Members of re-elected President James Michel's Cabinet of Ministers took the oaths of office at State House this afternoon.

Their nominations were approved earlier in the day by the National Assembly.

The Ministers continue in their posts as before.

President Michel presided over the swearing-in ceremony, which was also attended by Vice-President Danny Faure

The members of the Cabinet comprise of:

Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sport

Minister Joel Morgan, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport

Minister MacSuzy Mondon, Minister for Education

Minister Jean-Paul Adam, Minister for Finance, Trade and The Blue Economy

Minister Mitcy Larue, Minister for Health

Minister Alain St. Ange, Minister for Tourism and Culture

Minister Christian Lionnet, Minister for Land Use and Housing

Minister Idith Alexander, Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development

Minister Charles Bastienne, Minister for Home Affairs

Minister Didier Dogley, Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change

Minister Wallace Cosgrow, Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture

Minister Michael Benstrong, Minister of Investment, Entrepreneurship Development & Business Innovation

Following the swearing in of the Ministers, the President chaired the first Cabinet meeting of his third mandate.

In his address to the Ministers, President Michel said that he would ensure that this Government delivers on its promises to its people as contained in the manifesto of his party.

“I have heard loud and clear the message of our people, through the recent elections, that they are not satisfied with the level of service delivery from Government and public institutions.  This problem has to be addressed immediately.  I want every Minister to undertake an audit of the processes within his or her Ministry or Department and the agencies falling within their portfolios, and identify the obstacles preventing proper service delivery.  I want Ministers to report to me on the measures being taken to overcome these obstacles,” said President Michel.

The President asked the Ministers to take personal responsibility for monitoring the progress of work in all the institutions within their portfolio.  He acknowledged that there are many devoted public servants in government organisations and said that they should receive the support, training and resources to discharge their responsibilities

He asked the Ministers to  establish systems of working that ensure that all and every single worker contribute in an efficient and effective way to achieve the objectives of the Government, and to ensure that they monitor these processes, and recognise the contributions of those who excel in service delivery.

“At the same time, individuals who fail to perform in their responsibilities should be counselled, and where necessary disciplined, so as to avoid delays and disappointments in our service to the public.  I shall not tolerate mediocrity, laziness, or wastage in Government. I shall also not tolerate the politicisation of the public service,” said the President.

The President recalled that he made a pledge to the people of Seychelles on certain areas of focus in his first 100 days in office.  These included:

·     Increases in retirement pensions from this December;

·      Interest-free loans for repair of houses of elderly citizens;

·     Making home improvement and housing loans more widely accessible;

·      Raising the ceiling on housing loans;

·      A 13th month salary to be paid from January 2016;

·      A new gratuity scheme for public servants from January 2016;

·     A First Job Scheme for those leaving school from January 2016

·      Compensation and gratuity for former members of the Defence Forces;

·      An ex-gratia payment to servicemen who served in the RFA;

·      Extension of the graduate housing scheme to 5 years and increase in their allowance

·     Extension of the laptop scheme to cover S4 students from 2016;

·      Allowances to all students in post-secondary educational institutions;

·      Free access to medical services for patients recommended by private doctors;

·      Assistance with PV installations for residential properties.

He added that the Government will give top priority to address the problem of illegal drugs, placing emphasis on assistance to victims of drug abuse while dealing firmly with traffickers. He added that there are certain areas, such as Education and Health where the concerns of the public are especially acute.  He asked the Ministers concerned to take steps to urgently address their problems.

“I would like, once again, to remind Ministers of the need to communicate with the public, and sensitise the public to the programmes of work being undertaken on their behalf.  There is a lot of good work being done that people are not told about.  There are also problems for which a proper explanation is not given, leaving room for others to create doubt, suspicion and rumours. Our Ministries have public relations officers, let us make sure they are properly utilised," he said.

In concluding, President Michel said that he wants all Ministers to take personal responsibility for service delivery in their respective organisations.

“Monitor your organisations well.  Deal with problems that arise.  Stop sending the public from one door to the other.  Don't wait for people to come and see the President or the Vice-President before their problems can be solved.For my part I pledge to give you all my support, but I shall expect you all to work very hard.  We have 97 days left in which to deliver on our first pledges.  Let us make sure we do not fail in these tasks.  Let make sure that our longer 5-year programme is also implemented in an efficient and timely manner.Remember that our mandate comes from the people of Seychelles, and they alone will be the judge of our actions. Bon courage, and let us get down to work!”