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The monument symbolises unity and was made to commemorate the 15th National Day yesterday. It has been named the Voice of Our Nation after this year’s theme, which focuses on the country’s Constitution.

One of the bronze plaques unveiled by the President carries the image of the first pages of the Constitution with the words of its preamble. A second shows Seychelles islands, and the third features the armorial bearings.

President Michel was accompanied by two children while he unveiled the plaques, and groups of pupils sang patriotic songs.

The flag was hoisted by members of a guard of honour from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) as the National Brass Band played the National Anthem.

Among those present were First Lady Natalie Michel, Vice-President Joseph Belmont and his wife, cabinet ministers, members of the judiciary, of the diplomatic corps and of the National Assembly, top Seychelles Police and SPDF officials as well as prominent businessmen.

The flag measures 7m by 3.5m, which makes it the largest in the country.

Seychelles’ laws say a national flag shall not be left in the dark, and so they are usually removed at 6pm. Since this flag will be permanently illuminated, it will not be removed except in bad weather when it could be damaged, said Gerard Lafortune, a member of the National Day celebrations committee.

He said much of the cost of the monument was covered by contributions from different companies, some of whom have not yet said how much they put into the structure, so it is difficult to say how much it cost.

Mr Lafortune said the actual construction was carried out by Allied Builders while Gibb Seychelles did the design free of charge.

Spare parts for the steel structure are available, and the pole has an estimated lifespan of 200 years.