The Liberty Monument |12 July 2014

Celebrating the country’s long road to freedom

On June 29, 2014 President James Michel unveiled a new monument – Liberty Monument -- that represents the people of Seychelles and the fight they have been through to gain freedom.

The Liberty Monument is located on 5th June Avenue where the Liberation Monument better known as ‘Zonm Lib’ used to stand.
The monument is the brainchild of sculptor Tom Bowers who was commissioned to work on the monument by President Michel.

For those who are familiar with Mr Bowers’ works, the bronze monument -- depicting a man and a woman proudly looking forward and flying the national flag high above their heads -- is very much stamped with his indelible style - the proud woman with bust thrust forward, the minute attention to detail which gives a lifelike character to the sculpture, all pay tribute to Mr Bowers’ talent.

“The inspiration to come up with such an idea was an easy task as I had to look at the country’s history. For the past thirty years that I have actually lived here I have witnessed that the country has progressed so fast; it was amazingly so fast!” Mr Bowers said.

“The monument is a tribute and a celebration of what the country has achieved. This is the celebration, this is the part where the athlete picks up the flag and run around the stadium and everyone applauds; because what Seychelles has achieved in the past years is simply fantastic,” Mr Bowers added.

It took Mr Bowers only half a day to come up with the concept for the Liberty Monument. Cast in solid bronze, the monument was made by Bronze Age Foundry of Cape Town, South Africa.

“Many may ask why a man and a woman? Why not? This is all of us, we have all achieved this, and this is the same achievement that everyone has gained,” Mr Bowers said.

During the unveiling ceremony President Michel said “Today we have our own monument which evokes, in an eloquent way, our freedom. It also symbolises the unity of our people, patriotism, hope, the march of a nation towards a future full of promises. It represents those who dedicated their lives to freedom, those who fell for freedom. It is also a tribute to our youth. It evokes the richness and beauty of our environment, without forgetting our national symbols.”

“For me I love the landscaping of the monument site, it gives an upgrade look to the 5th June Avenue,” said a 42-year-old lady when asked for her opinion on the new monument.

A 26-year-old man said: “When I look at the man and the woman under shade it represents a family working together to move forward in life.”

A pensioner said: “This monument represents the abolishment of slavery as I see the man and the woman ... taking cover from the burning sun with pride.”
As for a six year old, he had this to say: “I see mum and dad covering, not letting them and their children get wet.”

B.D.