President James Michel attended the opening ceremony of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation Praslin office situated in the Pension Complex at Grand Anse, Praslin  yesterday morning.

President Michel described the SBC office as an historic development for the Inner Islands and commended SBC for responding to the requests of the community to establish a broadcasting base there. Mr. Michel said the youth of Praslin, La Digue and the Inner islands should take every opportunity to develop their skills and join the SBC team to maximise their potential.

Mr. Michel visited the SBC office and was shown the state-of-the-art equipment that will be used for real-time radio and TV broadcasts.

As part of his ongoing programme to stay connected with the community, the President also visited several areas in the Grand Anse as well as Baie Ste Anne districts.

The President was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Community Development, Mr. Denis Rose, Member of the National Assembly for Grand Anse Praslin, Honourable Marc Volcere, , Member of the National Assembly for Baie St. Anne Praslin, Honourable Nathasia Esther, the Principal Secretary for Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Lise Bastienne, Director General Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Doreen Arnephy, District Administrator, Mr. Moses Barbe, District Administrator, Mr. Kenneth Pointe, Coordinator for the Inner Islands, Mr. Damien Ally and officials from the President’s office.

Both districts’ representatives held meetings with President Michel, whereby they  explained their working programme as well as  on-going housing and other projects, future developments as well as the district’s achievements and challenges.

The meeting followed by visits to homes of several families in both districts, among which were retired government workers. Mr. Steve and Mrs. Rose-Mary Payet both worked in government.  Mr. Payet was a driver by profession and Mrs. Payet was a teacher at Grand Anse Praslin, now retired. He also visited Mr. and Mrs. Fred from Consolation, who are both retired teachers.

President Michel described his visit to Praslin as fruitful and that it was an opportunity for him to pay visits to different families, know their aspirations, share good moments and to comfort those that have lost their close ones recently. He once again reminded the district authorities to always stay connected with the community. He highlighted that this is an important quality of leadership , as it brings people closer to them and appreciates their work and devotion.