Mandela in our Midst

THE EDITOR: One need not be a fan of Jack Warner to appreciate what a blessing he has bestowed on TT by bringing Nelson Mandela to our country. I too watched in awe as the great man landed on Trinidad soil. Thank you Jack Warner. Nelson Mandela is undoubtedly the most revered human being on earth today, and his life of commitment for the dignity and equality of all men and women in all parts of the world, must be an inspiration to our people and especially to our children. Now that Mr Manning has welcomed Mandela to our shores, I can only hope that he will pay tribute to him in some suitable manner, as I have been advocating for many years.

A pity that none of our Governments saw fit to invite him to TT before. History will record that it fell to Jack Warner, and only after it was all arranged, did our Prime Minister decide to issue an official invitation, so that he could greet Mandela first. I did not appreciate that long procession of cabinet ministers being presented to a weary Mandela, and wondered what were Mandela’s thoughts? In the next few days, Mr Manning will ponder both the greatness and the humbleness of the guest in our midst. And I hope that Mandela’s humble life will inspire him to leave our Red House alone.

MICHAEL J WILLIAMS
Maracas Valley