Eleven members of the new Cabinet of Ministers was sworn into office during a ceremony in the presence of the President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalwan, held at State House yesterday.
The President has appointed 13 Ministers in accordance with Article 69 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles following the approval of the 7th National Assembly last week.
During the ceremony, the Ministers took three Oaths; The Oath of Allegiance, The Official Oath and the Oath of Secrecy. Two of the new Ministers appointed, Minister Sylvestre Radegonde and Minister Billy Rangasamy were absent at the ceremony in view that they are still under quarantine from overseas travel.
The members of the Cabinet sworn-in comprise of:
Designated Minister Jean-François, Gabriel Ferrari, Minister for Fisheries
Minister Naadir Nigel Hamid Hassan, Minister for Finance, Economic Planning & Trade
Minister Charles Errol Fonseka, Minister Internal Affairs
Minister Antony Gerard Derjacques, Minister for Transport, Land Transport, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine
Minister Peggy Antoinette Vidot, Minister for Health
Minister Marie-Celine Zialor, Minister for Youth, Sports & Family
Minister Devika Sumitra Kathrina Vidot, Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship & Industry
Minister Rose-Marie Stella Hoareau, Minister for Local Government & Community Affairs
Minister Flavien Philomel Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment
Minister Justin Davis Valentin, Minister for Education
Minister Patricia Juliette Francourt, Minister for Employment & Social Affairs
Once sworn into office, Minister Radegonde will head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism whilst Minister Rangasamy will be responsible for the Ministry of Lands and Housing.
In his remarks, the President congratulated the newly appointed Ministers and thanked them for accepting the responsibility to serve their country. He expressed hope that as public servants they serve as role models for the citizens and contribute to improving the moral standards, inspire hard work and cultivate a sense of hope for the younger generation. He urged the Ministers to eliminate politics in the workplace and encourage the workforce to collectively work harder to achieve the objectives set by Government, for the further development of the country.
On behalf of the people of Seychelles, President Ramkalawan thanked Former President Danny Faure also present at the ceremony, for serving his country during his Presidency with competence, loyalty and love. He underlined how as two leaders they have lengthily discussed how to unite the people of Seychelles and the way forward in the best interest of the nation. During the ceremony, President Ramkalawan announced that Former President Faure will continue to serve as an Ambassador for Seychelles and represent him and the country on official overseas missions. He further expressed the hope that their strong relations serves as an example for the people of Seychelles. Prior to his departure from State House this morning, Former President Faure greeted the new Cabinet of Ministers after which under full Presidential salute by the Guards of Honour was accompanied by President Ramkalawan to his vehicle.
The ceremony was also attended by the Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Afif, the First Lady Mrs Linda Ramakalawan, Honourable Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Roger Mancienne, the President of the Seychelles Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando, the Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honourable Justice Melchior Vidot, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Honourable Sebastien Pillay, the Deputy-Speaker in the National Assembly, Honourable Gervais Henrie, other distinguished guests and relatives of the Ministers.
After the ceremony, members cabinet attended a special briefing chaired by President Ramkalawan where he formally assigned the respective portfolios in the presence of members of the local media.