On behalf of the people and the government of Seychelles, the President of the Republic, Mr Wavel Ramkalawan today accepted a COVID-19 vaccine donation amounting to SCR3,200,000 jointly given by local shipping agent; Seaward Company (Pty) Limited and two international commercial companies, Albacora, S.A. and Inpesca, S.A.

The contribution is to facilitate the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination programme through the Ministry of Health once it is approved. 

President Ramkalawan expressed his appreciation for the gift made to the government which will help in the fight against the pandemic.

“We wish to thank you for the donation which will help against the fight of COVID-19, especially now that we have community transmission and experiencing a surge in the number of active cases. We are deeply concern and the vaccine is one element in the fight that we are putting a lot of emphasis on. So, your contribution will help us in doing just that,” said President Ramkalawan.

The General Manager of Seaward Company (Pty) Limited, Mr Selwyn Edmond said that they have been working to get this donation for quite some time and they are all pleased to finally be able to present it today. He noted that the companies; Albacora, S.A. and Inpesca, S.A. in the fishing industry have been a major partner of Seychelles’ economy and that it is with great honour that they all agreed to participate in this great contribution.

Speaking to the press, Mr Edmond highlighted the importance for other companies locally and overseas that is benefiting from Seychelles for fishing industry to consider a donation for such cause like the one they have pioneered.

Present at State House was the Designated Minister, Minister for Fisheries, Mr Jean-François Ferrari, Minister for Health Mrs Peggy Vidot, Principal Secretary Health, Dr Bernard Valentin, CEO of the Healthcare Agency, Dr Danny Louange, General Manager of Seaward Company (Pty) Limited, Mr Selwyn Edmond, General Manager Stevedoring Seaward Company (Pty) Limited, Mr Robert Etienne, Representative of Albacora, S.A., Mr Asier Rey and Representative of Inpesca, S.A., Mr Carlos Platero.