Kamla Persad mourns the passing of Desmond Tutu, shares condolences message

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Nobel peace prize holder who worked to end race-based discrimination in South Africa, died aged 90 on Sunday. Kamla Persad Bissessar- Leader of Opposition Trinidad and Tobago, sent out a heartfelt message on his passing.

Kamla Persad, who is also the leader of the United National Congress (UNC), stated that Archbishop Tutu was a global icon of the struggle to end the oppressive and immoral system of Apartheid in South Africa.

Even after the end of Apartheid in the early 1990s, Archbishop Tutu continued to be a beacon of hope, spearheading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and helping South Africa heal by confronting the hideous crimes committed against the South African people under the Apartheid regime.

"Archbishop Tutu's extraordinary life is testament to the fact that the greatest weapons against injustice and evil are truth, forgiveness, and a heart filled with love," noted Bissessar.

Discussing City's first visit to Trinidad and Tobago, she said he dubbed it as "a rainbow country" after witnessing the many races and religions of our nation peacefully coexisting in harmony.

"While we mourn the passing of this great religious icon, let us also celebrate the ideals and principles for which he fought; equality, peace, truth, and justice. As person of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he fought to ensure the evil ideology of racial segregation must never be allowed ever to happen again."

While sending out condolences to Archbishop's family, she stated, "My deepest condolences go out to Archbishop Tutu, Mam Leah Tutu, their family, and to the people of South Africa."