The High Commissioner’s guests included Jamaican Honorary Consuls from East and Southern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) who were visiting in South Africa. The importance of Freedom Park was outlined, with recognition given to the name on the Wall of Remembrance honouring a Jamaican.
A guide from Freedom Park proceeded with a tour, explaining the relevance of the names on the wall and how a naming committee comes together before authorisation is given for a name to be inscribed. The tour concluded with the laying of a wreath. H.E. Joan Edwards thanked Mr. Bingo Thamaga from DIRCO for his participation and reminded guests that Jamaica was the first country in the world in the 1950s to boycott goods from South Africa in support of the struggle. This wreath-laying was to pay tribute to all the fallen soldiers, all the fallen people who have fought for democracy in South Africa.
“30 years of democracy, 30 years of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and South Africa.”
Mr. Bingo Thamaga thanked the High Commissioner for Jamaica’s efforts in placing solidarity with the African continent and in particular with South Africa.
by Marion Kate
