VICTORIA, Seychelles — Local tour guides are now more knowledgeable about Seychelles slavery heritage sites after attending a one-day workshop at the International Conference Centre, as part of activities to commemorate the national day for the abolition of slavery on February 1. Researcher Dr Odile De Comarmond conducted the session to enhance guides’ understanding of historical sites.
The significance of this training extends beyond professional development. Tour guides play a crucial role in preserving and sharing Seychelles’ complex history with visitors from around the world. By equipping them with accurate historical knowledge, the workshop ensures that the story of slavery in Seychelles is told with authenticity and respect. This initiative directly benefits communities by promoting cultural tourism that honours the past.
The workshop covered the history of slavery from the first arrival of enslaved people in 1770 aboard the ship ‘Telemaque’ to St Anne Island. Dr De Comarmond explained that slaves were placed in four categories: Creoles of mixed African and European blood, Malagaches from Madagascar, Indians and Malays known as Malabars, and Mozambiques. Between 1861 and 1874, a total of 2,816 African slaves were rescued from Arab dhows and brought to Mahé to work in coconut and vanilla industries.
Slavery in Seychelles has a complex historical context spanning both French and British colonial periods. The French colonial authority applied the Code Noir, a decree by King Louis XIV of France in 1685 that defined conditions of slavery. Seychelles slavery heritage was officially abolished in 1835 under British Colonial Rule, and 2,915 enslaved people were freed. The French colonial system laid the foundation of what became Seychellois Society through the labour of enslaved Africans and Malagasy people.
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture requested this workshop to improve how heritage sites are presented to visitors. Principal Secretary for Tourism Sherin Francis stated that sites hold no real value if their story is not known. Tour guide Franky Baccus from White Sands Adventures noted that heritage is very important to their operations and the workshop will equip guides with necessary knowledge. Additional sessions may be organised to further expand knowledge on specific sites.
The training represents a meaningful step toward preserving Seychelles’ cultural heritage for future generations.
