Six new Ministers of the Cabinet were sworn into office during a ceremony at State House this morning in the presence of President James Michel, Vice-President Danny Faure, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Patrick Herminie, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, the President of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor and other Ministers and former Ministers of the Cabinet.

This follows the approval by the National Assembly yesterday, of their nominations by President James Michel on 7th March 2012.

The portfolios of Cabinet Members are now as follows:

President James Michel: Minister of Defence, Legal Affairs, Information, Youth & Hydrocarbons.

Vice-President Danny Faure: Minister of Public Administration and Minister of Information Technology & Communications

Designated Minister Vincent Meriton:  Minister of Social Affairs, Community Development & Sport

Minister Joel Morgan:  Minister of Home Affairs & Transport

Minister MacSuzy Mondon:  Minister of Education,

Minister Jean-Paul Adam: Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Peter Sinon:  Minister of Natural Resources & Industry

Newly appointed Ministers

Minister Pierre Laporte: Minister of Finance, Trade & Investment

Minister Rolph Payet: Minister of Environment & Energy

Minister Mitcy Larue: Minister of Health

Minister Alain St Ange:  Minister of Tourism & Culture

Minister Christian Lionnet: Minister of Land Use & Housing

Minister Idith Alexander: Minister of Labour & Human Resources Development

President James Michel addressed the new Cabinet during their first meeting which took place immediately after the swearing -In ceremony, at at State House. He commended them for having accepted the task and all the responsibilities that goes with it.

"I thank you for having accepted to put yourself at the service of the nation. I wish you well in the tasks which lie ahead. They are daunting but not insurmountable. Our collective capabilities are greater than our challenges. Our people expect much of you. You cannot fail them." Said President Michel

In line with this year's national theme "Striving for Seychelles", President Michel called on the Cabinet to give added visibility to the work and actions of Government, and urged on the right of the people to know what is being done for them.

"In order for our hard work to be effective, we must also remain connected to our people, listening and being sensitive to their needs and their view points.  We have to be on the ground, in their homes, in their work-places. To be effective, to convey our message, to remain connected to the people...." added the President.

President James Michel stressed on the need of the ministers to be innovative, pragmatic and persuasive to inspire and motivate our people to work together and seize every opportunity to create greater national wealth.

The President urged his Cabinet to think big and act smart.

"We need to do things differently. We need a bold, new visionary approach to give our people what they justly deserve in this New Seychelles. This re-structured Government means business. We shall work hard - harder, in fact - and we shall deliver on our commitments. We have to set targets and strive to achieve them."