The President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan, held a series of meetings yesterday morning aligned with his familiarisation to key departments and institution in the country. The President was accompanied to these meeting by Vice-President Ahmed Afif.
The President who is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Seychelles People's Defence Forces (SPDF), held the first meeting at the Defence Forces Headquarters at Bel Eau. Upon arrival, President Ramkalawan received a Presidential Salute by Guard of Honour and was welcomed by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Charles Errol Fonseka, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Colonel Clifford Roseline, and other SPDF officers.
He met the SPDF senior management where he was given an overview of SPDF through several presentations on the functioning of SPDF Headquarters on the management of the force, an overview of the Air Force and the Seychelles Coast Guard. Furthermore, he was briefed on how operations are conducted, their achievements, challenges as well as on the roles of SPDF in continuing to maintain peace and stability in the country, so that it continues to prosper.
Addressing the meeting, President Ramkalawan commended the SPDF for its important role and exemplary conduct during the last election as well as how this has contributed to the smooth transition. He expressed his wish that many more young people join SPDF and a have career in the Military. For those leaving the force, he encouraged them to use their skills and knowledge in contributing in either public or private sectors.
The President expressed his satisfaction to the women and men in military uniform, for their professionalism, discipline and tasks being performed in service of the country. He pledged his utmost support to address the various issues highlighted in the shortest delay.
Following this, President Ramkalawan visited the Ministry of Health where he was welcomed by the Minister of Health, Mrs Peggy Vidot, Principal Secretary Health, Dr Bernard Valentin, CEO of the Healthcare Agency, Dr Danny Louange and the Public Health Commissioner Dr Jude Gédéon. He then led the delegation to a meeting with other senior staff of the Ministry of Health as well as the Principal Secretary for Risk and Disaster Management, Mr Paul Labaleine and a representative of the Seychelles Red Cross society, Mrs Colette Servina.
The President was provided with an overview of the COVID-19 situation on both a national and international level, providing details on the global trends of COVID-19 and an update on the cases in Seychelles to date. At national level, he was briefed on the safety measures that needs to be taken by all citizens and the need for them to collectively take up their responsibility.
The staff at the meeting put forward different concerns and needs such as more medical supplies, the proposal for an isolation centre, budget constraints amongst other matters. They also discussed lengthily on the updates on the vaccine for COVID-19 and how Seychelles should plan for a vaccination programme in the future.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, President Ramkalawan urged all citizens to observe the guidance given by the Public Health Authority at all times. He stated that the Health Authority is doing its best to protect citizens of Seychelles.