Flavien Joubert discusses STA and cookery book with president |27 December 2017

The principal of the Seychelles Tourism Academy, Flavien Joubert, yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Danny Faure at State House.

At the heart of their discussions were Mr Joubert’s recently published cookery book entitled ‘Fish and Seafood: Recipes of the Seychelles Islands’ and his future position at the academy.

Mr Joubert’s tenure at the academy is to end July 2018, and he said President Faure has asked him to stay on after the end of his mandate.

He officially launched his book, the third recipe book he publishes, on Tuesday December 19 at the Eden Bleu Hotel on Eden Island.

Mr Joubert said the book is the product of two years of hard labour and dedication, with the end result being a collection of 32 recipes on fresh fish available in abundance in the Seychelles waters.

It contains recipes from not too popular local fishes like bonito, kingfish, barracuda, dorado and red snapper either grilled, roasted, fried or curried served alongside some typically Seychellois side dishes such as rice, chatini, grated pawpaw and mangoes.

He said President Faure has expressed his wish to see the book used in schools and other educational institutions because, he added, the book is something that can be safeguarded amid our culture and for the young people to use.

“This is a good thing. I am continuing with my book writing and there will be a new one on the market in May and November next year,” said Mr Joubert.

With regard to STA, Mr Joubert said as his mandate is coming to an end very soon, both he and the president have agreed he stays and continues with the work he has been doing for the academy for the last 11 years.

“Mr President was the person who asked me to leave the private sector and join the academy. The arrangement was for the authorities to have minimum interference in the day to day running of STA, a promise he has kept. He has renewed his promise of the government remaining a facilitator if I decide to stay in future,” said Mr Joubert.

He said such a strategy is very important if we are to keep an institution such as the STA with 500 students and 80 staff members functioning. It needs a solid direction with as little interference as possible.

As for his plans for the academy next year, Mr Joubert said he has many.

“I must now put those plans in priority. These include teaching and learning, the students themselves, the implication of parents towards their children, staff, promotions and other changes. I would like to implement them in the first semester,” he said.