Seychellois author of the book entitled “Refugee – A Seychellois Boy’s Story”, Mr Flavien Joubert, paid a courtesy call on President Danny Faure at State House this morning. The novel was released earlier this month.

The President congratulated Mr Joubert on his achievement and thanked him for sharing his personal life story and inspiring others. Mr Joubert said he hoped the book, his fourth, would inspire those that are struggling to overcome challenges in life.

Mr Joubert recapped his experience detailed in the book, whereby at the age of 16 he was offered a scholarship to the Seychelles government by Archbishop President Makarios of Cyprus in 1973. This scholarship enabled young Mr Joubert to attend The Hotel and Catering Institute, a prestigious boarding school located in Greek-controlled Nicosia, to pursue a five-year course in hospitality.

In August 1974, he became a war refugee. He described how he spent his time at the refugee camp before finally being rescued and flown to Great Britain in a Hercules British Air Force plane. He was eventually reunited with his older sister in Brighton, England. At 17 years old, he decided to stay in England to resume his studies.

Mr Joubert, who is also the Principal of the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), is well-known for his books on creole cuisine and culture.