Heritage In Pamplemousses: Finding Healing In Our Past.

Slavery and slave trade continue to affect many societies today, more so those whose history the trade cannot be separated from. The result is the frequent challenges on issues of identity, rights, justice, reconciliation, equity among others. This is the reality of the people of Mauritius. It is a society with a history of slavery, indenture, forced and unpaid labour among others. It is this past that has contributed in creating and shaping the present nation, Mauritius. Like many other multicultural societies, it is resorting to memorials as an important form of 'promoting national reconciliation based on principles of equity, fairness and justices'. With the ever increasing tension between culprits and victims; the village Pamplemousses, a historical reflection of the Island is examined as a case study on how the people of Mauritius, could engage with their past history of slavery as heritage that will result in healing; especially in line with the changing needs of the present and future generations. Considering its multi-layered societal structures, an all-inclusive concept of community is called upon as a means to community empowerment and national reconciliation.