celebration
Seychelles celebrates! This year Seychelles celebrates 250 years since the first settlement writes SANDRA BONNELAME.
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n the millennia of a country’s story, 250 years might not seem much. Nonetheless, this year, Seychellois of all persuasions can take pride in the fact that in this short, but significant amount of time, a homeland with its own culture and identity has been shaped from what were unrelated ethnicities with diverse and often incompatible interests. So, unquestionably, it is fitting that we celebrate how we have pleasantly coexisted with each other thus far, compared to some other parts of the world. The celebration of the anniversary of the first settlement in Seychelles is a huge milestone in Seychelles history, and August 2020 will be a very important month in the calendar of events for Seychelles as it celebrates its birth. To ensure the occasion is given due prominence, in August 2019 the President set up a national preparatory committee to spearhead the planning and
18 /Silhouette/april-june 2020
organisation of the events, with celebrations starting 250 days before the event and continuing throughout 2020. Among the events, the Central Bank of Seychelles and the Seychelles Postal office will be producing silver and gold commemorative coins and stamps respectively for the occasion and we may even see a celebration beer, courtesy of Seychelles Breweries. An important component will be an episodic account of Seychelles history since the first settlement, with supporting images and documents, tackled by a panel of authors: Glynn Burridge (chief editor), Tony Mathiot, William McAteer, Bernard George, Penda Choppy, Philippe Michaud, Bernard Shamlaye, Marie France Watson and Richard Touboul. The commemorative book will be a valuable document for scholars and lovers of history and one of the most comprehensive histories ever undertaken in Seychelles.
Since the official 250 days’ countdown started in December 2019, to keep up the momentum of anticipation and continuous engagement, there have been several historical debates, documentary series and oneminute spots being aired on social media, television and radio. We are hearing from people of all walks of life, selected to share their tales or recollections and to express what this celebration signifies to them and what their hopes are for the next 250 years.
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Several iconic landmarks are planned. As Ste Anne is the place where the first settlement took place, the Seychelles heritage
bridge the gap in our history. This is
Club Med, is coordinating to erect an iconic Museum project, similar to that on Silhouette, to mark this anniversary. For Victoria itself, a commemorative replica of the frigate Thelemaque or a similar symbolic icon in Victoria is to be installed as a monument along with a first settlers’ plaque. Also in order for this celebration is a lifesize sculptured replica of a typical traditional village of the past to intended to be a valuable historical and educational tool for both Seychellois and visitors.
