A/58/313 noted during his visit the harsh reality of ethnic polarization among Guyanese of African, Hindu and Amerindian descent. Such polarization, which is most starkly reflected in the composition of political parties, greatly affects the structure of State mechanisms and has deep economic, social and cultural consequences. The various barriers at the level of cultural, administrative and human relations caused by this polarization have perpetuated a state of economic and social underdevelopment, to the detriment of the entire society, in a country that possesses extraordinary natural, human and intellectual resources. The Special Rapporteur noted that, despite everything, this polarization, in all communities and at all levels of society, has resulted not in feelings of hatred between communities but rather in a culture of fear and mistrust, which pervades all social activity. During his meetings and interviews, he also noted the existence of a sense of belonging at all levels of society. Therefore, at the basic level of the people’s deepest feelings, Guyanese society is conducive to the human values necessary for collectively building genuine pluralism, through which a creative and dynamic balance could enable the recognition, respect, protection and promotion of cultural and spiritual differences and the promotion of universal values conveyed by interaction among communities. But the sine qua non for such a development, in the last analysis, lies in the political will of all of Guyana’s leaders. The Special Rapporteur noted with much hope that his visit exactly coincided with the establishment of a new political climate that is likely to further that development. Indeed, the Guyanese authorities, particularly the President of the Republic, as well as the leaders of the opposition, including the head of the main opposition party, informed the Special Rapporteur of the political reforms under way to establish the bases for democratic cooperation between the Government and the opposition, as well as the establishment of multi-party parliamentary committees to find democratic and sustainable responses to the main problems of Guyanese society. A joint communiqué signed by President Jagdeo and opposition leader Mr. Corbin, on 6 May 2003, in this context, is a solemn reflection of the necessary political commitment at the highest political levels to ensure democracy, peace and development in Guyana. 20. The Special Rapporteur therefore believes that confronted with the bitter experience of ethnic polarization, the political authorities now seem to have assumed political responsibility. The ultimate test of this political will now lies in good faith, strict ethics and the determination, in words and deeds, to ensure that the necessary reforms will be implemented. His final recommendations to the Commission on Human Rights will be drafted on the basis of progress made in implementing and expanding the democratic reform process under way. For the information of the international community, his final report will therefore give a detailed account of the reforms, the methods and procedures used to implement them, and the results, as well as the way in which political leaders have acted on their political commitments. On the lines of the dual legal and intellectual strategy that he advocates to combat the deep cultural and ethnic causes of racism in the long term, the Special Rapporteur wishes to contribute to the process under way by recommending that political leaders should hinge the deep transformation of Guyanese society on the following major objectives: a strengthened democratic process through original political platforms that promote dialogue and systematic cooperation in the administration of the State; multi-ethnic political parties and security and defence structures; specific solutions to the economic and social disparities among communities caused by ethnic polarization; and, finally, close linking between the fight against racism and racial discrimination and the long-term 10