‘Live our cultural heritage’ |17 April 2014

“The best way to safeguard our cultural heritage is to live it,” principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose has said.
She was speaking during the official launch yesterday of the Heritage Week under the theme ‘Underwater cultural heritage’.

The ceremony took place at the National Cultural Centre in the presence of the Minster for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange, member of the National Assembly Maria Payet-Marie, Seychelles Heritage Foundation chief executive Patrick Nanty, National Arts Council chief executive Jimmy Savy, teachers, students and other distinguish guests.

“Underwater cultural heritage is an aspect of our cultural heritage that in retrospective little is known about. This is despite the fact that Seychelles’ unique position at roughly the halfway point between Africa and the East has ensured that over the decades seafaring activity has been extensive even as early as the 13th Century,” Ms Rose said.

“Some aspects of our underwater cultural heritage can be associated with various periods in the history of not just Seychelles but that of humanity, such as the days of exploration, piracy, trade, slavery and colonialism. It is for this very reason that this year we have chosen to bring it to the forefront. It is about time that we as a nation think seriously about safeguarding our underwater cultural heritage,” she said.

During the ceremony the winners of the photo and drawing competition launched by the Seychelles Heritage Foundation for the schools were rewarded. Both competitions were divided into three categories - 6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years and 14 to 17 years.

All winners won a token and a certificate and the first prize winners were Heidi Bistoquet, Marie Constance, Annadrey Celestine, Zelca Bistoque, Marie Belle and Gino Leon.

Speaking to Seychelles Nation Gino Leon, who won the drawing competition in the category 14 to 17 years, said: “I am happy to have won the first prize as I am someone who loves my heritage. I enjoy going on sightseeing of our heritage sites. I believe that the youth today is not appreciating our cultural heritage. If we the young people appreciate our heritage, our heritage will be here for many years to come.”

Julienne Barra, principal reasearch officer for National Heritage and Protection, said: “We have already had a hike to visit the heritage sites in the North to mark the Heritage Week. We also have a quiz on the Seychelles Radio, and as usual we have had the district to clean the heritage sites.”

“Organising the Heritage Week is an opportunity for us to promote our heritage and give out information to the general public,” she added.

During the ceremony Mr Nanty presented a trophy to the Elite Club of Seychelles as a token of appreciation for their support and as sponsors for the competition.
Guests could also view an exhibition of the winners’ work and appreciate traditional music performed by John Vital.
They also got the chance to view a small video of Seychelles’ underwater cultural heritage.