National Day celebrations 2017 |23 June 2017
Rich exposition to celebrate inner islands’ socio-economic progress
For the first time, a combination of spectacular fireworks and topnotch musical entertainment will rock Eve island on Praslin as entrepreneurs coming from all trades converge in a major trade fair to open tomorrow morning, celebrating the inner islands’ socio-economic achievements.
This rich and dynamic show of progress is part of activities being organised by the National Celebrations Committee in collaboration with other partners in the private sector and civil society, to mark this year’s 41st anniversary of Seychelles Independence Day.
As it can be recalled, Seychelles first commemorated June 29, the day Seychelles gained independence from Britain, as its National Day, in 2015. June 18, formerly the National Day, became the Constitution Day.
Over 50 entrepreneurs, namely farmers, hoteliers, small businesses, cottage industries, fisheries among others are participating in this two-day national event, to end on Sunday.
Speaking to the media this week, Damien Ally, the coordinator of this trade fair, said he is satisfied with the number of participants. Important security measures are being taken to ensure the success of the event especially where it concerns traffic movement and parking facilities around the area.
“Everything is on the go. We are getting good support from the Seychelles Police, the Fire Services and other support services that will be there to assist throughout the two days,” he said.
“It is an occasion that should not be missed as there will be activities for people of all ages and musical entertainment by various bands, soloists and gospel singers throughout the day and at night is guaranteed. The fireworks on Saturday night will certainly be a memorable one,” Mr Ally said.
The President of the Republic, Danny Faure, will be on Praslin during the celebrations. The event’s opening ceremony will be marked by patriotic songs, poems, dance performances and speeches.
The National Arts Council will also take this opportunity to launch “PArFe” (Praslin Artist Federation), a movement to be made up of a number of musicians from the inner islands. This will also coincide with the National Music Festival (Lafet Nasyonal Lanmizik) celebrated on June 21. Some of the bands to be part of the federation include Palm, Locean, Horizon, Island Vibration, Stars, First Step, Ukelele, and some soloists, duos, trios and moutia group. They will also be providing entertainment during the two days on Eve Island.
It should be noted that the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), a key partner in this celebration, has this year moved its Water Park, that was a major attraction among children at last year’s national expo on Mahé, to Eve Island to mark the occasion. So, children get ready for two days of fun-filled splashing and gliding on gigantic inflatable water slides.
Programme of activities
Praslin & La Digue (23rd – 25th June 2017)
Friday 23rd June (BSA Community Hall – indoors)
- 10am-Presentation open to the public on the three arms of State; namely Executive, Legislative and Judiciary – By Office of the Attorney General
- 11am 12pm - Quiz Competition for school children based on topics based on the Constitution of Seychelles.
Saturday 24th June (Eve Island – outdoor on main stage approximately 25 minutes
- 10am Official Opening Ceremony
- National Theme Song – ‘Seselwa en Sel Desten’ performed by Sir Roland and students
- Welcome speech by Hon. Churchill Gill of Baie Ste Anne
- Poem by Ms. Lely Antat BSA Primary School (Title: An Mouvman Ver Prosperite)
- Speech by Mr. Stephen Morgan,a young entrepreneur
- Traditional and modern dance performance by La Digue School
- Launch Speech by DM and chairperson of NCC
- Guests visit of exhibits and stands
- 1700 hours - Musical entertainment
- 1710 hours - Launching of Praslin Artists Federation (PArFe)
- 1800 to 2000 hours - live Gospel show
- 2000-2010 hours - Fireworks
- Continuation of musical entertainment until 2am.
Sunday 25th June (Eve Island – outdoor)
- 11am to 8pm - Musical show and fair
- 6pm Official Closure of the National Day fair by the DA of Baie St. Anne Praslin