Local artisans’ creativity impresses viewers |31 March 2012

The event organised by the Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (Senpa) is being held under the theme ‘Creativity and Exhibition.’ Present at the ceremony were the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Peter Sinon, the Minister for Finance, Trade and Investment, Pierre Laporte, the Minister for Land Use and Housing, Christian Lionnet, Senpa’s newly appointed chief executive Penny Belmont, other high government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and members of the National Assembly. The hotel’s general manager, Imran Azhar, was also present.

The works of 15 artisans feature in the exhibition which closes today.
In his opening address, Minister Sinon said the objects exhibited show that local artisans are willing to deliver quality products for the industry.

Mr Sinon reminded those present that President James Michel spoke of the economical importance of small and medium-size enterprises in his State of the Nation address.

He told the artisans to keep up their good work as their talents and products are appreciated by locals and tourists.
Mr Sinon also had words of encouragement for Miss Belmont and thanked Senpa’s former chief executive Sylvianne Valmont for her remarkable work.

Miss Belmont said she is impressed with the work displayed by local artisans. She added that these artists want to send out the message that they are here to contribute to the economy.

“We have resources that are deep and unfathomed, reserves of creativity that will give us strength, the courage and the capacity to lift our heads and walk tall; proud of who we are as we are striving for Seychelles,” said Ms Belmont.

Capital and experience are not so important in business, what is vital is ideas, she said.
“If you have ideas, you have the main asset you need.”

Miss Belmont said “creative thinking is not a talent but is a skill that can be learnt and it empowers people by adding strength to their natural abilities which improve teamwork, productivity and profits.”
She congratulated all the artists who have taken part in the exhibition and thanked Le Méridien Barbarons management and staff for their support.

She said Senpa’s relationship with local tourism establishments dates back to the agency’s foundation in 2004.

Ms Belmont said Le Méridien Barbarons Hotel has to date hosted six major sale exhibitions and offers five artisans the opportunity to exhibit their work every Wednesday where they also get the chance to trade with in-house clients.

After the launch, the guests toured the exhibition and tourists got the chance to appreciate and buy locally made products.

Jean L.