Gov’t declares national day of mourning for Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela passed away on Thursday at 95
Nelson Mandela died on December 5

The Government of Dominica has declared Tuesday, December 10, 2013 a national day of mourning as a mark of respect for the late Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa.

The Dominican Flag shall be flown at half-staff on all public buildings in the State on that day.

Mandela died on December 5, at the age of 95, after ailing for some time.

Prime minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, described Mandela “as possibly the world’s greatest leader.”

He said that the death of Mandela was saddening as he inspired several generations, pointing out his legacy will certainly live on amongst South Africans and people across the world.

“Nelson Mandela demonstrated to us, as people, the spirit and the importance of reconciliation. This was a man who could have easily demanded retribution because of the manner in which he was treated by the Apartheid regime but instead went through a process of truth and reconciliation and in that process united the people of South Africa,” the prime minister said.

Nelson Mandela was the first truly democratically elected President of South Africa, serving from 1994 to 1999. After his release from prison in 1990, he was instrumental in unifying South Africa following decades of white minority rule.

Following his single term as President, he would go on to be one of the world’s leading statesmen.

 

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43 Comments

  1. 4CARS
    December 11, 2013

    Donkey have no part in horse race. Stay put tan PM, before they let loose a Lion on you in South Africa. Cause you not treating your people right.

  2. re evaluate
    December 10, 2013

    you want a holiday in da . did you not realise aficans did not get a holiday too mandela said dont declare a holiday carry on your work . the country is already in crises so morn and carry on with working. too like a holidaylol

    • Justice and Truth
      December 10, 2013

      It is such a big country for obvious reasons it could not be closed down. Some people may have taken a day off for that purpose to attend the Memorial Service.
      Former Prime Ministers of Canada have died as Pierre Trudeau and it was not a holiday. This is also a big country and could not possibly close down. Those who could have paid their respects and attend did so. As an afterthought, This may occur only in communist countries.

    • Popam
      December 11, 2013

      A national day of mourning is not a national holiday, you t..t.

  3. looking
    December 10, 2013

    I just hope and pray our politicians take a page from the book of Mr Mandela, just a page and Dominica will be so much better.

  4. Toomatoe Tomato
    December 10, 2013

    Good move Honorable Prime Minister. Today is a perfect day for Dominicans to mourn former President Mandela as in South Africa today, tributes are being paid to him. They are mourning, remembering and celebrating Mr. Nelson Mandela life.

    May His Soul and the Souls of All the Faithful Departed Rest In Peace.

  5. Joan
    December 9, 2013

    Our pm was at Gaddafi funeral. HOPE he will be at Mandela own. Time will tell

  6. Boys vs Men
    December 9, 2013

    I continue to admire and appreciate the reformed and re-energized UWP under the very capable hands of a brilliant and innovative leader in the person of Lennox Linton (Sun’s Man of the year as often highlighted by Angelo Alleyne).

    I rise to applaud the Linton led government in waiting for its diligence and commitment to serving this nation. Particularly as it has from quickly emerged as the party of choice under what appears to many as a new dispensation.

    This UWP appears to be well on the ball and is evidently leading the Roosevelt Skerrit led administration from the front. It is apparent that Lennox Linton and Team Dominica are ahead, Roosevelt Skerrit follows afar off and always trails a few days or moves later.lol

    Imagine UWP released a very spirited and moving release a day after Mandela’s passing on DNO captioned, “UWP extends condolences on the passing of Nelson Mandela” on Friday 6th December, 2013 at 1:24 pm. In that release the UWP advocated for flags to be flown at half mast as we see here, “we expect that over the next few days, as a mark of our deepest respect, the flags of Dominica will fly at half mast”

    Days later in his usual copy cat style Skerrit makes a less than profound expression of sympathy and as directed by Hon. Lennox Linton announces that indeed flags on Dominica will be flown at half staff.

    The point remains that the very wise and decisive Lennox Linton and Team Dominica leads and those who have the mandate to lead, follow.

    What are we waiting for Dominica? Change is a must and no longer an option in the remoteness of our minds and consciences, and for this cause I rise!

  7. angel
    December 9, 2013

    Nelson Mandela represents the dignity, grace, wisdom and greatness of Africa and its people. Let us all try to be inspired by these qualities and cease from worshiping money in the way so many of us do in Dominica. Money is not a God.

  8. Looking in
    December 9, 2013

    Is this PM going to represent Dominica at Nelson Mandela’s funeral? Cahves wasn’t the world greatest leader and you attended, therefore you should show respect and attend Mandela’s.

  9. Child of God
    December 9, 2013

    because you learned nothing from the life that Nelson Mandela lived. my appologies

    • latanty
      December 9, 2013

      you soung like a big foolllllllllllllllllllllll

    • Justice and Truth
      December 9, 2013

      Who are you to make such a statement? What child of God? Is there anyone in the world, in Dominica who is perfect? You are no exception. The kettle always calls the pot black and laying transgressions on others where they do not exist.
      What have you learned from Nelson Mandela? Everyone should learn from him; how to love; to be kind and generous; how to speak/communicate with others; how to respect them/have respect for them; how to forgive them even for what you suspect and assume they have done when they did not.
      As Our Lord said, “Remove the splinters from your eyes. Then you can remove them from others. Let he/she who is without sin caste the first stone.”
      Beware, your assumptions could condemn you to eternity. Those who live and die with such an attitude, this is what will happen to them.
      As God looks on and takes note of our actions, it is time for a change, to cease discord and hatred and not encourage them.
      This is an obligation of Christians if they are truly a child of God, follow him, hope to live happily and peacefully and die in this manner so that they will obtain eternal life.
      When you sing the religious song, “We are following Jesus.” Think of it. May God grace you and change your type of ungodly heart.

  10. south east voice/MJ
    December 9, 2013

    Mr Prime Minister the type of leadership Mandela Demonstrated is what we need to see from you..Let his death be a changing moment in your style of governance, leadership and politics..Not bashing and disrespecting persons who put themselves up for public office..u was once a new-comer we expect more from you as our leader..show us that u can be our local Mandela,,,Time to Grow up Mr PM

    • Justice and Truth
      December 9, 2013

      What about you, as a citizen of Dominica, a child of your parents, a sibling, a co-worker and when in public? If you are a student, what is your attitude towards them and to the teacher(s)? In effect, how well do you treat others?
      Some of you comment on this Website as if you are one perfect person. Well, God knows better.
      Examine your conscience and overall attitude towards others. What have you done for Dominica to make it a better, happy and safe place to live including for the economy?

  11. Child of God
    December 9, 2013

    “Nelson Mandela demonstrated to us, as people, the spirit and the importance of reconciliation. This was a man who could have easily demanded retribution because of the manner in which he was treated by the Apartheid regime but instead went through a process of truth and reconciliation and in that process united the people of South Africa,” the prime minister said.
    Dno are you sure that this is not a misquote from our lovely prime minister? if you are able to recognize that quality in a human being and applaud it, should it not make it easier for you to get along with people that their only trangression is to challenge you in the political arena?
    There are code words that politicians use that causes one to get the inclination to throw up on them, Last week you were spewing hate to young men who have educated themselves and is ambitious enough to try to make a difference in their country, today you are applauding a man who reconciled himself with people who imprisoned him and tried to destroy himself and his people.
    Don’t disturb a good man’s memory with your hypocrocy, fly your flags at full staff, because you learned nothing for the life that Nelson Mandela lived.

    • Anonymous
      December 9, 2013

      You people are really sick.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 9, 2013

      What about your quality, your inner core? You are judging. Our Lord said, “By their fruits you will know them. ”Look to yourself. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

      • Nac Vibes
        December 10, 2013

        Justice and truth my foot, all you always quick to quote bible and Jesus nut act in no way conducive to bible or Jesus.
        You are happy for your god skerrit to keep doing all his nastiness in the name of which God, I van guarantee not the God of Abraham.

  12. December 9, 2013

    NATTY NELSON

    by Ras Albert Williams

    extract from Through the far eye (1995)

    Natty Nelson

    Congo Bongo Nelson.

    Nelson Mandela in a Lion’s den.

    Congo Bongo Nelson in a

    WHITE MAN’S world.

    RAS NELSON

    KING NELSON

    Higher blackman…lead your people through the Dead Sea:

    BY

    DAY AND BY NIGHT.

    Not by POWER not by MIGHT

    BUT by the teachings of MARCUS MOSIAH GARVEY.

    YOU have nothing to fear, but fear itself.

    I AND I cause is a RIGHTEOUS cause.

    VICTORY IS ON THE HORIZON

    APARTHEID IS FALLEN…

    THROUGH THE POWER OF INTERNATIONAL OPINION.

    NATTY NELSON

    Walk through Babylon gate

    Congo Bongo Nelson

    Restore your sense of power.

    King Nelson

    AFRICAN ROYALTY

    All your enemies shall lick the dust

    All your enemies shall bow before you.

    PRESIDENT NELSON MANDELA

    In a lion’s den.

    MR. NELSON MANDELA in a white man’s world

    LONG LIVE NELSON MANDELA

    King Nelson will paint the white man’s world BLACK

    MORE BLACK AWARENESS TO YOU MY BROTHER

    UHURU

  13. #Behonest
    December 9, 2013

    Skerrit you late!

  14. Unique
    December 9, 2013

    National Day of mourning for Nelson Mandela?……a joke that manN….they expected him to live 500 years manN…..I dont mind if it was National Day of respect to Nelson Mandela…but National Day of MOURNING?.. 8-O

    • Justice and Truth
      December 9, 2013

      It appears to me that you are without understanding of this situation. Where is your heart, compassion and sympathy for one as Nelson Mandela?
      He also has a wife, children and his South African compatriots, as also those who supported him including during his ordeal of incarceration. All are mourning his loss.
      It is stated in Holy Scripture: “Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn.” Are you not a Christian and a practicing one at that? Let us mourn along with them and for the passing of a Great One as Nelson Mandela.
      A National Day of Mourning is quite appropriate for a man as Nelson Mandela who has lived, fought, insulted, demeaned, taken the licks from his enemies and incarcerated for 27 years under inhumane conditions that his people might live in freedom and peace.
      You should be proud of his achievements and assist in lowering the Dominican flag.
      On this day every African, American, West Indian and all others worldwide who are especially of the negro race, be it part of their heritage, should mourn and remember this Great Hero who has done so much for his people, for the entire world. He did all this even for us who are spread out all over the world.
      He showed the world “negroes” are people too and not inferior to the so-called white race. He made us proud of ourselves, our color. He gave us our dignity that no one will look down on us because of our color and to stand up and be counted among the entire human race. He made us proud of him and of ourselves.
      There should be no less observation for him.
      Let the Dominican Flag fly at half staff in his honor. I knew it as “half mast”.
      Be proud that Dominica is contributing its share to mourning the loss of such a gentleman as Nelson Mandela.
      In fact, a service should be held for him to thank God for him, a man who was strong to withstand all he did, all for his S. African brothers and sisters and others throughout the world.
      I believe there will be an observation for him in Toronto (probably throughout Canada), since there are also Africans who reside in Toronto, in Canada. If I hear there is one, I will do my utmost to attend. It will be worth attending in his honor and remembrance.
      My words are never too much to wish Nelson Mandela, “May his soul rest in God’s glory and peace. Amen.”

      • Tetemorne I From..
        December 10, 2013

        You missed his point truth. I do not see any disrespect here. He DOES respect Mandela. HE was trying to make a POINT!

    • Tetemorne I From..
      December 10, 2013

      I have to agree with you here. I respect Mandela and admire the life he lived. He was a strong man when he was young, and an even stronger one when he grew old. A man who lived to be 95 is a blessed man. A day of mourning? Why mourn? I think we should CELEBRATE his life and not mourn.

      Paul Walker, on de oder hand, needs a lifetime of mourning!! A young life crushed way too soon. No pun intended here. Mister was stupid enough to allow some friend to show off his new Porsche by speeding. Mourn for him!

  15. derp
    December 9, 2013

    so tomorrow is a holiday right ^^

  16. December 9, 2013

    DNO

    I and I welcome the news that the government has decided to honour the memory of the late Nelson Mandela, first black president of south Africa in this manner.

    According to the eNews Channel Africa:South Africa’s most watched TV news channel, the International Relations Department of the Government of South Africa,(see http://www.enca.com/south-africa/fitting-line-mandela-farewell) 91 heads of state, monarchs, church leaders and other high ranking officials and celebrities are scheduled to attend the official memorial service, including

    Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai
    African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
    Algeria Speaker of the Council of the Nation (Senate) Abdelkader Bensalah
    Angola Vice President Manuel Vicente
    Arab States League Amb Samir Hosny
    Argentina Acting President Amado Boudou
    Australia Prime Minister Tony Abbott
    Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid
    Bahamas Prime Minister Perry Christie
    Belgium King Philippe
    Benin President Boni Yayi
    Botswana President Ian Khama
    Brazil President Dilma Rousseff
    Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza
    Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper
    Chad President Idriss Deby Itno
    China Vice President Li Yuanchao
    Commonwealth Kamalesh Sharma
    Comores President Ikiliou Dhoinine
    Congo (Republic of the Congo ) President Denis Sassou-Nguesso
    Congo (Democratic Republic of Congo) President Joseph Kabila
    Cote d Ivoire President Allassane Ouattara
    Croatia President Josipovic Ivo
    Cuba President Raul Castro Ruz
    Denmark Crown Prince Federick
    Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh
    Ethiopia Prime Minister Ato Hailemariam Dessalegn
    Equatorial Guinea President Obiang Mbasogo
    European Council President Herman van Rompuy
    France President Francois Hollande
    Finland President Sauli Niinisto
    Gabon President Ali Bongo Ondimba
    Germany President Joachim Gauck
    Ghana President John Dramani Mahama
    Guinea President Alpha Conde
    Guyana President Donald Ramotar
    India President Pranab Mukherjee
    Ireland President Michael D Higgins
    Italy Prime Minister Enrico Letta
    Japan Crown Prince Naruhito
    Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller
    Jordan Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour
    Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta
    Korea (South) Prime Minister Hongwon Chung
    Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati
    Lesotho Prime Minister Tom Thabane
    Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
    Luxembourg The Grand Duke Henry
    Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam
    Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz
    Malawi President Joyce Banda
    Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto
    Mozambique President Armando Emilio Guebuza
    Namibia President Hifikepunye Pohamba
    Niger President Issoufou Mahamdou
    New Zealand Prime Minister John Key
    Nigeria, His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan, President
    Niger President Mahamadou Issoufou
    Norway Crown Prince Haakon
    Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain
    Palestinian State President Mahmoud Abbas
    Portugal President Anibal Cavaco Silva
    Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud
    Saharawi Republic President Mohamed Abdelaziz
    Senegal President Macky Sall
    Serbia President Tomislav Nikolic
    Seychelles President James Alix Michel
    Spain Prince of Asturias Felipe de Borbon
    Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa
    Suriname President Desire Delano Bouterse
    Slovenia President Borut Pahor
    South Sudan President Salva Kir Mayardit
    Sweden Princess Victoria
    Switzerland President Ulrich Maurer
    Swaziland Prime Minister Sibusiso Dlamini
    Suriname President Desire Delano Bouterse
    Tanzania President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
    Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana
    Tunisia President Mohamed Moncef Marzouki
    Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar
    The Gambia President Sheikh Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh
    Uganda President Yoweri Kagota Museveni
    United Arab Emirates Minister of Culture – Sheikh Nayahan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan
    United Kingdom Prince Charles and Prime Minister David Cameron
    United States President Barack Obama
    Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro Moros
    Zimbabwe President Robert Gabriel Mugabe
    Zambia President Michael Sata

    Other high profile guests include musician Bono, television talk show host Oprah Winfrey, businessman Richard Branson and model Naomi Campbell.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 10, 2013

      Thank you for this information of the attendees you detailed and taking the time to do so. So we note what a high-ranking person Nelson Mandela was. He is one person who will never be forgotten and what he did for his people and the entire world. He is permanently etched in the history books. His accomplishments should be taught also in the West Indian schools. This would be an education and lesson for the future adult generation who are now students.
      A dear Dominican lady, now departed once told me which is something I will never forget, “The word of the people is the word of God.” Indeed!

  17. aa
    December 9, 2013

    Vernon Shaw died and i have not heard anything about mourning yet.

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      December 10, 2013

      Apparently you have not been listening to the news on the radio. Turn on your radio on the Nation Station DBS more often.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 10, 2013

      Another critic? Did you not read on DNO there will be “three days of mourning” for him?

  18. C
    December 9, 2013

    Nelson made his mark, but to see that he is respected more than ex-president VL Shaw who sweat and toiled here is hypocritical.

    • Justice and Truth
      December 10, 2013

      You have it all wrong. Put on your thinking cap and contemplate on the Dominica News, also on DNO.

  19. curious
    December 9, 2013

    so ummm.. it doe have school tomorrow man??

  20. wait a minute
    December 9, 2013

    the flags were not already half staff? President Shaw died so i expected to b there already. nothing wrong with Mr Mandela but thought that the flags should have already been there since we r already morning our former president.

  21. Annica Alethea
    December 9, 2013

    Mandela retired as President of South Africa after one five year term. He was jailed for 27 years by the racist apartheid regime.
    With power he could have sought revenge, he could have declared war on white South Africa, he could have remained in power until death. He had all the reason and justification to hate his former oppressors, but no, his first action was Truth and Reconciliation, forgiveness of the evil ones.
    Witnessing the present situation in Dominica, have we learnt anything from Mandela?
    I pray that Mandela’s death will allow our leaders to change course and be more tolerant of each other.
    Rest in Peace, Nelson Mandela, pride of the Black race.

    • Toomatoe Tomato
      December 10, 2013

      Good question that should be directed to the UWP for their honest answer as to what they have been showing Dominicans since losing the elections in 2000.

  22. Anonymous
    December 9, 2013

    Do one more thing: have a Memorial Mass at the Saint Alphonsus Church at 6:00pm

    • Justice and Truth
      December 10, 2013

      Wise idea. Or a Memorial Service at the Windsor Park Stadium which could accommodate many more people. This could be arranged at a later date. It would take a lot of planning.

  23. Morihei Ueshiba
    December 9, 2013

    AYe las skerro Vernon shaw die too our former president, http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13275704

    magway sah!

  24. eyes wide open
    December 9, 2013

    only now ?i thought we would never show our respect

  25. hold dem
    December 9, 2013

    national day of mourning for Nelson Mandela and we have to work !!!!!!!!!! I CANNOT MOURN WHEN I HAVE TO WORK. THIS IS DISRESPECT

    • Justice and Truth
      December 10, 2013

      I have heard that before on DNO. My reply was, “multi-task.” :lol:
      Setting a joke aside, the mourning is also meant to keep him in your thoughts and prayers on that day. This is not difficult to do wherever you may be, be it at work. I did so and from afar.

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