Few individuals resonate beyond the ordinary in the tapestry of history, leaving an indelible mark on the fabric of time. Alain St.Ange, a man whose life intertwines with the very essence of Seychelles, has now penned an autobiography that captures not just his journey but also the intricate web of his family’s rich heritage. This work is more than merely recounting events; it is a preservation of history, a testament to resilience, and an inspiration for future generations.

A Deep-Rooted Love for History

Alain St.Ange’s decision to write his autobiography was driven by a profound love for history and a desire to document his life and those who came before him. “My love for history is why I have attempted to place on record not only my life but also the family tree from which I descended as well as that of my wife, Ginette St.Ange née Michel,” St.Ange shared, reflecting on the motivation behind his extensive work.

This labour of love was not just for personal gratification but to ensure that his family’s legacy endures through the annals of time. He acknowledges that “most of us will be forgotten within four generations.” Through this autobiography, he aims to provide a bridge for future generations to understand where they come from and honour those who paved the way for them.

St.Ange’s narrative is one of perseverance and dedication. “Time waits for no one, and I am at the best stage of my life to reflect and dedicate the time required,” he stated, expressing a deep pride in his life’s journey. This reflection led him to a realization that resonates through the pages of his autobiography: the importance of character over reputation.

The Art of Selective Storytelling

Deciding what to include and what to leave out in an autobiography is no easy feat, especially when one’s life has been as multifaceted as that of Alain St.Ange. From his birth on La Digue, growing up on an agricultural estate, to his schooling at Seychelles College during pivotal national events, every chapter of his life offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of Seychelles.

St.Ange meticulously recounts his father’s founding of the Cabanes Des Anges Hotel, marking the dawn of tourism in Seychelles. This was a pivotal moment for the St.Ange family and the entire nation. Including such stories, alongside his professional endeavours in tourism and politics, ensures that the autobiography is a comprehensive record of personal and national history.

One of the most poignant chapters details his bid for the Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) position and the subsequent court case. His involvement in politics, particularly his self-exile after being terminated from office, is a narrative filled with lessons on resilience and the harsh realities of political life.

The Challenge of Capturing a Lifetime in Pages

Writing an autobiography is daunting, especially when the life being documented spans decades of personal and professional achievements. “I did my autobiography my way,” St.Ange confidently declares, emphasizing his commitment to authenticity. Cramming a lifetime of experiences into 868 pages required a focused approach, and for St.Ange, photos became an essential tool. “Each photo speaks a thousand words,” he explained, using imagery to enhance the storytelling and convey the depth of his journey.

Guided by John Lennon’s words, “You may say I am a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one,” St.Ange has always aspired to unite people through his work. These words, which he echoed at the opening of the first edition of the ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ in 2011, continue to influence his outlook on life and his approach to documenting it.

A Transformative Writing Experience

For Alain St.Ange, writing his autobiography was about documenting his life and understanding it from a new perspective. Through this process, he developed a more profound admiration for his ancestors, tracing their journey from slavery in Mozambique and Mauritius to becoming foundational figures in the St.Ange family lineage.

This reflection on the past brought to light the sacrifices made by previous generations, including the efforts of his grandparents and parents to ensure he received a quality education. Their determination and hard work allowed St.Ange to attend Seychelles College, an opportunity that shaped his future and laid the foundation for his later successes.

Revisiting his life, particularly the letter he wrote to his daughters on the night of the 2020 election, St.Ange reflected on politics’ divisive nature and its impact on family life. Yet, he also reaffirmed his belief in the necessity of political engagement if real change is to be achieved.

Stories That Resonate Deeply

Among the many stories captured in his autobiography, two stand out as particularly significant for St.Ange. The first is the period of his life spent in self-exile with his young wife and infant daughter, marked by profound challenges and personal growth. Writing about this period brought back memories of those difficult years, highlighting the resilience required to overcome such trials.

The second significant chapter details his bid for the Secretary General of the UNWTO, a campaign that was abruptly halted when Seychelles withdrew its support for his candidature. The decision left St.Ange and many others stunned, with one delegate famously remarking, “The Gods must have gone crazy.” Like many others in the book, this episode illustrates life’s unpredictable nature and the importance of perseverance.

Lessons for Future Generations

Alain St.Ange hopes to impart valuable lessons to his readers through his autobiography. “Nothing is easy,” he asserts, a truth evident throughout his life story. His success in tourism and politics was not a matter of luck but the result of passion and dedication.

His achievements in tourism were recognized globally when “The Travel & Competitiveness Report” ranked Seychelles Number 1 in Africa for travel and 38th in the world in 2013—a milestone that was repeated in 2015. This recognition further cemented Seychelles’ position on the world tourism stage and was a testament to St.Ange’s efforts to promote the nation.

In politics, St.Ange’s hard work did not go unnoticed. Wavel Ramkalawan, the leader of the Seychelles National Party (SNP), praised him for his dedication to the constituency of Bel Air, acknowledging that “if the party were to offer an award for the most hardworking candidate, I would have given that to you without any hesitation.”

Closure Through Documentation

Writing his autobiography brought St. Ange a sense of closure and healing. The termination from his position as Assistant to the Director of Tourism in 1983 was a turning point in his life, leading to a period of self-exile and personal turmoil. Documenting these experiences allowed him to confront and move past the bitterness that once overshadowed his memories.

Another significant event he could process through writing was the withdrawal of his candidature for the UNWTO post just days before the election. St. Ange achieved a sense of resolution by documenting the saga alongside the judgments delivered by the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.

A Life with No Regrets

As he looks back on his life, Alain St.Ange has no regrets. “I have lived a full life with no what-ifs and have remained true to myself throughout,” he proudly states. His autobiography reflects not just his achievements but a celebration of a well-lived life dedicated to the betterment of his country and his people.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

St. Ange offers the following advice for those considering writing their own life story: “Documenting what you did is important. If you know that you have done something for the good of the country and its people, it is important to document it.”

Alain St.Ange’s autobiography is more than just a personal memoir; it is a historical document that preserves the legacy of a family and a nation. It is a story of resilience, dedication, and the enduring power of history. Through his words, St.Ange ensures that the stories of the past will continue to inspire future generations and that his legacy, like those before him, will be remembered for generations to come.

 

 

 

Written by: Charmaine Lu

 

 

 

 

 

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