NASSAU, The Bahamas - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell joined students in the Catholic Board of Education summer school programme in remembering the birthday of African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Mr. Mitchell participated in a planting ceremony of the Pomegranate tree- known for its strength and healing elements, cutting a cake in honour of the former South African President’s 94th birthday, and viewed a documentary on his struggle to end Apartheid in South Africa.

July 18 is observed as Mandela Day, an annual international day adopted by the United Nations honouring him for the 67 years he gave to the struggle for social justice, which led to the end of Apartheid. Nelson Mandela is also a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Mr. Mitchell, who is a founding member of the Bahamas Committee on South Africa, shared his admiration for Nelson Mandela and meeting him in 1993 when he represented The Bahamas as a Commonwealth Observer in Johannesburg.

“He is a great man. He did well for his country and his people. He was in prison for 27 years yet he forgave his captors and went on to become president of his country.”

Mr. Mitchell said what he liked and admired mostly about Mr. Mandela, as a politician, is that he knew when it was time to leave the political scene.

“Lesson number one is do not overstay your time on the public stage. When it is time to go, say farewell and leave the stage.”

Shortly after Nelson Mandela was released from prison he visited The Bahamas and thanked former Prime Minister Sir Lynden Pindling and the country for the assistance in getting him released.

Mr. Mitchell encouraged the students to commemorate Mr. Mandela and his work by adopting a grandparent – as the elderly love having young people around them. This, he said was his upbringing when he and his siblings used to visit their aunts – a time he appreciated when he got older.

“It is a great joy. So why don’t you think about adopting a grandparent or give your own grandparent the social treat of your company. Just your company would be a treat,” he told the students.

He then shared a quote from Mandela: “I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one’s head pointed toward the sun, one’s feet moving forward. There are many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

The management and staff of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort also participated in the celebration by donating their time to teach the students about the significance of the work of Nelson Mandela.

Photo 1: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell participates in the planting of a Pomegranate tree at Xavier’s school, during the Catholic Board of Education summer school programme, which highlighted the 94th birthday of South African freedom fighter and former President Nelson Mandela. It was held on Mandela’s birthday Wednesday, July 18, 2012. Pictured amongst the students are Patrick Drake, General Manager, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort; Mr. Mitchell and Claudette Rolle, Director Catholic Education. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

Photo 2: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration the Hon. Fred Mitchell joined students in the Catholic Board of Education summer school programme in remembering the birthday of African freedom fighter Nelson Mandela on Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at Xavier school. Pictured from left are Patrick Drake, General Manager, Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort, Claudette Rolle, Director, Catholic Education and Mr. Mitchell. (BIS Photo/Patrick Hanna)

It’s my pleasure to be here. It’s a privilege to be here really. I was surprised by this invitation. It was a pleasant surprise. But it is always a joy to be around young people.

I will tell you a story. When I was your age, my parents used to take me around with my brothers and sisters to see my aunts, none of whom had any children.

I used to think of it as a miserable experience. I would think to myself, not again. But each Sunday we would go over and while we played, they would keep saying to us: sit still, stand up straight, get down from there, don’t let me have to speak to you twice and the best one: don’t let me have to come over there.

I used to think - why would they want us to come around them if they are so miserable and we are always doing something wrong.

You will one day learn the expression: oh to be young again.

Today is Nelson Mandela’s 94^th birthday. Happy Birthday Madiba. Let’s all say together happy birthday Madiba.

I met Nelson Mandela in 1993 when I represented The Bahamas as a Commonwealth Observer. I spent six weeks in Johannesburg and spent many days watching him work. He is a great man. He did well for his country and his people. He was in prison for 27 years yet he forgave his captors and went on to become President of his country.

And what I like and admire most about him as a politician is that he knew when it was time to go. Lesson number one is do not overstay your time on the public stage. When it is time to go, say farewell and leave the stage.

Today, then we pay tribute to Nelson Mandela. Shortly, after he was let out of prison, he came to The Bahamas and thanked the late Sir Lynden O. Pindling, the father of our nation for his help in getting Mr. Mandela out of prison. During his stay Mr. Mandela lived in Lyford Cay.

What can you do today to commemorate Mr. Mandela and his work? I read about a programme called adopt a grandparent. You can do this. Remember I said older people like to have young people around them. It is a great joy. So why don’t you think about adopting a grandparent or give your own grandparent the special treat of your company. Just your company would be a treat. You can:

• Assist them with a visit to the hospital or pharmacy or to church.
• Assist them with a trip to the food store.
• Help them wash the dishes or throw out the trash.
• Read them a story or watch a movie with them.
• Take a visit to an old folk’s home and carry some food or books.

Nelson Mandela said this:

“I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that comes from nature or nurture, I cannot say. Part of being optimistic is keeping one's head pointed toward the sun, one's feet moving forward. There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lays defeat and death.”

Happy Birthday Madiba.

Thank you.