The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure, was the guest of honour at the launching ceremony of the Regional Councils, held at the ICCS, yesterday afternoon.

Forty nine Councilors took the Oath of Office and were presented with their letter of Appointments, before the President, Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Nicholas Prea, the Designated Minister Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, Leader of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa, Mr. Roger Mancienne, Ministers, and members of the National Assembly among other distinguished guests.

The establishment of the Regional Council forms part of the reform programme in the Local Government Department in order to make it more efficient, responsive, participatory and democratic. As per the bipartisan agreement, the Councilors have been appointed based on the current political balance in the National Assembly and in line with the qualifications criteria set by the Local Government Department.

As it is the first structure established in Seychelles, seven Regional Councils in North, South, East, West, Central 1 and 2 and Inner islands at regional level have been established, whereby the Councillors will work on a part time basis. The aim is to assess its effectiveness and operational challenges, so to have the appropriate Council’s structure.

“Our Regional Council is an administrative body and a new tier in the structure of our local government system. It aims at fostering networks among districts, to provide a local approach in responding to community needs. This approach to local governance encourages groups of districts to work together to meet economic, social and geographic challenges. The context of Seychelles is unique, therefore, its Regional Council is designed to suit its specific characteristics,” said the Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon in her address at the ceremony.

To be noted, that the District Administrators will henceforth be accountable to the Councils and the Local Government Department will provide administrative support, policy guidance and other assistance to the Regional Councils.

She continued, “The tasks will require a high level of commitment and the ability to surmount difficulties, to attain set objectives. With your mix of experiences, knowledge and skills, I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenge. You represent your region on the Council. On behalf of the inhabitants you are expected to take decisions that are in their interests as you implement government policies, programmes and projects. Nurturing an excellent relationship amongst fellow Councilors and employees of the District Administration Offices as well as adhering to the established rules and code of conduct, will facilitate the discharge of your functions”.

The Regional Councils hopes to also empower the citizens in the community to be more involved in community activities and its development.

Editor’s Note:

The Regional Councils has been divided into seven regions across Seychelles as follows:

-         Region North: Bel Ombre, Beau Vallon, Glacis, Anse Etoile

-         Region Central 1: St Louis, Bel Air, Mt Buxton, English River

-         Region Central 2: Mont Fleuri, Plaisance, Roche Caiman, Les Mamelles

-         Region East: Cascade, Pointe Larue, Anse Aux Pins

-         Region South: Aux Cap, Anse Royale, Takamaka

-         Region West: Baie Lazare, Anse Boileau, Grand Anse Mahe, Port Glaud

-         Region Inner Islands: La Digue, Grand Anse Praslin, Baie Ste Anne