The Long Service Recognition Award Ceremony, held this morning at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS), marked the conclusion of this year's Public Service Week celebrations. The event honoured public officers who have dedicated more than 40 years of exemplary service to the Public Service.
The ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic, Dr Patrick Herminie, and the Vice-President, Mr Sebastien Pillay, alongside members of the Cabinet of Ministers, invited guests and the award recipients.
The ceremony was officially opened with remarks by the Secretary of State, Ms Margaret Moumou. During her address, she stated:
"Public service is, at its heart, the solemn responsibility of placing the needs of our citizens above our own convenience. It is ensuring that government works fairly, efficiently, transparently and with integrity. It is found not only in major policies and national programmes, but also in the countless daily interactions that shape people's confidence in government; the birth registration process, the victim of crime assisted, the child educated, the youth engaged and empowered and the elderly supported to age joyfully and comfortably.
Our citizens may not remember every policy we implement, but they will always remember how they were treated.
That is why public service is ultimately about people.
The officers we honour today understood this. Across four decades and more, they adapted to changing governments, evolving technologies and rising expectations, while remaining steadfast in their commitment to serving the nation. They carried institutional knowledge, mentored younger colleagues and demonstrated that consistency itself is a form of leadership.
As we honour these distinguished officers, it is also fitting that we acknowledge those who have led the Public Service throughout these past fifty years. Every Head of the Public Service has contributed, in his or her own way, to strengthening our institutions and advancing the professionalism of the Civil Service. We stand today on foundations built through the collective efforts of many leaders, and we express our sincere appreciation for their vision, commitment and service to our nation."
Ms Moumou also shared a special message with her colleagues, saying:
"We are entrusted with leading the transformation of the Public Service. That responsibility requires us to become the example of the excellence we seek across Government. We must lead through our own conduct, our professionalism, the quality of our advice, and the efficiency of the services we provide to Ministries, Departments and Agencies. We must become known as an organisation that delivers timely solutions, supports innovation, upholds integrity and enables others to succeed.
Transformation must begin with us.
I also wish to make a sincere appeal to every leader across the Public Service—to our Secretaries of State, Principal Secretaries, Chief Executive Officers, Directors and managers."
She concluded by saying:
"We all leave here inspired by the foundation they have laid so that the fifty years from now will gather to celebrate your achievements."
Following the official remarks, certificates were presented to public officers in recognition of their long service, with awards presented in categories ranging from 40 to 49 years of service. These awards formed part of the commemorative activities marking Seychelles' 50th Anniversary of Independence. In total, public officers with more than 40 years of dedicated service were recognised for their commitment and outstanding contribution to the Public Service.
The ceremony also recognised Principal Secretaries who have served the Government from 1976 to the present day. Those present to receive their awards were Mr Mohammed Afif, Ms Lucy Athanasius, Ms Jessie Esparon and Ms Shella Mohideen.
Special recognition was also presented to the longest-serving public officers, each having completed 49 years of service. Mr Ibrahim Afif was honoured for his exceptional contribution to Media and Communication, while Ms Elsia Sinon, Chief Nursing Officer, received special recognition for her remarkable dedication and continued service to the Ministry of Health.
The ceremony concluded on a celebratory note, recognising the invaluable contributions of the award recipients, whose dedication, commitment and professionalism have played a significant role in strengthening the Public Service over the past five decades. Their outstanding service serves as an inspiration to future generations of public officers as Seychelles continues to build a modern, resilient and people-centred Public Service.
Also in attendance were members of the Cabinet of Ministers, invited guests and the award recipients, all of whom gathered to celebrate this meaningful milestone in recognition of long and distinguished service to the nation.