This message is from Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator A.J. Nicholson, for Nelson Mandela International Day – Friday, July 18, 2014, Mr. Mandela’s birthday. The day was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2009.
If you want to remind yourself of Mr. Mandela’s greatness, you can browse through my Pinterest board. I have quite a collection of historic photos. Take a look here: http://www.pinterest.com/petchary/mr-mandela/
I think we are still missing Mr. Mandela, who left us on December 5, 2013. Not so long ago, is it, although to me it seems like longer.
Nelson Mandela International Day
18th July 2014
Jamaica is pleased to join the international community in commemorating Nelson Mandela International Day, in honor of an awe-inspiring humanitarian, philosopher, political activist, and freedom fighter who has been a beacon of hope and love for people across the globe. This year, the commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day strikes a particularly sombre note, as it marks the first observance after the passing last year of this global icon. Nelson Mandela will long be recalled as a man who dedicated his life to the transformation of South Africa into a nation where every citizen, regardless of racial or social background, could live a life of dignity.
Keenly aware that “…to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”, Mr. Mandela earned his place in history on account of his unswerving commitment to the principles of freedom, equality and service to humanity, which eventually led to the dismantling of the dehumanising system of apartheid. His dedication to the upliftment of South Africans cost him 27 years of imprisonment, underscoring the fact that he fought for a cause for which he was prepared to die. This is the measure of a man who transcended narrow self interest and lived for the betterment of all humanity.
Mr. Mandela was a true disciple of reconciliation and unity. Rather than avenging the evil which was perpetrated against him, he saw reconciliation as a route to confront the cruel past and chart a future of hope and truth for the people of South Africa. His establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission after he became President was a colossal step towards harmonizing a segregated society.
As a country that has been scarred by the reprehensible institution of slavery and been at the vanguard of human rights since the 1960s, Jamaica served with great fervor at the forefront of the global struggle to end apartheid. We will continue to advocate for the elimination of discrimination or any form of oppressive conduct perpetrated by human beings.
As we celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, let all Jamaicans join the international community in its efforts to build a culture of altruism which inspires the change we want to see in our society, to be our brother’s keeper, to be defined, not by our differences, but by our common humanity.
Mr. Mandela’s devotion to freedom and democracy challenges all of us to never compromise our highest hopes and deepest convictions. In reflecting on his life and invaluable contribution to humanity, let us continue to be inspired by his example and work each day towards creating a better world, inspired by his wise words: “It is in your hands to make of our world a better one for all, especially the poor, vulnerable and marginalized.”
Petchary's Blog 
And the latter was also what Bob Marley attempted to do with his music!
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