The Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, State House in collaboration with the Government of India hosted a live e-Ceremony to witness the inauguration and handover of projects funded by the Government of India, this afternoon.
The guests of honour; the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan and Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Shri Narendra Modi had the honour to unveil the e-plaque to inaugurate the new Magistrates’ Court, for the handover of the of the Fast Patrol Vessel-PS Zoroaster, the 10 High-Impact Community Development Projects and to inaugurate the Solar Power Plant on Ile de Romainville.
In his remarks, President Ramkalawan described this momentous event as “a defining moment in the annals of our bilateral relationship. It will go down as the first virtual meeting between an Indian Head of Government and a Seychellois Head of State and Government. A meeting of hearts and minds between one of the largest and greatest nations in the world and one of the smallest countries, bound by our common values and our strife for peace, progress, justice and equality”.
The President thanked Honourable Prime Minister for his presence which he says attest his personal commitment and that of India to bring their bonds of friendship and cooperation to new heights. He acknowledged the immense contribution that India has made in the socio-economic development of Seychelles. President Ramkalawan also commended the High Commissioner of India, H.E General Dalbir Singh Suhag (Retd.) and his staff for their diligence and support in the timely implementation of these projects.
“The inauguration of the Magistrates court is a significant accomplishment for the Judiciary in Seychelles. The construction of this court has been funded thanks to an Indian grant of USD 3.4 Million. It provides for greater security and comfort in the daily operations of the Magistrates courts, allowing for a more conducive environment and greater efficiency for the administration of justice”
He continued, “Of no less importance is the latest addition to the Seychelles Coastguard. The donation of the patrol vessel “Zoroaster” by the Government of India comes at an opportune moment, reinforcing our efforts to combat and deter maritime crimes, with specific emphasis on counter-narcotic operations within the vast expense of our maritime zones. This state-of-the-art vessel represents a key element in achieving this objective, as well as enabling the Seychelles Coastguard to fulfil its principal mission of defending our territory, thus contributing to regional stability and security”.
President Ramkalawan spoke about the inauguration of the Solar power plant, one of the sustainable development initiative worth USD 3.44 million and was executed by SEFTECH Indian limited. The Head of State also underlined the positive impact on the community through the High Impact Community Development Projects.
“The One Mega Watt Solar Plant on Romainville Island is yet another important project that has been funded by the government of India through grant assistance. The solar plant is expected to produce enough electricity per year, to meet the consumption of about 400 households. We have also witnessed the inauguration of ten completed projects under the High Impact Community Development Projects between Seychelles and the Republic of India. These projects have been undertaken on our three main islands. Whether they be first-time motorable road in remote communities or renovation works and construction of boundary walls, these projects, as their name suggests, directly impact the lives of ordinary Seychellois,” said the President.
To conclude, President Ramkalawan expressed his gratitude and that of the people of Seychelles to Honourable Prime Minister Modi and the government of India for their solidarity through their donation of of 50,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine to Seychelles in January 2021.
“If we are nearing our target of achieving 70% of herd immunity by end of April 2021 and have re-opened our country to business, it is, in large part, due to this precious donation. In India, we have a reliable and trusted partner. India has never failed us. India stands by us. And Seychelles stands by India,” said the President.
During the ceremony, as a symbolic gesture, the High Commissioner General Dalbir Singh Suhag (Retd.) presented a Crest of the PS-Zoroaster to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde.
Also present at the e-ceremony at State House was the Vice-President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Ahmed Afif, His Lordship the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Ronny Govinden, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment, Mr Flavien Joubert, Minister for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mrs Rose Marie Hoareau, Chief of Defence Forces of the Republic of Seychelles, Colonel Michael Rosette, H.E. the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to Seychelles, General Dalbir Singh Suhag (Retd.) and other distinguished guests.