An Excellent Partnership Between SMLH Réunion and Blast Burson to Strengthen Economic and Solidarity Links in the Region

This partnership represents the convergence of two complementary visions: the quest for excellence and merit, championed by the Société des Membres de la Légion d’Honneur (SMLH), and the aim for enhanced regional cooperation, led by Blast Burson. In this spirit, SMLH Réunion and the communication agency signed a partnership agreement on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Saint-Denis during the annual decoration ceremony organized by the association. The event was attended by Cyril Melchior, President of the Department, Admiral Alain Coldefy, President of the SMLH, Lieutenant Colonel Ary Langenier, President of the Réunion section, and Aisha Allee, CEO of Blast Burson.

"The signing of this partnership creates a true bridge between the sister islands and marks a concrete step towards more integrated regional cooperation — where the values of excellence and solidarity advocated by the Légion d’Honneur align with Mauritian entrepreneurial energy," explains Aisha Allee, CEO of Blast Burson. This partnership arose from SMLH Réunion's desire to collaborate with Mauritian organizations sharing similar missions, leveraging the knowledge and expertise of the communication agency, which is based in Mauritius.

The partnership is structured around three major axes: first, promoting the values upheld by the SMLH; second, developing and supporting solidarity initiatives for the most vulnerable and needy, whether young or old, decorated or not with the Légion d’honneur, while strengthening mutual aid among members; and third, pooling tools and expertise in modern communication.

"This agreement paves the way for new economic, societal, entrepreneurial, and diplomatic prospects for the region. With the support of Blast Burson, which acts as a link with Mauritian stakeholders through its parent company in Mauritius, SMLH Réunion can enhance its exchanges with counterparts on the island and promote concrete and innovative regional cooperation. We have already begun working with several NGOs and specialized schools that will benefit from the expertise of the legionnaires. Our ambition is to position ourselves as facilitators of regional synergies, laying the groundwork for sustainable collaboration between our two islands," continues Aisha Allee.

The SMLH is an association that brings together holders of the Légion d’honneur, the highest French distinction for outstanding civil or military merit. Solidarity and mutual aid are fundamental pillars of the association's mission. Members receive support through financial aid, allowances, and visits to the elderly or isolated individuals. These initiatives extend beyond members, depending on current needs, to include disadvantaged youth, people with disabilities or loss of autonomy, as well as psychological support.

Strengthening the Social and Educational Fabric of the Nation

The associative project "SMLH 2030" outlines clear priorities according to Admiral Alain Coldefy: to engage in schools and training institutions on themes of civic education, memory, and republican values, support learning and vocational training, assist deserving youth, and provide help to candidates for naturalization. These actions reflect the SMLH’s ongoing commitment to transmitting its values and strengthening the social and educational fabric of the nation.

Membership in the association, as highlighted by Lieutenant Colonel Ary Langenier, involves contributing to the prestige of the national Order and promoting the values and culture of France, both domestically and abroad. It also aims to promote the principles embodied by the Légion d’honneur by fostering civic and patriotic spirit and engaging in educational actions with the youth, such as awareness-raising and the transmission of memory.

"The Blast agency, firmly established in Mauritius, becomes a key partner for our youth initiatives, which are a priority in our commitment. This partnership will foster the development of young people in Réunion and Mauritius while creating synergy between our two islands. The recently signed agreement formalizes this rapprochement and establishes a general framework. We will first align our actions with our national objectives and the associative project 2030, while mobilizing Légion d’honneur recipients in Mauritius to structure a local section," concluded the President of the Réunion section of the SMLH.