A group of artists has joined national efforts to promote conservation and protection of the Curieuse Island’s biodiversity through their paintings. The artworks are by PROART, Seychellois artists specialising in visual arts.

This is the first time that paintings and drawings promoting conservation and environmental protection have been exhibited on Praslin – the second-most populated island of Seychelles.

Charles Dodo, chair of the group, said that the weeklong exhibition – which opened on Friday at La Reserve Hotel – is themed Curieuse through the eyes of artists.

“We wanted to raise awareness on the island itself. Its beauty and unique environment. Yes, we wanted to capture the landscape, plants, and animals as well as its magnificent boulders. But at the same time we wanted to show that through paintings and drawings we can help with national conservation efforts,” said Dodo.

The chair of the group said that they also wanted to show some threats that the island – a national park – is facing amid conservation work.

“Curieuse has some bare mountainous areas due to serious erosion. We wanted to portrait this as well.  And send a clear message that we artists can also do our part to raise awareness of such threats and challenges.”

PROART wants to get the general public to also appreciate the island better instead of just using its beaches for leisure activities.

Curieuse – a national and marine park managed by the Seychelles National Parks Authority – is located off the north coast of Praslin. It is notable for its bare red earth mountains. It is the only other island in the Seychelles – a group of 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean- apart from Praslin, where the unique coco de mer palms grow naturally.

The group had a common goal to do something which they loved, that is painting and to do their bit for the environment. (Romano Laurence/Seychelles National Parks Authority) Photo License: CC-BY

Dodo said that the works to raise awareness on the need for protection and conservation of the environment were conceived through a weekend camp on the island.

“I was on the island along with two other artists to do some restoration on the doctor’s house – a national monument – and I got inspired by its landscape,” said Dodo.

The artist then approached the Seychelles National Parks Authority with the idea to camp and do live paintings and received their full support.

Frances Chang Him was among the group who went to Curieuse. Chang Him said the group had a common goal to do something which they loved, that is painting and to do their bit for the environment.

“As we did not have a lot of time we decided on what was best to be captured. When that was decided, we started our work. We started to paint on site but with the time constraint we also did sketches and took photos.”

Chang Him who last year took part in the Seychelles biennale of art said her first time on the island was enriching.

“Being on the island gave me the chance to appreciate its natural beauty and all the effort that goes into protecting Curieuse as a protected area, as well as its rich history. The ruins of the leprosy colony were fascinating.”

In 1829, Curieuse was first used as a leper colony, and it functioned in this capacity until 1965. The ruins of the leprosarium remain, as well as the former physician’s residence at Anse St. Joseph. The doctor’s house is now an educational center and museum.

Thirty years ago a conservation project relocated Aldabra giant tortoise from the atoll to Curieuse which is now home to more than 300 Aldabra giant tortoises roaming around on the island.

The chief executive of the authority, Flavien Joubert, said that in future these artists will have a place on the island to display their work.

“We have plans to build a reception on the island which will have an area for exhibits and a shop. We will also sell other artifacts. But mostly we will sell souvenirs of Curieuse.”

Joubert said “paintings in the exhibition can be reproduced and for example put on t-shirts and sold. This will be a promotion for them and for us as well.”

Source : Seychelles News Agency

The queen of love lyrics, the legendary Judy Boucher is in Seychelles which she says is as beautiful as her country of birth, Saint Vincent in the Caribbean.

She arrived on Saturday and will perform live on Valentine’s Day ‒ February 14 ‒ at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino.

Fans of the legendary Judy Boucher are being asked to get their tickets which are on sale at the hotel reception. So, get yours now to avoid any disappointment.

Considered one of the greatest reggae singers across the globe, Judy said upon arrival that “it’s great to be in Seychelles after I have been travelling for about three days”.

She added that it was before Christmas last year that she received an invitation to perform here.

“I had heard about Seychelles. I know it’s a very pretty place much like St Vincent. But I didn’t realise I have such a following as everybody at the airport knew me,” she said.

Fans of Judy Boucher will expect her to sing some of her greatest hits like ‘Can’t be with you tonight’, ‘Tears on my pillow’, ‘Mr Dream maker’, ‘Some broken hearts never mend’, ‘Devoted to you’, ‘Take me as I am’ and ‘Sunshine and Dream’.

Judy started her solo career in 1985 with a hit song ‘Dreaming of a little island’ after being in her brother’s band Judy Jack and the Beanstalk.

She holds the record for being the first female artist from the Caribbean to have the longest stay in the national charts and ‘Can’t be with You Tonight’ was voted one of the top 25 most influential songs from Saint Vincent in 1987.

In recognition of her achievements, Judy was named by the government of Saint Vincent as its special guest of honour and she remains an ambassador for her country.

Source : Seychelles NATION

A Chinese bazaar, the third main activity for this year’s China Day celebrations, was held on Saturday in the car park of the International Conference Centre (ICCS).

On sale was a variety of Chinese food like fried rice, noodles, sweet & sour meat, chop suey, kung pao, duck cooked in various sauces, hot and sour, to name just a few.

Also on sale were porcelain artefacts and other Chinese decorations like lanterns, artificial flowers and Chinese traditional clothing.

Present for the official launch of the bazaar was the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Seychelles, Yu Jinsong; the Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture, Mitcy Larue; the chief executive of Cinea, Galen Bresson; the chairman of the Chinese Association of Seychelles, Charlie Ng Ping Cheun and both the Chinese community in Seychelles and the Seychellois public.

“It is an honour for me to officially declare the bazaar open. Enjoy the Chinese dishes on display and other items of Chinese origin,” said Charlie Ng Ping Cheun.

The opening was animated by dance and acrobatic performances from the Guizhou Song and Dance Theatre who were here for the celebrations.

The accompanying photographs show highlights of the launch ceremony as well as some of the stalls at the bazaar.

Source : Seychelles NATION

For visitors to Seychelles interested in exploring special reserves and protected areas, Seychelles’ two World Heritage Sites sites are places that warrant a slot on your to-do list.

Both properties are legally protected under national legislation and managed by a public trust, the Seychelles Islands Foundation, with daily operations guided by a management.

Aldabra Atoll

(David Stanley/Flickr) Photo License: CC-BY 2.0

A World Heritage Site since 1982, the Aldabra Atoll is an outstanding example of a raised coral atoll. Due to its remoteness and inaccessibility, it has remained largely untouched by humans for the majority of its existence.

Aldabra is one of the largest atolls in the world and contains one of the most important natural habitats for studying evolutionary and ecological processes. It is home to the largest giant tortoise population in the world. The richness and diversity of the ocean and landscapes result in an array of colours and formations that contribute to the atoll’s scenic and aesthetic appeal.

Getting there

As a remote and fragile atoll over 1,000 km southwest of the main island of Mahe, there are significant logistical challenges in getting to Aldabra. All visitors to the atoll must receive prior authorisation from SIF and access is limited to specific areas.

Visitors can get to Aldabra by chartering a boat trip of several days, or on a charter flight to Assumption, and then charter a boat to Aldabra, about 45 km away. There are no scheduled flights and details on charters can be obtained with the Islands Development Company that manages the islands.

Due to the activities of pirates operating from Somalia, the Seychelles Ministry of Internal Affairs and Coast Guard have placed strict restrictions on the movements of commercially hired craft operating in the outer islands, so the company will have to seek permission to provide the required service and will probably have to provide a security detail.

(Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board) Photo License: CC-BY

A number of companies have experience in visiting Aldabra. More information can be found here: http://www.seychelles.travel/en/home/index.php#

The link below provides other information if you wish to visit Aldabra.

https://sif.sc/aldabra

Vallee de Mai

Located on the granitic island of Praslin, the Vallee de Mai reserve has a palm forest which remains largely unchanged since prehistoric times. Dominating the landscape is the world’s largest population of endemic coco de mer, a flagship species of global significance as the bearer of the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The forest is also home to five other endemic palms and many endemic fauna species. The property is a scenically attractive area with a distinctive natural beauty. It was named a World Heritage Site in 1983.

Getting there

Located on Seychelles’ second-most populated island, Praslin, the Vallee de Mai is a good deal more accessible than Aldabra.

Visitors can take a public bus scheduled throughout the opening hours on Praslin and there is a stop outside the Visitor Centre. Another option is taking a taxi and asking for Vallee de Mai, or renting your own car on Praslin. A free information booklet is provided at the entrance.

More information is provided with at the link below.

https://sif.sc/vdm

Source : Seychelles News Agency

• Lekol Beau Vallon primer i sorti venker 2enm parti konkour Regina Melanie

Lenstiti Kreol Sesel an kolaborasyon avek Departman Ledikasyon in organiz premye aktivite konzwent pour lannen 2018 kot Lekol Beau Vallon primer ti ranport premye pri pour konkour Regina Melanie.

Prezantasyon pri sa konkour ti form parti en seri aktivite ki ti deroule kot Lenstiti Kreol Au Cap, yer, pour komemor Lazournen Enternasyonal Lalang Maternel.

Sete le 21 Fevriye 2017 ki Lenstiti Kreol Sesel ti lans en konkour literer pour zanfan ek ansennyan lekol primer.

Sa konkour i annan pour bi mobiliz e motiv zanfan ek ansennyan ki ansenny Lalang Kreol Seselwa dan lekol primer pour devlop resours pour lansennyman ek laprantisaz dan sa size.

Prezantasyon pri konkour literer Regina Melanie pour zanfan lekol ti fer le 21 Oktob lannen pase.

Yer, Minis pour Lazenes, Spor ek Kiltir Mitcy Larue ti remet pri avek bann ansennyan pour dezyenm faz sa konkour.

Pour kategori pti lanfans Jacqueline Jeannevol sorti Beau Vallon ti ranport trofe premye pri avek en pri larzan R5000 e sete Ketty Tirant sorti lekol Baie Lazare ki ti ranport dezyenm pozisyon dan sa kategori avek en sonm larzan R3000.

En lot ansennyan sorti lekol Beau Vallon, Michelle Fabian, ti ranport premye pri pour kategori P5-P6 osi byen ki en pri larzan R5000, dezyenm pri ti al pour en ansennyan lekol Au Cap, Denise Elizabeth e Jeria Abdelhaq Salih sorti lekol Anse Aux Pins ti ranport trwazyenm pri dan sa kategori.

Beau Vallon primer ti ganny prezante avek pri pour meyer lekol parmi sa trwa lezot lekol ki ti’n partisipe.

En manm ziri sa konkour, Madanm Sonia Mancienne, ti osi donn en pti leksplikasyon lo bann prosedir ek deroulman pour swazir gannyan sa konpetisyon.

Pandan sa seremoni ti osi annan prezantasyon premye piblikasyon pri Regina Melanie pour zanfan lekol par bann zanfan lekol swivi par sinyatir e prezantasyon liv Edwin Henriette ki annan pour tit ‘En paz leritaz nou kiltir’.

Apard sa premye piblikasyon ek en kopi liv Msye Henriette ti osi annan prezantasyon en diksyoner trileng avek sef egzekitif Lenstiti Kreol Sesel Flora Ben David.

Ti osi annan sanson par lekol Au Cap avek prezantasyon en tyek avek Lenstiti Kreol sorti kot bann etidyan sourd.

Swivan seremoni ti annan lavant bann liv ensi byen ki legzibisyon travay bann ansennyan ki’n partisip dan sa konkour.

Dan son diskour Minis Larue ti dir ki sa selebrasyon i en meyer moman pour montre lapresyasyon pour nou tradisyon kiltirel ek lengwistik, ki ganny manifeste dan diferan laform lekspresyon ek lidantite personnel, oubyen sosyal sak endividi.

«An fetan sa lazournen, nou pe reponn sa lenvitasyon UNESCO pour nou kontribye dan defans diversite kiltirel ek lengwistik e promot bann lalang antan ki vekter kominikasyon ek bann lesanz kiltirel ant bann pep. Tou bann lalang zot konnekte par zot lorizin, sakenn i inik kan i annan pour fer avek konpran, dekrir e eksprim en realite,» i ti dir.

I ti dir ki sa lazournen i ed nou pran konsyans valer konman en parti entegral patrimwann kiltirel, materyel ek non-materyel.

I pe envit tou Seselwa pour fer sa langazman pour travay ansanm pour asire ki nou lalang maternel i ganny byen sovgarde, devlope e promote.

Madanm Ben David ti dir ki sa lazournen i enportan akoz i fer nou rapel ki nou devret fer en poz dan en lazournen nou lavi pour reflesir lo nou lidantite sosyal, personnel, kiltirel, lengwistik.

«Nou isi Sesel nou annan trwa lalang nasyonal ki a sak pti lokazyon nou dir ki zot devret konplemant kanmarad. Nou pli gro defi se ki mannyer nou fer li? Petet larepons i la me nou bezwen krwar dan nou potansyel, krwar dan bann prensip debaz e krwar ki se nou ki devret trouv solisyon pour nou bann mo akoz nou konn byen nou teren travay,» i ti dir.

Mesaz direktris zeneral UNESCO Audrey Azoulay ti ganny lir par reprezantan permanan UNESCO pour Sesel Marie Reine Hoareau pour lokazyon sa diznevyenm Lazournen Enternasyonal Lalang Maternel.

Source : Seychelles NATION

The new history museum will officially open on October 1 as part of activities to commemorate the 240th anniversary of the establishment of our capital Victoria.

The museum is now located in the renovated and refurbished ex-Supreme Court building in the centre of Victoria.

The Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Mitcy Larue made the announcement yesterday morning after she visited the renovated building to see the intensive work that has been carried out before the museum could be relocated there.

This visit forms part of the minister’s plan to visit different cultural sites and establishments which fall under her portfolio.

Minister Larue was accompanied on the tour of the building by key officials from her ministry including the principal secretary for culture Cecile Kalebi, the director of the National Museums Beryl Ondiek, museum curator Bella Rose and other staff members of the museum.

Following several public queries as to why the building is still unoccupied even though renovation works have been completed for some time now and some exhibits have already been installed in one of the galleries, Minister Larue said everything has to be properly in place before it opens permanently to the public.

Work on an annex building which will house the administrative block as well as a restaurant also remains to be completed.

“It is important that everything that is required for the proper operation of a museum to be in place before we proceed to open it to the public,” Minister Larue said.

Minister Larue added that while the building is unoccupied, museum employees are working tirelessly to ensure they gather all the precious exhibits and prepare them to be transported to their new abode.

Meanwhile she availed of the opportunity to appeal to members of the public who have any old artefacts, utensils of any sorts which used to have significant importance but are no longer useful, different paraphernalia and other items which have a story of their own but are just lying about, to bring them to the museum or to notify staff of their existence so arrangements can be made to collect them for the museum.

“We want to have a museum which shows the beginning of our existence and all our history up to now. Our young people need to know our history, where they come from as often many do not know these facts,” Minister Larue pointed out.

Other than the different galleries which will house relics and remnants of our history, there will also be space allocated for local artisans to display their handicrafts as well as an exhibition hall for all past and present presidential gifts.

Minister Larue went on to add that the history museum is being upgraded to a higher standard with new added features to protect exhibits and ensure ease of movement for visitors around the different galleries and floors.

Also when it opens in its new home which is strategically located in the centre of Victoria, the museum’s importance is expected to be enhanced as it will have modern facilities including a conference room and other facilities which could be rented out and it will be a place not only for visitors but the locals will also be encouraged to come and view and appreciate our historical heritage.

Minister Larue explained that an entrance fee will also be introduced to help sustain the upkeep of the facilities.

“We are really excited and looking forward for the opening of the history museum,” Minister Larue said.

The accompanying photos show Minister Larue and her delegation viewing the exhibits that have already been installed in the new museum.

Source : Seychelles NATION

De gran defanser lalang Kreol — Madanm Colette Gillieaux ek Msye Edwin Henriette – ki’n fek lans zot dernyen piblikasyon, ti prezant kopi zot travay avek Prezidan Danny Faure yer State House.

Madanm Gillieaux in fek lans en diksyonner trileng-Kreol, Franse, Angle 2 volim plis ki 19 mil mo ki in travay lo la pour sa dernyen 19-an tandis ki Msye Henriette in fek lans en liv avek tit ‘En paz leritaz nou kiltir’ ki baze lo vye fason koze an  Kreol Seselwa.

Madanm Gillieaux ti dir avek lapres apre ki pour li prezant son travay avek Prezidan Faure i en gran loner akoz i en zanmi Msye Faure depi byen lontan e i annan gran lestim pour li.

En sikolog ek ekriven, Madanm Gillieaux — en Belz ki’n adopte Sesel konman son dezyenm pei — in viv isi pour sa dernyen 40-an e in fer bokou travay literer parey sa premye diksyonner Kreol Franse ki i ti fer avek defen Minis Danielle de St Jorre dan bann lannen 80 e apre sa in travay pour bokou lannen avek Lenstiti Kreol kot in fer tou bann leksik.

Madanm Gillieaux in osi ekrir plizyer liv pour zanfan parey ‘Lodi sa pti pwason antete’, ‘Titi sa pti katiti’, ‘Tenten sa pti marten’,parmi lezot ankor.

Aze 81-an, Madanm Gillieaux ti vin Sesel an 1978 pour travay konman ansennyan kot lekol Eksepsyonnel kot i ti dekouver sa lepok ki bann zanfan pa ti bet ditou me zot ti plito pe ganny difikilte pour konpran Angle ki pa ti zot lalang maternel.

Madanm Gillieaux ki annan en gran pasyon pour prezerv e promouvwar Kreol konman nou lalang maternel, ti  pouse pour fer ki  Kreol i servi konman lalang lansennyman pour bann pti zanfan dan bann lekol e an 1982 sa reform ti fer.

“I pour sa rezon ki mon oule protez Kreol konman sa  lalang maternel absoliman pour ki bann zanfan i annan posibilite konpran sa ki ansennyan i montre zot e devlop zot potansyel,” Madanm Gillieaux ti ensiste.

Lo son kote Msye Henriette li i dir ki sa liv ki i’n fer i pour pei e atraver sa liv i pe adres sa koupir ki i’n dir in annan dan transmisyon nou sistenm kiltirel.

Source : Seychelles NATION

The Comité International d’Études Créoles (CIEC) in collaboration with the University of Seychelles (UniSey) are gearing up to host the 16^th International Creole Studies colloquium.

The colloquium will see over more than a 100 Creole researchers, scholars, anthropologists and linguists from various countries gather at the local university in Anse Royale from October 28 to November 3.

These specialists hail from universities and research facilities in Europe such as France and The Netherlands, as well as from countries where their Creole is mainly based on the French lexical such as Mauritius, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Louisiana (USA) and Haiti.

The event is expected to coincide with the celebration of Seychelles’ 33^rd Festival Kreol and will be organised under the theme “Creole Worlds, Creole Languages, Development: Educational, Cultural and Economic Challenges”.

It was the President of the CIEC, Professor Georges Daniel Veronique, who revealed the colloquium’s theme during a press conference, alongside the principal secretary for culture Cecile Kalebi, chief executive of the Creative Industries and National Events Agency (Cinea) Galen Bresson, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Development at the UniSey Joelle Perreau.

“The symposium will consist of various individual presentations where the researchers will present their papers for discussion,” Professor Daniel Veronique explained.

“It will also include plenaries, workshops and, of course, cultural programmes that will complement the academic and scientific.”

The professor further stated that the colloquium — which has been conducted for the past fifty years at regular intervals — is important because it is a unique opportunity for all Creole specialists to meet and exchange ideas.

It is also an occasion for the CIEC researchers and “Creolistes” (those who are interested in Creole languages, who loves and defends Creole) to discuss and evaluate the future of Creole studies.

He also made note that it is not the first time that Seychelles hosts the International Creole Studies colloquium. Indeed Seychelles had the honour of organising the second edition of the colloquium in 1979 following the first edition held in Nice, France.

“Seychelles played an important role in CIEC history because it was in that second colloquium that we saw the participation of many Creole speakers. Moreover Seychelles is one of the first countries in the world to have given Creole its proper status as a language, so it is fit that we are back here again.”

On his part, Mr Bresson said that Cinea, the agency mandated to organise Festival Kreol, welcomes this initiative.

“The theme for the 2017 Creole Festival was ‘Proud of Our Identity’ and the committee has chosen to keep with this theme for 2018. The colloquium henceforth comes at the opportune moment when we should educate our people to not be scared to show off our language and our culture,” Mr Bresson added.

“We should no longer believe that our language and tradition is inferior to others. The world has come to us to tell us to be proud of what we are,” he concluded.

Additionally PS Kalebi stated that the colloquium comes at the specific time where her department is reviewing the country’s cultural policies.

Dean Perreau, on her side, stated that UniSey has a lot of logistics to prepare before the colloquium starts in October.

Source : Seychelles NATION

The story of ‘Disparet’ revolves around the kidnapping of a girl-child, with the social worker who was working with her as the main suspect. (Kit li Orizinal/Facebook)

The premiere of ‘Disparet’- a locally produced short-series film – is a major improvement in terms of film production in Seychelles, viewers at the event said.

The first of eight episodes was aired for the first time at the Irish Rogan’s Bar at the Docklands building the last Saturday in February. ‘Disparet”, Creole for disappear, is one of the series on which ‘Orizinal Kreol’ is working on in collaboration with ‘Kit Li Normal’ (KLN).

The two production houses are working together on this project under the name ‘Kit Li Orizinal’.

“Compared to the other films they have made, this one was actually amazing. Much more appropriate language has been used and there is a lesson to learn from it,” Alison Thomas, one of the spectators, told SNA.

Thomas added that having watched all of ‘Orizinal Kreol’s previous productions, she is happy to see the team making an improvement, and “with more practice and training, they will become better.”

Old and new faces form the cast of ‘Disparet’, with known local actors including Vurna Mondon, Colvin Beaudouin and Richie Flore.

Thomas also said that Seychellois will connect better with locally produced films if the script touches social ills that are affecting the country. The story of ‘Disparet’ revolves around the kidnapping of a girl-child, with the social worker who was working with her as the main suspect.

A lot of the youth are lost nowadays and at the same time, they look up to and follow these actors and actresses they film something more productive, they will influence these youths,” Thomas concluded.

Another person present at the event, Vanessa Freminot, said that “the camera work of ‘Disparet’ is incredible.”

“I find it nice that it has been made locally. Moreover they are not getting paid for it and yet they are doing it from the heart which is a good thing for the art movement in Seychelles,” said Freminot.

Viewers at he Premiere of the new series at the Irish Rogan’s Bar at the Docklands building the last Saturday in February. (Joena Bonnelame) Photo License: CC-BY

‘Kit Li Orizinal’ is not yet getting paid for their production but the scriptwriter and founder of ‘Orizinal Kreol’, Albert Duncan, said that they are contributing to the film industry of the 115-island archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

Also present at the viewing were member of CINESESEL, an association that aims at promoting film production. The chairperson of the association, Alain Boniface, said that though the filming crew has made a huge improvement, there is still room for more growth.

“There are critics to be made but they are constructive ones. There were a few mistakes and they were noticeable in terms of the sound quality, framing of scenes and editing. But CINESESEL can help them improve in these areas,” said Boniface.

In a previous article that touched the subject of locally produced content, the chairman of CINESESEL said that they plan to organise local workshops and hopefully send members on overseas training with the aim of bettering the industry.

A lot of the youth are lost nowadays and at the same time, they look up to and follow these actors and actresses they film something more productive, they will influence these youths said Thomas. (Joena Bonnelame) Photo License: CC-BY

The founder of CINESESEL, Miera Savy, dai, “I feel that they have chosen the theme to get the attention of the public and in a way that adds value to their art. I think that the creator of the film is highly inspired by what is happening around him and this is good as it touches everyone in the society,” said Savy.

‘Dispare’t is still being produced with the crew and cast working on Saturdays. Airing of the next episode will be announced accordingly.

Source : Seychelles News Agency

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mitcy Larue attended the World Anti-Doping Agency, African Executive Committee and Foundation Board meeting held at the African Union Commission headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 28 to March 1, 2018.

She was accompanied by her sports special advisor Jean Larue who is also the president of the Indian Ocean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (Rado). Seychellois Robert Auguste, senior sports officer at the African Union (AU); Machacha Shepanda, sports director at the AU; Kenya’s representative Japhter Rugut; Rune Andersen, special advisor international relations of Norway; and Rene Bouchard, Wada governance advisor; were also present.

The meeting was chaired by the vice-president of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), Linda Hofstad Helleland, who is also the Minister of Children and Equality in Norway.

The first meeting was held on February 28, 2018 at the African Union Commission (AU) headquarters chaired by the AU commissioner for social affairs, El Fadil.

The director of the Wada office for Africa, Rodney Swigelaar, gave an overview of the African forum, planning and objectives and a review of the implementation of the 2017 resolutions.

He emphasised on the need to further strengthen regional collaboration on Wada matters (African Foundation Board and African Executive Committee (Exco) collaboration).

He also elaborated on Africa’s representation and commitment of the Unesco Conference of Parties meeting outcomes.

For the second meeting, chaired by Wada vice-president Helleland, the delegates discussed Africa’s role as chairperson of Wada informal governmental meetings. In this regard, Africa will lead the discussions and also carry the costs associated with hosting meetings with government representatives serving on the executive committee and another for the Foundation Board members.

Other issues discussed were the availability of Wada finances on the fight against doping across all sports and all countries of the world where there was a proposed budget increase of US $14.9 million for 2018 to 2021.

According to Mr Larue, the two-day working meeting provided opportunities for African representatives to meet face to face and to network with Wada and the African Union.

“It was the perfect fit for the ‘One Voice’ Initiative, something which has been missing on the African continent. Seychelles must continue to play an important role in the fight against doping at regional and international level,” said Mr Larue.

Africa is being represented on Wada by four persons, with Minister Larue as member of Wada Foundation Board along with Erastus Uutoni, Minister for Youth, National Service, Sports and Culture of Namibia; and Rachid Mohammed, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Heritage, Kenya.

Amira El Fadil, African Union’s commissioner for social affairs, is a member of Wada’s executive committee.

The meeting was for the four representatives to meet and discuss finance and the way forward for Africa’s representation at Wada through a One Voice initiative

On the One Voice initiative, the key in this regard is the sharing of information and ensuring that all role players are kept abreast of developments, have the opportunity to provide inputs, are part of the decision-making process and can express their views before decisions are taken and made public.

As future opportunities to engage African stakeholders, vice-president Helleand will attend regional meetings so as to have the opportunity to meet African sports ministers and she is expected to attend the second AU Anti-Doping Forum to be held in July or August 2018 in Seychelles.

The budget was discussed together with the four-year plan proposed by Wada management and supported by the Wada Finance and Administration Committee. Wada will submit its four-year plan for approval and will seek budgetary increases of 15% in 2019, 15% in 2020 and 5% in 2021. This is planned for the May 2018 meeting in Montreal, Canada.

At regional level, Seychelles heads the Indian Ocean Regional Anti-Doping Organisation (Rado). At international level, Seychelles represents Africa on the Foundation Board for the next three years, with Minister Larue on the board. Seychelles Vice-President Vincent Meriton sits on the Finance and Administration Committee of Wada.

Mr Larue said that the government of Seychelles must continue to support its representatives on the various committees to ensure a strong voice on Wada Executive Committee, Founding Board and African Union

“Seychelles must continue to advocate a zero tolerance against doping in sports and continue to fight against this social scourge and that anti-doping is under control in Seychelles and we are satisfied that sports bodies are more responsible, committed and are in compliance with the Wada code and regulations,” Mr Larue said.

Wada was established in 1999 as an international independent agency composed and funded equally by the sport movement and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the World Anti-Doping Code – the document harmonising anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries. A world where all athletes can compete in a doping-free sporting environment.

P. J.

Source : Seychelles NATION

Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes (SNYC) in lans son premye CD avek tit ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’.

Sa i en konpilasyon katorz sanson ki bann gannyan konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ ki’n ganny fer pandan sa dernyen senk an.

Sa bann sanson i prop konpozisyon sa bann zenn artis.

Sete sef egzekitif sa konsey, Alvin Laurence, ki ti lans sa CD pandan en sware mizikal kot Sant Konferans Enternasyonal Sesel(ICCS) Sanmdi swar.

Sa sware ti’n ganny organize pour bann zenn sorti dan tou distrik dan kad selebrasyon 20enm lanniverser SNYC. Sa ‘show’ mizikal ti vwar partisipasyon serten dan sa katorz zenn santer ki zot sanson i aparet lo sa CD tel ki Emillie Esparon avek son sanson ‘Mon leritaz’, Emmanuel Perreau avek son sanson ‘Sikse anver mon nasyon’ ek son lot ‘Kontan mon Sesel’, Jimmy Gangadoo avek son sanson ‘Zil romantik’, Karen Jeannevole avek son sanson ‘Sesel enspir mwan’ e son lot ki ti ‘Mon Sesel’, Kelly Mathiot avek son sanson ‘Mon leritaz’ e Tania Perreau avek son sanson ‘Salye nou dirizan’.

Ti osi annan partisipasyon bann lezot artist tel ki Elijah ek Tania Jeremie, ki ti donn lanmen pour egey lasware osi byen ki performans ladans par diferan group.

Sa gran lafoul zenn ki ti la ti byen partisip dan sa show.

Msye Laurence ti dir i vreman kontan ki konsey in nobou lans sa premye CD ki temwanyaz laspirasyon bann zenn anver nou pei Sesel e i swete vwar kontinyason son dezyenm volim dan lefitir.

I ti remersye tou bann ki’n ede pour realiz sa proze.

Msye Laurence ti annan mo remersiman spesyal pour ansyen sef egzekitif SNYC, Vicky Van Der Westhuizen ki ti konsevwar lide pour en tel proze e i ti prezant li ek en kopi sa CD.

Serten bann lezot dimoun ki’n ede pour realiz sa CD enkli bann zenn artis ki’n sante ensi ki serten medya ti osi ganny prezante ek en kopi.

Sa CD ki pou kout R50 pou ganny met anvant dan bann landrwa labitid kot i vann CD lo Mahé, Praslin ek La Digue osi byen ki kot Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes e avek bann travayer lazenes dan tou distrik.

‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ i en konpetisyon sanson, poenm ek lapentir kot bann zenn zot eskprim zot santiman patriotik anver nou pei Sesel.

Nou portre i montre enn de performans pandan sa spektak osi byen ki Madanm Van Der Westhuizen pe resevwar en kopi sa CD avek Msye Laurence.

Source : Seychelles NATION

En commémoration de la Journée internationale de la Francophonie célèbrée le 20 mars chaque anneé, le Conseil de la Jeunesse des Seychelles (SNYC) a organisé un spectacle de varietés animé par des jeunes.

Ce spectacle a eu lieu samedi au Centre National de Jeunesse, à Rivière Anglaise.

Le Directeur Général du Conseil National de la Jeunesse des Seychelles, M. Alvin Laurence a declare qu’une telle activité avait pour objectif : Promouvoir le français parmi la jeunesse.

« La Francophonie a pour rôle de transmettre la langue française dans le monde de la culture universelle. Une telle activité avait pour but promouvoir le français parmi les jeunes qui ont peur de le parler à l’école ou avec leurs amis », a dit M. Laurence.

La francophonie désigne l’ensemble des personnes et des institutions qui utilisent le français comme langue de première socialisation, langue d’usage, langue administrative, langue d’enseignement ou langue choisie.

Le Conseil National de la Jeunesse des Seychelles a organisé des activités commémoratives au cours de ces sept dernières anneés.

Nous vous présentons quelques photos prises lors du spectacle.

Source : Seychelles NATION

Nathy Radegonde et Sophie Perolari les grandes gagnantes

Nathy Radegonde et Sophie Perolari sont les deux gagnantes du concours « Talents émergents » qui a eu lieu à l’Alliance Française des Seychelles (AFS).

Dans le cadre du grand concours « Talents émergents », l’Alliance Française des Seychelles (AFS) et la MCB (Mauritius Commercial Bank) ont récompensé, vendredi, les deux gagnantes du concours qui s’est déroulée la semaine dernière à l’AFS.

Le concours était ouvert à tous les artistes locaux qui n’ont jamais présenté leur travail d’art à une exposition solo.

Les invités à la cérémonie de remise des prix étaient le directeur de l’AFS Laurent Jalicous, la directrice des ventes et des services chez la MCB Rose-Marie Hoareau, et tous les gagnants du concours « Talents émergents ».

Madame Hoareau a déclaré qu’une telle exposition d’art a permis aux artistes doués de présenter leurs créations d’art.

« La MCB est très fière d’avoir pu joindre ses efforts à ceux de l’AFS pour promouvoir les talents émergents. En effet, comme l’AFS, nous reconnaissons la nécessité de promouvoir l’art en général et ceux et celles qui le pratiquent avec passion et esthétique. Les talents confirmés ont la chance de voir reconnaître leurs œuvres et d’en faire leur métier. Les talents émergents ont besoin aussi d’espace d’exposition et d’encouragement pour se faire connaître et valoriser », a déclaré Mme Hoareau.

Sophie Perolari a remporté le prix du jury et un chèque d’une valeur de 10 000 roupies.

« C’est la deuxième fois que je participe à une exposition. L’art fait partie de ma vie. Tout a commencé à un très jeune âge pour moi », a-t-elle dit.

Nathy Radegonde de La Digue a gagné le prix du public et un chèque de R5 000.

« Je suis vraiment fortuné d’avoir gagné le prix du public. Celui-ci prouve que les jeunes artistes locaux ont la volonté de poursuivre une carrière dans le domaine de l’art. »

Source : Seychelles NATION

Chaque année, à la date du 20 mars, est célébrée la Journée internationale de la Francophonie qui est une célébration mondiale de l’Organisation internationale de la francophonie.

Les Seychellois se joignent donc aux 274 millions de francophones sur les 5 continents pour rendre hommage à la langue française et aux valeurs qu’elle véhicule.

En ce jour du 20 mars, l’Alliance française des Seychelles souhaite se mobiliser pour partager le plaisir de la culture et de la langue française avec le public.

De 13h à 19h se déroulera le Bazar de la Francophonie avec de nombreuses activités proposées telles :

●        ateliers et jeux autours de la langue française pour les enfants,

●        une exposition sur l’histoire de la tour Eiffel,

●        un spectacle unique intitulé « Mélodie Solaire » de la compagnie Tétradanse mêlant musique, yoga et lumière ! (à 18h00)

L’entrée est gratuite et ouverte à tous!

Les Seychellois sont très fiers de partager la langue française qui rapproche des continents et des communautés d’origines, de cultures et de croyances différentes.

Cette belle langue tisse des liens de solidarité, ouvre des opportunités pour le développement et la lutte contre la pauvreté, elle représente un levier d’innovation et de créativité.

La journée de la Francophonie est aussi une occasion pour nous de mettre en avant nos connaissances, nos talents, nos compétences, notre créativité et notre imagination, pour l’intérêt de notre organisation et notre pays.

Il est normal que des jeunes Seychellois et étrangers se rencontrent lors de la journée de la Francophonie pour partager leur passion pour la langue de Molière. Et cette année, le thème choisi est « La langue française, notre trait d’union pour agir ».

On se souviendra que cet événement a été créé en 1988 comme un moyen pour les 70 États et gouvernements de l’Organisation internationale de la francophonie (OIF) de célébrer leur lien commun – la langue française – aussi bien que leur diversité.

La Journée internationale de la Francophonie est instituée en référence à la création de l’ACCT, le 20 mars 1970, qui marque la naissance de la coopération francophone intergouvernementale.

Depuis, chaque 20 mars, on célèbre la langue française et les valeurs de la Francophonie partout dans le monde.

Que la fête de la Francophonie 2018 soit une belle réussite !

Source : Seychelles NATION

Le coup d’envoi de la Semaine de la Francophonie a été donné hier en début de soirée lors d’une cérémonie festive dans le foyer du Centre International des Conférences.

Des interprétations de quelques chansons françaises par la Chorale nationale et la projection d’un court métrage artistique ont marqué la cérémonie dont les points forts ont été le message du Vice-Président  Vincent Meriton, président de la Commission Nationale de La Francophonie, prononcé par M. Joël Morgan, le Ministre de l’Education et des Resources humaines, ainsi que la remise d’un don de 27 films de 15 minutes chacun de l’auteur Didier Mauro, cineaste et professeur de cinéma, élu à l’Académie des Sciences d’Outre-Mer de la République française.

Le Dr Mauro est dans le pays pour diriger en collaboration avec CINE SESEL, pendant deux semaines à la SBC, un atelier sur la production de films pour une vingtaine de producteurs locaux.

Ce sont M. Pat Mathiot, le responsable de la formation à la SBC, et le Dr Mauro de l’Académie des Sciences d’Outre-Mer de la République française, qui ont signé la convention de don de programmes audiovisuels.

M. Mathiot a fait remarquer que c’est maintenant à la programmation de la SBC de décider quand et comment les diffuser.

« Cette série de films va sans doute enrichir la programmation de la SBC », a dit M. Mathiot.

La Ministre Désignée, Madame Macsuzy Mondon, plusieurs autres ministres, des chefs de missions diplomatiques dont l’Ambassadeur de France aux Seychelles, Son Excellence M. Lionel Majesté Larrouy, et d’autres personnalités ont assisté à cette cérémonie qui s’est terminée avec une dégustation d’une variété de vins et de fromages français.

Le Ministre Morgan a fait remarquer dans le message qu’il a prononcé qu’en ce 20 mars c’est une fois encore en communion et solidarité avec plusieurs millions d’hommes et de femmes que les Seychelles célèbrent cette journée de la Francophonie.

« Ce qui nous rassemble à chaque fois au cours de cette journée internationale de la francophonie, c’est en fait notre attachement historique et notre volonté de faire partager cette langue, pour la développer et la faire épanouir dans notre pays », a-t-il dit.

« Nous fêtons la Journée de la Francophonie convaincus que le français n’est pas seulement la langue des autres mais qu’elle nous appartient aussi », a souligné le Ministre Morgan.

Pour sa part, M. Jacques Belle, le correspondant national auprès de l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), a transmis à l’audience le message de la Secrétaire Générale de la Francophonie, S.E. Mme Michaëlle Jean.

Source : Seychelles NATION

Pierre Poivre (Gerard Larose)

French rule in the Seychelles islands has had long-lasting effects on what the islands are today. The French occupancy did not only produce the Creole language but also aided in the social and economic progress of the archipelago that was then unknown to the world.

SNA presents you with four French personalities who made significant contributions to the country’s development.

Bertrand-François Mahé, comte de La Bourdonnais

A French naval officer, he was appointed the administrator of the neighbouring island of Mauritius from 1735-1746. With the quest of conquering more territories for the French crown in 1742, de La Bourdonnais sent Lazare Picault on an expedition in the surrounding waters, which led him to the main island of Mahe, named after him.

After the French settlement, de La Bourdonnais governed the Seychelles islands thus directing the establishment of the first village on the main island called ‘Établissement du Roi.’ He directed the construction of roads, coffee plantations and an armed force to protect the Seychelles port.

(Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Pierre Poivre

Sent on an expedition to Seychelles in 1770, Poivre came up with the idea to establish a spice garden on the main island of Mahe in honour of the French King. A French naturalist, Poivre had the task of setting up the garden that later became Le Jardin Du Rois “Garden of the King’ in English at Anse Royale, a district in the south of Mahe.

Cloves, nutmegs and most importantly cinnamon grew in that garden until it was destroyed in May 1780. Nature intervened luckily and propagated the cinnamon seeds over the hills of Mahe and as a result, cinnamon trees grow in pure abundance in the mountains today

The bust of Poivre was placed in the grounds of the Supreme House in the capital in October to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the introduction of cinnamon to Seychelles.

Poivre found it especially suited to create the garden as the island was being used as a transit point for the spice and slave trade route. Poivre was also a great conservationist who put in place laws to ensure sustainable use of wood which was used for boat repair and tortoises killed for their meat.

(Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

Louis Jean-Baptiste Philogène de Malavois

This young geographic engineer and land surveyor contributed greatly to the Franco-Seychellois heritage. Malavois worked in Seychelles from 1786 till 1787 and appointed Commandant in 1789. Among his works are inventories of the archipelago on several aspects — geographical, geological, mineral, natural through the flora and the fauna, the population, farms, land consolidation and the condition of buildings.

Malavois was considered as a remarkable ecologist. Concerned and aware of the risk of extinction of some animal species threatened by man, including the excesses of land turtles and turtles, he established limits to the capture and in some cases a ban on their capture. It was the same for the rare and precious trees of forests threatened by wild and excessive cuts.

He was the first to create nature reserves for the protection of endangered species in Seychelles.

He helped put in place laws for land appropriation for the islands which stated that all current citizen or others wishing to settle on the islands of Seychelles should only be able to acquire 50 hectares each. He also drafted laws of economic and social development of the country.

Jean-Baptiste Quéau de Quinssy

Former military man, in 1793 he was appointed as Commandant of Seychelles. In his 33 years in power, he also spent half of his leadership under the British indirect rule.

Quincy is known as the founder of economic development in Seychelles. Under his rule, the African slaves, Indians and Malagasies helped the French settlers established coffee, cotton, rice, sugarcane, wheat, cassava and sweet potato plantations for local consumption and export. He also established the coconut oil and fisheries trade.

He was seen as Seychelles first diplomat because although he surrendered to the British in 1794 through skillful negotiations, Quincy obtained a guarantee of his honour and property and surrendered but stayed on as Commandant until the British took over in 1810. Quincy died at 79 and was buried at the State House cemetery. The headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign affairs is named after him — Maison Queau de Quincy.

Source : Seychelles News AGency

Renovation works are being carried out on the Kenwyn House built in 1855 funded by Gran Kaz. (Salifa Karapetyan)

Seychelles’ small capital will soon be welcoming a new art gallery as an old historical landmark undergoes renovation work to host the new venture.

Expected to open in July this year, the art gallery will be located on the ground floor of Kenwyn House, a national monument situated on Francis Rachel Street in Victoria.

Renovation works being carried out on the colonial style house built in 1855 is being funded by Gran Kaz, an entertainment center. The latter is leasing the building from Cable and Wireless — the proprietor — for an undisclosed amount of time.

Kenwyn House is exemplary of the French colonial style of the time when it was built, which for Seychellois has become synonymous with the traditional Creole architecture.

The public relations and communications manager of Gran Kaz, Shama Amesbury, told SNA that though Gran Kaz is covering most of the renovation cost, the company welcome other companies’ help and contributions. Restoration works, which started early in March, are being carried out by Laxmanbhai, a local construction company.

“Since the previous owners left about two years ago, the building started to fall into a state of disrepair, and for us, it’s sad as this is a piece of historical architecture. For us it is about bringing it back to its former glory,” said Amesbury.

The previous tenant was Jouel, a Tanzanite jewellery shop.

The art gallery will be located on the ground floor of Kenwyn House. (Salifa Magnan, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The secretary of the National Monuments Board, Julienne Barra, said the board is happy that Gran Kaz is restoring Kenwyn House.

“I think it is a major accomplishment for the heritage of Seychelles as it means that private companies have our national monument and cultural architecture at heart,” said Barra.

She added that having a gallery in the building will bring life to the house turned into a national monument in 1984.

The gallery will host different forms of artwork. Since Gran Kaz is looking to keep Kenwyn House as a non-commercial venture, visitors wanting to buy artworks will be put into contact with the artist.

A few of Gran Kaz offices will be located in the basement of Kenwyn House while the first floor will hopefully be an extension to the main gallery.

Having a public gallery means that people can come inside for free to view the art that is inside. They can take pictures inside as well as pictures of the building which has always been the case with visitors,” said Amesbury.

The manager said that their investors are very passionate about the Seychellois culture and its traditions.

“The main reason why we decided to do this was to try and hold on to a little piece of it for as long as possible. It is also about giving back to the community,” said Amesbury.

Gran Kaz is located next door to Kenwyn House, in Mercury House — another colonial style building of over 100 years — which was also renovated by the entertainment company. Gran Kaz hopes that other businesses will contribute to the preservation of this monument.

Source : Seychelles News Agency

En legzibisyon pe met an valer diferan ekstre lekritir sorti dan fon leker ekrir par diferan dimoun, zanfan konman adilt ki pa poet me ki anmenn bokou refleksyon.

Sa legzibisyon avek tit ‘Mon Kaye Poenm’ ti ouver yer kot Carrefour Des Arts koman parti aktivite pour mark Festival Lapoezi organize par lasosiasyon Bling Bling Nod.

Stephanie Joubert, en poet e manm Bling Bling Nod, i dir ki ‘Mon Kaye Poenm’ i en proze ki Bling Bling ti konmanse depi konmansman mwan pase atraver en aktivite anba Orion Mall kot bann manm sa lasosiasyon ti demann bann pasan pour ekrir zot panse atraver detrwa mo oubyen fraz ki zot ti ava kontan partaze.

Apre sa Bling Bling in fer bann latelye lapoezi dan diferan landrwa parey kot prizon, avek bann dimoun ki servi drog osi byen ki avek bann zanfan lekol.

Sa lekspozisyon ki ti ouver yer i zisteman pour montre enpe sa bann travay ki Bling Bling Nod in ranmase.

Minis pour Lazenes, Sport ek Kiltir Madanm Mitcy Larue osi byen ki sekreter prensipal pour lazenes ek sport Fabian Palmyre ti la pour donn sipor Bling Bling Nod e ankouraz bann zafan lekol ki ti la parmi lezot pour partisip dan sa aktivite.

En poet Alman, Msye Frank Klötgen, e zanmi sa lasosiasyon i osi pe partisip dan sa festival e i ti resit enn son poenm.

I annan plizyer ekstre poenm par sa bann diferan group dimoun osi byen ki en varyete portre ki’n tire okour sa bann travay ki manm piblik ki vizit sa lekspozisyon i kapab admire e fer zot prop refleksyon lola.

Lo son kote Tony Joubert (aka Raspyek), tyermenn Lasosiasyon Bling Bling, in profite pour remersye tou dimoun ki’n partisip dan zot aktivite e donn sa sipor pour gard lapoezi vivan.

Letan i ti pe ofisyelman ouver sa legzibisyon yer, Msye Jimmy Savy, sef egzekitif Konsey Nasyonal pour Lar (NAC), ti dir ki bann linisyativ parey ki bann manm Bling Bling in fer i bezwen ganny ankouraze.

“I enportan ki nou servi lar pour anmenn en diferans dan tou kwen sosyete. Sa linisyativ Bling Bling i tre inovativ e in tous e enplik diferan group dan lasosyete sirtou zanfan lekol. I tre enportan ki nou sansibiliz bann zanfan letan zot ankor pti  e ankouraz zot pour fer bann size lar e devlop zot lentere dan lapoezi ki devlop zot zenn laservel e sa laspe kreativ dan zot. Mon krwar si ti annan plis sa kalite lentere dan nou bann lekol petet rezilta dan bann legzanmen final ti ava bokou pli byen ki i ete konmela,” Msye Savy ti fer resorti.

I dir NAC pou otan ki posib kontinyen donn sipor bann linisyativ parey.

Sa legzibisyon pou reste ouver toudilon semenn prosenn.

Source : Seychelles NATION

After a two-year break from the music scene, local artist Roger Pothin has released a new album entitled ‘Paradis Vallée de Mai’.

Pothin says the album contains songs about his life, both positive and negative, in different genres.

The album comprises 11 songs, two of which are instrumental. Musician and producer Roger Pothin has been the creator of music for many years. Pothin is a lyricist who also composes his own music.

The album, which contains songs in different genres such as reggae and sega, is on sale on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue at various music outlets at R150 a copy. However if you buy it from the artist in person it will cost you only R100.

The singer, who also plays the guitar, uses a mixture of gossip, life and love in his songs through the passion to create music.

In each song, the words contain a message, which he wants to deliver to all listeners, young and old.

“I’m currently employed, but music has always been something I love. Every time I get some free time I write, about anything really, and this goes on and on. The more I get ideas or scenarios that I feel strongly about, I write, until eventually they become songs which are put together to form an album.

“A lot goes into producing a song, but it was worth my effort and time to create something that I love,” says Pothin.

To get a copy of the album, you can contact Pothin on 2588500 or check record stores.

With Ricky Fred as the music arranger and Sandra Esparon doing backing vocals, it’s clear that Pothin has put a lot of time and effort into each of his songs.

He urges people to get themselves an original copy.

 Source : Seychelles NATION/Rodney Rose      

The mark World Poetry Day a four-day poetry festival was launched on March 2.

The ceremony took place at the Regatta site, Beau Vallon during Bazar Labrin where a group of poets demonstrated various forms of poetry.

The chief executive for the National Arts Council (Nac) Jimmy Savy officially opened the festival saying that artists are very important as they create happiness in our country.

He commended Bling bling poetry association for organising this event which recognises the worth of poetry.

A member of Bling bling poetry association, Stephanie Joubert, said:

“As per the motto of Bling Bling we are to inspire and empower and this is targeted towards the youth which is why a majority of the performances tonight are by young people because we need this form of art to be practiced by the future generation,” she said.

Source : Seychelles NATION