Belizean Journalist Bestows Precious Gift to South Africa
Former South African President Nelson Mandela, the father of democracy in that nation, was buried in Qunu, Eastern Cape in December 2013. Following his death, a tribute was held for the anti-apartheid revolutionary here in Belize City during which a book of condolences was signed by hundreds of sympathizers. While that initiative was spearheaded by the UBAD Foundation, there was no immediate means of getting the book across to South Africa. Despite an initial option being presented by the country’s representative here in Belize, Assistant Editor of the Amandala Newspaper, Adele Ramos, chose to wait until South Africa’s High Commissioner in Jamaica visited Belize for Independence Day celebrations. Her Excellency Mathy Joyini was formally presented with the Nelson Mandela Book of Condolences.
Adele Ramos, Assistant Editor, Amandala Newspaper
“Isani, I remember you asked me a question when you covered the story, how is this book going to get to South Africa? And I said, “I haven’t quite yet wrapped my head around it, but where there is a will there is a way.” Well after the news was televised, I received a phone call from the South African representative here in Belize, Paul Martin, and he told me that he could make that connection. And so I had two options basically, I could have sent the book or I could have waited until the high commissioner in Jamaica, who is also accredited to Belize, would visit the country. And yes, it took many months but she was finally here to join us in the celebration of our thirty-third anniversary of the nation’s independence and so that provided an opportunity for me to personally handover the book to her.”
Isani Cayetano
Adele Ramos
“And what was that like, being able to meet her and being able to deliver this token of appreciation for the influence that Nelson Mandela has had on not only this part of the world but more so our country?”
Adele Ramos
“Yes, the high commissioner is a very gracious lady and I was very glad to meet her and to personally connect with her. She said that the book would be sent to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, there is a foundation in his honor and so that’s where the book will be deposited. I think it provides a distinct opportunity for us to make a connection to our family in South Africa. The high commissioner did say that whenever she comes back to Belize that she will be looking us up again so I’m very much looking forward to that.”
Nelson Mandela passed away on December fifth, 2013 at his home in Johannesburg, after suffering from a prolonged respiratory infection. He was of ninety-five-years-old.
