President Danny Faure hosted a reception for senior citizens at State House this afternoon, traditionally celebrated every year in the State House gardens to mark the International Day for Older Persons, commemorated worldwide on 1 October.

The United Nations International Day for Older Persons (UNIDOP) 2019 theme is “The Journey to Age Equality”. The theme is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, ‘Reduce inequality within and among countries’, and will focus on pathways of coping with existing and preventing future old age inequality. SDG 10 aims to ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including through measures to eliminate discrimination, and to empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

In his address, the President expressed his great pleasure at hosting members of the elderly community at State House and highlighted that they represent the tremendous sacrifice, hard work, dedication and wisdom that brought Seychelles to where it is today. On behalf of the people of Seychelles, he thanked them for their invaluable contributions to the development of Seychelles. 

He called on all members of the community to take their responsibility towards the elderly by comforting them, giving them love and support, and most importantly, ensuring that they live in dignity.

Addressing the guests present, the Minister for Family Affairs, Mrs Mitcy Larue, said that every year the government reviews its policies, programmes and services for the senior citizens and that more will be done. She gave a summary of all that is being done to improve the lives of the elderly. 

Minister Larue reiterated the increase in Social Security benefit for the elderly citizens that the President announced earlier this year, which will go from 5250 Seychelles Rupees to 5750 Seychelles Rupees a month from January 2020. Furthermore, elderly citizens that were born before 1942 and which are not benefitting with the Seychelles Pension Fund or a British Pension will now receive an additional 500 Seychelles Rupees a month.

The gathering at State House included elderly from all the districts in Seychelles as well as those living in Regional Elderly Homes.

The reception was animated by a sketch show, live music, and cultural performances by the senior citizens. The Seychellois band ‘Leve Tradisyon’ provided live traditional music for the guests present to dance.

The celebration was attended by the Vice President, Mr Vincent Meriton, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Nicholas Prea, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Francis Macgregor, the Designated Minister, Mrs Macsuzy Mondon, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assemby, Hon. Wavel Ramkalawan, the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Hon. Charles Decommarmond, the Cabinet of Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, and other distinguished guests.