By Carol Matroo
www.guardian.co.tt

"Amandla!"

The African National Congress's rallying cry of "Power" echoed through the air at Piarco International Airport last night, the same shouts that greeted former South Africa president Nelson Mandela as he was released from prison 14 years ago.

This time, the shouts were greeting Mandela, who was imprisoned for 27 years because of his fight against apartheid in South Africa, on his first historic visit to T&T.

The 86-year-old's private jet touched down at the airport at 10 pm.

The media were out in their numbers vying for the perfect position to capture the great leader on camera.

They all wanted to see the man who instilled courage into the hearts of the South African people.

Prime Minister Patrick Manning, his wife Hazel, and CONCACAF President Jack Warner greeted Mandela after he slowly made his way down the steps of his jet.

Dressed in a patterned shirt and black pants, his grey hair glistening in the bright light, Mandela walked with the support of a carved, wooden walking stick as he made his way down the red carpet.

There was tight security as members of the armed forces saluted Mandela.

He then greeted Government Ministers, their spouses, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Mandela was then whisked away to Hilton Trinidad.

This disappointed the hundreds who had gathered to catch a glimpse of him outside the airport.

As it turned out, only those fortunate enough to be upstairs in the restaurants managed to catch a glimpse of him.

However, they will probably get their chance today when Mandela attends at least major events, including a children's rally at the Queen's Park Oval, a luncheon at Hilton Trinidad and a charity dinner at the Joao Havelange Centre of Excellence.

This historic visit to T&T is a first for Mandela, who is in the Caribbean representing the South African government in its bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

He will next head to Grenada to address CONCACAF.