Further to its first donation of SCR 100,000 to the 7th December Disaster Fund in December 2023, the Anglican Diocese in Seychelles has contributed an additional SCR 70,695.85. This amount includes funds collected from two funerals: the Dorothy Lafortune and Hakeem Antoine funeral held at St. Paul's Church and the funeral of Hyacinth Napoleon at St. Luke's Church. All three were the tragic victims of the disaster that struck the north of Mahé.

The donation was presented to the Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau, by Bishop James Wong and Archdeacon Father Danny Elizabeth.

This generous contribution reflects the compassion and solidarity of the Anglican Diocese with the families and communities affected by the disaster. The funds will aid in the ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts, providing much-needed support to those who have suffered immense loss.

Minister Hoareau expressed deep gratitude for the donation, acknowledging the heartfelt support from the church and the community during these challenging times. She emphasised the importance of unity and collective effort in overcoming the aftermath of such a calamity.

The continued generosity and support from the Anglican Diocese serve as a beacon of hope and strength for the entire community, demonstrating the power of solidarity and compassion in times of crisis.

The Executive Director of the Ministry, Romano Songor, recently attended a prestigious four-week governance programme at Peking University in Beijing, China. This enriching experience included lectures, site visits, and cultural activities, all aimed at deepening the understanding of China's remarkable development.

Key areas of focus during the programme included:

• Political stability
• Economic stability
• Modernisation
• Healthcare systems
• Philosophy
• Leadership
• Social and economic transitions
• International relations

Mr Songor, alongside delegates from around the world, visited numerous facilities and sites such as medical centres, a hospital which also serves as a museum, cultural and historcial sites including the Great Wall of China, and cutting-edge technology centres like Huawei and BYD. The programme also facilitated meaningful interactions with tech professionals and students from PKU University.

Reflecting on this invaluable experience, Mr Songor stated, "As a Seychelles Government official who participated in this comprehensive governance programme at Peking University, I have gained valuable insights into China's governance, economic policies, cultural practices, healthcare systems, and modernization strategies. This experience allows me to recommend actionable strategies to enhance Seychelles' development by leveraging lessons learned from China."

The Foreign Affairs Department and the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs are pleased to announce the impactful contributions made to five districts—Mont Fleuri, Pointe Larue, Roche Caiman, Takamaka, and Au Cap—under the Adopt a District Programme. The handover ceremony was held at Queau de Quinssy on Friday, 21st June 2024 at Maison Quéau de Quinssy. Launched in October 2022, this initiative aims to forge stronger connections between Seychelles Honorary Consuls and local communities, enabling a deeper understanding of district level issues and challenges.

Mont Fleuri Secondary School's after-school IT programme has received a generous donation of 10 laptops. This invaluable contribution comes from the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Seychelles in Eswatini, Mr. Nasser Ahmed Mansoor, and will significantly enhance the educational resources available to students. The Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Seychelles for Pakistan, Mr. Shahid Ahmad, in collaboration with the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Seychelles for Mombasa, Ms. Natasha D'Suza, have provided a consignment of sports gear and equipment. This donation aims to foster athletic development and encourage physical activity among the youth in Pointe Larue.

The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Seychelles for Mozambique, Mr. Umar Abdul Shakoor Sorathia, has generously donated Euro 2,800. These funds are designated for the local purchasing of equipment, specifically for upgrading and enhancing the local playground. This project is dedicated to benefiting the youth of the Roche Caiman community, providing them with improved recreational facilities.

In Takamaka District, the male beach soccer team, Stormy Taka, and the female volleyball team, Takamaka Ladies will benefit from high-quality sportswear donated by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Seychelles for Mauritius, Mr. Ahmed Parkar. As for the Au Cap district, it has received a donation of United States Dollars 500 from the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Seychelles for Ghana, Mr. Kwame Acquah. These funds are earmarked specifically for the acquisition of musical instruments for the youth.

The Seychelles Honorary Consul in California, Mr. Shane Hensinger has yesterday donated United States Dollars 4,950 to the Friends of Seychelles in the United States, for the purchase of playground equipment for the Bel Air district. Mr Hensinger also noted his appreciation for the hard work of the Seychelles’ of Honorary Consul General in Seattle, Mrs. Lise Church and Seychelles Honorary Consul in Texas, Ms. Elizabeth Willis. In her address, Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs. Rose-Marie Hoareau expressed her gratitude to the consuls. "To our Honorary Consuls, those present and those not present, on behalf of Minister Radegonde and myself, I would like to extend our sincere gratitude to your engagement to the Adopt a District Programme. Your continued support and commitment are crucial as we invest in our youth and strive to enhance our districts. We know we can count on your continued support."

Minister Hoareau further acknowledged the local leaders, stating, "I would like to also acknowledge the commitment of the Members of the National Assembly and District Administrators who have been instrumental in ensuring the success of the District Adoption Programme in their respective districts."

Joint Press Release

Foreign Affairs Department & Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has learned of the unfortunate passing of Seychelles' oldest centenarian, Mrs Noemie Benoit, at the age of 108. According to her granddaughter, Mrs Noemie Onezime, the Cascade centenarian passed away on the morning of Saturday, June 1, 2024 at her residence.

Mrs Benoit will be remembered and honoured at her wake and funeral, which will be held at the St. Andre Church in Cascade. Following the service, she will be laid to rest in the Cascade cemetery. Born on January 2, 1916, Mrs Benoit leaves behind seven grandchildren and a number of great-grandchildren. The Ministry extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs Benoit during this difficult time.

To recall, Mrs Benoit became the country's oldest centenarian following the passing of Mrs Margaret Woodfield Pouponneau at the age of 111, in October last year.

With Mrs. Benoit's passing, it is yet another Cascade resident, Mrs. Antoinette Barrack, who now holds the title of Seychelles' oldest living centenarian at the age of 105.

In a heartening display of solidarity with the residents of Cascade, the La Digue business community has managed to raise a total sum of SCR 124,070.52 that has gone towards the 7^th December Disaster Fund.

To recall, Mr. Samy Radegonde, owner of Natural Bar and Cafe, spearheaded an initiative earlier this year calling on businesses on the island to contribute towards the fund. This was to be accomplished by donating their profits generated throughout the entirety of business operations on February 3, 2024.

Nine businesses rallied behind the initiative, with the support of the La Digue District Administration.

 These were the Zerof Restaurant, Le Cabanon de Laura Boutique, Julie's Take Away, Le Repaire PTY LTD, Avalanche Restaurant and Discotheque, Gregoire's Company (La Digue Lodge), Le Nautique La Digue, Rey and Josh Take Away, and Natural Bar and Café, which all showcased the collective compassion and generosity of the La Digue community.

Mrs. Barbera Barallon, the La Digue District Administrator, and Mr. Loncey Micock, the island’s Liaison Officer, collected the funds from these sponsors on behalf of the 7th December Fund Committee of La Digue.

The funds raised will undoubtedly provide much-needed relief to the victims of the disaster. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will make a difference in the lives of those affected, offering hope and support during their time of need.

In recognition of their generosity and support, DA Barallon and Mr. Micock recently presented each sponsor with a small token of appreciation, sponsored by Mr. Radegonde.

“We wanted to thank the sponsors for their act of kindness which has undoubtedly shown that although we are separated by waters, the people of La Digue remains connected stands in solidarity with those affected,” Mr. Micock stated. Both Mr. Micock and the District Administrator expressed their sincere appreciation towards Mr. Radegonde for leading the cause.

The youths from Takamaka will benefit from a donation of 70,000 SCR which will go towards the district’s Youth Development Programme. It was during a symbolic Handing Over Ceremony on Monday 15th April 2024, that the Seychelles Consul General in Shanghai, China, Dr. Sydney To, presented the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, with the cheque. The sum was jointly sponsored by Dr. To and Ms. Diana Chen, the Seychelles Honorary Consul General in Hong Kong, China.

Upon receiving the cheque, Minister Radegonde thanked Dr. To and Ms. Chen, for their generous donation which shows their support of the Programme and commitment to their adopted district.

The “Adopt a District” Programme, was officially launched in October 2022 during the Honorary Consuls Conference with the aim of promoting unity, compassion, and partnership, fostering closer ties between Seychelles Honorary Consuls and the local community at the district level. 

Also present at the ceremony were the Member of the National Assembly for the district of Takamaka, Honorable Terence Mondon and the District Administrator for Takamaka, Ms. Leonne Florentine.