Mauritius gained independence from the British on 12th of March 1968. It was a joyous occasion which was attended by thousands of people. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam became the first prime minister of independent Mauritius and former Governor Sir John Rennie became the first Governor General. The National day celebrations took place at the Champs de Mars racecourse.
Have you ever imagined what Mauritius looked like back in 1968?
From a traditional newspaper seller to the traditional slipper seller; from laborers working during harvest season to carrying sugarcane on an ox cart; from the Metro cinema in Vacoas to the Vacoas Savoy Junction with Savoy Cinema; from the Quartier Militaire us Stand to the Taxi Stand at the Place D’Armes in Port Louis; from the Tamarin Steel Bridge to the Suspended Bridge at the Grand River North West; from the Tea Factory in Bois Cheri to the Goni Bag Factory at Quatre Bornes; from a Colonial Creole House in Quatre Bornes to The Chateau Reduit Or The State House; from the Old Post Office at Curepipe to the Double Deck Train at the Vacoas Train Station; from the Communal Riots of 1968 to the Day of Independence on 12th March 1968 – we have compiled 54 rare photographs to give you a pictorial journey of visiting Mauritius back in 1968. Are you ready?
