About Le Solitaire

With reference to the article J. R. Payendee, Le Gardien de L?histoire de l?Ile in l?express of 21 June 2006, I feel some clarifications are needed.

I was on a curriculum development workshop in Rodrigues in August 2004 and I approached Mr. Payendee to lead an excursion for the teachers. He did this brilliantly. At the end of excursion, he took us to Solitude and showed us the bones of birds and tortoises. I immediately realize the richness of the finds, but felt that these bones were not properly kept and stored.

On my return to Mauritius, I brought this issue to the attention of the Board. It was decided that a mission be sent to Rodrigues to explore how the Mauritius Museums Council could help. The Mauritius Museums Council informed the authorities in Rodrigues about the mission and its objectives. The Director and myself went to Rodrigues from 31 August to 2 September 2004. We took boxes, pens, chemicals and other accessories needed for the proper storage and accession of bones. We met Mr. R. Payendee but we were not shown the full collection except for some few items. We did not insist. We left all the items with him and made it quite clear that we were ready to help.

We discussed with Mr. Payendee for further excavations. He took us to explore two caves at Plaine-Corail. We immediately realized that there was an urgent need to mount a project. As soon as we returned to Mauritius we contacted Mr. Amitav Chowdhurry, the archaeologist. The project is still pending. We also discussed with Mr. Payendee the need for an underwater management project for Rodrigues. We felt that the wrecks around Rodrigues were a heritage that needed protection. In fact at the time of my departure, the Mauritius Museums Council was in active discussion with the South African High Commission for help in this area. Mr. Payendee is a very enthusiastic environmentalist and his ceaseless efforts towards the preservation and conservation of heritage materials is to be lauded. But I note his memory is failing him most lamentably. I want to reassure all my friends in Rodrigues that I have always strived towards the better understanding of the specificity of Rodrigues. I value and respect too much the preservation of people?s heritage to suggest its removal from its source. In fact one of the first project which I canvassed on assuming the chairmanship of the Mauritius Museums Council was the setting up of an ethnographic museum for Rodrigues. The plans are ready.

A.Cader KALLA, ex Chairman, Mauritius Museums Board