Exhibition portrays 50 years of SPUP-SPPF-Parti Lepep |03 June 2014

An exhibition depicting the history of the Seychelles People’s United party (SPUP) since its inception in 1964 to date was opened yesterday afternoon by the secretary general of Parti Lepep Danny Faure, who is also the country’s vice-president.

Yesterday, June 2, 2014, was exactly 50 years since France Albert Rene formed the SPUP whose name later changed to Seychelles People’s Progressive Front (SPPF) and then Parti Lepep.

Parti Lepep president James Michel, who is also the President of the Republic of Seychelles, unveiled a plaque in honour of the party’s ‘Père fondateur’ France Albert Rene as they dedicated the golden jubilee exhibition in his name.

This was in the presence of distinguished guests and members of the party.

“The objective of the party was very clear and that was to revive the Seychellois conscience and let them take their destiny into their own hands so that they can live in dignity and in social justice,” said Mr Faure.

He added: “50 years may be a relatively short period in the history of a people, but when a political party has been able, in spite of all the odds, to live up to its fundamental principles established at its outset, then we have good reasons to celebrate. The exhibition you will be viewing is a snap shot of the party’s struggle to bring together our people and its achievement over the years until today.”

The guests present had the chance to view young models parading in clothes with the slogans used during past campaigns. In the exhibition members of the public will be able to see the different objects, photos and videos showcasing the progress of the party.

The exhibition is divided into five main chapters which document and capture the different key periods and events highlighting the 50 years of existence of the party as SPUP/SPPF/Parti Lepep.

The exhibits are presented as a series of photographs, videos, extracts from literature and artefacts which illustrate the aspirations, the struggle and the determination of men and women who firmly believed in a better life for all Seychellois.

There was also a cake to commemorate the golden jubilee and it was cut by President Michel together with Sylvine Pierre, Veronique Sinon and Roy Azemia who were all born June 2, 1964.

They were all happy to get the chance to celebrate their 50th birthday in such a way.

The exhibition, being held at the National Cultural Centre, is open until June 12, 2014.

The accompanying photographs show guests viewing the exhibition and  young models parading in clothes with the slogans used during past campaigns.