Local choir uplifts mood during the festive season |27 December 2023
Some people affected in the December 7 disasters, who are currently in shelters across Mahé, last Friday evening enjoyed a collection of heartwarming Christmas carols performed by the Choral and Music Society as well as other festive songs played by the band, ‘Pat and Friends’.
The special Christmas Carols event held at the Petit Seminaire in Victoria, was organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and other partners for people temporarily sheltering at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Maison de Foot in Roche Caiman, Stad Linite and Petit Seminaire.
The aim was to bring a little bit of joy into their lives for this festive season, as they await for their homes to be repaired or rebuild, following the December 7 explosion at CCCL.
Speaking to the media, Minister Rose-Marie Hoareau said the ministry was approached by the Choral and Music Society to bring some ambience into the lives of those in the shelters before Christmas, and they jumped on this great Christmas spirit initiative.
“It is good that we do something like this to bring some joy and Christmas spirit among them although they are still living through this tragedy. This in a way is to show that we care and we also take part in their pain and suffering,” said Minister Hoareau.
The minister expressed thanks and appreciation to all those doing their part to assist people in the shelters. She called on them to stand in solidarity with the people affected, so they get to enjoy Christmas and New Year, while they wait to return home to their normal life.
The residents interviewed by Seychelles NATION said they were happy with the initiative and very appreciative of the continued assistance so far. Sybille Ogu has been sheltering at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino with her husband and two sons since their place was severely damaged by the explosion. She said the event was commendable and appreciated as most of them were not in the Christmas mood.
“It is a good initiative to have something like this to bring some Christmas spirit among us, especially to the children who are really enjoying the performance. Most people are not really thinking about Christmas but rather about when they can go back home. So I commend them for this great initiative to bring us back in the Christmas mood,” said Mrs Ogu.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the performances by the Choral & Music Society and the band ‘Pat & Friends’.
Patrick Joubert
Photos: Contributed