‘People of different religions are able to live in harmony in Seychelles,’ says Minister St Ange |20 January 2015

Seychelles prides itself on having religious dominations as part of its culture, where people of different creed are able to live together in complete harmony.

The country’s Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange said this when speaking to the eminent scholar and lecturer on Islam Dr Bilal Philips and Mutah Beale, a former rapper, during a courtesy call at the Ministry of Tourism and Culture offices at Espace building on Friday.
Welcoming the lecturers to Seychelles, Minister St Ange said they have come as ambassadors of the Islam faith at an opportune time when the world is preoccupied by the Paris attacks.

The Islam scholar and lecturer are in Seychelles to give lectures on themes such as ‘Islam branded’ and ‘Thug life’. These lectures are open to members of the public regardless of their religion.

Minister St Ange said visits like this to Seychelles can ensure that people become more aware of what the Islamic faith is all about.
“We need people like you to visit our country and to promote unity through your teachings,” Minister St Ange said.

There are Muslims who act in the name of Islam but in reality violate the principles and teachings of this religion, which Dr Philips said one must not blame the religious denomination for it but the individuals who are involved in such acts.

Also present at the meeting in the minister’s office were the principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, the president of the Seychelles Islamic Society Ibrahim Afif and other representatives of the Islamic society.