Yesterday afternoon, to mark the 46th anniversary of the Seychelles’ independence, the National Day Parade was held at Rue Pierre de Possesion in Victoria and was attended by the President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, and the First Lady, Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, who represented His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended this year’s celebration as the Guest of Honor for National Day.
The Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Afif and Mrs. Stella Afif, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Rony Govinden, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando, the Designated Minister, Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, members of the National Celebrations Committee, Ministers, and the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly also attended this year’s celebration, which was held in the heart of Victoria.
The Vice President, Mr. Ahmed Afif, the Designated Minister, Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, the Police Commissioner, Mr. Ted Barbe, and the Chief of the Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette, all greeted the Head of State.
The Presidential Salute that followed featured the National Brass Band playing the National Anthem and the simultaneous firing of 21 guns for the first time.
39 uniformed platoons of men and women, youth organizations, and Security Forces equipment participated in this year’s march.
The National Brass Band, under the direction of Master Nilsen Ernest and Band Major Brian Larue, was joined by the platoons of local and foreign military forces, the Seychelles Police Force, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, and youth organizations affiliated with the Seychelles National Youth Council.
The audience watched the parade as it proceeded down “Rue Pierre de Possession” from the “Stad Popiler.” then moved up Independence Avenue in the direction of the Clock Tower.
It turned right when it got to Constitution Avenue and marched to the “Stad Popiler,” where it came to an end.
Father Danny Elizabeth, the chairman of the Seychelles Inter-Faith Council, gave a meditation during the occasion.
The Seychelles National Youth Council’s youth also performed a fusion of traditional national dances with a contemporary flair on behalf of State House – Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, distributed by APO Group.