger. (Carter Center photo)

Former United States President, Jimmy Carter and several members of his delegation left Guyana suddenly on Sunday after he fell ill, the Carter Centre said in a statement.

The Carter Centre said the mission would continue to observe the elections slated for May 11, 2015.

“President Carter was not feeling well and has departed Guyana to return to Atlanta today.The Carter Centre election observation mission in Guyana is continuing its work and will keep him informed of developments,” said the organisation.

Prior to leaving Sunday morning, he held talks with main opposition coalition presidential candidate, David Granger, and President Donald Ramotar and his predecessor Bharrat Jagdeo.

Demerara Waves Online News was told that Carter fell ill Saturday night and received initial medical attention before leaving Guyana.

Carter,90, had been due to leave Guyana on Tuesday, one day after Guyanese would have cast their ballots.

The plane returned to Guyana and Carter and 13 members of his delegation lifted off from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at 11:50 AM Sunday. They included aides and secret service personnel.

Sources said Carter’s executive jet was parked in Trinidad after he arrived in Guyana on May 8.