Dr. Francis Moto, Malawian High Commissioner to the UK, addressed an enthralled audience at vinspired Lake of Stars' most recent event as part of the Priceless Live Series at Rich Mix in Shoreditch ...
"The organisers of Lake of Stars, especially Will Jameson, representatives of sponsors, The British Council, Selector Radio, musicians, DJs, members of the media, Lake of Stars volunteers, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen – it gives me great pleasure to be with you this evening as a guest of honour at one of the events that are organised as part of the Rich Mix Series.
I have been informed that today’s event is part of the pre-Lake of Stars festival promotion, and is aimed at providing the necessary information and feel of the forthcoming festival that will take place in October 2010 in Mangochi, Malawi, the warm heart of the continent.
I am grateful to the organisers for having booked me as guest of honour once again at this event.
It is interesting to note that the Lake of Stars festival has grown in stature over the years from humble beginnings way back in 2004 to become one of the biggest music festivals in the South African region, if not the whole of the African continent. The event has been instrumental in promoting UK and international outbound tourism to Malawi and has been important in exposing Malawian musicians to the international market.
Furthermore, I have been informed that a proportion of the proceeds of the event has been used to support works of charity in our beautiful country, and we thank you – those of you who have been to Malawi and promote it from the United Kingdom. You will agree with me that we have not only been on the receiving end in terms of charity, but Malawian entrepreneurs have also been financially empowered through the event, through the provision of goods and services.
In this regard the multiplier effect has been good. The range of beneficiaries has also been diverse – local farmers have benefitted, fisher men or fisher women, local restaurants and bars, suppliers of accommodation and transport, just to mention a few. The balance has been right, and this is what we, as a country, look forward to when renewals and cash come in through provision of goods and services. Above all the country has been able to benefit from the much needed foreign exchange. The Government of the Republic of Malawi’s International Development Strategy recognises the important role that tourism plays in the socio-economic development of the country, and is ensuring the contribution of tourism to the GDP by establishing Malawi as the principle and leading eco-tourism destination on the continent.
To this effect, the Government is on a major road and infrastructure development programme. It will embark on a star-rating exercise of the accommodation sector this year, encouraging and facilitating investment in high quality ecologies in wildlife areas and areas of outstanding natural beauty. And I say this with all humility – they are all outstanding, scenic beauty spots in the warm heart of the continent and we invite you to visit it, if not before, definitely during Lake of Stars in October 2010.
The interesting thing about Malawi is that we have an diverse product range with something for everyone, from beaches, wildlife, mountains and plateaus, horse-riding – you name it, we’ve got it. The centrepiece obviously is Lake Malawi, the venue of Lake of Stars. One expolorer, David Livingstone, arrived at Cape Maclear and wrote in his diary that he had been to many places but he hadn’t been to a place so tranquil and peaceful. I challenge you to prove him wrong – go to Mangochi and write in your own diary that this great explorer was only imagining things!
Another interesting thing about Malawi is that everyone comes back happy, and in the words of BBC Radio 1’s Mary Ann Hobbs, Malawi is “incredible, vital, humbling and a life-changing experience”. Let me also add that anyone who has been to Malawi always wants to go back, and if you think I’m only saying this because I am the High Commissioner for Malawi in the United Kingdom, do go back to those who are older than ourselves and ask them how many times they have returned to the warmth of the people on the continent.
I can assure you that Malawi is one of the safest destinations in Africa, with the warmest people in Africa and the world. I said this last year and I’ll say it again – you cannot pretend to be friendly and you cannot pretend to be friendly for long.
The people of Malawi are warm, and they are born smiling, and they are the most friendly people I have ever come across in the world. You can consult any reputable travel guide such as the Lonely Travel Series.
Ladies and gentlemen, let me not bore you on this important evening with a long speech as if I was in a lecture theatre. Let me end with a pertinent quote from St Augustine – the saint who was walking on the shore (for those of you who failed theological studies!) – he was trying to take water from the ocean and pour it into a little hole, but what he said is more important than what i am trying to remember from my theology classes: “the world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only a page”
I look forward to seeing you in Malawi in October 2010 at Lake of Stars, and I thank you for your attention. Thank you very much.”
For more information about vinspired Lake of Stars 2010, please check www.lakeofstars.org
