More than a mere commemoration, the 170th anniversary of the Abolition of slavery, celebrated last Tuesday was a ?devoir de mémoire.? All the political and sociocultural leaders present on the platforms on that day used this expression to highlight the importance of the event and show their gratitude for all the work done by the slaves, as well as the indentured labourers for the development of the country.

Various activities were organized in the southern region of the country, culminating with the unveiling of a commemoration plaque at Trou-Chenille by the Prime Minister Paul Bérenger. ?Climbing to the top of Le Morne has been one of the strongest experiences of my life,? declared PM Paul Bérenger to the crowd, standing under a spotless sky for the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Trou-Chenille.

This village is situated at the foot of the sacred mountain. Paul Bérenger explained that the unveiling of the commemorative plaque was one of the activities, held by Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund, chaired by Bernard Perrine. This institution is at present preparing the Le Morne file to be submitted to UNESCO next year. The mountain of Le Morne, described by Paul Bérenger as a ?cathedral?, must recall to everyone the sacrifices undergone by the slaves for the economic development of Mauritius.

At the celebration at Pointe-Canon, Mahébourg, earlier on that day, Paul Bérenger said that Mauritius is one of the few countries to figure on both the slave route and on that of the indentured labourers. A wreath-laying ceremony was also organized at the monument to slaves. The deputy prime minister and minister of Finance, Pravind Jugnauth, said that the people of Mauritius find their cultural and linguistic heritage both in the slave culture and that of the indentured labourers. ?We can be proud of the long way we have travelled.?

<B>Symbolic march</B>

A moving show: Slavery, maroons and freedom, performed by El Shadai Choir Group, Sagai percussionist and S.R. School of Dance enabled the people to have a glimpse of African culture.

The Labour Party and the members of the Alliance sociale opted for a symbolic march from Pointe-des-Régates to commemorate the anniversary of the abolition of slavery. The opposition leader, Navin Ramgoolam, declared that the duty of remembrance should not be limited to official functions and a bank holiday.?The victims of the horrors of the slavery must not be forgotten. Someone who forgets his past is like a boat without a rudder.?

Navin Ramgoolam also remembered the role played by Ratsitatane in 1822. This slave, he said, created a revolutionary movement in the slave population and was put to death for it. ?The major role played by Ratsitatane must be recognized as an important chapter of Mauritian history,? he said. He added that he is in favour of compensation for the descendants of slaves. This controversial topic is still subject to a lot of debate all over the world.