Stéphanie Anquetil, chairperson of Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund  is convinced history has a lot to say in more ways than one can imagine. She believes that it requires lots of time and energy to learn about the past. Involved in ‘Le Morne Dossier’ since March 2006, her most important preoccupation nowadays is the inscription of Le Morne as World Heritage Site. Given that this issue will be debated at the World Heritage Committee next year, she has a lot to do before the Draft Management Plan is ready on time. “ The term ancestral heritage is still not understood by many people. I have personally learnt a lot while working on this project. It's indeed a unique experience working on ‘Le Morne Dossier’ and I am very much stunned at how history has got endless things to tell us,” she says.

She believes that young people are getting more and more interested in learning the history of their country. However, she underlines that if national heritages are not protected and cared for, Mauritius may lose many of its sites that harbour Mauritian history. “ I believe it is not only the responsibility of government to work on the preservation of heritage sites. Each country has the responsibility of preserving its cultural heritages, but this can only happen when the people of the country feel they have their share of responsibility as well in protecting them,” she says.

She was very much impressed by how the inhabitants of Le Morne village and socio-cultural associations worked hand in hand with the team to make the project a success so far. She has also noticed how a large number of women are interested in knowing about the history of their country and their ancestors. “ Some of them have even preserved certain ancestral traditions in terms of culinary, medicinal and cultural habits. The young people there ask a lot of questions. They want to know about the past. Their interests lie mostly during the time on slavery and  how the slaves lived under the commands of white masters,' she says.

According to her, heritage sites are irreplaceable sources of knowledge about the history of a country, which should be preserved and transferred from one generation to another.  “ After the Apravasi Ghat and Le Morne site, there are other places that require attention.

Tradition
There is still a long way to go, as there are several places in Mauritius that echo the tales of the past. There is the need for greater archaeological researches, educating people on the importance of preserving the sites and preventing destruction of those elements,” she says.

A very active person, Stéphanie is also working on the preservation and promotion of the Creole culture and language. She is also working on the Festival International Creole to be held in Mauritius in December. “I am very keen to be involved in this festival because of its unifying aspect. It's about meeting people and about sharing. This event is not only for one community but welcomes people from all communities and walks of life,” she says. Wearing a straw hat and walking on the streets, she adds, has never been something odd for her. “ We live in such a beautiful tropical island. I can't understand why people would carry a big umbrella when they can wear beautiful hats,” she says with a smile.

There are several other activities that Stéphanie wants to undertake for the promotion of ancestral heritage. She wishes she had more time to do these things.