UPDATE: South Africa’s Nelson Mandela dies in Johannesburg – Local tributes – Flags to fly half-mast
Flags at Half-Mast in Honour of Nelson Mandela
For the remainder of today (Friday, 6 December) both Union Jacks and Cayman Islands national flags are being flown at half-mast at all Government buildings, departments and schools to honour the former Mr. Nelson Mandela, President of South Africa.
The Cabinet of the Cayman Islands took this decision, which will also apply on the entire day of Mr. Mandela’s funeral (date to be announced).
Note: The flag is half-masted by first raising it to the top of the mast and then immediately lowering it slowly to the half-mast position. The half-mast position will depend on the size of the flag and the length of the flagpole.
The flag must be lowered to a position recognisably “half-mast” to avoid the appearance of a flag which has accidentally fallen away from the top of the flagpole. As a guide, the flag should be more than its own depth from the top of the flagpole. At the end of the day, the flag should be raised again to the top of the flagpole before being fully lowered.
Local tributes:
Message from the Cayman IslandsPremier Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA on passing of Mr. Nelson Mandela Published Dec 5 2013
Good evening,
It grieves my heart tonight to have learned of the death of South African hero and former President Nelson Mandela today. He was one of the most beloved leaders of the 20th Century.
His struggle for freedom in South Africa was tireless and it gained him the respect of the world. His compassion, humility and humanity were an inspiration not only to his country, but to many of us in the Cayman Islands who want only to make lives better for our people.
He brought about reconciliation and hope to the people of South Africa and while he was controversial for most of his life, he eventually became a shining light of optimism for all of us, all over the world.
Even in prison – put there because he tried to overthrow the pro-apartheid government – for 27 years at Robben Island, he rallied prisoners and showed leadership skills that would serve him well when he became that country’s first fully-representative democratically elected president.
We all knew that he had been ill; in and out of hospital for quite some time. But as in all deaths, expected or not, the loss is a heavy burden on our hearts. This is truly a sad day. But we as a world are in a better place for his service to his fellow man, South Africa and the world.
I and the people of the Cayman Islands send our condolences not only to his family, but to the South African community as well as the Diaspora.
Hon. Alden McLaughlin, MBE, JP, MLA
Cayman Islands
UWC mourns Mandela
Rec. Fri, Dec 6, 2013 at 11:35
“UWC Cayman Islands is saddened by the loss of Honourary President Nelson Mandela, whose life was an inspiration for our movement and its values of peace and sustainability,” stated Vice Chairperson Aubrey Bodden.
Mandela served as Honourary President of the United World Colleges (UWC) from 1999 until his death at age 95 following a lengthy illness. While he was in prison, his daughters attended UWC Waterford Kamhlaba, and his grandchildren were also educated at this multi-racial school that was founded in direct opposition to apartheid.
In 1963, a few teachers who were opposed to South Africa’s educational policies that institutionalised racism and inequality decided to leave the country. They created the new school across the border in Mbabane, Swaziland with the goal of bringing together students of all races, tribes and religions to learn together and cooperate in community service.
In 1981, Waterford Kamhlaba became a UWC and the school is currently one of 14 such colleges across the globe which bring together students from all over the world with the explicit aim of fostering peace and international understanding. Almost 70 Caymanian students have attended a UWC since 1984, including Waterford Kamhlaba alumni Kellie McGee (‘06) and Martina Jackson (‘10).
Upon hearing of Mandela’s passing, Jackson reflected on her experiences there, saying: “I feel blessed to have something so closely connecting me to this great man. In his passing I’d like to thank him for literally changing the world and paving the way for a better future.”
Around the world, UWC students, staff, alumni and friends mourn Mandela’s passing and remember his incredible impact on South Africa and the entire world. Keith Clark, Executive Director of UWC International, stated “Part of his legacy will be the example he set of striving to spread peace and justice in the world, his ability to forgive and inspire others to do the same and his understanding of the role education plays in bringing positive change.”
PHOTO: Martina Jackson (WK ’10) poses with a friend in front of the main statue in Nelson Mandela Square, Johannesburg, South Africa
CONCACAF STATEMENT
“At CONCACAF, we are deeply moved by the passing of Nelson Mandela today.
As a token of respect and admiration to the inspiration he has infused during my personal journey, I would like to pay tribute to Madiba’s legacy. A man whose existence has inspired such universal admiration on his lifelong quest for undeniable heightened human values. The world should hope to see more heroes like him, able to touch countless hearts with his fervent passion for an altruistic cause, while spreading words of wisdom with selfless humility for the sole good of humankind. Let us never forget what a natural leader of such great stature looks like.
With gratitude for his unequivocal legacy, we extend our condolences to Mr. Mandela’s family, friends and the world at large on this sad day. Our prayers are with you.”
Jeffrey Webb
President of CONCACAF
Chairman of FIFA Anti-Racism and Discrimination Task Force
CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago PM reacts to Mandela’s death
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Thursday joined world leaders in paying tribute to Nelson Mandela, South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon, who died at his home following a prolonged illness. He was 95.
CARICOM chairman and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, said the world has lost a freedom fighter and statesman.
“The world has lost democracy’s most loyal friend and advocate. Nelson Mandela was the 20th century’s icon of freedom and liberty. He inspired us to believe that no obstacle is too large; no walk is too long, and no enemy of freedom is so powerful, that we should ever consider giving in.
“His life will surely become one of the most epic stories in world history, of the true depth and strength of the human spirit. He inspired us with his life, his words, his work and his triumph. ”
Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said Mandela would forever be remembered as a man who fought for freedom and won it for millions around the world, without once compromising his beliefs or his principles.
“The legacy he has left us is one we shall always celebrate and we shall always thank God for Nelson Mandela.,” she said, adding that she Mandela was now resting in peace “knowing that he leaves behind many who will continue his fight”.
St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said the Caribbean had played a role in ending the apartheid system and Mandela had ensured that despite his long years in prison all South Africans had to commit themselves to ensuring that stability, rather than chaos become the hallmark of post-apartheid South Africa.
“For this, the name of Nelson Mandela will live throughout the ages. Through this, he gave to leaders everywhere a governance model worthy of emulation. And from this, the people of the new, democratic South Africa have benefited greatly.”
“On behalf of the Government and people of St. Kitts & Nevis, I extend deepest sympathy to the family of Nelson Mandela, and to the people of South Africa, whose now-non-racial democracy will be forever indebted to the great man, and the great spirit, the world has come to know as Nelson Mandela.
We are humbled by his example. We are most thankful for his life,” Douglas added.
Barbados Prime Minister Freundel Stuart said that the “world is now a poorer and darker place for his passing.
“We in Barbados share the grief and sense of loss which has suddenly enveloped not only his native South Africa but the world of which he was so unique and so distinguised a citizen.
“ Over the next few weeks we will all have cause to reflect on a life courageously lived and selfishly given in service of the freedom of all mankind and we will all have occasion too to pay tribute to his memory. “
“May He whose glory the heaven declare extend to Nelson Mandela that warm embrace reserved for those who have fought the good fight, finish their course and kept the faith. and may light perpetual shine upon him,” Stuart added.
Mandela, who led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison, had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.
In a statement on South African national television President Jacob Zuma said Mandela had “departed” and was at peace.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world’s most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004.
“What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves,” Zuma said, adding “fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.”
Caribbean leaders were joining world leaders in paying tribute to Mandela, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, but was released in 1990 as South Africa began to move away from strict racial segregation.
Former Commonwealth Secretary General Sir Shridath Ramphal told the Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) that the region should seek to emulate the life of the South African, who had been given every possible award from regional governments.
“What we could do best in honouring his memory is to follow his example,” Sir Shridath said.
Sir Shridath said that Mandela was aware of the role played by Caribbean countries in seeking his release from prison and the fight against apartheid.
“He was aware of what we had done in the Caribbean within the Commonwealth. He knew we had helped,” said the former Guyanese-born diplomat.
“I think the Caribbean has endowed him with every honour they could think of,” he said, adding “tomorrow’s children will not be able to say, as we can with pride and a deep sense of privilege, that we lived in the time of Nelson Mandela, a unique and memorable human being.
“‘Madiba’ has gone from us; but he is part of eternity and will always belong to the entire world. His indomitable spirit will forever inspire people in pursuit of freedom and justice; his humanity will be a beacon for all who are wronged. He made our troubled age less shameful by his own nobility,” Sir Shridath said.
He said that Mandela had enriched his own life “by the small part I played, as Commonwealth Secretary-General, in restoring him to freedom – even though he showed that truly “Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage”.
“That my official Commonwealth residence was the one he came to when first he came to London, after his release from prison, to meet those who fought with him against apartheid and the injustices of the apartheid regime, will forever be a badge of honour for the Commonwealth,” Sir Shridath added.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General pays tribute to Nelson Mandela
Sir Shridath Ramphal
LONDON, United Kingdom, Thursday December 5, 2013 – Tomorrow’s children will not be able to say, as we can with pride and a deep sense of privilege, that we lived in the time of Nelson Mandela, a unique and memorable human being. ‘Madiba’ has gone from us; but he is part of eternity and will always belong to the entire world. His indomitable spirit will forever inspire people in pursuit of freedom and justice; his humanity will be a beacon for all who are wronged. He made our troubled age less shameful by his own nobility.
He enriched my own life by the small part I played, as Commonwealth Secretary-General, in restoring him to freedom – even though he showed that truly “Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage”.
That my official Commonwealth residence was the one he came to when first he came to London, after his release from prison, to meet those who fought with him against apartheid and the injustices of the apartheid regime, will forever be a badge of honour for the Commonwealth.
Sir Shridath Ramphal was Commonwealth Secretary-General 1975 to 1990.
The first announcement of Nelson Mandela’s death
From BBC
The announcement of Mandela’s death was made by President Jacob Zuma
South Africa’s first black president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela has died, South Africa’s president says.
Mr Mandela, 95, led South Africa’s transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison.
He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital.
In a statement on South African national TV, Jacob Zuma said Mr Mandela had “departed” and was at peace.
1918 Born in the Eastern Cape
1943 Joined African National Congress
1956 Charged with high treason, but charges dropped after a four-year trial
1962 Arrested, convicted of incitement and leaving country without a passport, sentenced to five years in prison
1964 Charged with sabotage, sentenced to life
1990 Freed from prison
1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize
1994 Elected first black president
1999 Steps down as leader
2001 Diagnosed with prostate cancer
2004 Retires from public life
2005 Announces his son has died of an HIV/Aids-related illness
“Our nation has lost its greatest son,” Mr Zuma said.
He said Mr Mandela would receive a full state funeral, and flags would be flown at half-mast.
BBC correspondents say Mr Mandela’s body will be moved to a mortuary in Pretoria, and the funeral is likely to take place next Saturday.
A crowd has gathered outside the house where Mr Mandela died. Some are flying South African flags and wearing the shirts of the governing African National Congress, which Mr Mandela once led.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world’s most revered statesmen after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years.
He had rarely been seen in public since officially retiring in 2004. He made his last public appearance in 2010, at the football World Cup in South Africa.
His fellow campaigner against apartheid, Archbishop Desmond Tutu said he was not only an amazing gift to humankind, he made South Africans and Africans feel good about being who we are. He made us walk tall. God be praised.”
‘Bid him farewell’
The greatest father there ever was: this is how South Africans will remember the man who brought an end to apartheid and delivered the nation from the brink of civil war.
Social networking sites are abuzz with messages of condolences and messages of gratitude to the late statesman. He had been in and out of hospital in recent years and had become increasingly frail but many South Africans had continued to express their unreadiness to lose him.
As he did in life, his passing has brought unity amongst South Africans as black and white speak of their love for him. Many here will be drawing on that same spirit for strength, that “Madiba magic” over the next few days and weeks as the nation left with the great burden of honouring Mr Madela’s legacy, mourns his passing but also celebrates his life.
“What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves,” Mr Zuma said.
“Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell.”
Tributes have come in from around the world.
US President Barack Obama said Mr Mandela achieved more than could be expected of any man.
“He no longer belongs to us – he belongs to the ages,” Mr Obama said, saying Mr Mandela “took history in his hands and bent the arc of the moral universe towards justice”.
Mr Obama, the first black president of the United States, said he was one of the millions who drew inspiration from Mr Mandela’s life.
FW de Klerk, who as South Africa’s last white president ordered Mr Mandela’s release, called him a “unifier” and said he had “a remarkable lack of bitterness”.
He told the BBC: “I think his greatest legacy… is that we are basically at peace with each other notwithstanding our great diversity, that we will be taking hands once again now around his death and around our common sadness and mourning.”
UK Prime Minister David Cameron also paid tribute, saying “a great light has gone out in the world”.
Earlier this year, Mr Mandela spent nearly three months in hospital with a recurring lung infection.
He was moved to his home in the Houghton suburb of Johannesburg in September, where he continued to receive intensive care.
Robben Island
Born in 1918, Nelson Mandela joined the African National Congress (ANC) in 1943, as a law student.
He and other ANC leaders campaigned against apartheid. Initially he campaigned peacefully but in the 1960s the ANC began to advocate violence, and Mr Mandela was made the commander of its armed wing.
He was arrested for sabotage and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964, serving most of his sentence on Robben Island.
It was forbidden to quote him or publish his photo, but he and other ANC leaders were able to smuggle out messages of guidance to the anti-apartheid movement.
He was released in 1990 as South Africa began to move away from strict racial segregation – a process completed by the first multi-racial elections in 1994.
Mr Mandela, who had been awarded the Nobel Prize in 1993 jointly with Mr de Klerk, was elected South Africa’s first black president. He served a single term, stepping down in 1999.
After leaving office, he became South Africa’s highest-profile ambassador, campaigning against HIV/Aids and helping to secure his country’s right to host the 2010 football World Cup.
He was also involved in peace negotiations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and other countries in Africa and elsewhere.
For more on this story go to:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25249520
