Jack, M0JWT is currently active from Mahe Island as S79O.
He is working on HF bands.
QSL via home call.
Mahé-A Picturesque Utopia
A Brief Introduction:
Mahé is the largest island of the Seychelles archipelago, which lies to the north west of the Seychelles nation. It is located among the cluster of islands 1800 kilometres away from the African mainland. Mahé is also home to the nation’s capital Victoria, while also facilitating approximately 78,539 inhabitants according to the 2010 census, which constitutes around 86% of population of the Seychelles islands. The island consists of a land area of 155 square kilometres (60 sq mi). It is categorized as an African island. Its national anthem is Koste Seselwa (Join together all Seychellois), while the dominating languages spoken are French, English and Seychellois Creole.
Mahé’s history:
The first visitors that Mahé got were the British (1609), later the island was visited by Europeans (1742) in the Lazare Picault expedition. The island remained under the French rule till 1812. After that, Mahé became a British colony until it gained independence in 1976.
Geographical Aspects:
The Mahé Island is the biggest and most populated island out of the 115 islands forming the Seychelles archipelago. The archipelago is located in the Indian Ocean near the African mainlands, hence also categorized as an African Island. The total land area of the island is 155 square kilometres (60 sq mi). Conception island lies 2 kilometres to its west, Therese Island to its west, Anonyme Island lies 700 metres east and Sillhouette Island lies 20 kilometres northwest of Mahé.
Mahé is also home to Seychelles’ capital city Victoria, sometimes also called as Port Victoria.
The highest elevation point in Mahé is 905 metres (2,969 feet) above sea level which is known as the “Morne Seychellois” peak, Morne Seychellois national park was formed around it making it a tourist attraction and local retreat.
Mahé is home to many endangered plant species like the “Medusagyne oppositifolia” commonly known as the Jellyfish tree, the carnivorous “Pitcher Plant” and many different types of orchids.
Climatic Conditions:
Mahé is categorized to have tropical climate. This means the weather usually stays warm to hot, throughout the year. June and July are recorded to be the driest months while December till February being the wettest months for the island. The average temperature in summer is around 29 °C to 30 °C while in the winter it is recorded around 23 °C.
Demographics:
The population density for Mahe is 465 square kilometres (1,204 sq mi). The population can be classified as 93.2% Seychellois Creole, 3 % British, 1.8% French, 0.5% Chinese, 0.3% Indian and only 1.2% others.
Language, script and religion:
The official languages of Mahé are French and English while Seychellois Creole is also spoken by all the 93.2% locals. Most newspapers and books are written in Seychellois Creole which is widely understood by most inhabitants while books in French and English are also written. As the official languages are French, English and Seychellois Creole, the official papers also use the same languages.
The census held in 2002 confirms around 82% population to Roman Catholic while 6% is Anglican, while the remaining percentage is of many Christians, Muslims and Hindus.
Economy:
Economy of the Mahé Island depends and is based mainly on tourism and tuna fishing. The beautiful white sand-azure water beaches and the natural forests and mountains are sources of attraction for tourists. There are many famous hotels and cafes operating in regions to facilitate tourist needs and demands. Many attractions like Seychelles Natural History Museum, Morne Seychellois national park, Botanical gardens, Codevar Crafts centre (all in Victoria) are also famous as tourist spots.
The currency used in Mahé is “Seychellois rupee”. Mahé is also known for its tuna fisheries and the canning industries.
Culture, Cuisine and Music:
The Mahé society is said to be Matriarchal. The married women dominate the affairs of the household while the males tend to the worldly affairs. Single mothers are a societal sin. The men are required by the law to support and earn for the household, whereas their role in it is pretty minor.
Seafood and rice are dominant in all of its cuisines. Fish is cooked in many different ways like steamed grilled, baked salted or smoked. Different curry dishes are often accompanied by rice. Other side dishes and staples are coconut, mangoes, breadfruit and kordonnyen fish. Famous dishes are Ladob, shark chutney and saffron rice.
The music is a fusion of many cultures. Folk music has African rhythm and accents. French folk and pop music is also heard. European Polka, Mazurka and contredanses, Indian and Arcadian music is also heard and sung.
Telecommunication in Mahé:
The main television network is operated by Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, which broadcasts news and programs in Seychellois Creole language. There are also imported French and English programmes broadcasted on the channels.
Internet was introduced by Atlas Seychelles Ltd. which helped link the many islands of the Seychelles archipelago together with the world. In 2009 an open proxy company Astril was founded to provide VPN services to travellers and home users.
SBC radio offers medium wave services broadcasting from 6 am to 10 pm. On 93.6 FM is broadcasted by Paradise FM, RFI is offered on 103 FM. There was a BBC world service had a radio station in Southern Mahé, which was listened to by many east African parts. The station closed in 2014. FEBA radio was also stationed in Mahé was listened by almost 30 countries. The station was disbanded in 2003.
Some Interesting facts about Mahé:
- The motto followed is “the end crowns the work”.
- Most people confuse Mahé’s name with the mahi mahi fish.
Video Mahe Island
