MINISTER of Public Works, Robeson Benn, along with Registrar of University of Guyana Vincent Alexander, yesterday, unveiled a portrait in honour of Nelson Mandela.

The portrait was done by Tammy Walker.
The event, at the Museum of African Heritage, Barima Avenue, Bel Air, was held in commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day (Mandela Day), the 95th birth anniversary of Mr Rolihlahla Mandela better known as Nelson Mandela.

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings – Nelson Mandela.”

This year signifies the fourth annual commemoration of Nelson Mandela International Day. The United Nations, in November 2009 adopted a resolution designating that July 18 be observed each year as Mandela

International Day beginning in July 2010. This came about following an international campaign by the Nelson Mandela Foundation for the great man to be thus recognised. The Foundation had been already observing his birthday as Mandela Day but believed that this should be done on a global scale.
For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.
Benn explained that Mandela Day seeks to recognise and celebrate Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution and race relations.

HUMANTARIAN

Benn also mentioned that Mandela fought for the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of poor and underdeveloped communities. Mandela Day, also, acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
Benn acknowledged Mandela’s contribution to the international struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.
According to Benn, during his two visits to South Africa, Mandela and others struggled against apartheid, the then legal policy of the Republic of South Africa. This involved racial segregation of the people of South Africa and also the political, legal and economic discrimination.
Mandela took it upon himself to fight to free South Africa from this tyrannical regime and make it a country where equality exists.
Alexander pointed out that for Mandela, education was fundamental. He (Nelson Mandela) wanted the people of his nation to be educated. “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world” – Nelson Mandela”.
Head of the Summer Programme, Ms. Florence Dalgetty, highlighted the struggles and teachings of Mandela during his 67 years.
All the speakers recalled that during the struggle to free South Africa and make it a country where every person, regardless of skin colour had equal rights, saw Mandela being arrested for treason in 1956.
Mandela was released from prison in 1990. He had spent 27 years of his life behind bars because he chose to put the quality of life of the South African people ahead of his own.
Ms. Dalgetty explained that after Mandela was released from prison, the ban that was placed on Mandela’s political party (African National Congress) in 1960 was lifted, which allowed him to contest in South Africa’s first democratic election in 1994.
Mandela was elected president and after his first term in office, he was hailed as a statesman and humanitarian.
Nelson Mandela International Day aims to inspire all to do good works for people and the planet. Its theme is ‘Take Action, Inspire Change’ and persons are being encouraged today to spend at least 67 minutes doing some form of community service in honour of the 67 years Mandela devoted to the fight for human rights and social justice.
“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings – Nelson Mandela.”

(By Sandy Agasen)