April 16 2011 -- Damien Berlouis was the winner of the President's Cup at the Seychelles Institute of Technology graduation on 15th April.

At the event, which took place yesterday at the University of Seychelles auditorium at Anse Royale, certificates of completion were awarded to every student and also special prizes to those who had excelled.

The ceremony was attended by a number of special guests, among whom President James Michel, the Minister for Education, Employment and Human Resources Macsuzy Mondon, Investment, Natural Resources and Industry minister Peter Sinon and Health minister Erna Athanasius.

Also present were several principal secretaries.

A total of 305 students who completed courses in 13 different fields at various levels - which included certificate, diploma and advanced diploma - received their certificates. Best performance awards were also given to 16 graduates, as well as five outstanding awards.

Damien Berlouis, Diploma in Construction Industry student, was presented with the President's Cup by Mr Michel. He also got a laptop, sponsored by the President, and a return ticket to either Mauritius, Singapore or Johannesburg sponsored by Air Seychelles.

Damien said he was "very happy" and was "sort of" expecting the ceremony's most prestigious prize mainly because he had worked so hard during the past two years.

"I plan to stay in this field and I have been already working with the Indian Ocean Projects company based at Eden Island for three months now," he said.

Prizes also went to Yanick Uranie for the most outstanding performer for the certificate course, while Delroy Bistolet, Christian Hoareau and Rajesh Kerai shared the best performer award at diploma level.

The SIT director Jean Rassool said the school will continue to develop courses to meet market demand, promote good safety practices and support the needs of its students.