March 04 2011 -- President James Michel welcomed the participants coming from all four corners of the world of the 'Carnaval International de Victoria' as he launched the carnival celebrations this evening. 

 

 « Our city welcomes you warmly.  Victoria, city of peace and sharing. Victoria, city of generosity and human warmth, harmony and unity as a people of diverse origins. It showcases our nation as a true melting-pot of cultures, and a truly unique place.  Thank you for your presence and your participation. The 'Carnaval International de Victoria' is the window of some aspect of our culture and heritage which we like to share with you.»

 

President Michel spoke of the opportunities and benefits of the first carnival of its kind to be held in Seychelles, which is taking place from 4th - 6th March.

"The 'Carnaval International de Victoria' provides us with this excellent opportunity to show to the world not only what we are, but also what we have to offer as a tourism destination: the natural warmth and heartfelt welcome of a people who still live close to their roots; the social stability and concord we enjoy, and the spontaneity and irrepressible joie de vivre of our island-style way of life.  It is what distinguishes us from others as a tourism destination."

 

The President spoke of his vision for the tourism industry since he took over the portfolio for tourism last year, and accomplishments of the new direction.

"The "Seychelles Brand" is visioned to diversify our tourism products so that our people can reap more benefits from the industry. We are indeed reaping more benefits from this industry. The Carnaval International de Victoria is the perfect encapsulation of The "Seychelles Brand".  It is a bridge between civilisations and cultures.  It is a reflection of our social cohesion, our customs and values, our harmony and unity as a people of diverse origins."

 

When addressing the Seychellois people specifically, President Michel spoke of Seychelles' 'most valued treasure' as an aspect of national identity which is unique to Seychelles.

"We may be small as a country, but we have accomplished a lot, and we will achieve more through what is of utmost importance to Seychelles: our national unity: our country's greatest asset......our carnival is bringing the world to Seychelles and vice versa..... 'The world is a global village' is entirely signified by the 'Carnaval International de Victoria' taking place today," said President Michel.

 

In his appeal to ensure the success of the three day event, President Michel called on the Seychellois people to keep up its culture of good Creole hospitality, which will reflect this year's National Theme "Winning For Seychelles."

The President thanked and congratulated the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board Alain St Ange and to all his staff in the STB, as well as all the stakeholders in the industry: the hoteliers, the airlines, the waiters and waitresses, the chambermaids, the taxi drivers, the providers of services etc, for their work in the preparation for the carnival. 

Editors note

- 65 floats are taking part in the carnival procession, including Seychellois schools, business and non-governmental organisations.

- 19 countries are participating in the procession.

- Floats from countries such as  India (3), France (Mainland 1 and La Reunion-3),  Italy (2), China, Russia,  South Africa,  South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,      Tanzania, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Zanzibar, Madagascar are taking part.

- Organizations such as the FAO, IMF, EU, Indian Ocean Games, and La Francophonie will also have a float each. 

- The Navies of India and Russia will be participating.

- Foreign dignitaries from La Reunion, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Tanzania and Zanzibar, the European Union, the USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan and South Africa attended the ceremony.

- The Opening programme included songs and music from the legendary American singer Dionne Warwick , from the famous Seychellois artists Michelle Marengo Jean Baptiste, Jean-Marc Volcy, Patrick Victor, Fek Arive and Grace Barbe, Lima Calbio from Trinidad and Tobago, a Steel Band, Waki Band from La Reunion, the Cape Town Mistrals from South Africa and an Indonesian folk music group.