Centre Mont Royal marks 15th anniversary |21 November 2013

A special ceremony was held yesterday to mark Centre Mont Royal’s 15th anniversary, pay tribute to its founding members and to honour staff, past and present.

Attending the event held at the Sheikh Khalifa diagnostic centre were Seychelles’ founding President Sir James Mancham, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Minister for Health Mitcy Larue, principal secretary for social affairs Linda William-Melanie, chairperson of Centre Mont Royal Dr Jude Gedeon, former First Lady Sarah Rene, other founding members and staff, among other guests.

The ceremony started with a prayer of thanksgiving by Bishop James Wong of the Anglican Diocese.

In her short address, Mrs Rene gave an overview of how the centre came into existence in 1998.

She said there was a need to rehabilitate drug and alcohol abusers, and expressed words of thanks to all the founding members and all those who have in one way or another supported the centre.

Dr Gedeon described the 15th anniversary as a milestone to celebrate.

He said the event is also marking 15 years of hard work in drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Seychelles.

Dr Gedeon added that Centre Mont Royal has known many successes but has also faced countless challenges.

“Let us remind ourselves of the task ahead, the construction of Centre Mont Royal’s new building. Let us look back to where we come from and let us keep focus on our future,” he said.

Dr Gedeon also expressed words of gratitude to the founding members of the centre, its staff and the government for providing financial means for setting up such a centre.

The centre’s director, Robert Moumou, also expressed words of thanks to all those who have played a role in Centre Mont Royal’s existence and successes for the past 15 years.

Those who were present at the ceremony had the chance to watch a video showing the history of Centre Mont Royal.

Founding members and staff received awards for their hard work, devotion, support and contribution towards the centre.

A donation of R8425 was presented to Dr Gedeon in aid of the construction of the new building for Centre Mont Royal.

The donation comes from Care club members from all the primary and secondary schools.

The ceremony ended with the cutting of the centre’s 15th anniversary cake.