The 177th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery was celebrated on at Le Morne public beach on Wednesday. The event was marked with the sudden departure of the Leader of Opposition Paul Bérenger who left immediately after the wreath laying ceremony without listening to the Prime Minister’s speech. “I will not listen to the political [...]

The 177th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery was celebrated on at Le Morne public beach on Wednesday.

The event was marked with the sudden departure of the Leader of Opposition Paul Bérenger who left immediately after the wreath laying ceremony without listening to the Prime Minister’s speech. “I will not listen to the political speeches of the Prime Minister at ceremonies,” he told the press. On the eve he was at the PM’s residence discussing electoral reforms with him.

After the wreath laying, the Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam stated that with the abolition of slavery, our country entered a new era. “Slavery has shaped the Mauritian society. It is important to know the history of Mauritius.”

Referring to the establishment of the Truth and Justice Commission he stated that the aim is to trace history and transmit it. It is important to understand the sufferings that the slaves had undergone, he said.

Ramgoolam added that Creole should not only be associated with only people of African origin. “We are known as a rainbow nation. Creole forms parts of our identity.

Very often we associate the word Creole with our fellow citizens of African origin. But Creole forms part of our culture as we live on an island and also because everyone understands Creole language and likes the Creole cuisine.”

He also congratulated the minister of Education and Human Resources, Vasant Bunwaree for the introduction of Creole language in schools. “I am proud that it is my government which has introduced Creole language in schools. It is Dev Virahsawmy who mainly influenced my decision. I am proud today that I did it.”