Mandela’s Trinbago welcome cut short

Former South African president Nelson Mandela never got the “true Trinbago welcome” he was supposed to receive at yesterday’s Children’s Rally at the Queen’s Park Oval. Instead, he got two verses of song in his honour by Junior Calypso Monarch Sheynnene Hazel, some chants from Ella Andell, and steelband music from Woodbrook Playboyz Steelband. The steelband ushered him out of the Oval. The cultural items of African drumming, dances and songs were performed for the thousands of children who had gathered from early morning to see the icon. They were also treated to a performance by former Calypso Queen Denyse Plummer. Dressed in a white dress with a bright floral pattern, she sang her popular “Nah Leaving” to accompany the masqueraders from Rosalind Gabriel’s Junior Band of the Year 2004, of the same name.

Under dark clouds, the children filled the stands at the Oval as they patiently held their miniature TT and South African national flags. Some also had flags bearing a photo of Mandela. Mandela was scheduled to arrive at 11 am, but arrived at 12.20 pm. He was greeted by Education Minister Hazel Manning, Culture Minister Joan Yuille-Williams, Minister in the Ministry of Culture, Eudine Job-Davis and MP for Laventille East/Morvant, Fitzgerald Hinds as well as other officials. In her address to the children, Manning, in a voice sounding like a schoolteacher, said it was a momentous occasion in the country’s history, and one which will be remembered by all young people. She said Mandela’s life had been a source “of inspiration for all of us” and she wished the freedom fighter many more years of  “healthy life.”

Describing him as one “of the great moral and political leaders of our time,” Manning added that more than anyone alive today,  “You have distinguished yourself for those supreme qualities of dedication and commitment to purpose, self sacrifice and forgiveness to all, peaceful resolutions and discipline.” She said as TT strived to achieve developed status by 2020, “We draw inspiration from your personal sacrifice and determination and the valiant struggle of the people of  South Africa.” She went on to further promise him the “true Trinbago welcome,” which had already ended. All Mandela would have seen were the brightly coloured costumes of Gabriel’s Carnival band. Several entertainers, including Karega Mandela, Plummer, Andell and Machel Montano were all gathered on stage, but did not perform in his presence. As he was being whisked away at 12.40 pm, Mandela appeared to be more interested in waving, smiling and blowing  kisses to those who had come to see him, rather than listening to the steelband in front of his official car, or Montano, whose voice blared from a microphone.