His broad grin, slightly stiff wave and silver-black hair are iconic images. he's repeatedly singled out as an inspiration and the person many would most like to meet. Here in Jamaica, his name graces the park in Half-Way-Tree and the highway that still provides a link between Kingston and central St Catherine (and onward to the north coast).

Indeed, Nelson Mandela, who turns 88 on Tuesday, is arguably the most admired living figure in the world today. "I can't think of anyone else who's more admired," said Chris Blackwell, who knows a thing or two about another well-admired global icon, the late king of reggae Bob Marley.

Blackwell's company, Palm Pictures is re-releasing the DVD of the feature documentary Mandela, initially released in 1994, to honour South Africa's first black head of state. The film will also be screened at the Cove Cinema in Ocho Rios (part of the Island Village entertainment complex).

"We really just want this to be seen," Blackwell said in a telephone interview with the Observer. "We're showing it free at the Cove and we want kids and the general public to see what he went through and what he became. He's a great example of how not to compromise on your core values."

Island marketing Manager kevin Bourke adds, "We're very proud of this event, as Nelson Mandela encompasses the very spirit of unity and dedication that we at the Island Group put into all our endeavours."

Blackwell's company, Palm Pictures is re-releasing the DVD of the feature documentary Mandela

Blackwell met Mandela through a South African tele-journalist who, had left his homeland for England in the late 60s owing to his disagreement with the apartheid policies of the then government. "I met him in England. I myself knew several South Africans, mostly musicians like Hugh Masakela, whose sister Barbara, was personal assistant to Mandela,"

Blackwell's first meeting with Mandela came in late 1993, in the Bahamas, not long before the tumultuous run of events that saw Mandela becoming South Africa's first elected black president under universal adult suffrage in 1994. "He has an incredible aura, there's a great sense of wisdom about him. he's sort of ancient and modern at the same time, very powerful but very peaceful." Blackwell reciprocated with visit to Mandela and his family in South Africa during which much of the film was shot."

The Mandela film project (which was nominated for an Academy award on its initial release) is part of Palm Pictures' focus on subjects that the traditional studio system tends to overlook, even given someone of the stature of Mandela.

"The major entertainment business, including the main studios, is high-volume driven," Blackwell says, "They don't want to focus on the smaller end of the market, because they believe that's better left to the independents."

The independents, like Palm Pictures, he continues, are the ones who develop new talent and who present different perspectives."
Blackwell's own perspective on Jamaica remains quietly upbeat. "There's still a lot that's positive about Jamaica. The country is at a point where it could really take off. But the world is very competitive. Our infrastructure has to get really efficient."

He's planning his own addition to that infrastructure, the Goldeneye development, made famous as the working base for author Ian Flemming in writing his iconic James Bond adventures. Construction is scheduled to start this September on cottages villas and and other resort-residences.

"Firstly, this is for people who really love Jamaica and who are intending to spend a good amount of time here." he says.
"Ideally, they'll be in their 30s to late 50s, and will be those who are media type of businesses, whether it's entertainment or promotions or advertising. They'll be people from all over the globe. There is, as I said, a good vibe about Jamaica; Jamaica is everywhere; and we want people from all over to enjoy that kind of ambience.

We're committed to creating a unique, personal, relaxed experience - places where one can put a little distance between themselves and the rest of the world."

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