UPDATE: Premier Smith & Hon. Fraser pay tribute to Nelson Mandela
“The Government and people of the Virgin Islands join the world community in mourning the loss and remembering the life and legacy of the late Nelson Mandela. It is a sad moment for all of us, and it is important that we celebrate his life, which has played a magnificent role in the development of world peace,” press release from Government Information Service (GIS) stated.
It further stated the Premier as saying that Mandela represents the best that humanity has to offer and that his light shone brightly in every corner of the world.
“As an elder of stature, he taught us how to forgive and reconcile; how to live with integrity and strength; how to be courageous and confident; and how to be humble and lead. More importantly, he taught us the importance of living in unity and harmony.”
Premier Smith said Mr Mandela has left us many lessons on how to be the best that we can be and it is now up to us to live out his legacy. “For me, I believe as he said, ‘A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. To his family, the people of the Republic of South Africa and to the world, we give our condolences and pay our deepest respects. We have lost a remarkable and extraordinary figure. Nelson Mandela has indeed left us with wonderful memories for a lifetime of reflection,” Premier Smith said.
Hon. Julian Fraser, RA gives his tribute
Meanwhile, Third District Representative Hon. Julian Fraser RA was the first to give tribute as he used the opportunity at his public meeting in Sea Cows Bay last evening, December 5, 2013 to express his sadness on the passing of Mr Mandela.
“The shirt I am wearing is a very simple shirt. In 2005 I went to South Africa and I decided to visit the cell where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years as a prisoner. It's on a little island called Robin Island, so I bought the shirt. I thought it fitting that I wear it here tonight after learning of his passing this evening.”
Hon. Fraser added, “I spent the 70s and 80s in the United States and if you are around my age you would know that there were movements afoot in those days. You would remember him standing taller than life even for himself, so this evening on behalf of all the people of colour from around the world and all the people of Tortola and the rest of the Virgin Islands, I extend thanks to the people of South Africa for the life of Nelson Mandela and his dedication and contribution to the struggle against oppression. We mourn his death as we extend our condolences.”
See article posted December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela dead at 95
Business Insider
Nelson Mandela has died today at the age of 95, according to South African President Jacob Zuma. His death marks the final chapter in a life that changed South Africa forever.
The former South African president had been suffering from a recurring lung infection, and the Daily Telegraph reports that his friends and family had gathered at his bed today. Zuma announced his death in a televised address to the nation.
Mandela's struggle was one of the defining stories of the 20th century. Trained as a lawyer, he became involved in politics after 1948 as South Africa moved into a system of racial apartheid. While initially espousing non-violent protests with the African National Congress (ANC), he eventually founded a militant organization and was behind a bombing campaign in the early 1960s. He was arrested and sentenced to life in prison in 1962.
Initially imprisoned in a 8 feet by 7 feet concrete cell with only a straw mat on which to sleep, Mandela's imprisonment soon became an international cause. He was eventually released on 2 February 1990 after intervention by President F. W. de Klerk.
Mandela became president of the ANC in 1991, and was elected president of South Africa in May 1994, a position in which he remained until 1999. During his time in office he led the dismantling of the apartheid system, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Mandela is survived by his wife, Graça Machel, six children, and 17 grandchildren.
Mandela had been sick for a long time. Earlier this year, South Africa's Sunday Times ran a story on Mandela's illness under the headline "It's time to let him go."
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36 Responses to “UPDATE: Premier Smith & Hon. Fraser pay tribute to Nelson Mandela”
1. evil reputation brought about by something grossly criminal, shocking, or brutal
2a : an extreme and publicly known criminal or evil act
b : the state of being infamous
Please take better care in choosing your words next time. Peace to Mr. Mandela, and peace to you.
RIP Madiba .... One o the greatest individual this world has produced over the last 2 centuries.
A name that will stand live on, through out the test of time. This man fought for what was right and even though he was imprisoned for over 20 years the walked out holding his head high and became the President with a compassionate heart.
Yes he will be missed but will never be forgot. Don't cry for his departure but remember his achievements.