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As part of activities to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence, the organising committee, in collaboration with the Office of the Mayor of Victoria, launched a Jubilee tree-planting activity at State House this morning.

The event was attended by the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie; Vice-President Sebastien Pillay; Minister for Tourism and Culture, Mrs Amanda Bernstein; the Chief Executive Officer of the Landscape and Waste Management Agency, Mr Shane Emilie; and Mme Penny Belmont, a key organiser of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. They were joined by three students from the Eco-Warriors Club: Nathan Matatiken, Mathew Chang-Sam and Kayleh Gabriella whose participation reflected the importance of passing environmental stewardship to the next generation.

In her remarks, the Mayor of Victoria, Mme Josie Michaud, narrated that this symbolic initiative forms part of the national Independence anniversary celebrations. She noted that the objective is to plant 50 trees around the town of Victoria, beginning at State House, where the spirit of conservation and preservation first took root. “This is a historic and proud moment. As we mark 50 years of Independence, we celebrate our people, our identity and our nature,” she said.

President Dr Patrick Herminie planted the first coco de mer seed, symbolising national resilience and continuity for future generations. Vice-President Sebastien Pillay planted the second, and Minister Bernstein planted the third.

There are currently nine mature coco de mer trees and five juvenile trees at State House.