Diamond Jubilee celebration of Queen Elizabeth II sees Seychelles participate

As Queen Elizabeth II prepares to join thousands of revelers at an outdoor concert beside Buckingham Palace, headlined by pop royalties including Paul McCartney and Elton John, Seychelles has also joi

As Queen Elizabeth II prepares to join thousands of revelers at an outdoor concert beside Buckingham Palace, headlined by pop royalties including Paul McCartney and Elton John, Seychelles has also joined in the four-day celebration of the Queenโ€™s Diamond Jubilee to pay tribute to the special relationship the Royal Family has had with Seychelles.

At the heart of Victoria, in the garden of the Historic Judiciary Court House overlooking Queen Victoriaโ€™s memorial statue unveiled in 1930 showcasing Seychellesโ€™ close bond with the British Monarch, an exhibition was officially opened featuring the 40th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth IIโ€™s official visit to Seychelles and the 60th anniversary of her ascension to the throne.

In the presence of high dignitaries and government ministers, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, captured the symbolical meaning of this exhibition.

โ€œThis exhibition carries much historical significance, as with these captivating pictures, with these images, and with words tracing her majestyโ€™s realm of life, [it] takes us on a trip down memory lane, around this time of year, during the very month which marks the Queenโ€™s coronation and her official birthday,โ€ Minister St.Ange said.

Seychelles has particularly strong historical relations with Britain, with 162 years of colonial ties.

โ€œIndeed our close ties, although remarkable, should not only be consolidated, but for the sake of further societal progression, but it should equally be nurtured, such that new collaborations can bridge our communities even more. Such an opportunity could present itself to the fore, through the restructuring of the Seychellesโ€™ History Museum, which aims not only to revitalize this institution, but primarily to valorize Seychellesโ€™ colonial heritage. It is good to point out we are currently reviewing our museum displays in accordance to the various periods of our history,โ€ Minister St.Ange added.

On his part, Mr. Mathew Forbes, the British High Commission to Seychelles, thanked the Seychelles Ministry of Tourism and Culture for being a key partner in organizing the activities for Queenโ€™s Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee. โ€œThis exhibition and the lighting of a spectacular Beacon at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino this evening to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Her Majesty the Queen will bring the spirit of the Jubilee directly to Seychelles,โ€ Mr. Forbes said.

His Excellency Mathew Forbes said that Seychelles and the UK are great friends with many ties in terms of history, tourism, education, and the fight against piracy. โ€œThe friendship and mutual respect of both countries is strong and was highlighted during President James Michelโ€™s visit to the UK earlier this year as a guest of the British government. โ€ฆ That was a special moment and underlined still further the links between the Royal Family and Seychelles,โ€ HE Forbes stated.

Seychelles is also set as part of the Jubilee Celebrations to see Minister Alain St.Ange and his Excellency Mathew Forbes join the beacon chain in lighting one of the four thousand beacons across Britain and the commonwealth countries.

Once a communication tool, a beacon chain has become a symbol of unity, connecting cities, towns, and villages across the UK and in the world.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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