Beacons of light shine around the globe for Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee

Hours before Queen Elizabeth II lit up the final beacon at the Buckingham Palace, rekindling an age of tradition, Seychelles, one of the Commonwealth countries of the monarch, has joined in the chain

Hours before Queen Elizabeth II lit up the final beacon at the Buckingham Palace, rekindling an age of tradition, Seychelles, one of the Commonwealth countries of the monarch, has joined in the chain of beacons – lighting one of the remarkable beacons right on the beach of Beau Vallon on the Golden Mile of Seychelles.

At exactly 2100 hours Seychelles time, holding the beacon torch, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange; His Excellency of the British High Commission, Mathew Forbes; and the Minister responsible for Investment, Peter Sinon made a milestone as Seychelles set the beacon alight to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – a remarkable achievement.

In an interview with the local press, Minister St.Ange said that this event is symbolic to Seychelles.

“It is important that Seychelles does not forget its ties with Great Britain. Seychelles, a former colony of Great Britain, has witnessed the passage of Queen Elizabeth II for the opening of the Seychelles International Airport, which has opened for Seychelles its tourism industry and also its gateway to the world. Seychelles has historical, cultural, and tourism ties with Great Britain, which need to be nurtured for the advancement of both countries. The lighting of the beacon is another milestone in showing Seychelles’ profound respect to the monarch tradition and upholding of its membership as a Commonwealth country,” Minister St.Ange said.

His Excellency Mathew Forbes said Seychelles has subscribed to the Commonwealth as one of the countries joining the celebration of the beacon lighting ceremony to uphold its respect to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations. He has acknowledged his admiration for being in Seychelles to witness this memorable event in the history of Great Britain and has expressed his thanks and appreciation for the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture for hosting the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.

The British High Commissioner said that Seychelles’ timing of the lighting of the beacon follows that of the other Commonwealth countries. In the African countries Seychelles follows Kenya in the lighting of the beacon.

After the lighting of the beacon on Beau Vallon Beach, His Excellency Mathew Forbes read the Queen’s message written for Seychelles.

In her message, Her Majesty Queen’s Elizabeth II said: “I am delighted that His Excellency Mr. Alain St.Ange, Minister of Tourism and Culture, is attending the concert and Diamond Jubilee Beacon lighting event at Beau Vallon Bay to share the celebration in commemorating the Diamond Jubilee marking the 60th anniversary of my accession to the throne. As a mark of sincere friendship and goodwill, I send you my warmest greetings and best wishes for the forthcoming year. Elizabeth R.”

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebration in Seychelles culminated in a spectacular musical show by one of Great Britain’s famous bands, “The Sneer,” and singer Nikki Murray, who flew especially to Seychelles to give this concert. The Sneer band singer, Tim Fowler, and Nikki Murray who rocked the night away at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Hotel & Casino, said that the warmth of the Seychelles nation will forever remain memorable in their heart.

PHOTO (L to R): Minister Peter Sinon, Minister Alain St.Ange & British High Commissioner Mathew Forbes lighting the beacon

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

Share to...