In a calm, warm and welcoming atmosphere, families came together at the Office of the First Lady Bel Eau this morning to share their experiences and find comfort in one another during a session hosted by the Office of the First Lady in collaboration with the Kindness and Compassion Foundation. The gathering was organised for families grieving the disappearance or loss of loved ones at sea.
The session provided an opportunity to listen, show understanding and remind those affected that they are not alone as they navigate the pain, uncertainty and emotional challenges of losing a loved one at sea.
The programme began with a moment of reflection and prayers led by Deacon Edmund Michel, followed by a musical performance by Channel Francourt, who sang God Will Make a Way, originally written by Don Moen. The gathering was filled with emotion as families were given a safe space to express their feelings and share the emptiness left by the loss of their loved ones.
In her brief remarks, Chairperson of the Kindness and Compassion Foundation, Mrs Berly Dodin, noted that the Foundation is targeting families who have lost loved ones at sea this year. She further explained that the work of her Office aligns with the first five United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being.
Mrs Dodin added that the Foundation has a team of experts who can work with grieving families, listen to their experiences, provide emotional support and offer an additional shoulder to lean on as they navigate this difficult time.
On her part, the First Lady, Mrs Veronique Herminie, reaffirmed that her door is always open to members of the public. She explained that she regularly meets members of the public three times a week and also conducts home visits twice a month. She noted that these are sensitive moments which are not shared on her social media platforms, as the intention is to create a safe and private space where people can feel comfortable coming forward to seek support.
“Every day is kindness day at the Office. I like to provide support to every family. My doors are open to listen with compassion, goodwill and good faith,” the First Lady said.
She further explained that the vision of her Office reflects the achievements of the first five goals of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being. Through guidance, support and collaboration with other organisations, the Office seeks to touch the lives of those in need, not only through material assistance but also through emotional support.
“Today, for Kindness Day, together with the Kindness and Compassion Foundation, we will not only envelop you in compassion, but also in understanding, courage and love,” she added.
Also present was the Chief of Staff, Colonel Michael Hollanda, representing the Seychelles Defence Forces. In his brief remarks, he expressed his support and solidarity with the grieving families, acknowledging the pain they continue to endure. He noted that when someone is lost at sea, the entire country mourns the loss.
As a gesture of remembrance and solidarity, two candles were lit in honour of those who have lost their lives at sea. The programme also featured musical performances by Jean Ally, Thomas Knowles and Channel Francourt. As part of the Kindness Day commemoration, two donations were also made to the Kindness and Compassion Foundation, with Grand Kaz donating SCR 20,000 and HSI Insurance contributing SCR 10,000 to support the Foundation's work and its continued efforts to assist families and individuals in need.
Speaking to the press, members of the family of Denis Oredy, who went missing at sea on 16 September 2026 during an operation to scuttle an old dhow approximately 80 kilometres northwest of Mahé, shared how they continue to cope with his loss.
His father, Mr Hubert Oredy, said the family still misses their conversations and his voice, explaining that his disappearance has left a void in their hearts. He described the gathering as an opportunity to connect with other families experiencing similar situations and to realise that they are not alone in their grief.
While acknowledging the moral and religious support they have received, he said that although such support has helped them greatly, the pain in their hearts remains.
During the interview, Mrs Berly Dodin also shared the Foundation's helpline, 2502500, which provides counselling to individuals experiencing trauma following the loss of a loved one through fatal accidents, suicide or other family bereavements.
She explained that, with the assistance of the Seychelles Police and the Seychelles Defence Forces, the Foundation had obtained contact details for some of the families who have lost loved ones at sea. However, not all families could be reached, as some had since changed their contact numbers.
She therefore encouraged all families who have experienced the loss or disappearance of a loved one at sea to contact the Foundation through its helpline and join the support group. The Foundation is also planning to organise a similar gathering on a larger scale next year to reach and support more affected families.