Calling it a “day for rejoicing,” Prime Minister Keith Mitchell said the visit to Grenada by Archbishop Desmond Tutu provides all Grenadians with the opportunity to contemplate what it means to embrace freedom and equality for all. “We have much to learn from Archbishop Tutu, who has demonstrated that embracing peace requires a strong will and an unwavering faith. Archbishop, we thank you for touching our hearts, for showing us what is achievable with courage and commitment,” the Prime Minister said. Referring to himself as “the poor man’s Mandela” Archbishop Desmond Tutu, during his first ever visit to Grenada, acknowledged the disappointment of both Grenadians and former South African president Mr. Nelson Mandela over the cancellation of Mr. Mandela’s scheduled visit to Grenada. Speaking at a ceremony at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday (May 2) at which he unveiled a plaque and planted a pimento (all spice) tree in honour of his visit to Grenada, Archbishop Tutu said: “Nelson Mandela would have said we came to thank you for having stood with us during some of the darkest days of our struggle.” The Prime Minister, who also planted a tree to commemorate the historic visit, told the gathering of Parliamentarians, Government officials, representatives of the diplomatic community and members of the public that while Grenadians were denied the visit by Nelson Mandela, he believes the anticipation and the planning that went into the visit created a new sense of awareness among Grenadians, especially young people. “It gave us all cause to seriously reflect the path of democracy and involvement that Mr. Mandela chose for his life journey. He has shown us that tolerance and goodwill can unite people,” the Prime Minister said. Noting the beauty of Grenada and its people, the Archbishop said: “I think God took a little more time creating Grenada.” During his address in the Botanical Gardens, as well as his sermon delivered at the Anglican Church in St. George’s earlier Sunday morning, Archbishop Tutu gave a brief overview of South Africa before and after apartheid, and focussed on the “veritable miracle” of the process of Truth and Reconciliation, as the Country celebrates 10 years of freedom. Archbishop Tutu said Nelson Mandela went to prison an “angry young man,” but emerged 27 years later not consumed with bitterness and hatred, but with deep magnanimity and compassion. South Africans followed his example and chose the path of forgiveness. Through the process of Truth and Reconciliation, God “has worked a miracle in South Africa,” Archbishop Tutu said, so South Africa can become a “beacon of hope for the world.” Prime Minister Mitchell said Grenadians can learn from South Africa. “I hope and pray that those in our Country who prefer to sow dissension use this opportunity to embrace tolerance and good will … when we consider the unwavering faith of Archbishop Tutu and his ability to raise the consciousness of a nation that had been lost in division for many years, we begin to understand the importance of hope,” the Prime Minister said. Archbishop Tutu, who delighted in cultural presentations by the National Folk Group and the New Dimension Steel Orchestra, was also presented with several gifts, including a wooden carving depicting peace and love created by Stanley Coutain of Morne Jaloux. Archbishop Tutu is scheduled to depart Grenada later today.