President Danny Faure hosted the Senior Citizens Reception this afternoon, traditionally celebrated every year in the State House gardens.
The reception coincides with the birthday of former President France Albert René, who turned 82 years old on the 16th of November. In his address, President Danny Faure traced back the history of the Senior Citizens Reception and the good intentions of former President René to have a system that gives attention and shows compassion to its senior citizens. He also noted the same aspirations from former President James Michel, who he said implemented policies and strategies so that senior citizens are valued, looked after, and shown compassion.
In his address, the President announced that the Senior Citizens Reception will as of next year be a national event celebrated on 1st October, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons. He said that all programmes, services, and activities financed by the government needs to bring everyone together.
“I sincerely believe in this principle: for a society to be more human, it is important for our senior citizens to be given all the attention and compassion. The time has come for this annual event in November to be recognised as a national event that goes with the work being done in government. Any programme or service financed by the government should be inclusive and should not leave any citizens behind. On the contrary, it should bring everyone together,” said President Faure.
He continued, “If we do this, we will follow the vision to create a fair society that is always united and fraternal. On 14th December 1990 the Assembly of the United Nations created the International Day of Older Persons, recognizing that in the world, humanity needs to celebrate our elderly. I would like to thank former President René for his vision and hard work that after 30 years, with maturity, responsibility for the future, and in the spirit of working together, sees Seychellois ready to have this event at a national level."
President Faure also thanked the committee, that for the past 30 years under the leadership of Mrs Sylvette Pool and other colleagues, has helped organise this event voluntarily.
The second announcement made by the President was the amendment to the law that governs the National Council of the Elderly in order to reinforce its roles in society. He highlighted that this council will be responsible for all activities relating to senior citizens and that appointments of members of this council will be made soon.
“This council will be given the mandate for it to be able to work and make sure that its programmes are inclusive and bring people together. In all districts there will be structures that will make sure that everyone is included. In 2018, when the elections for the District Councils are held, they will also have an important role in looking after our old people,” said President Faure.
The President reiterated that the government will continue to be on alert to take care of its senior citizens and that structures will be amended so that they are not left behind. To conclude, President Faure addressed those that have old parents and asked that they spend time with them and embrace them with affection and happiness.
“It is important that in every home where there are old people that there should be love and affection. We cannot put our old parents aside and think of them after three or four months. We need to realise that we would not be here if it was not for them. We need to make time for our elderly,” said the President.
Former President René who could not attend the reception for health reasons sent a message to the senior citizens that was read by his daughter Ella René. He thanked the government for what they are doing for the old people, which he described as a very important principle. He noted that there is a need to reinforce the efforts being made to make the lives of the senior citizens more comfortable and happy.
“A country is judged by the way it treats and take care of those that are vulnerable, such as the poor, the handicapped, and the senior citizens. This is very important for me, and it is for this reason that I wish that any government in power, will continue to look after those that are more vulnerable. This is what will make our country more happy and stay blessed. Today, I urge all young people to give affection and love their old parents. This is a noble responsibility and should bring satisfaction. My wish is for our nation to unite and to work together as brothers and sisters for the betterment and development of everyone in our small country, Seychelles,” said former President René in his message.
This auspicious event at State House had the presence of senior citizens from all the districts of Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and Silhouette, along with many government officials.
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