Republic of Mauritius- Towards the setting up of an Intercontinental Slavery Museum

The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Prithvirajsing Roopun, made this statement, today, at the launching ceremony of a book entitled “Legacies of Slavery: A Resource book for Managers of Sites and Itineraries of Memory”, held at the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture, Point-aux-Sables.

The Chairman of the Nelson Mandela Centre for African Culture, Mr Jean François Chaumiere, and the Chairperson of the International Scientific Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Slave Route Project, Dr Vijaya Teelock, were present at the event. On this occasion, a round table was also organised to discuss on the policies and management of sites of memory.

Minister Roopun highlighted that the book is being launched simultaneously in some ten countries in the context of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, observed on 21 May annually. He underlined that the book is the result of intensive works carried out by the UNESCO Slave Route Project and serves as a great tool for professionals involved in the safeguarding and management of sites and itineraries of memory related to slavery.

Speaking of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the Minister underscored that it provides an opportunity for each and every one to reflect on the significance of diversity and the need to promoting inclusion among groups from different cultural backgrounds.  The Day, he stated, also stresses the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development.

According to Minister Roopun, there is a great need to promote the long-term survival of memorial sites through cultural and economic activities which in turn can help improve the livelihoods of local people and reinforce unity. The UNESCO and the Nelson Mandela Centre have undertaken a strong commitment towards encouraging the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and historical heritage of outstanding value to humanity.

For his part, Mr Chaumiere, pointed out that it is an opportune time to look back at the economic, social and cultural contributions of slaves in the Mauritian history. Harmonious interactions, he emphasised, are vital for preserving peace and unity in a country where cultural pluralism prevails. Institutions working for the promotion of arts and culture have the responsibility for initiating activities which encourage cultural exchanges among groups of people, he added.

Dr Vijaya Teelock reiterated UNESCO’s assistance to Mauritius in the preservation of the cultural and natural richness. With regard to the book, she stated that it can be served as a guide for better management of sites since it includes a number of examples and cases which underline the difficulties faced by Managers of Sites and Itineraries of Memory.