KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans from all walks of life Friday expressed regret at the passing of former South African president and leader of the fight against Apartheid, Nelson Mandela.

In Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew, at the park named in his honour, Jamaicans paused to give their opinion of Mandela.

“Words cannot express, if I choose words it will take away from the sophistication of the man,” said John Powell, an artist.

“Is a great man, as you can see, a Mandela Park we deh,” said a youth taking a break in the green area in the middle of the commercial hub.

A man giving his name only as Ras Miller added, “Nelson Mandela ah one a mi number one icon … from prison to presidency…he comes with a forgiving heart.”

Meanwhile, a number of local organisations expressed condolences at the icon’s passing.

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association in its message said that Mandela’s passing has “left a void that cannot be filled”.

Generation 2000 (G2K), the youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party, also expressed “profound sadness” at Mandela’s passing.

“Nelson Mandela epitomised all that we should strive for as leaders and as people. His humility, dedication and selflessness made him into the iconic symbol of freedom for the world and before our very eyes he showed the world how the impossible can become possible once you never lose your resolve,” said G2K president Floyd Green.

The National Democratic Movement also expressed condolences to Mandela’s family and the people of South Africa.

“It is with a feeling of profound sadness that the National Democratic Movement mourns the passing of former South African President, the icon Nelson Mandela, a true Statesman, a Patriot to his country and a Loyalist to his people.

The world has lost one of its brightest lights but this great and inspirational leader of leaders has left a permanent footprint in the sands of time,” the political party said in a statement.

Mandela passed away at his home last Thursday, after a long battle with a lung infection, among other ailments. He was 95 years old.