Humanity can learn from Mandela's legacy: says Jack

Nelson Mandela during a visit to Trinidad in 2004,
being greeted by then President Max Richards.
 At right is then Prime Minister Patrick Manning.
To Mandela's left is Jack Warner who was then president of CONCACAF.
Mandela came to Trinidad as part of the South African bid to host the 2010 World Cup.
The bid was successful PHOTO by MICHEAL BRUCE.

"Nelson Mandela showed us by his determination that oppressive regimes and unjust systems can never last as long as the people keep hope in their hearts and he inspired that hope," Jack Warner, Leader of the Independent Liberal Party said last night.

Warner stated that in trying to change the lives of his people, Mandela changed his country and the entire world.

"Mandela was one of the most remarkable and inspiring change agents of our time. His struggle against the brutal and racist apartheid system and his commitment to that fight - even in the face of a lifetime prison sentence which saw him spending 27 years behind bars from 1964 - is testimony that one must never give up or give in where one's beliefs are concerned, no matter what the cost," Warner said.

He said that as an individual and a leader, Mandela would be remembered for his gentle personality that commanded respect and adoration. "He was a person who knew how to relate to other people with respect that would in turn lead them to reciprocate," Warner said. He added that Mandela also possessed a very philosophical mind that informed his words and actions, and one of his numerous utterances that will remain relevant for all of time is that "a country is judged not by the way it treats its highest citizens but by the lowest ones."

Warner said the ILP joined the rest of the world in mourning the loss of one of humankind’s greatest souls, and in extending condolences to his family and the people of South Africa.

"There is much for humanity to learn from the legacy of Nelson Mandela. May his soul rest in peace," Warner said.

Source:trinidadexpress