Archbishop Desmond Tutu arrived here yesterday evening, and immediately thanked this country for supporting South Africa?s fight against apartheid.
News Source: Trinidad Guardian
?We just want to say a very big thank you (to T&T) for helping us become free.?
Decked in a white buttoned-up shirt and casual black slacks, Tutu?s welcome was as simple as his attire when he arrived at Piarco International Airport.
The former Nobel Prize winner was welcomed by Government Ministers Joan Yuille-Williams, Knowlson Gift and high-ranking members of the local Anglican clergy.
Dean Knolly Clarke, who also welcomed Tutu, says the country will profit from the archbishop?s visit.
Clarke described Tutu as Nelson Mandela?s ?twin brother? in the fight against apartheid.
He said: ?The nation will benefit from his dynamic preaching. As one of the persons who struggled for the dismantling of apartheid, he has a lot to tell about his struggle.
?And now, he has come with the victory over apartheid and 10 years of democratic government in South Africa behind him.?
South Africa?s bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup is the reason behind Tutu?s visit to Trinidad.
He said sports, more than speeches or sermons, brought South Africans together.
The World Rugby Cup of 1995, which South Africa won, Tutu said, was an example of sports helping to unify a country.
In a playful manner, Tutu also made a special appeal yesterday to FIFA for the 2010 World Cup.
?It would be nice to us if (FIFA) say they (South Africa) are celebrating ten years (of democracy). Let?s give them a birthday present.?
Tutu is scheduled to celebrate Mass at Holy Trinity Cathedral at 11.30 this morning, and will leave for New York later today.
Mandela/Tutu itinerary today
9 am: Mandela makes courtesy call on Prime Minister Patrick Manning at Whitehall.
10 am: Mandela arrives at Cyril Ross Home, Tunapuna.
10.30 am: Archbishop Tutu arrives at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Abercromby Street, Port-of-Spain.
11 am: Mandela arrives at Queen?s Park Oval for children?s rally.
11.30 am: Mandela leaves the Oval.
11.30 am: Archbishop Tutu celebrates Mass at Holy Trinity Cathedral.
Noon: Luncheon at Hilton Trinidad.
2 pm: Archbishop Tutu leaves Hilton Trinidad for Piarco Airport.
2.45 pm: Opposition Leader Basdeo Panday pays courtesy call on Mandela at Hilton Trinidad.
7 pm: Mandela arrives for dinner at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence, Macoya, Tunapuna.
Orignally published in Trinidad Guardian on April 30 2004
