Catherine Rose Plants Seychelles Flag on Lobuche Peak in Everest Region
VICTORIA, Seychelles — High above the clouds, where the world below feels distant, a Seychellois woman has left her mark in history. On top of Lobuche Peak in the Everest region, standing at 6,119 metres above sea level, the Seychelles flag flies with newfound pride. Catherine Rose has carried the spirit of Seychelles to the Himalayas and planted the national flag among the highest mountains on Earth. According to Mrs Rose, this is the first time that a Seychellois has planted the national flag on any Himalayan peak.
‘Courage does not mean the absence of fear. Real courage is choosing to be determined enough to move and propel yourself forward, even when fear is walking alongside. Determination is a positive mindset, and strength is the anchor,’ she said. ‘Every single achievement in life begins with a simple belief — I can do it. Even if one may encounter certain challenges along the journey, the determination to keep going and the motivation to rise back up will always guide them.’
Mrs Rose undertook the climb as a personal statement of national pride, perseverance, and the ability of small-island dreamers to take on the world’s biggest stages. The achievement has been celebrated widely on social media, with many Seychellois hailing her as an inspiration for young people and women in the country. Her flag-planting moment, captured against the dramatic Himalayan skyline, has come to symbolise the determination of the Seychellois people to dream big.
Speaking about the experience, Mrs Rose encouraged other Seychellois, particularly young women, to pursue their ambitions regardless of the scale of the challenge. ‘We may be a small island nation, but our dreams do not have to be small,’ she said, quoting a message that has resonated strongly across the country.
