www.guardian.co.tt

Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela's historic visit to T&T begins today. The former South African President will arrive at the Piarco International Airport at 3 pm for a two-day visit to advance South Africa's bid to host the 2010 football World Cup tournament.

The former South African President and his entourage will be greeted by Prime Minister Patrick Manning and a host of dignitaries.

A guard of honour will be formed along the tarmac at the airport.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who was originally scheduled to arrive with Mandela, will arrive later today.

After a brief reception, a motorcade will leave the airport and travel along Golden Grove Road and onto the Eastern Main Road to Port-of-Spain.

The motorcade will then drive up Frederick Street and around the Queen's Park Savannah.

Frederick Street will be closed to traffic from 11 am to accommodate the motorcade. The Chaguanas and San Fernando taxi stands will also be moved to Traffic Branch at Abattoir Street from 12 noon to accommodate the motorcade.

The evening will culminate with a reception at President's House at 7.05 pm.

At 9 am tomorrow, Mandela will pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister at Whitehall.

Shortly afterwards, he is expected to visit the Cyril Ross Home, in Tunapuna, which houses HIV-positive children.

Mandela will be given a luncheon at the Hilton Trinidad after a grand tribute at a children's rally at the Queen's Park Oval.

The rally begins at 11 am.

A statement from the Ministry of Education yesterday said over 10,000 primary and secondary school students will attend the rally.

The Ministry said school principals have been asked to contact the District Educational Office for tickets.

The PTSC will provide transport for students and teachers to and from the Oval, it added.

Entertainment will be provided by Singing Sandra, Shiv Shakti dancers, Machel Montano, Denyse Plummer and others.

At 7 pm, Mandela will be the guest of honour at a dinner hosted by CONCACAF at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya.

Meanwhile, a release from Concacaf yesterday said an security team would arrives ahead of Mandela today.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu will also arrive here today via a separate commercial BWIA flight via London.

TODAY'S AGENDA

3 pm - Nelson Mandela arrives at Piarco International Airport.

Motorcade to Port-of-Spain

7. 05 pm - Reception at President's House, St Ann's.