Seychelles Tourism Minister: We must value our African history

Minister St.Ange, who holds the culture portfolio alongside tourism, said that as a nation, Seychelles needed to be proud of each of the five branches making the Seychellois nation that it is today.

Minister St.Ange, who holds the culture portfolio alongside tourism, said that as a nation, Seychelles needed to be proud of each of the five branches making the Seychellois nation that it is today.

FetAfrik, the celebration of Africa Day in Seychelles, is an important event for the islands, and as a nation, the Seychellois need to be proud of their African historical links.


The Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, said this yesterday when answering questions on the famous and popular radio program, Lanbyans Tropikal, hosted by Lindy Servina.

Minister St.Ange was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Culture, Benjamine Rose, and respected and popular local artist, Stephen Eliza, whose stage name is Elijah.

“For the Seychellois to better appreciate this FetAfrik event, the islands as a whole need to learn about the rich cultures of Africa, and this, the FetAfrik 2016 celebrations, are doing by bringing in cultural groups from mainland Africa to take part in the upcoming FetAfrik, inclusive of professional guests speakers who will be sharing their vast knowledge with us,โ€ Minister St.Ange said.

โ€œOften we hear people say they are not Africans, but I say to you that you do not have to be born in Africa to be considered an African, but you become an African with Africa in-born in you. When you value your link with the African continent, this builds in you the characteristics of an African,โ€ Minister St.Ange said.

He added that FetAfrik, like other events organized in Seychelles, is for the people of Seychelles. Minister St.Ange has called on members of the public to take part in the event and give it the recognition and value that it deserves.

FetAfrik will this year be held from May 22-28, and activities will vary from gala dinners, musical shows, public lecture, and workshops.

The official ceremony will be held at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles in Victoria on May 25, which will coincide with Africa Day. The theme for this Africa Day celebrations is human rights with a particular focus on the rights of women.

Miss Benjamine Rose, the PS for Culture, on her part spoke on the official ceremony which she said will be an event where members of the public can attend. Those wishing to grace the opening with their presence can do so by getting free tickets at the National Cultural Centre.

On his part, Elijah gave details of the international show on May 28 at the mini stadium in Victoria, with tickets costing only R100.

Top African musicians who have made their mark in the world, such as Radio & Weasel from Uganda, and Prophecy from Mauritius, will be performing alongside local stars at this year’s musical show.

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) . For more information on Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange, click here.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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