Philanthropic individuals and agencies are being given an opportunity to contribute to the park named after anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela.
The University of the West Indies Cave Hill campus hopes to have the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park completed by Emancipation Day, August 1.
It is therefore offering diplomatic missions, non-governmental organisations, businesses and individuals a chance to sponsor monuments, statues and kiosks or to make financial contributions towards the park’s creation.
Principal Sir Hilary Beckles said Phase 1 of the project had been completed, thanks to construction firm Innotech. The company built the park’s foundation to offset a debt to the university.
“The park will be driven by philanthropic intervention in the spirit of self-reliance,” Sir Hilary said. “We are not asking for any Government contribution to this park and we will not be using any taxpayer funds on the project, contrary to what has been stated in some quarters.”
According to Sir Hilary, an invitation has been extended to the African National Congress in South Africa to attend the formal opening of the park on Emancipation Day. He said that the park would be the first of its kind in the world.
“Innotech has given us Phase 1 and we are grateful to them for that. We are asking the public, any embassy, NGO or corporation, anyone who’s interested in making an endowment to come on board,” Sir Hilary said. (ES)
