The Principal Secretary for Finance and Trade, Mr Ahmed Afif, and the Principal Secretary for Community Development, Mr Olsen Vidot have both expressed their wish to pursue careers in the private sector, and have requested their exit from Government this week in view of the impending restructuring of Government.

Mr Ahmed Afif has 24 years' service in the public sector.  Over this period, he served in an advisory post in the Central Bank of Seychelles, as Principal Secretary for Economic Planning, and later as Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles International Business Authority.  He has held the post of Principal Secretary for Finance and Trade since 2007.

Mr Olsen Vidot has 35 years of experience in the public services, having held various positions involving youth and community development.  He had held the post of Principal Secretary for Community Development since 2004.

President James Michel has thanked  Mr Afif and Mr Vidot for their dedication and hard work in their service to the Government, and wished them well in their new careers.  He said he was sure that they would continue, even in the private sector, to contribute actively to national development.