The President of the Republic, Mr Danny Faure attended a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of the National Assembly of Seychelles, held yesterday at the National Assembly building, Ile du Port. The silver jubilee of the assembly is being celebrated under the theme, 'Moving Forward Towards a Modern Democracy'.
The ceremony, which was also attended by the Vice President Vincent Meriton, Leader of the Opposition, Hon Wavel Ramkalawan, Leader of Government Business, Hon Charles Decommarmond and other dignitaries, started with the blessing by the SIFCO representative, Bishop James Wong, followed by Keynote address by President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Francis MacGregor.
In his opening address, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles, Honourable Nicholas Prea said that the National Assembly has made many achievements during the 25 years and evolved over time.
"The photos and mementos in the museum depicting the 25 years, are vivid memories of the evolution of our Institution. Yes, the Legislature has evolved. 25 years is a short time, but laws have been passed, amended again and again to cope with the changes taking place around us. The Constitution has been amended nine times and hundreds of questions and motions have sought answers and results to improve the lives of our people", said Honourable Prea.
He noted that "the National Assembly will continue to play a key role in bringing significant changes in modernizing our democracy. Members will continue to play their roles on the international stage, sharing best practices with other parliaments and will be encouraged to take up key positions on different committees".
There were also token of appreciations to President Danny Faure as former 1st Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, the late Sir James Mancham as former 1st Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Justice Francis Macgregor as the first Speaker, Dr Patrick Herminie and Mr Patrick Pillay as former Speakers.
President Faure and others present witnessed the unveiling of the logo of the National Assembly designed by Mr Aubrey Adeline in January 2010. A splendid one is now permanently casted above the entrance of the establishment and it illustrates the terms "Unity in Diversity".
The ceremony ended with a tour of an exhibition to commemorate this important day in the history of National Assembly of Seychelles.
For Full photo gallery visit the State House Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/StateHouseSey/photos/pcb.1852224568178819/1852221344845808/?type=3&theater