Deputy Bailiff pays tribute to Nelson Mandela

06 December 2013

The Deputy Bailiff, William Bailhache, in the absence of the Bailiff, Sir Michael Birt, has made the following statement following the news of the death of former South African President, Nelson Mandela.

“Although Nelson Mandela’s death will come as no surprise to us as his condition has been so serious over the last few months, it nonetheless comes as a shock. There are few people on the international stage who have had such a presence as he has had. The enormous respect which he commanded was born out of a deep admiration for him as a man who had been seen to overcome adversity with thoughtfulness and forgiveness. He was and is an inspiration for us all.”

Flags to be flown at half-mast

The Deputy Bailiff has requested that all flags be hoisted and flown at half-mast from 8 am today until 8 pm this evening to mark the passing of Mr Mandela.