Republic of Mauritius- Launching of five books under the President’s Fund for Creative Writing

The books are: “Les ondulations des vagues” by late Mr Rannoo, “Les amours creoles de Jasmine et Roland” by Mr Jean Louis, “Survivre dans la brousse africaine” by Mr Lallmohamed, “Gehu ka beej” by late Mr Chintamunee and “Scales of fish” by Mr Muthayen.

In his address, Minister Roopun congratulated the authors as well as the Chairperson and members of the President’s Fund for their hard work and dedication in promoting local writings. He also stressed on the need for parents to encourage children to explore their imagination and to express them confidently, both orally and through creative writing. We must help them nurture the love for books as good reading and writing skills will help them progress in all other subjects, he said.

The Minister reiterated the commitment of his Ministry to bring a new dynamism to the creative sector. To that effect, he highlighted the various opportunities and incentives that are being provided by his Ministry, namely different grant schemes ranging from Rs 300 000 to Rs 800 000 under the National Art Fund; increase from Rs 30 000 to Rs 40 000 for production of audio CD; and general assistance of Rs 30 000 for book launch, exhibition and artistic/cultural programmes, amongst others.

Moreover, Minister Roopun spoke on the Arts and Culture National Award, introduced for the first time last year, and added that his Ministry intends to make it an annual event to encourage local creators. The National Award, he underlined, aims to honour Mauritian creators and performers for their outstanding contributions in the artistic and cultural fields such as cinema, visual arts, literature, theatre, music and dance produced and performed. For the year 2019, two new categories: the Promising talent for one artist of 16 –26 years; and the Lifetime achievement for one artist have been introduced, he added.

The PFCW operates under the aegis of the Ministry of Arts and Culture. Its objectives are to finance schemes to encourage and assist deserving Mauritian writers wishing to have their creative writings published; promote creative writing in all languages written and spoken in Mauritius; set up a network among educational institutions in Mauritius in order to promote creative writing in all genres; and compile and publish regular anthologies.