With the passing of Nelson Mandela, leading figures across the community shared their thoughts on his meaning in their lives.

Former Premier Alex Scott

Nelson Mandela is a prototype of a freedom fighter. In his initial struggles, he was an enemy of the state. He was imprisoned by the South African government. At the end, F.W. de Klerk turned over the government to Mandela. Rather than walk out a free man and angry, Mandela was still committed to bringing South Africa to the pinnacle of justice for all, with no retribution. In actual fact, he dismissed the things done in the past against him. Today, when politicians are either disrespected or dismissed, he is revered around the world. If ever there were a classic example of what a politician, parliamentarian or statesman could be, Nelson Mandela is it.

Former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith

Nelson Mandela, to me, represents quiet fortitude — those are the only words I can use. “Suffering” cannot describe what he went through. For someone to endure what he did, and to come out of it expressing love, is for everyone an example of what we should be doing. We can do no less.

Former Premier Sir John Swan

Nelson Mandela will be recognised as one of the great crusaders — the human personification of the values that bind us together as human beings. In the 21st Century, Nelson Mandela will help to define what will allow us to reach the 22nd with the minimum amount of damage to one another ... His passing will have such significance to me. When he is gone, I will still be around, but I won’t be around much longer. What can I pass on to the next generation that will allow them to continue to put Bermuda in a better place?

Nick Dill, Anglican Bishop of Bermuda

Having sat in Nelson Mandela’s cell on Robben Island and met those whose lives had been changed by his example, I am grateful to God for the role he has played in reshaping our view of the possibilities of reconciliation and healing between the races — against all odds. He turned the tide of our response to our enemies with a message of forgiveness. I often quote one of his loyal followers, when he said Mandela taught us ‘You can never accomplish anything as long as you hate your enemy. Hate his politics; hate the evil behind those politics; hate the policies that put you into prison. But never hate the person.’ And this is what was modelled in Robben Island. His policy of non hatred brought another fellow ANC fighter to a point of forgiveness for the guard who held him in prison, and he found that, through the power of the Spirit, he was able to invite the guard to put his gun down and to share Holy Communion with him.

As a fellow lawyer, he also impressed me with his ability to use calm and persuasive reasoning rather than emotive and divisive rhetoric to persuade, and then lead others to a new place of discovery of self and the interconnectedness of human kind. He is truly an international icon of hope, peace and the need for speaking the truth in love for our time

Activist Glen Fubler

For me, Nelson Mandela represented a model of leadership, in the context of being human. He was able to retain a deep sense of integrity, notwithstanding the tremendous pressure he would have been put under. He was a model of empowerment, and that has considerably implications for our younger people — especially those that may be on the fringes of society.

Sharon Wilson, artist

How do I sum up what President Mandela represents to me? I’ve played the game ‘Which larger than life person would you most like to have dinner with’ — and President Mandela always makes my list.

I try not to put people on pedestals, because pedestals don’t allow them the space to be human. I’ve imagined myself sitting with him. I know I want to ask him about courage and the dark nights when he doubted which course was the one to take. I feel he would be impatient with me. He would tell me to go out and do the work that was mine to do. He led by example. He looked for the ties that bind, and not those beliefs that pit one against the other. I don’t doubt he is a religious man, but he never pushed religion. He knew that there were many people with many beliefs in his country and his job was to unite them. He asked instead “What is it that we all want?” I want to learn from him. In spite of differences there are human ties that bind. He has given more than most of us would. He has been a man of the people and I’m sure his family had many years when they wanted him for themselves. I have a feeling he doesn’t want to be lauded. I feel he values most those who likewise go out and do what must be done.

Lynne Winfield, co-chairman of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda

How can one find the words to sum up a man of Madiba’s stature? We will hear about tributes from the political elite pouring in from around the world in recognition of his greatness. However, it will be the tributes from the people that will speak to the core of this extraordinary and humble man. The fact that I love and honour Madiba, who I have never met, bears witness to the millions of everyday people around the world who feel the same way about him. He stood for all that is best about humanity, his love for his people and the willingness to give his life for them and his beliefs; his integrity, courage and perseverance against such overwhelming odds and oppression; his spiritual journey and humility that enabled him to soften the hearts even of his greatest enemies. His life’s work gives hope to those who remain oppressed, and inspiration to those who continue to fight for social justice wherever they are. He is a man blessed, and we the people of the Earth have been blessed by his time with us.