Mandela’s duty superseded his wish

THE EDITOR: Donna Yawching, a columnist of Newsday, has done it, until she got it right. She was right on target on the Nelson Mandela visit to TT. This is the first time, I found myself agreeing with her whole-heartedly. She is the only one, of all the journalists who saw Nelson Mandela’s visit to TT for what it really was — a fa?ade. A mockery unbefitting such a legendary figure. Most of the journalists “skirted” the issue, while Donna Yawching had the temerity to be objective in what has evolved into a very sensitive oral discourse.

Nelson Mandela was the “fall-guy” in the whole episode. This trip was forced on him by the Government of South Africa; despite his advanced age, feeble state and declining health, because of his well-known unremitting love for his country. His visit to TT was primarily a means of lobbying CONCACAF to favour South Africa as the venue for the 2010 Football World Cup. I cannot for the love of me, understand the logic behind all of this. It is inconceivable, to subject some one of the international stature of Nelson Mandela (whose life can only be best described with superlatives) to this ill- conceived 14 hour plane trip half way around the world. After being incarcerated for over 27 years for his stance against apartheid, no sacrifice was too great for him to undertake; as long as it was in the interest of South Africa. The Government of SA disparaged the reputation of this legendary figure, by sending him on this demeaning mission, more befitting of someone half his age. Not to mention the discomfort, peril, agony and jet-lag synonymous with such a long flight.

As is customary in TT, our insensitivity and indifference always get the better of us, and despite seeing feeble, tired Mandela wobbling off the plane, we failed to “water-down” the grandiose itinerary that was already in place for this visit. (One gets the impression that the programme was written in stone.) Mandela’s deteriorating condition, forced him to pass up a trip to San Fernando, our second town and Tobago, our sister island. He could only muster the strength to make a speech at the lectern at one of the ceremonies once. On the other occasions, he was handed a microphone, where he was forced to remain seated with the guests, while he made his speech. There was also a conflict, as to the appropriate venue for the $1,000 a plate dinner. Certain factions’ preference was the Trinidad Country Club, while others vehemently opposed it.

The less informed, still viewed the Trinidad Country Club as a bastion that was still in need of the “Black presence.” I for one know otherwise; as a matter of fact, I attended a wedding ceremony at the Trinidad Country Club, which no longer can hold stake to the claim as an exclusive club. During the Carnival season calypso shows and all-inclusive parties, were common occurrences. Not that calypso shows and all-inclusive parties are events to thumb our nose at; from a social standpoint. It is just my way of comparing the “Whites Only,” Trinidad Country Club of yore and the Trinidad Country Club that exists today. “Symbolic sit-ins” are no longer necessary.

It has been said that it was Nelson Mandela’s wish to “visit” TT. It is not for someone like me to second guess one with the personage of a “Patron saint” but as I see it, this visit can best be categorised as “duty” which is far removed from a “wish. “Mandela made it known, that was his desire to have CONCACAF favour South Africa, and  the venue for the 2010 Football World Cup which he empahasise would be a most rewarding gift to South Africa. This appeal from an 86-year-old feeble man who chose to get on a plane and travel for 14 hours to lobby on behalf of his beloved country South Africa says something about the character of Nelson Mandela. No one in his right mind would question this hero’s unremitting love for mankind, and it is for us to temper our expectations of him in this situation.

Firstly the Government of SA should have been far more considerate and compassionate in their actions. Someone half Mandela’s age should have been considered for this long trip. (It’s prudent to be wise.) Secondly we in TT should not have allowed ourselves to be “taken in” by the insensitive action of SA by treating Mandela as a lamb to be slaughtered with the arduous itinerary we had in place for him to fulfil. Mandela’s visit to TT was indeed a momentous occasion which we should all cherish. Before long, this visit would become history, the same as that of Haile Salassie aka “Jah.” How many of us remember Haile Salassie?

We should not treat international figures as a favourite pastime. We continue to lay out the red carpet for them when they visit our shores but forget them before they board their planes for their destination. Let’s put a stop to this complacency, beginning with the visit of Nelson Mandela. He is too noble a man, to be treated “like the guy next door.” We could benefit a great deal from this visit if we practise his unquestionable humility and try to embellish his already endangered “Christ-like” compassion.

ULRIC GUY
Point Fortin