SEYCHELLES

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History

800 approx.

AD o Arab sailors arrive in the Seychelles. Evidence of tombs on Silhouette.

1499

Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese explorer, discovers the islands during one of his journeys from the Cape of Good Hope on the route to the Indies. The Seychelles are drawn into naval charts.

1609

First appearance of the English on the islands, when two ships of the Company of the Indies anchor off Mahe. Defined the "earthly paradise" because of the abundance of fruits, water and resources of every kind (fish, birds, tortoises).

1685

For about 100 years the only pirates were occasional guests of the islands, which served as the base for raids and as the hideaway for treasure.

Among the most famous pirates was Olivier Lavasseur, called La Buse who, together with the Englishman Taylor, nicknamed the terror of the Indies, captured the "Vierge du Cap", a transport sailing ship that was one of the greatest treasures ever taken in the history of piracy.

1730

In spite of the agreement signed not to attack ships carrying goods and food for the colonies, La Buse does not keep his word, he is arrested and hanged on the island of Mauritius. Before dying, he throws a coded message into the crowd with the map showing where his treasure was buried on the Seychelles. It has still not been found to this day.

1742

In the name of the King of France, Lazare Picault disembarks in Mahé calling it the "Island of Abundance". He leaves for the Mauritius with 300 tortoises and 600 coconuts. He draws up an enthusiastic report on the islands.

1756

Captain Murphey lays the "pierre de possession", the stone of possession, now preserved in the Museum of Victoria, in Mahe, declaring it and seven other islands of the archipelago, a French possession. He gives it the name "Seychelles" in honour of Viscount Jean Moreau de Seychelles, Minister of Finance during the reign of Louis XV The king declares the islands a French Colony.

The first French settlers disembark on the islands dedicating themselves mostly to cultivating rice and maize and to hunting giant tortoises, whose meat is particularly appreciated.

Foundation of the Botanical Gardens of Mahé, considered to be one of the first in the world.

Pierre Poivre introduces the first spice plants to the Seychelles. Among these is cinnamon which adapts perfectly to its new habitat so much so that it becomes one of the main export products.

1785

Viscount Jean Baptiste de Soillac dictates the first regulations for protecting the environment and limiting hunting of tortoises. The Fort was built to protect Mahe.

1793

A certain Louis Poiret arrives in the Seychelles. Apparently he is the ten year old son of the deposed King of France, Louis XVI.

1794-1811

Cav. Queau de Quinssy, excellent and popular administrator of the islands, surrenders at least seven times to the English, raising the French flag, however, every time they leave. 1804 o The French surrender to the English. The population grows rapidly, the land is given in grants to the settlers. 1833 o With the "Abolition Act" the English prohibit slavery.

1840

In honour of Queen Victoria, the name Victoria is given to the main city in Mahé.

1875

The Seychelles become a place of exile for deposed kings and other powerful people: among them the sultan Abdullah Khan, from Malaysia, and, in recent times, Archbishop Macario from Cyprus. 1903 o The British Government declares the Seychelles an English colony free from the protectorate of Mauritius. 1939 o The colony acquires its own currency (the Rupia).

1948

After the Second World War, the democratic life of the islands begins with the establishment of Legislative Constitutions.

1967

First elections with universal suffrage. The people vote against independence and for an association with Great Britain.

1970

The Seychelles have its own Constitution but remains an English Colony.

1971

Inauguration of the International Airport of Mahé.

1976

The Seychelles declares independence. James R. Mancham becomes the first president.

1977

A coup d'etat, headed by the lawyer France Albert Rene establishes the socialist regime.

1981

A group of mercenaries tries to bring the followers of Mancham, exiled in England, back to power, but the landing fails as the arms are found at the controls.

1991

5 December the Single Party in power, the SPPF (Seychelles Peoples Progressive Front), in an Extraordinary Assembly, deliberates the return of multipartyism.

1992

First elections for the formation of the Constituent Assembly and first referendum for the approval of the Constitution.

1993

The democratization process is completed with the approval of a new Constitution and with the general elections that see the re-election of President Rene and formation of a Parliament in which the Opposition, headed by the Rev. Ramkalawan, leader of the "Party Seselwa", carries out its work democratically and freely, protected by the Constitution.

2001

Anticipated Presidential Election. Rene is reelected with 54% of the votes but the Opposition led by Ramkalawan gets 45%.

2002

Anticipated Election for the renewal of the National Assembly. The SPPF Party gets 23 seats, the SNP 11 seats, the other Parties do not reach the "Quorum"