More than 400 senior citizens from Mahe, Praslin and La Digue filled the State House gardens with music, conversation and celebration today, as President Dr Patrick Herminie welcomed them back to a cherished tradition and announced a further SCR 800 monthly increase in the Social Security benefit from January 2027.
For many among them, the gathering was more than a celebration. It was a chance to reconnect with old friends, share memories and return to a place where senior citizens had traditionally gathered for an occasion dedicated to them.
The increase announced by President Herminie marks another step towards fulfilling his government’s commitment to bring the pension of senior citizens to SCR 10,000 per month.
“We know that the cost of living remains a concern, and that for many of our elderly citizens, their pension is their main source of income,” the President said.
He said the government would continue working to improve the lives of senior citizens and ensure that, as Seychelles progresses, they too feel the benefits of that progress.
The celebration of the International Day of Older Persons also marked the return of a longstanding State House tradition which, for many years, provided an opportunity for senior citizens to come together and enjoy one another’s company.
President Herminie said he felt it was important to bring the celebration back to the State House gardens.
“State House is not only for the President or the government. It belongs to the Seychellois people. And today, this garden belongs to you,” he told those gathered.
This year’s celebration carried particular significance as Seychelles marks 50 years of independence. Looking back at the country’s journey, the President paid tribute to the generations whose work and sacrifices helped build the Seychelles of today.
Many of those seated in the gardens were themselves young men and women when the Seychelles flag was raised for the first time on 29 June 1976. Over the decades, they worked in schools, hospitals, the public service, on the land and at sea, in businesses and within their communities. They raised families and passed on values that continue to shape Seychellois society.
“Thank you for your work. Thank you for your sacrifices. Thank you for your contribution. And thank you for the Seychelles that you helped to build,” President Herminie said.
The President stressed that caring for older persons goes beyond pensions and financial assistance. It is a responsibility shared by families and communities, grounded in love, respect and attention.
He called particularly on children and young people to make time for their parents and grandparents, whether through a visit, a telephone call, a conversation, a meal together or simply taking the time to listen.
“Listen to their stories. Learn through their experiences,” he said, reminding younger generations that some lessons cannot be found in books but are learned from those who have lived them.
Among those enjoying the afternoon was Marjory Bradburn, a resident of Roche Caiman, who described the return of the celebration to State House as an occasion that made senior citizens feel remembered and appreciated.
“As we grow older, what matters is knowing that we are still remembered and that our contribution means something. Being together here today, meeting people we have known for years, laughing and sharing memories, makes us feel that we are still very much part of our country and our community,” she said.
For Basil Boniface, a resident of Les Mamelles, the occasion was also a reminder that growing older does not mean withdrawing from society.
“We may be older, but we still have something to give. We have lived through many changes in Seychelles, we have experience and we have stories that the younger generation can learn from. What we want is to remain involved, respected and able to contribute for as long as we can,” he said.
Their reflections echoed President Herminie’s message that the contribution of Seychelles’ senior citizens is far from over.
“Your contribution is not over. Seychelles still needs you,” the President said, highlighting the importance of their wisdom, experience and advice in passing on the country’s values and identity to future generations.
The Minister for Social Affairs, Family and Equality, Pamela Charlette, also addressed the gathering, outlining ongoing work to strengthen the systems and services supporting older persons.
Minister Charlette highlighted the review of the National Policy on Ageing, aimed at ensuring it reflects present realities and the future needs of senior citizens. As part of the process, the Ministry is consulting older persons directly, with consultations on Praslin and La Digue also planned.
She said preparations are also under way for legislation aimed at providing greater legal protection for the rights and well-being of older persons.
The Minister further highlighted work to strengthen and modernise home-care services so that more senior citizens can receive quality care and support in their own homes. She also spoke about improving coordination between government agencies and partners, programmes to help people prepare for retirement, and efforts to ensure older persons are not left behind as technology increasingly becomes part of everyday life.
Beyond the policies and announcements, however, the afternoon remained very much about the people being celebrated.
The afternoon’s programme reflected the celebratory spirit of the occasion, with a spiritual song by the Elderly Group, a poem by Roselia Balette, the performance Konsey en Manman by Jenna Labiche and Wilna Mein, a traditional Kotis dance and a song by Labiche. Cabinet ministers and senior government officials were also among those who joined the senior citizens for the celebration. The celebration also featured a cake-cutting by President Herminie, First Lady Veronique Herminie and Mrs Miette Derothe.
President Herminie encouraged the guests to enjoy every moment.
“Reconnect with your friends. Make new friends. Laugh, talk, dance and have a good time together,” he said.
As the celebration returned to State House, the President expressed his wish for it to continue as an annual tradition, providing a space to celebrate those who helped build the country while reminding them that their place in Seychelles’ story is not only in its past.
Their experience, wisdom and contribution remain part of its future.