News from Islands
Pedro Pires: naming Praia airport after Mandela is an honor to African freedom fighters
The question about the attribution of Nelson Mandela’s name to Praia International Airport came from a student at the Miraflores Educational Center in Praia. Pedro Pires responded calmly that “it could be a good choice.” Albeit not wishing to get involved in the controversy that has been stirred by the government’s decision to name the airport after the African National Congress hero, Pedro Pires said that the choice pays homage to all freedom fighters in Africa and that the name does not detract from the airport’s qualities.
“Giving Nelson Mandela’s name to the Praia airport is a major homage to freedom fighters in Africa, but it also values this message of harmony, of reconciliation among people and among African men,” said the former president during a history class he gave Thursday, January 19 at the Miraflores Educational Center.
Pedro Pires added that “in addition to fighting for his country’s freedom, Nelson Mandela is considered a wise man with a great deal of knowledge about the world and his country.” “He managed to achieve harmony and unity among South Africans. There is no doubt that he is a major reference for the world today.”
“It’s very possible that this is a good choice, but we may or may not agree with it. You have the right to agree or disagree, although I will continue to affirm that Nelson Mandela is one of Africa’s wisest men of our time,” said Pedro Pires.
“I don’t want to get involved in this controversy. The worth of the man does not detract from the airport’s quality,” he said, declining to comment on the affirmation of a student who suggested the airport be called Pedro Pires International Airport. “I can’t judge in my own favor.”
The decision to name Praia International Airport after the legendary African leader was made in the January 12 Council of Ministers meeting, but reactions on the part of Cape Verdean civil society have been far from pacific. Many Praia residents say that a referendum should be held before the name becomes official, while others believe that the government should have honored a Cape Verdean personality in naming the airport.increased production.
