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Symbolic Le Morne must wait for further development
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Symbolic Le Morne must wait for further development
The celebration of the commemoration of the abolition of slavery was held in special circumstances last Thursday in Le Morne. The site has indeed been the subject of controversial discussions over the past few weeks about whether it should accommodate an Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) project or not. The 172nd anniversary was the opportunity for the government to reiterate its intention to prevent any development in the core zone of the mountain. As for the buffer zone, the minister of Arts and Culture, Mahendra Gowressoo, insisted, “We are not against development” but nevertheless “every project will have to follow some guidelines”.
The acting prime minister, Rashid Beebeejaun, and the minister of Arts and Culture made it clear that any development in the buffer zone would have to abide by strict criteria defined by Unesco. Moreover, the interim report of the South-African expert, François Odendaal, on the management of the site in view of its enrolment on the Unesco list, was made public on Thursday. The specialist also made it clear: “Any development will have to abide by the plan. But I am confident because Mauritian laws are very strict.”
The report may now be subject to some changes – with the participation of the public – before the final report is ready. Until the end of the consultation period – in January next year – no development will be allowed on the site. The South African expert has so far identified 12 guidelines to control any development in the buffer zone.
A few projects have been frozen until the final decision of the government concerning the site development. Rogers, who has kept its project at a standstill for many years, “will be studying the management plan” and making a final decision about its project as from then. As for the project of Mauritian Properties Partnerships, the promoters had already accepted to abide by all the requests of Unesco and are now waiting for further developments on the government side.
Action plan on compensation</B>
The leader of the Verts Fraternels, Sylvio Michel, expressed his satisfaction at seeing the government’s determination to get the Morne enrolled on the Unesco list. He also seized the opportunity to point at all those who do not believe in the historical value and significance of the site. Although the Morne has always been seen as a symbolic site for Maroon slaves – it is said that the Morne was their refuge at the time – there has indeed been no scientific data to prove this theory right.
But the minister of Arts and Culture emphasised the government’s determination to see the site enrolled on the Unesco list at the official celebration in Pointe-Canon. He made it clear that it is only a matter of time before the site becomes part of the world heritage.
The party of Sylvio Michel of course seized the opportunity to ask for compensation for all slaves’ descendants once again. The Verts Fraternels will meet during the month to decide on an action plan concerning the request for compensation. The acting prime minister, Rashid Beebeejaun, expressed the government’s intention of implementing a Commission for Truth and Justice in the next government’s programme.
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