How artist George Camille partly owned the opening of Canopy by Hilton

• George and his wife Jayne

‘Over my dead body’ would the first thought that comes to mind about wearing a jacket and tie again in my life.

It’s just not me anymore, and I don’t consider it very Seychelles, although traditionally it has always been worn for Baptisms, Marriages and Funerals.

But I could have ripped the jacket off George Camille’s back at the opening of Canopy by Hilton, and he wore it with such a swagger, from sipping the Prosecco and Lemongrass to the opening ceremony, in the shadow of his paintings in the lobby, to sharing drinks at the Sega Bar until late evening, in the company of his wife Jayne.

I did raise the thought but it looks like I will have to settle for a waistcoat version, and given the choice, I would add a little touch of red, perhaps from a fish.

• George Camille, Tourism Minister Sylvestre Radegonde, and GPS founder Gilbert Pool

In fact the evening of the Canopy’s opening on Friday 22nd March was as much about George as it was about Canopy itself.

His lavish paintings of Seychelles life adorn the walls in the lobby as act as a permanent reminder that the hotel is located squarely in South Mahe, and should act as a perpetual inspiration to the staff.

I chatted with George about his commission for the Canopy work, and he had this to say:

“I was approached by the interior designers with a very simple brief, to "bring the culture and colours of the islands into the Canopy Hotel". 

• The Canopy lobby

“The collection of 15 large acrylic paintings on linen that adorn the walls of the reception and public areas of the Hotel is a celebration of the rich tapestry of Creole life.

“I’ve depicted scenes of the daily lives of Seychellois men and women in bright and bold colours against the breathtaking lush green canopy of the island's vegetation and traditional architecture. 

• George (centre) with President and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan

“The housewife returning home from the Market with her "pake pwason " (packet of colourfull fish) for dinner , the fisherman weaving a traditional "kazye" (bamboo fish trap) or the farmer harvesting a ripe "rezim banann" (bunch of bananas) are some of scenes brought to life that the hotel guests will discover.”.

What can I say but that perhaps the housewife returning home with her ‘pake pwason’ will end up on my waistcoat in celebration of George Camille for the rest of my years.

•  A happy George making me jealous in his jacket

•  George and Jayne looking satisfied with their work