Representation by Barbados at the State Memorial Service and Events to Commemorate the memory of the late Nelson Mandela
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Maxine McClean, and this island???s High Commissioner in the United Kingdom who covers the Commonwealth, Anthony Arthur, will represent the Government of Barbados at the state memorial service for the late Nelson Mandela.
An official from the Prime Minister???s Office also disclosed that there will be a formal session in the House of Assembly tomorrow, Tuesday, December 10, dedicated to the memory of the former President of South Africa, who passed away last Thursday.
All flags on Government buildings in Barbados are currently being flown at half mast, and that will continue until the final funeral service for Mr. Mandela on Sunday, December 15. In addition, an ecumenical service is being planned by the Barbados Christian Council, at a date and time to be announced.
The Barbados Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, will be coordinating the signing of a number of books of condolence across Barbados, in honour of the late Nelson Mandela. Information on the locations of the condolence books will be provided shortly.
Immediately following the announcement of the death of the 95-year-old anti-apartheid icon, Prime Minister Stuart sent a letter of condolence to the President and people of the Republic of South Africa and Mr. Mandela???s family, and also issued a public statement.
Mr. Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1964 for his anti-apartheid stance. Dame Nita Barrow, former Governor General of Barbados, was the only woman on the seven-member Commonwealth Group of Eminent Persons, which visited South Africa in 1986.
She was, therefore, among the first persons to meet with Nelson Mandela while he was in prison. After spending 27 years behind bars, Mr. Mandela was released on February 11, 1990.??