CIG opens condolence book for Mandela
(CNS): As tributes pour in following the death of international icon and former South African president, Nelson Mandela, the Cayman Islands government has opened condolence books to allow members of the public to sign and make comments which will be sent to Mandela’s family. Books are open at the Government Administration Building on Grand Cayman, and the District Administration Building on Cayman Brac. Cabinet secretary Samuel Rose said that Mandela’s stature on the world stage was such that his popularity transcended national boundaries and the integrity of his character and courage of his actions spoke to something deep inside everyone.
“Here in the Cayman Islands, many of us came to know and admire Mr Mandela secondhand, whether through media reports, study at school, personal interest or the galvanizing effect that he had on communities across the Caribbean," Rose stated. “To reflect the esteem in which this remarkable and ground breaking leader was held by the people of the Cayman Islands, and to give our community an opportunity to pay their respects and express their sympathies, we invite the public to visit the Government Administration Building on Grand Cayman and the District Administration Building on Cayman Brac to sign condolence books.”
Premier Alden McLaughlin, who expressed his grief at the death of Mandela last Thursday in an official statement, noted how important he was not just to south Africa but 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 said.
Mandela, who had been ill for some time, died at his home surrounded by friends and family aged 95 years old. He will be given a state funeral, which is expected to be one of the largest in modern time. Some 91 heads of state are expected to descend on South Africa this week. The week-long funeral rites will culminate on Sunday with Mandela's burial at a family plot in his rural boyhood home of Qunu. His body will lie in state for three days from Wednesday in the amphitheatre of the Union Buildings in Pretoria, where he was sworn in as president in 1994.
Each morning, his coffin will be carried through the streets of the capital in a funeral cortege to give as many people as possible the chance to pay their final respects.
Anyone who wishes to sign the Cayman condolence books see here.
Category: World News
Madeba, your life and funeral said it all. History will absolve you, the world got to know the true meaning of forgiveness and reconciliation. Thank you for that legacy.
I am hearing rumors that he legalized abortion in South Africa. Is this true?
It is a fact that he brought forgiveness, truth and reconciliation to South Africa anything else is pointless. The genocide that happened in Rwanda would have paled in comparison to what could/would have happened in SA if Mandela did not preach and demonstrated forgiveness.
Although his position on African dictators left much to be desired and allowed much suffering, murder and subjugation to continue.
It came much too late for you and this is not a rumor it is a fact you are living proof.
RIP Mandela. You have achieved what many of us humans will never achieve.
About the new owners for Caymanian Compass. I notice they have on the front page of the Cayman newspaper, Nelson Mandella. Now I respect the man Mandella, what he stood for, but how in the world would you place him on the front of Cayman's newspaper! I also saw John F Kennedy on the front of the newspaper! What does Cayman have to do with JFK?! smh…
One thing is for sure 10.31, thank goodness you have no say in where the pictures appear.
He does have a point with JFK. What did he contribute to the Cayman Islands? The closest thing he did to us was embargo Cuba, which has caused cuban migrants to come here in search for a better economic life. I too didn't see any reason why the head of CayCompass would have an american figure on our newspapers.
I am very glad to know that the Cayman Islands have stepped up to recognise the greatness of this wonderful man and his remarkable contribution to humanity.
Pointless.