Sunday, December 8, 2013

PM Kamla represents CARICOM at Mandela funeral

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar will represent CARICOM at the Official State Memorial Service to be held on Tuesday 10th December, 2013 in Johannesburg, for Mr Nelson Mandela, first black President of South Africa, former Head of the African National Congress and International Icon.
She is doing so in her capacity as chair of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government. 

The PM told reporters Saturday the government would hire a Caribbean Airlines jet to fly directly to South Africa in order to get there on time for the memorial. She said she has discussed this with Rowley. 

A media release from the Office of the Prime Minister earlier Saturday said the Heads of Government of The Bahamas, Guyana, Jamaica and Suriname will also attend the Memorial. Grenada is sending its Deputy Prime Minister. The President of Haiti will travel to South Africa for the State Funeral to be held on the 15th December, the release stated.

"CARICOM, through messages from its Chair, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, other Heads of Government of the Community and through the Secretary-General, joined the rest of the world in mourning the death and honouring the life of Mr Mandela and in extending deepest condolences to his widow Ms Graca Machel and the entire Mandela family as well as to the government and people of South Africa," it added.

"According to the Chair of CARICOM, Prime Minister Persad Bissessar “Mr Mandela displayed qualities which defined the zenith of human behaviour. Forgiveness, humility, integrity and undying love for his fellow human beings, particularly for his country and its people were his hallmark. He led a life that which may make emulation almost impossible. His struggles, redemption and victory took us to the zenith of human possibility and left a legacy of inestimable value to the world.”

"The Caribbean Community was privileged to have Mr Mandela grace its 25th Anniversary celebrations in Saint Lucia, in 1998, where he met with Heads of Government. His buoyant spirit and ebullient sense of humour endeared him to all, exemplified as he rose from his seat and danced to the music at the concert to mark the occasion.

"The simplicity with which he conducted his life shone through in the manner in which he interacted with all who came into contact with him. His example of sacrifice for principle and ideals in defiance of unspeakable atrocities meted out to his people and denial of his own liberty has inspired millions around the world. His stature was defined by his policy of reconciliation without recrimination and bitterness."

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Jai & Sero

Jai & Sero

Our family at home in Toronto 2008

Our family at home in Toronto 2008
Amit, Heather, Fuzz, Aj, Jiv, Shiva, Rampa, Sero, Jai