Wishing the ‘Lardwaz’ Association Well!

Despite not being invited to its official launching ceremony, this newspaper fully backs this Seychellois writers body in its endeavour at promoting Seychelles literary works

THE new association for Seychellois writers, 'Lardwaz', was officially launched at the National Art Council in Victoria, recently. Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly was not invited to cover the ceremony. Don't ask us why because we are just as confused as you are. Maybe they thought we do not exist or maybe their backers did not want us around. However, despite this little misunderstanding Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly fully backs this association in its endeavor at promoting Seychelles literary works.

We wish the new chairperson Margaret Pillay well in her new post. She will need all the support and help she can get from her colleagues on the committee, other members and from the general public. This is no mean task she has undertaken. It is vital she succeeds, because if she does not we will all (the country) be failing with her. Donations of money alone is not enough. Her association needs participation from society at large above all else. We need to get the whole country involved in this exercise behind Margaret Pillay.

Previously, Seychelles has seen the emergence of two other associations for writers, 'Lasosyasyon Ekriven Seselwa' (LES) formed in the eighties. And in 2003, 'Irogif', made its appearance. Both associations found it hard going, we believe, because they did not receive the backing that was necessary for their success. This time around we cannot afford to stand and look. Everyone of us with the means and ability to help must get our hands dirty, so to speak.

In her speech at the launching ceremony, Margaret Pillay, the Chairperson of 'Lardwaz' emphasized on the importance of books in the country, “it records the socio-historical and cultural aspects of a society. It communicates a people's reflections, dreams and creative imaginings; literary writing is a means of positioning the country and its people in the world. It is also a powerful instrument for educating and entertaining the people”, she said. In fact we would like to add that books are 'THE' powerful instrument essential at educating the population!

In conclusion we would add further that the success of this association, Lardwaz, depends entirely on the public taking to reading. It makes no sense in writing lots of books if it's not being read. Therefore our schools, parents, places of work and the whole structure of government must get behind the initiatives of Margaret Pillay and her association. Publicity is also a key element to its success. We wish 'LARDWAZ' well!!!