Vanilla Island cooperation more than ever reinforced

The working visit to Seychelles for the 30th Anniversary of the Indian Ocean Commission (COI) by President Didier Robert, the President the Regional Council of La Reunion was the opportunity for him and Minister Alain St.Ange, the President of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands to meet and discuss bilateral matters within the concept of the Regional Body. One initiative proposed by President Didier Robert was the Miss Iles Vanilles for a Regional Beauty Queen who will become the Ambassador for the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. The first beauty pageant to be organised byVanilla Islands Organisation will be launched later this year.

Alain St.Ange, President of Vanilla Island announced that the winner of Miss Iles Vanilles will represent the Indian Ocean Organisation in the Miss Universe beauty Pageant 2014. Minister Alain St.Ange explained in a Press conference in the presence of Didier Robert President of Regional Council of La Reunion, that “ Miss ile Vanille beauty pageant will fly high Vanilla Island colours and further position the islands’ brand in regional and International arenas’’.

The Vanilla Island Organisation President also announced the support for the creation of Vanilla Island television network OI7. OI7 becomes the first Vanilla Islands television network created to brand the concept Vanilla Islands since its creation four years ago. The Vanilla islands private television network will be launched during the fourth edition of Carnaval International de Victoria 25th – 27th April 2014. It will dedicate it first program on Seychelles Carnival International de Victoria. Romain Atohoun, President of OI7 said that the “station will give a fresh positioning to regional tourism, culture and event programs aired within Vanilla Islands and on to the world’’. ‘OI7 private television network’ said Romain Atohoun will “put to the forefront the mosaic of Indian Ocean’’. Mr St.Ange outlined that it is through the increased visibility of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands and through the existing solid partnership between Seychelles and La Reunion that these projects are now able to come forward.

“The cooperation and friendship between Seychelles and La Reunion is more solid than ever before. It is through the human touch in our relationship that we’ve been able to work together to push forward Vanilla Island Concept’’ Minister St.Ange said.

Didier Robert, President of Regional Council of La Reunion said that launching of Miss Ile Vanille and OI7 reinforces cultural cooperation between the Vanilla Islands. Didier Robert said that the reinforcement of the Seychelles-La Reunion cooperation is an area of great importance for his Island.

“The reinforcement of cooperation between our Indian Ocean Islands, particularly today between Seychelles and La Reunion is fundamental for the development of our respective islands. It is through the consolidation of our common efforts that we’ve been able to move bridges” Didier Robert said.

Didier Robert also confirmed the presence of La Reunion at the 4th Edition of the Carnival International de Victoria which will be held in April. He said that La Reunion Island will be present with a bigger delegation spreading the message “metissage” for which the island is renowned and for which it is respected.