President Ramkalawan Attends Ceremony Paying Tribute to All Health Workers in Seychelles – African Business

To coincide with the National Day celebrations of Seychelles, President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan attended a ceremony at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday evening to pay tribute to all health care workers in the country.

The President thanked and praised all health workers for their contributions to the community and the country in his address. He gave special praise to those who were on the frontline fighting Covid-19 and praised their bravery, patience and dedication.

“It is the first time that such an event takes place in honouring our health care workers. Today we honor and celebrate all health workers in Seychelles. We also feel the need to show our appreciation for the hard work you do. Today is also important, as we recall all the hardships the country has experienced due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Because of you, our hospitals now have no infected patients. This is a testament to your love and devotion for your work. I am writing to you on behalf of the people of Seychelles to thank all health-care workers from all departments of the Ministry of Health. You can all count on our continuous support,” said President Ramkalawan.

The Minister for Health, Mrs. Peggy Vidot, thanked the President for his words and for speaking on behalf the people of Seychelles.

“It is with humility that on behalf of all health workers in Seychelles that we accept this homage that underlines our vocation, courage, knowledge, and our ability to serve our country. I know that health workers hold a special spot in the hearts of all Seychellois. I would like to call upon all health workers to work as a team and see ways to improve the well-being of our people,” she said.

The ceremony was full of tributes and appreciation to all the health workers who have given their lives to providing healthcare for everyone. The staff paraded in their respective uniforms, to represent the various departments within the Ministry of Health. Along with the students from the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS), they performed dancing, singing, poem, and instrumental solo. The event also saw the participation of local artists namely Joe Samy, Jean-Marc Volcy, and Mahé Chamber Choir, and the Heartbeat Studio.

President Ramkalawan and other distinguished guests viewed a video showing the journey of the health workers, tracing back from the day that Seychelles announced its first positive cases of COVID-19 on Saturday 14th March 2020 following tests conducted on two individuals in the quarantine facilities in Perseverance. In memory of the COVID-19 victims, the ceremony featured the symbolic lighting of candles by family members. Reverend Christine Benoit offered prayers and blessings.

At this auspicious event, the Vice President Mr. Ahmed Afif, as well as the Speaker of Hon. Roger Mancienne, Ministers Leader of Government Business in National Assembly, Hon. Bernard Georges Leader of the Opposition at the National Assembly, Hon. Sebastien Pilay, Members the Diplomatic Corps and the Attorney General, Mr. Frank Ally. Mr. Ted Barbe is the Deputy Speaker of National Assembly. Gervais Shenrie, Members, Seychelles National Assembly, Health workers and other invited guest

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House – Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles.