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Archive -Seychelles

Coopérative des Artisans is 75 years old |14 September 2013


Many of us, especially those who are regularly in the centre of Victoria, frequently pass in front of the ‘Coopérative des Artisans’ building on Independence Avenue, next to the ancient Court House and opposite Liberty House. But how many of us had realised that the cooperative which offers a large variety of local craft products to Seychellois and tourists alike has been in existence for the last 75 years and is one of the oldest cooperatives in Seychelles? Or, how many of us enter the building to shop rather than going elsewhere for less valuable and yet more expensive imported items?
The anniversary was commemorated by a short ceremony at the cooperative yesterday afternoon in the presence of the principal secretaries (PS) for entrepreneurship development and business innovation and that for culture, respectively Marise Berlouis and Benjamine Rose, the cooperative’s chairperson Mariette Mc Elvy, other members and invitees.


Mrs Mc Elvy said that since its opening back in 1938, the cooperative had not ceased to develop and by permitting craftsmen to sell their products, had accomplished and contributed a lot in the artisanal and tourism sector, but had at the same time faced many challenges.

She however promised that the organisation will continue to be an important partner in the Seychelles economy by continuing to diversify its activities and offering hundred percent Seychellois products.

On her part, PS Rose commended the hundred or so members for their devotion and the important role they play in the preservation of our culture:
“Seventy five years is a long time and the fact that the cooperative has remained opened all this time shows the devotion of its members and committee. It is one of the oldest cooperatives in the country and it continues to bring new ideas. The preservation of our heritage and cultural skills as shown by the ‘Coopérative des Artisans’ shows that the young generation can inherit the skills and knowledge and the business can create a future where we can assure that we will continue to produce good quality and authentic Creole products for the local as well as foreign markets.”


Guests touring the craft shop yesterday during the ceremony to mark its 75th anniversary


In order to pass on their craft to the next generation and to remain competitive on the foreign market, Ms Rose has also encouraged the craft people to take time to train younger people to join the trade.

Activities to mark the anniversary and which will include various live exhibitions, will continue every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the cooperative until the end of the month of October.

 

 

 

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