Chinatown in the heart of Mauritius: A Trip down memory lane

As we are only a few days away from the celebrations of the Chinese New Year 2017, News on Sunday invites you to discover the epic story of the Chinese-Mauritian community from past, present and future. CHINATOWN in the heart of Mauritius by Vizavi Editions is a memory album and a discovery book for the youth. 

Once upon a time in Chinatown, Mauritius, Chinese immigrants settled in and became on the main actors in the country’s development. CHINATOWN in the heart of Mauritius by Vizavi Editions is a memory book which outlines the undeniable and great contribution of the Sino-Mauritians to the prosperity and construction of the Mauritian nation and society. 

The booking launching ceremony took place last December at the Kwan Tee Pagoda, in the presence of the President of the Republic Mrs Gurib-Fakim and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mauritius Mr Li Li. CHINATOWN in the heart of Mauritius is a wonderful restrospective piece, which unveils the unforgettable journey of the Chinese people to Mauritius and the impact of their contribution to Mauritius’ social and multicultural history.

The book will take you back in time, as it traces the steps of the Chinese immigration to Mauritius: from the arrival of the first Fukienese, Cantonese and Hakka immigrants, to their integration in Mauritian society. Indeed the eight chapters of the memory book will guide you through history: The Arrival of the Chinese in Mauritius, Laboutik Sinoi, An Economic Engine, Thrilling Chinatwon, Pillars of the Community, Beliefs, Rites and Traditions, Trials and Tribulations, Resilience and Rebirth. 

Today, Chinatown in Port Louis epitomizes the amazing life of the Sino-Mauritians. The book thus does not miss to provide a thoughtful and sensitive appraisal of the experiences of the successive waves of immigrants as well as charting the transformation of these various groups into the successful community of present day Sino-Mauritians.  

Also, abundantly illustrated with over 250 photos and epochal documents, the book will give you a better glimpse at how the Sino-Mauritian lived and are still living their lives according to their traditions, cultures, values, beliefs. The old photographs depict the identity, commitment, hard work and perseverance of the Sino-Mauritian community and reflect the dynamism of the Mauritian society.

CHINATOWN in the heart of Mauritius is also an important guide for the young generation for not only being a transmitter of the elders’ history, struggles and success but also a tool for them to better appreciate the work of their ancestors and be inspired by their wisdom. 

The book is the fruit of a year and a half’s passionate work by Vizavi Editions, under the editorial direction of Pascale Siew in collaboration with Géraldine Hennequin-Joulia and Guy Siew. CHINATOWN in the heart of Mauritius is issued in three languages; Chinese, English and French. Its Chinese version was translated by the diplomats of the Embassy in Mauritius. The book is on sale at the price of Rs 1,500 in bookshops and supermarkets.