April 20 2011 -- Meggy Gertrude emerged as the most outstanding performer among a group of over 60 students from the Maritime Training Centre (MTC) who graduated yesterday.

Meggy followed an advanced certificate course in navigation and seamanship.

Taking place at the University of Seychelles' auditorium, the graduation ceremony saw 63 students receive their certificates of completion in four different fields at various levels. These were advanced certificate in navigation and seamanship, advanced marine mechanics, advanced certificate in fisheries science and basic fisheries science.

Several guests were present for the event, including President James Michel, cabinet ministers and other high-ranking government officials and parents.
 
A very strong maritime theme was set for the occasion, with the decorations used including ropes, nets, buoys, fish trap and even an aquarium with live fish in it.

Apart from the certificates, there were also awards for supplementary modules, of which basic fire-fighting went to Russel Victor, basic first aid won by Connie Anthony, personal survival techniques and personal safety and social responsibilities clinched by Veronique Agricole.

There were also prizes for overall best performers for each course, where basic fisheries science was won by Roland Quatre, advanced certificate in fisheries science by Shareefa Cadeau, advanced certificate in navigation and seamanship by Meggy Gertrude and advanced certificate in marine mechanics went to Ramilla Nalletamby.

The MTC acting director Brian Hoareau said the new MTC being built is almost finished and will have "excellent training facilities" such as specialist rooms with the relevant simulator software for computer-based training in navigation and marine mechanics, fisheries laboratory and conference room.

Mr Michel presented Meggy with the President's Cup and also a laptop, sponsored by him. Meggy also won a return ticket to one of three destinations, as well as cash prizes.

A former Polytechnic business studies graduate, Gertrude is a well known sportswoman in the sailing discipline and said she was not really expecting such a prize but had given her all during her two-year course.

"I have always loved the sea, ever since I was a child. For now I am focusing on training for the Indian Ocean Islands Games to be hosted here in August and after that will figure out my next step, although I wouldn't eliminate another course, maybe at university level," she said.

Father Roger Decommarmond was also present to bless the young graduates and all else present, reciting a verse from the bible relating to the sea, then wished them good luck in their future endeavours.

Seychelles Nation will have more details of the graduation ceremony in one of its next issues.