Tobago rolls out red carpet for Mandela

THE RED carpet will be rolled out and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has rented a limousine for former South African president Nelson Mandela, who will be paying a short visit to Tobago today. As he took the luxury vehicle for a test drive outside his Calder Hall office on Thursday following the weekly post Executive Council media briefing, THA Chief Secretary Orville London declared that nothing was too extravagant for the legendary ex-President.

“The man has matched the legend. A legend walked out of that prison but we were not certain that the man, Nelson Mandela, would have matched that legend, that perception we had of him. “I think Mr Mandela has been able to live up to all the massive expectations we had of him and he has conducted himself with dignity, grace and moreso with courage. I think that it is that aspect of his life that should be an example to all of us.” London said so far no changes have been made to the Tobago segment of Mandela’s visit, although the THA took the precaution of arranging a flexible programme.

The itinerary includes a celebration function at the Shaw Park Cultural Complex from 10:30 am. Mandela is scheduled to have lunch at the Hilton Tobago at 12:45 pm before departing for Grenada at 2:10 pm. “Regardless of how long he spends in Tobago, I think that all Tobagonians should be very proud that they have had the opportunity for a personage like this to grace our shores,” London said.