Africa-Press – Mauritius. A wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 188th Anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery was held, today, at the International Slave Route Monument in Le Morne in the presence of the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
Several eminent personalities were also present including: the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Minister of Tourism, Mr Louis Steven Obeegadoo; the Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Alan Ganoo; the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage, Mr Avinash Teeluck; the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Charles Gaëtan Xavier-Luc Duval; as well as the High Commissioner for the European Union in Mauritius and Dean of Diplomatic Corps , Mr Vincent Degert; amongst others.
In a statement following the wreath-laying ceremony, Prime Minister Jugnauth said that slavery forms part of our history adding that historical places like Le Morne, the slave memorial at Pointe Canon in Mahebourg, and “Bassin des Esclaves” in Pamplemousses pay tribute to the victims of slavery and commemorate the sacrifices, pain and suffering of the slaves.
He underlined the need to preserve these historical sites which help to give the population a sense of place and connection to the past. Speaking about the theme chosen by the Catholic Church to commemorate the Abolition of Slavery today, namely “Le Code Noir”, Mr Jugnauth recalled that it is a series of codified laws which date back to more than 300 years ago and which governed the practice of slavery in the French colonies.
He highlighted that the “Code Noir” outlawed the worst punishments owners could inflict upon their slaves. The PM condemned these crimes committed against humanity and added that slaves were severely punished for offences committed.
The then masters would cut one ear of the slaves when they tried to escape and they were also subject to atrocities such as amputation of limbs and whippings, he said. In the face of such inhumane conditions, some preferred to escape or commit suicide, he underlined.
According to Prime Minister Jugnauth, the present generation needs to learn history so that they can better understand how events in the past have shaped our present and future. He underscored that these events help citizens become better informed and in turn will prevent them from committing such atrocities against humanity.
He underscored that slave history is being taught at the primary level in schools while recalling that an exhibition on the “Code Noir” is being held at the Intercontinental Slavery Museum and urged the population to go and visit.
Furthermore, he reiterated that Government condemns all forms of discrimination while highlighting that several measures have been implemented to address these acts of discrimination.
According to him, it is imperative to ensure reparations for these atrocious crimes against humanity. He reassured that Government will continue to work for more social justice and to ensure peace and harmony in the society. Prime Minister Jugnauth, prior to the wreath-laying ceremony, attended a commemorative mass at the Saint Coeur de Marie church in Petite Rivière.
It is recalled that Le Morne, a historic location declared World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2008, is the symbol of the suffering endured by slaves, their fight for freedom and resilience, as well as their sacrifice.
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