“Fighting exclusion and discrimination in the country,” said Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth on Wednesday, October 20, at the inauguration of a completely renovated wing of the former military hospital in Port Louis. A place that will house the Intercontinental Museum of Slavery.
In his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized that the wish of his government is that this museum be an example for the future generation, be in the service of human rights and more social justice.
According to him, forgetting will not heal the wounds of this painful reality that was slavery. For Pravind Jugnauth, the slave trade is a shameful and painful history.
The Prime Minister emphasizes that through the creation of this museum, the government wants to recognize the sacrifices of slaves for the economic and social construction of the country. Moreover, it is a response to the aspiration of the population.
The project of the Intercontinental Museum is close to the PM’s heart because it is necessary to unveil this dark part of our history and that of the world as well.
The Prime Minister also added that research work is currently underway before the start of the second phase. According to him, the authorities have called on the necessary expertise for the second phase of this museum.
For his part, Avinash Teeluck, the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage recalled that this museum is one of the recommendations of the Justice and Truth Commission. The next step is crucial for the continuation of the project and the file will be submitted to UNESCO shortly.
The former military hospital located in the vicinity of the Appravashi Ghatt was built during the reign of the then Governor Mahe de Labourdonnais from 1736 to 1740 and is considered the oldest building still standing in Port Louis.
