President James Michel has chaired the first Cabinet meeting following the appointment of new Ministers and the re-assignment of certain portfolio responsibilities.
At the meeting at State House this morning, the President welcomed the four newly appointed Ministers and wished all Cabinet Members every success in discharging their responsibilities.
“You have been selected to serve in this high capacity on the basis of your record of integrity, hard work, efficiency and discipline, and I am sure that you will bring these qualities and more to the tasks that lie ahead. Some other Members have also been assigned new portfolio responsibilities, and other Members will be continuing with their existing portfolios. I wish you all every success in discharging the responsibilities that have been entrusted to you,” said President Michel is his opening remarks to the Cabinet.
He stressed on the importance for the Ministers to consult and coordinate better among themselves. The President further emphasised that officers in the respective Ministries should similarly consult each other and collaborate on matters of common concern. Such collaboration would help the Cabinet to take timely and informed decisions.
“Irrespective of our specific portfolios, we should never work in isolation. The public expects a good and wholesome service, and this can only be achieved through proper consultation and coordination across Ministries, and most importantly by remaining connected to the people whom we serve. So, Ministers, talk to each other, consult each other on policies and projects, and papers presented to the Cabinet. Encourage your subordinates to do the same, to consult their colleagues in other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and the MNAs and DA's in the districts especially on sensitive matters,” said the President.
He continued, “As a team, we must all be ready to rise to the challenges that 2015 will bring. We should revisit the plans and targets that were set for our respective portfolios in 2012, and ensure that all priority areas have been addressed, and highlight and explain those areas where there has not been sufficient progress. We should also review new commitments that we have made to the people of Seychelles”.
“Let us not create obstructions. Let us not frustrate our citizens. Let the administrations that we head be responsive – and proactive – to the needs of our people. Let us create the right conditions and help all Seychellois realize their dreams – their great dreams for their family, for Seychelles”.
The President concluded his remarks by reiterating the importance of the Cabinet Ministers remaining connected to the people they serve.
“I believe in keeping my commitments to the people. I shall expect no less from the Members of my Cabinet. I repeat, no less! Let us work together as a team to ensure that we deliver on our promises to the people, and let us work together for the Seychelles that we love. Let us together make the greater dreams of our beloved country come true,” he concluded.
Three ministers were absent at today’s meeting; the Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, who was on an overseas mission, and the Minister for Health, Ms Mitcy Larue, and the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander, who were both on annual leave.