reMarks

Nelson Mandela has impacted our lives in such a manner that we are now obligated to make this world a better place in which to dwell. In 1983, Nelson Mandela said “It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” the national commemoration was observed during the period July 12 to 18, 2014 and served as a citizen education campaign on the life and work of Nelson Mandela and his victory in justice, equality and democracy. these activities reflected the profound attributes of this world icon; attributes such as forgiveness, tolerance, freedom, justice and compassion; attributes, that we, the citizens of trinidad and tobago should aspire to emulate.

On her return from her experience at the funeral of the former President of South Africa, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-bissesar SC, MP, announced that the government will set a day which will be declared “Mandela Day” in trinidad and tobago, and with the leading scholars, historians and relevant authorities, we will organise a public symposium on the life and lessons of Nelson Mandela.

In response to this, the Ministry of National Diversity and Social Integration embarked on the national commemoration of the life and work of Nelson Mandela, a life of sterling attributes; attributes which made him known, respected and a world icon.

Nations all around the world have gained the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.

In celebrating the life and work of Nelson Mandela, we must understand and embrace what he represented. this is what he would have wanted - a living legacy of volunteerism and service. he wanted each day to be a day to do good, to make the world a better place.

Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, freedom-fighter, World Leader, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, a prince in his own rite was truly a remarkable man, and his legacy will live on.

As Minister of National Diversity and Social Integration, I am proud of the accomplishments of the passionate committee for our national commemoration of Nelson Mandela.

Each activity was aimed at sensitising our people on the values, life and work of Nelson Mandela; his fight for freedom and his acclamation for justice. We regarded this national commemoration as a means of transforming the hearts and minds of all citizens, especially our youth, the future of trinidad and tobago.

With the support from the South African h igh Commission and the trinidad and tobago National Commission for United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, and along with our committee members, we were able to organise a dynamic programme of activities.

As a people, we have always been able to use our cultural and inherent expression in response to the issues challenging society and the world at large. through the fusion of voice, music, and dance, we paid homage to a great man. We celebrated his life, his struggle, his legacy and his positive contribution to reformation of the international political landscape. Our national talent was able to adeptly express our sentiments towards Mandela, the struggle against apartheid, the fight for freedom and democracy, and historical similarities with our brothers and sisters around the world.

In 2008, Mandela said “it was time for new hands to lift the burdens…It is in your hands now”.

Mandela’s fight for freedom will be extended far beyond his days as his legacy will live on. through volunteerism, service, compassion, and peace, Mandela will never be forgotten.

I am truly honoured that our nation celebrated the life and work of Nelson Mandela. Let us aspire to always help those in need, show respect and tolerance, exude forgiveness, be peaceful agents of change, and be our brothers’ and our sisters’ keepers.

“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead”. those were the words of Nelson Mandela. Let us heed his call and live the legacy his life has offered.

May god continue to bless us all and this twin-island state of trinidad and tobago.