KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was an exceptional human being who led an extraordinary life of example.
With Jamaica and the rest of the World, we at JAMPRO celebrate that life, lived for 95 years by one of Humanity’s most outstanding sons.
Human vocabulary, in any language, is inadequate to compass his global impact, reflected in the hundreds of awards bestowed on him by an unrivalled variety of governments, monarchs, organisations and institutions of learning. However, without doubt, his greatest impact on and legacy to South Africa and the World, is his example of forgiveness and compassion.
He led by personal example the healing of a Nation deeply scarred by a history of vicious apartheid. In later life, he devoted much of his time to efforts designed to protect the weak, liberate the oppressed, care for the ill and educate the young. Although birth determined he be South African, African, black, Nelson Mandela belonged and belongs to the people of the World because he allowed his humanity to rise beyond the confines of nationality, race and colour. A living legend, we are unlikely to see his kind again in our lifetime
For Jamaicans, so much of his life reflected the ideals articulated in our own National Pledge. Nelson Mandela gave to his people and to mankind the love and loyalty of his heart; the wisdom and courage of his mind; and sacrificed the strength and vigour of his body through imprisonment in the service of his fellow citizens. He stood up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace and played a masterful innings in advancing the welfare of the whole human race. He understood viscerally that the greatest investment one can make, is an investment in people.
Nelson Mandela (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
His then is a life well worth celebrating and emulating as a gift to South Africa, Africa and the World. His advocacy for freedom, equality, reconciliation and progress, argued with a persuasiveness informed by both his legal profession and his indelible humanity, echoed across the Globe, inspiring millions who heard his message. That he singled out Jamaica as part of his support and inspiration, is something of which we can be justly proud.
JAMPRO joins Jamaica and the World in mourning the loss of a great human being. We salute his memory and extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Her Excellency Graça Machel, his family and his people.
We are privileged to have lived in his time.
Walk good, Madiba, walk good.
__________________________________
Milton J. Samuda
Chairman, JAMPRO
