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Patrons & CAM Honours

Patrons

"Former President Nelson Rohihlahla Mandela of South Africa and Sir Sridath (Sonny) Ramphal, two pre-eminent statesmen of the modern world, graciously honoured the Commonwealth Association of Museums by accepting CAM's invitation to become Patrons of the Association" in 1997.

( "CAM Honoured by New Patrons", CAM Bulletin #3 - October 1997 )

It is important for us to remember these Patrons and their unparalleled contributions to world peace, tolerance and understanding. They continue to encourage us to set our goals and dreams high so that museums and heritage organizations in the Commonwealth can contribute to a more humane and tolerant world.

President Nelson Mandela has undertaken a variety of social and human rights activities since his retirement from the Presidency in 1999. In 2001 he was the first living person to be made an honourary citizen of Canada. He has opposed the US war in Iraq, spoken on many celebratory occasions, and lent his support to the 46664 (his prison number) fund-raising campaign for AIDS. He established the Nelson Mandela Foundation in 1999 to assist in his work and public life.

"The Nelson Mandela Foundation promotes and enables the growth of human fulfillment and the continuous expansion of the frontiers of freedom" - www.nelsonmandela.org

This organization currently focuses on a National Rural Schools Programme to improve children's education in rural areas and an HIV AIDS program all within the context of building people-centred societies.

Sir Shridath ' Sonny' Ramphal was the second and very highly regarded Secretary General of the Commonwealth. His diplomatic and inter-personal skills have since led to his involvement in global governance issues, economic and development issues, especially as they pertain to his native Caribbean and global environmental sustainability. He has been Chancellor of the University of Warwick (1989-2002) and the University of the West Indies until 2003. His exceptional experience growing up in a developing country and moving easily into the circles of power has made him an ideal 'citizen of the world', an individual who serves as role model in dealing both rationally and passionately with our contemporary dilemmas.

The Cowrie Circle

The CAM Cowrie Pin
Membership in the Cowrie Circle, CAM's highest honour, is given to pay tribute and to recognize eminent citizens who have contributed to the growth and development of museums in the Commonwealth. It is our stated expectation in doing so that CAM will have the continuing support, encouragement and leadership of our honorary members.

Criteria include substantial and lengthy contributions: to our Association, to leadership and commitment in building museums in one's own country, to active and productive involvement in regional or international museum communities, and to enhancing expertise and excellence of museums in the Commonwealth. While CAM membership is not a necessary requirement, it is a common factor in many cases along with interest and collaboration with CAM.

The following individuals are members of the Cowrie Circle along with our Patrons:

• Lois Irvine, Canada
• Dr. Ekpo Eyo, Nigeria
  Deceased
• Richard Nunoo, Ghana
  Deceased
• Dr. Richard Leakey, Kenya
• Sadashiv Gorakshkar, India
• Desmond Nicholson, Antigua
  Deceased
• Patricia McDonald, Australia
• Duncan Cameron, Canada
  Deceased
• Mwimanji Chellah, Zambia
• Keith Thomson, New Zealand
  Deceased
• Denis Williams, Guyana
  Deceased
• Gael de Guichen, Italy (ICCROM-PREMA)
• Catherine Antomarchi (ICCROM-PREMA & ICCROM in Asia)
• Reginald J. Varney, U.K.
• Doreen Nteta, Botswana
• Emmanuel Nnakenyi Arinze, Nigeria
  Deceased

Members are awarded the Cowrie Circle Pin in person as circumstances permit.