State House

Office of the President of The Republic of Seychelles

News

Public services go for greater interaction with the people

November 5, 2010 -- The President has commended the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the successful Open Day activities they had organised today.

President James Michel and Vice-President Danny Faure went to see the Open Day exhibition of the SRC at the SENPA building in Victoria in the afternoon and met with the staff who were exhibiting the various customs and taxation divisions of the SRC. The President and Vice-President then visited the Open Day of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.

"I am very impressed by the quality of the displays at the Revenue Commission and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There is a lot of valuable work being done within the public service, and it is a great initiative to get the people closer to the government and its work, and then to give their ideas and feedback," said President Michel.

The President said that he was pleased to see school children had come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to learn more about the history of diplomacy in Seychelles and to take part in an art competition. At the Revenue Commission, the President noted that the staff are doing important work to sensitize the public on the reformed tax system, which is an integral part of the country's economic reforms.

" We need to bring both of these open days to the districts, so that even more people can see them, and participate in the shaping of government work. By doing this, it makes government more transparent and more accountable, and this is what participative democracy is all about; about getting the people to interact with government services, and get a better understanding of them."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it will be taking the open day displays to several regional centres in the near future. Similar activities will be organised by the Seychelles Revenue Commission.

The various government open days are being organized following the President's call in his State of the Nation Address for Government to intensify efforts to get closer to the people and engage with the public.