January 18, 2011 -- President James Michel has appointed the National Theme Steering Committee, which will be working on the 2011 "Winning for Seychelles" theme for the organisation of various events throughout the year.

Minister Vincent Meriton has been appointed the Chairman and Minister Peter Sinon as the Vice-Chairman of the committee, together with nineteen other members.

The President thanked the committee charged with promoting the 2010 theme, Together, Ready for the Future, for its work,  and noted that national unity continues to be a high priority in the new theme, which calls on all Seychellois to join together to 'win' for their country in all areas of society by being competitive and working together to achieve shared goals.

"2010 was a year when we turned our challenges into opportunities, and 2011 is the year when we work to realise our dreams and excel in all that we do, so that our love for our country shines forth through our work, our communities and our moral and spiritual values," said President Michel.

The President said that the 'Winning for Seychelles' theme encapsulates the patriotism, optimism, motivation and great aspirations of the Seychellois nation, and calls on the people to strive for excellence and succeed in our national and personal endeavours.

The other members of the National Theme Steering Committee are:
● Cecile Decomarmond - Secretary ( Youth and Sporst Department)
● Idith Alexander- Seychelles National Youth Council
● Marie-Celine Vidot- Department of Community Development
● Antoine Onezime- Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation
● Simon Gill- Parti Lepep representative
● Dr Rolph Payet - University of Seychelles
● Cecile Pickering- Inner Island representative
● Rosemary Elizabeth- Liaison Unit of Non-Governmental Organisations
● Norbet Dogley- Ministry of Education
● Dolor Ernesta- Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry
● Elsia Grandcourt- Seychelles Tourism Board
● Father Gustave Lafortune- Catholic Church
● Revd. Simon Fred- Anglican Church
● Robert Moumou- Young Leaders Programme
● Deacon Louis Agathine- Seychelles People's Defense Forces
● Colette Servina- National Volunteering Committee
● Samuel Gardner- Private sector
● Benjamine Rose- National Arts Council
● Alain Volcere- National Sports Council

The Seychelles National Party was invited to propose its representative on the steering committee, and subsequently declined to do so.