Navin Ramgoolam: "Creole Language Represents Our History"

Navin Ramgoolam: "Creole Language Represents Our History" Defi Plus Saturday, 06/12/2025 - 10:08

The Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam officially opened the new edition of the International Kreol Festival on Friday evening at Mont Choisy, stating, "Creole identity is the richness of our cultural heritage. Beyond that, it's the affirmation of our Mauritian identity." He emphasized that this event is primarily a celebration of the Mauritian spirit, reflecting the diverse history that has shaped the nation and the language that unites all communities.

Ramgoolam highlighted that the Creole language does not belong to just one community but to all Mauritians as a common mother tongue. "The Creole language carries our history. It holds a central place today and must continue to be valued, including in education. We must recognize the fortune we possess. Our diversity is our strength. It is in unity that Mauritius draws its power," he stated, noting that Creole, now recognized in schools, promotes better understanding and smoother learning for children.

He further elaborated on the profound significance of this festival: "This year, we gather around the theme of Creole culture and its authenticity, its way of life, its generosity, and its cultural wealth. It is also an affirmation of our Mauritian identity. Creole is a language that belongs to all of us. It embodies a way of living together. Tradition, culture, and Creole cuisine unite us and make us a unique model."

While praising the work of artists and tradition bearers, Navin Ramgoolam paid tribute to those who keep the typical sega alive, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2014. "We transform suffering into artistic and cultural beauty," he asserted. He added that culture remains a force of resistance, memory, and unity.

The Prime Minister also warned against divisions, referencing inter-community tensions in other regions of the world. "Here, despite our differences, we manage to maintain multicultural harmony. Many foreigners are surprised by this. This harmony is our most precious asset," he noted.

He concluded with a call for vigilance: "We must remember that there are arsonists in the country who constantly ignite conflict among us. We must remain united. There are more things that unite us than divide us." He also praised the artists, the recognition of typical sega by UNESCO, collaboration with AHRIM, and the festival's tourism and economic potential. Before him, Deputy Prime Minister Paul Bérenger spoke, bringing the audience back to the historical and transnational roots of Creole. He mentioned not only Rodrigues, Réunion, Seychelles, and Chagos but also Haiti, which he wishes to see associated with the festival. He recalled the historical parallels between Mauritius and Haiti, notably the abolition of slavery and the struggles for independence.

Paul Bérenger also acknowledged budget constraints: "AHRIM and the hotels have contributed more financially than others. We are going through a difficult time: electricity... There have already been outages. Hotels are running generators at their own expense. We celebrate the Kreol Festival in a challenging situation."

He then expanded the scope of the festival: "Some might say that the Creole language belongs to the Creole community, but it is the national language. Yes, there is a Creole community, but the language is our common mother tongue. Likewise for the festival: we call it the Kreol Festival, yes for the community, but also for all communities. It is an opportunity to celebrate the Creole language and the other communities."

Tourism Minister Richard Duval, for his part, reflected on the tough choices related to organizing the event. Despite a tight budget and the risk of criticism, he decided to maintain the event over three days and invite as many artists as possible. He added, "We need to understand well, artists have endured a lot of humiliation over the last ten years... Some have even been beaten in the streets when they were demanding their rights."

He warmly thanked the hoteliers for their financial support and emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships. He concluded by celebrating Creole authenticity, coexistence, cuisine, the joy of living, and the legendary Mauritian hospitality: "Our greatest wealth is being Mauritian," before insisting on the necessity to transcend suffering to illuminate Creole identity.