VICTORIA, Seychelles — Members of the Seychellois diaspora in France gathered in force in Chambourcy, on the western edge of the Paris region, for a Seychellois garden party hosted by the association Seselwa (France & Seychelles) on Sunday May 18. The event, held in a private property generously placed at the disposal of the association by member Claudiana Desbouis-Dugasse, brought together Seychellois from across the Île-de-France region, the south, the north, Normandy and Calais.
The afternoon opened with the singing of the Seychelles national anthem, led by association president Frank Underwood, who praised the engagement of the group’s active members and the discreet support of several backers. Seychelles’ Ambassador to France, Georges Tirant, accompanied by minister counsellor Jacques Belle, attended the event and used the occasion to address the community, encouraging young people to get more involved.
A traditional buffet prepared by the Seychellois caterer Seymini featured samoussas, pastels au thon, ti-mimi, chicken curry, rougail saucisse, pork sauté, lentilles corail, white rice, vegetable noodles, carrot satini and the legendary poisson bourgeois grilled on site. The dessert table offered Seychellois rums, while DJ Fady from Seychelles kept the dance floor busy well into the evening with a mix of moutya, séga and other local sounds. The association Seselwa will next take part in the Lyon consular fête on June 13 and 14.
