By Damion Mitchell, Staff ReporterIN A colourful ceremony at the Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree yesterday, South African President Thabo Mbeki was presented with the Key to the City of Kingston by outgoing Mayor Marie Atkins.
The thunderous beats of the drums of the Mystical Revelation of Ras Tafari synchronised with the soothing sounds from its saxophones and trombones and the beautiful blend of bass, tenor and alto voices of the Advent Messengers created a joyous atmosphere for the historic event.
For Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sport, who represented Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, the event was not just a creative way of welcoming the South African President to Jamaica, it was an expression of the love and admiration for the people of South Africa.
BONDED BY BLOOD
The ceremony was held inside the park named in honour of former South African President, Nelson Mandela.
"Although we are separated by distance, we are united not only by a bond of friendship but by blood," Mrs. Simpson Miller said.
A passion-filled Professor Errol Miller, who delivered the keynote address, embarked on a nature trail of the Jamaican capital. He spoke of shorelines from which clouds could be seen "flirting with the majestic peaks of the Blue Mountains" and the magnificent hills of the adjoining communities which provided a breathtaking view of the Liguanea Plains as it meanders to the sea and "the twinkle of the night lights of the city which blink to their own rhythm".
Notwithstanding, Professor Miller said the "beauty of Kingston's physical appointment is at times defaced by the brutality of the violence that far too often occur".
SINGING MBEKI'S PRAISE
He was full of praise for President Mbeki, whose leadership "through truth, has not only given the world an example of African civilisation at its best, but has demonstrated by deeds the biblical injunction, 'you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free'."
In his address, President Mbeki, the South African head of state since June 1999, said he was overwhelmed to have been welcomed in such an ambassadorial manner. "I am deeply moved to have received the Key to the City of Kingston, making me a fellow resident of the great city where once legendary citizens such as the Hon. Marcus Garvey lived," he said.
President Mbeki, who arrived in the island on Sunday, will leave tomorrow after attending the opening session of the Caribbean Community's (CARICOM) 24th meeting of Heads of Government in Montego Bay, St. James.
JLP SAYS IT WAS 'DISSED'
Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) officials yesterday missed the ceremony, arguing that they had been excluded from the programme.
Opposition Senator Bruce Golding told The Gleaner last night that despite explanations from the Electoral Office of Jamaica and admonitions from People's National Party (PNP) councillors, the exclusion was a contrived effort to delay the swearing-in, to have outgoing Mayor Marie Atkins perform the handing-over and exclude incoming Mayor Desmond McKenzie.
