Thursday 06th July 2023, National History Museum, Victoria.
It’s a pleasure to be with you all here today, on this special occasion, to recognise and appoint the twenty (20) men and women whose dedication and effort towards the cultivation of a hidden talent, have earned them the accolade of Marriage Celebrant. This is a great occasion whereby you can turn it into an opportunity of a lifetime.
When Government took the decision last year to decentralise the conduct of civil marriages, we did so in order to entice local participation in all aspects of its planning and administration. The idea was to open up the sector and provide talented Seychellois with the opportunity to take ownership in the shaping up of this highly-prized niche tourism market, which can only grow alongside the growth of international travel and the realisation of the country’s plans to expand and diversify the tourism product offering.
The decentralisation initiative is also very much about upgrading service quality; hence the reason why all prospective celebrants are having to go through a comprehensive training programme at The Guy Morel Institute. The intricacies and demands of the marriage clientele is such that the celebrants have to be well versed in the techniques of personalised service.
Potential marrying couples, may they be locals or foreign visitors, are almost always inclined to look for a wedding experience tailored to their individual needs and preferences. They want to make it special and memorable. It is said that tying the knot ranks among the most significant occurrences in one’s adult life. I would tend to think it’s the most daring leap! Therefore, the need for wedding planners and celebrants to get it right all the time cannot be emphasized enough.
In seeking excellence as the ultimate objective, the image of professionalism has to be projected right from the start and here, celebrants know all too well that attention to detail in appearance, behaviour and speech is paramount.
And so, to you the newly graduated celebrants, I would like you to take notice that this new status has catapulted you to the forefront and in the frontline of a delicate enterprise, where expectations are high; but where the rewards can be substantial.
Be conscious of your role as ambassadors and use every opportunity to promote our values and culture within your clientele and through your marketing efforts. Competition is healthy. Do compete with each other, but not against each other. I extend to you my sincere congratulations and wish you success in your endeavour. This decentralisation effort and the preparation of the celebrants in the new setting, has been possible, thanks to the Department of Tourism which has been instrumental as a partner since the programme’s inception.
I would also like to express my appreciation to The Guy Morel Institute for its invaluable support in the conceptualisation and delivery of the course programme and our own Civil Status Division for spearheading the initiative and the co-ordination effort.
I am gratified to note that Civil Status, Tourism and The Guy Morel Institute will continue to work together to ensure the guardianship of this new initiative, which can only add value to the wedding experience of Seychellois and foreigners alike.
MONDAY 03RD JULY 2023 AT THE BERJAYA BEAU VALLON BAY RESORT.
It is a real pleasure for me to be joining you here today, on the occasion of the opening of the Regional Forum on Migration and Maritime Security, generally aimed to assess human mobility in the maritime context within the Indian Ocean.
Please allow me, on behalf of the “Government of Seychelles, to extend a warm Seychellois welcome to all delegates, especially those coming from member countries of the Indian Ocean Commission and East Africa as well as the representatives of the various regional and international organisations.
We hope that you have an enjoyable stay with us.
Over the past few years the prevalence of illicit activities within our region’s maritime space has provided much cause for concern, as evidenced by an upsurge in the number of seizures of vessels involved in narcotics and illegal fishing related incidents.
Moreover, migration has impacted our nations in multifaceted ways. It is imperative that we embrace dialogue and cooperation on migration-related issues. Building upon the foundation laid by Seychelles and the Indian Ocean Commission's Migration Dialogue for IOC Countries (MiDIOCC), we gather here today to strengthen regional collaboration, policy coordination, and the governance of migration for the collective benefit of our people.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has actively engaged with member states at the regional and national levels, focusing on strengthening mechanisms and institutional frameworks for border and maritime security.
Through consultations, capacity development initiatives, policy support, and technical assistance, the IOM has worked tirelessly to enhance regional intelligence capacity and information sharing, particularly in combating transnational organized crimes like smuggling and trafficking in persons. Seychelles has also demonstrated its commitment to eliminating trafficking in persons, earning recognition in the United States' 23rd annual Trafficking in Persons Report, where it was upgraded to the Tier 1 level.
Maritime security remains a key priority for IOC member states. The challenges posed by piracy in the Western Indian Ocean region have necessitated robust responses to protect merchant shipping traffic, ensure trade, enhance safety at sea, and uphold political and social stability. In October 2010, the European Union and Eastern and Southern African and Indian Ocean states agreed upon the Strategy and Action Plan, leading to the establishment of the Regional Maritime Security (MASE) Program in partnership with the Indian Ocean Commission. This comprehensive program addresses all maritime risks and threats in the Western Indian Ocean, facilitated by agreements such as the Regional Maritime Security Agreements, and the establishment of the Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre (RMIFC), and the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC). While substantial progress has been made in coordinating regional actions and sharing maritime information, more concerted efforts are needed to enhance collaboration and information sharing as we now face non-traditional security threats, with human smuggling and the narcotics trade being the number one culprits.
In this forum, we have the privilege of hosting esteemed representatives from Comoros, Djibouti, France/Reunion, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and Tanzania - united by a common goal to ensure the safety and security of our seas and to facilitate orderly, safe, and regular migration within our region.
Together, we embark on a journey to assess the current situation and perspectives on human mobility in the maritime context, identifying threats, challenges, and opportunities that demand our collective resolve. Our aim is to strengthen regional collaborative approaches in addressing maritime security threats, including irregular migration, human trafficking, and the smuggling of migrants. By enhancing our regional capacities for data collection and analysis, we can effectively monitor migration flows, routes, and trends.
As we delve into these discussions, let us seize this moment to chart a course towards a safer, more secure, and prosperous future for our region.
May this forum serve as a catalyst for action, and may the bonds we forge here today stand as a testament to the power of unity in the face of shared challenges. Together, let us navigate the tides of change, guided by the principles of cooperation, understanding, and mutual respect.
I extend to you all my bet wishes of success in your deliberations.
Thank you.
Intervention by Minister Charles E. Fonseka
I am deeply honoured to participate in the 6th edition of the Indian Ocean Conference. I also join the others in thanking our gracious host, the Government and the people of Bangladesh for the warm welcome since our arrival in your beautiful country.
This momentous occasion serves as testament to our collective dedication to warrant regional coordination, stability, and development. In these turbulent times, when the world grapples with unprecedented challenges and non-traditional security threats, our region stands as a beacon of hope amidst the storm. The theme for this year's conference, "Peace, Prosperity, and Partnership for a Resilient Future," resonates deeply within us, guiding our deliberations toward practical solutions that will shape the destiny of our region.
Colleagues, today we have a rare opportunity, a clarion call, to champion peace and stability in the Indian Ocean and beyond. We must confront the harsh realities of conflict and instability, for they are the fertile breeding grounds that nurture nefarious activities and perpetuate a sense of insecurity. We cannot afford to remain passive spectators as the consequences of instability spill over into our lives, tarnishing the fabric of our societies. Take, for instance, the insidious trafficking of narcotics that plagues the Indian Ocean. Within a mere decade, our once pristine waters have transformed into a highway for the trade in illicit goods, a conduit of destruction that ravages our nations and compromises our very foundations.
Let me illuminate the gravity of this situation. In the small nation of Seychelles, with its modest population of one hundred thousand, we find ourselves shackled by the devastating grip of heroin addiction. Astonishingly, a staggering 10% of our people now bear the heavy burden of this affliction. The implications of such a calamity extend far beyond the individual, impacting the security, stability, and well-being of our entire region. Our workforce, our economic prowess, and the promise of a prosperous future all hang in the balance. We cannot allow this scourge to continue unabated.
Seychelles, though endowed with limited resources, has shown unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Through joint patrols with our regional partners, we have bolstered our maritime domain awareness, fortifying our ability to counter these criminal enterprises. We have strived to strengthen the pillars of law enforcement and judicial cooperation. Yet, my esteemed colleagues, let us be resolute in our understanding that these measures alone are not enough. We demand a united front, a symphony of coordinated efforts, with information sharing as its harmonious refrain. Together, as a region, in unison with international organizations and agencies, we must pre-empt and dismantle these nefarious drug trafficking networks.
But let us not focus solely on the perils of narcotics. The challenge of combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU) looms large over our heads, casting a shadow upon the sustainable management of our marine resources and the livelihoods of our coastal communities. In this regard, Seychelles acknowledges the pivotal role played by existing regional and international frameworks and agreements on fisheries management, such as the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA). We have embarked upon a national plan of action, bolstering our monitoring, control, and surveillance capabilities. We have engaged civil society and the private sector, recognizing the significance of their involvement in combating IUU fishing. Furthermore, we have joined the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
However, The need for further cooperation is indispensable. We must elevate our collective capacity and awareness in the realm of IUU and we must also recognize that the success of our efforts to address the challenges facing our region requires a strong and unwavering commitment from all of us.
Additionally, it is imperative that we acknowledge another critical issue that plagues our region - human trafficking. This heinous crime preys on the most vulnerable among us, robbing individuals of their dignity and humanity. It is an affront to our shared values of freedom and justice, and we cannot turn a blind eye to its existence.
The Indian Ocean region, with its vast and porous borders, is a prime target for human traffickers. Trafficking victims are often smuggled across borders, exploited for labour or sex, and subjected to unspeakable horrors. This is a challenge that must be addressed through collaborative efforts among all of our nations. We need to strengthen our border control measures, improve law enforcement capabilities, and enhance cooperation among our countries to combat this issue effectively.
My Dear Colleagues,
To achieve our shared goals, we need to focus on building trust, enhancing dialogue, and promoting cooperation among our countries. We must work towards a more integrated and connected region, where trade and investment can flourish, and where people can move freely, whether for business or leisure.
In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to the organisers of this important conference and for providing us with this valuable opportunity to exchange views and ideas on how to address the challenges and opportunities facing our region. Let us continue to work together with a shared vision and purpose so that we can create a more stable, prosperous, and peaceful Indian Ocean region for ourselves and for future generations.
I Thank you all.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe
Member of the National Assembly, Hon. Sylvianne Lemiel
Chief Fire Officer of the Seychelles Fire& Rescue Services Agency, Ms. Tally Domingue
Management and Staff of Seychelles Fire& Rescue Services Agency
Ladies and Gentlemen
Today, we recognize and honour our Firefighters, for their sustained commitment towards ’Living the life of a Firefighter.’ This is what this special day means. International Firefighter’s Day is about recognizing the ‘life of a Firefighter’.
And it needs no explanation. We all know, and have experienced and seen them go into action. And they do so without complaining. With full understanding of the dangers that they place themselves in. On each task, they are prepared to step onto this ‘life-threatening zone,’ at any moment and time, to ensure that their communities and environment are safe.
And they do so with optimism and confidence of a trained Firefighter. They will find a way and get the job done. This is what Firefighters do. No mission is too hard for those men and women.
So annually, on the 4th of May all around the world, we pay tribute to Firefighters.
And what better occasion than today, for the inauguration of the Anse Royal Fire Station.
The Anse Royale Fire Station fulfills the Strategic objective of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, to bring its services closer to the communities that it serves. We are yet to achieve this goal nationally, and we can only progress within our budget allocations.
Nonetheless, our communities are continuously developing, and building designs are always changing, with more commercial and industrial buildings, challenges have evolved in respect to fire hazards.
In order to continue to keep Seychelles safe, the SFRSA must keep up with the trends and continue to upgrade its capabilities. It must have the ability to respond to fire incidents quickly and effectively, and this new Fire Station will ensure that SFRSA maintains prompt and effective delivery of emergency services today, and in the future.
The station has all the facilities that is required of a modern fire station. With two new Fire Tenders received in December 2022 on its fleet.
I take the opportunity today, to congratulate and thank the team that planned and implemented this project from the beginning. From the signing of the contract for the construction works in March 2020, to the start of construction on the 07th of April 2020 and to its completion in November 2021. Despite a six months’ delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this very important project was finally completed and handed over to the SFRSA on the 08th of April, 2022 and came into operation on the 12th of January, 2023.
I also want to make special mention to the former Chief Fire Officer Albert Rose and Deputy Chief Fire Officer Regis Bethew, both retired from the service now, but who undoubtedly played a very important part in making all of this possible today.
To Chief Fire Officer Domingue and her team, congratulations on the achievement of this very important milestone for the SFRSA, and well done in making it all happen.
To all our brave firefighters, I thank you all. From disaster preparedness, to medical response, Lifeguard Service, serving as educators, you do a lot of behind-the-scenes work to keep our communities safe. We recognize you and appreciate you. Keep up the good work.
To conclude, I wish you all a Happy International Fire Fighter’s Day and have great pleasure in declaring the Anse Royale Fire Station officially open.
I Thank you.
MONDAY 17TH APRIL AT 0930 HOURS, SAVOY HOTEL AND SPA
From the outset let me welcome you all to the two-day workshop under the theme: Operationalisation of the National Incident Command System jointly organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and the Disaster Risk Management Division.
My colleague, the Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs Rose-Marie Hoareau, cannot be present today. She has however, requested me to convey her good wishes for the workshop and commend all who have worked towards its realisation.
It was on the 4th of August last year, that I had the honour to officially launch the High level workshop organised jointly by the Government of Seychelles and the World Bank, to launch the operationalisation of the National Integrated Emergency Management Plan (NIEMP), which had been approved by government in early 2020. The NIEMP sets out the way forward for all stakeholders to develop their sectorial plans in 5 different functional areas – Search and Rescue, Health, Humanitarian Services, Essential Infrastructure and Emergency Management.
Since August last year, our Ministry, through the DRMD, has been consistent in the development of plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with MDAs across government, to meet government’s expectation to lower disaster risk through a collaborative approach. In so doing, Seychelles continues to strengthen its emergency preparedness in meeting its international obligation under the Sendai Framework’s priority area of “Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response, and to build back better in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction”.
In this light, I wish to reiterate the need for all MDAs to integrate Disaster risk reduction, and business continuity planning as crucial activities in their planning processes as their contribution towards more disaster resilient communities; after all, disaster risk reduction is everyone’s responsibility.
This workshop is crucial as it gets communities and responders together towards not only the implementation of the Incident command system, but will also address day to day administrative challenges faced by districts, and emergency responders in providing services aimed at guaranteeing the safety of citizens and infrastructure. I commend this collaborative approach and highly recommend the same to other MDAs when addressing disaster risk reduction activities in their workplaces.
Finally, I wish to put on record my appreciation for all the men and women who devote their lives to ensuring that our citizens are kept safe at all times and it is my privilege to launch this important workshop.
I thank you.