Above: Nelson Mandela

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Haiti’s government is renaming the Route du Canape Vert thoroughfare for the late former South African President Nelson Mandela, the government announced on Monday.

The decision was issued by a decree from Haiti President Michel Martelly on Dec. 13.

The government will placing signs inscribed “Nelson Mandela Avenue” along the street on every intersection leading to the route, according to a statement from the National Palace.

“This decision was made to honour the memory of the symbol of the fight against Apartheid, who devoted his life to the liberation of the black people of South Africa and provided an example to future generations struggling in Africa,” the National Palace said.

The government said that the move was justified additionally because “Haiti has always been associated with the anti-Apartheid struggle,” and that this would help preserve the memory of this “extraordinary leader.”

Mandela passed away earlier this month at the age of 95.