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GIS – 25 February 2022: There is much research work to be carried out on the theme of slavery and the International Slavery Museum, through its various initiatives and projects, is on the right path to become a worldwide reference in this field.

The Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck, made this statement, this afternoon, during Enn Tanto Spesial Abolision Esklavaz, an event organised by the Intercontinental Slavery Museum (ISM), in Port Louis, in the context of the commemoration of the 187^th anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery.

The Chairperson of ISM Mauritius Ltd, Mr Jean Maxy Simonet, and other personalities were also present at the event. On this occasion, Dr Béatrice Antonio, from the Mauritius Institute of Education, presented the findings of an analytical and comparative research on the proclamation of the abolition of slavery. A video clip on the research project ‘Ki travay pe fer?’ was aired, and a theatrical play on Agalega, produced by NextArt Factory, was projected on screen.

In his address, Minister Teeluck highlighted that Government has at heart the ISM project and observed that significant progress has been achieved by all stakeholders involved since the setting up of the first phase of the project. He stressed on the importance of explaining to every youth the reason for commemorating the abolition of slavery every year and encouraged them to pay tribute to our ancestors.

Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of being properly accustomed to the history of the abolition of slavery so that other commemorative events, apart from the one observed on 01 February, can be celebrated throughout the year. This, he pointed out, implies thorough research work to be carried out by relevant stakeholders.

The Minister urged the Board of ISM Mauritius Ltd to start working on the way forward in order to be able to submit their future projects’ proposals for the following year so that funds can be earmarked to that effect in the next budgetary exercise. He further seized this opportunity to commend all the work carried out by the Board and staff of ISM Mauritius Ltd.

For this part, the Chairperson of ISM Mauritius Ltd pointed out that ISM intends to organise several events with the aim of paying tribute to slaves who have contributed to the development of the country. He informed that consequent progress has been made since the inauguration of the first phase of the ISM, with the help of consultants, and dwelt on some of ISM’s projects currently in the pipeline.

About the ISM

The ISM was converted from the ex-Labourdonnais Military Hospital which is among one of the oldest buildings in the country, significant in the history of slavery.

The Museum aims to promote the study of slavery and slave trade in the Indian Ocean; gather, collect and preserve documents and oral history on slavery; create and preserve a catalogue of artefacts related to slavery; host a permanent exhibition and organise regular travelling exhibitions; and promote curricular development and scientific research as well as the production of educational and pedagogical materials.

Government Information Service, Prime Minister’s Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website: https://gis.govmu.org Mobile App: Search Gov