By Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO, Portland:
SOUTH AFRICA'S High Commissioner to Jamaica His Excellency Thandyse Chiliza, has called on Jamaica and other commonwealth member countries to liberate themselves from poverty.
The High Commissioner was guest speaker at the Charles Town Maroon celebration on Wednesday, June 23, in Portland. He also said that Jamaica produces highly educated people, but due to the country's limited resources, many have been forced to take their occupations elsewhere when opportunity presents itself.
"The Caribbean people are highly educated and talented", he said. "Scarce job opportunities have forced many to migrate to countries where the economy is viable".
HAMPERED
Mr. Chiliza noted that while Caribbean islands have been granted political independence, the struggle of black people to gain recognition and prominence has been hampered by white supremacy.
"Political independence was achieved through the efforts of many era of the various Caribbean islands. Our colonial masters granted us this independence, but the struggle against poverty has been an ongoing one, and we are still being deprived of economical independence".
South Africa for many years was not a part of the international community, but through the efforts of many black leaders and civil rights activists, opposed to the system of apartheid, the international community declared apartheid a crime against humanity.
"The struggle that South Africa waged against colonialism was difficult. Jamaica played a significant role in the struggle of South Africa," the ambassador said.
Reflecting on the recent civil unrest in Haiti, Mr. Chiliza, stated that on February 20, after militants clashed with the militia and the police, murdering and plundering and with the country in a state of anarchy, CARICOM, made a request to the United Nations (U.N.) to send peace-keeping troops to Haiti.
"This request was turned down by the U.N. and on February 29, following the controversial departure of former president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, from Haiti, the U.N. gave its approval for a multi-lateral force to be dispatched to Haiti. It is a move which many like myself is still not able to fathom".
HUMAN BEINGS
Mr. Chiliza also claimed that the decision made by the U.N. nine days after, is a clear indication that the U.N. itself does not recognise the Haitians as human beings.
"We have stood by, as black people, and watched our former colonial masters steal our resources. It is high time we unite, so as to become a force on a body to be reckoned with."
