Resources are set to be poured into Babonneau through the Community Business Revitalisation Project (CBRP).
On April 29, stakeholders gathered at Fond Latisab Creole Park in Fond Assau for the official launch of the project.
“I remember creole festival here at Babonneau,” said Ambassador of Taiwan Nicole Su during an address. “The experience was lively, vibrant, and unforgettable, and this is why we think we can bring tourists here in Babonneau, because Creole culture is unique and precious…”
Funded by the Taiwan Embassy and implemented by the Taiwan Technical Mission, in collaboration with the Babonneau Youth Synergy, the Babonneau Constituency Council and the Ministry of Commerce, the project will focus on developing community-based tourism, with an emphasis on youth involvement.
The CBRP uses a community-first approach that allows residents to identify priority areas for investment, which the project then supports through its resources and implementation. The goal is to create economic opportunities within the community while preserving cultural heritage and supporting small businesses.
The initiative will build on work already undertaken in Babonneau by the Taiwan Technical Mission, including the erection and maintenance of community signage, as well as branding and enhancement efforts at the Fond Latisab Creole Park.
Outgoing President of the Babonneau Youth Synergy, Aldrick Edward, announced that an upcoming phase of the project, set to take place in the coming days, will include free cultural dance workshops and business management classes.
Babonneau is the third community to see implementation of the CBRP, which began in 2023 and is being rolled out across four key communities: Fond St Jacques, Laborie, Babonneau, and, tentatively, Dennery South.
In Fond St Jacques, initiatives with the Ministry of Commerce have included overhauling the interpretation centre, training tour guides and culinary instruction led by Chef Orlando. Support has also helped young people develop business proposals and establish an agro-tourism park. Additional activities include launching the Dasheen Festival, hosting a summer camp for students, and assisting with a gift shop – all at no cost to the community.
In Laborie, the project has supported the construction of a dedicated sewing room for crafters and the hosting of sewing workshops. The facility has also undergone a full refurbishment, with support provided to improve product branding. Further assistance has been given to upgrade and revitalise the community’s gift shop.
Ambassador Su added that another core goal of the CBRP is generational impact through building the capacity of medium and small enterprises.
