Africa-Press – Seychelles. With the imminent arrival of the world’s largest floating book fair, Logos Hope, a press conference convened at St Paul’s Cathedral Church recently to elucidate event specifics.
Scheduled from August 10 to 17, 2023, the vessel will welcome the public from 1pm to 7:30pm on August 11 and 13, while on August 12, 14, 15, and 16, the timings will be from 9:30am to 7:30pm. Access entails a nominal entrance fee of R10, designed to ensure inclusivity.
Project coordinator Sarah Mueller emphasised, “We have set an affordable entrance fee to encourage participation from everyone in the community.”
Logos Hope visitors can explore a diverse range of over 5,000 book titles at budget-friendly prices starting from R50. The collection encompasses an array of subjects, including science, sports, hobbies, cookery, arts, medicine, languages, and faith. Additionally, a plethora of children’s books, academic texts, dictionaries, and atlases are available.
The Visitor Experience Deck is open for public exploration, encompassing the Welcome Area, introducing the vessel through interactive displays and a short film. The International Café offers ice cream, drinks, and snacks. The only acceptable payment methods are cash (euros, dollars, and rupees). Credit and debit cards are not accepted. Minors require guardian accompaniment, while children under twelve and individuals over sixty-five enter free with their Identification Card.
Cynthia Yang, from the Advanced Preparation Team, revealed the pricing for “Meet the World” at R50 and “Wonderfully Made” at R25. These events are scheduled for August 14 from 6pm to 7:30pm, and August 12 from 3pm to 5pm, respectively.
Jim Moncherry, security manager of the Seychelles Ports Authority, addressed access control and security measures. He detailed the access route adjacent to the Adesho Marine building, starting with ticket sales by the Logos team, followed by security clearance. “Entry requires a valid ticket; failure to present one will lead to denial of entry,” he emphasised. Suspicious circumstances may warrant potential searches.
Mr Moncherry outlined the access points, guiding visitors from the entrance through to the facility. Representatives will assist visitors to the wharf area, where a tent offers shelter during rain. Access is organised in groups, with one group leaving as the next enters. Three access control areas are in place, the last managed by the Logos team.
Efficient traffic flow will be ensured with separate entrances and exits, and police officers will oversee crowd control outside.
Assistant Commissioner of Police, Antoine Desnousse, outlined police arrangements stating that officers will conduct port patrols to maintain order.
He clarified that the Islands Development Company (IDC) car park will remain open during visits. Unauthorised road parking is prohibited, with searches for suspicious activities, including drug-related concerns.
Assistant Commissioner Desnousse assured a peaceful environment throughout the visit, with officers deployed round-the-clock.
He urged calm ticket acquisition, warning against disruptions.
He emphasised action against aggression or theft.
He also urged residents to secure homes and turn off electricity to prevent fires. No sale or use of alcohol will be permitted in the car park or queue.
Contingency plans are in place for both port and police, ensuring a well-coordinated response to any unforeseen situations. “We are well-prepared for any scenario,” he concluded.
The last time Logos Hope visited Seychelles was in November 2015.
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