President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan attend a ceremony at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) to pay tribute to all health care workers in the country

President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan attended a ceremony at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) yesterday evening to honour all medical professionals in the nation in conjunction with Seychelles’ National Day celebrations.

The President recognised and praised all of the healthcare professionals in his speech for their contributions to the community and the country.

He acknowledged the bravery, endurance, and commitment of those who have worked on the front lines in the battle against Covid-19.

“It is the first time that such an event takes place in honouring our health care workers. Today we celebrate and pay tribute to all health workers in Seychelles as we feel the importance to show our gratitude for the work that you do. Today is also significant, as we look back at all the difficulties the country has faced because of the COVID-19 pandemic; because of you, we now have our hospitals without infected cases. This proves your devotion and the love that you have for your work. On behalf of the people of Seychelles, I want to express my recognition and thank all health-care workers in all the various departments in the Ministry of Health. You can all count on our continuous support,” said President Ramkalawan.

The Minister of Health, Mrs. Peggy Vidot, responded to the homage by thanking the President for his kind words and for speaking on behalf of the Seychelles’ citizens.

“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 we have a special place in the heart of every 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 occasion was replete with tributes and expressions of gratitude to all medical professionals who have given their all to ensuring that everyone has access to healthcare. To demonstrate the many departments inside the Ministry of Health, the staff members paraded in their appropriate uniforms. They gave a dance performance, a song performance, a poetic performance, and an instrumental solo with the students from the National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS). Local artists Joe Samy, Jean-Marc Volcy, the Mahé Chamber Choir, and the Heartbeat Studio all took part in the event.

Following tests on two people conducted in the quarantine facilities in Perseverance, Seychelles announced its first positive cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, March 14, 2020. President Ramkalawan and other distinguished guests watched a video depicting the journey of the health workers from that point forward. The ritual included the symbolic lighting of a candle by a family member in memory of the health workers who have perished as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Reverend Christine Benoit also offered prayers and blessings.

Vice President Ahmed Afif, Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne, Ministers, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly Hon. Bernard Georges, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, Attorney General Frank Ally, Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Gervais Henrie, and others invited guests were also present at this auspicious event.