President congratulates youths for displaying talents |13 October 2014
Through the Sesel I Annan Talan show and the Carnaval International de Victoria, the youths have shown once again that they have a lot to offer.
President James Michel said this when he addressed the contestants of the show organised by the Jj Spirit Foundation, of which he is the patron, as well all those who took part in the carnival.
Saturday’s gathering at the Espace building was also attended by Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, the foundation’s chairperson Lise Bastienne and its chief executive Marymonde Matatiken, Airtel chief executive Amadou Dina, Terry Servina of Cable & Wireless as well as representatives of other sponsors and partners.
Patrick Victor, the show’s artistic director, was also present as well as other local artists and musicians.
“The Sesel i annan Talan show and the Carnaval International de Victoria are the platforms for the youths to show what they have a lot to offer. You have been doing it in a spirit of inclusivity because whatever we do we have to think of Seychelles first. It is through resilience, hard work and discipline that you have been able to achieve all that you have done. You believed in yourselves when you took part in these activities and let these qualities guide you in life so that you become women and men who are brave to take up new challenges,” said President Michel.
The President also told the young people gathered for the ceremony that the Espace building is theirs and they have the opportunity to develop their skills. He also told them to become leaders of the movement and to encourage their friends to join the Jj Spirit Foundation.
Shama Damoo and Audrey Philoé were the grand winners of the fifth Sesel I Annan Talan singing contest.
Shama Damoo came out the winner in the 18 to 35 years age category, while Audrey Philoé won the 12 to 17 years age category. They both won R30,000 along with other prizes in kind.
The money raised through the sale of tickets for the grand final of the show staged at the International Conference Centre was given by Audrey Philoé to Designated Minister Vincent Meriton who is also the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports. He then gave the cheque for R50,000 to Baie Ste Anne district administrator Kenneth Pointe. The money will be used for renovation works on the Baie Ste Anne playground.
Minister Meriton, who thanked the organisers of the singing contest for the donation, said “the Jj Spirit Foundation helps inculcate in the youth values which will go a long way in helping them live a good life”.
He also spoke about the individual qualities of young Seychellois and made reference to musicians and singers of the Fame band who entertained during the ceremony.
Representatives of Airtel and Cable & Wireless, May-Paule Marengo and Terry Servina spoke about the forthcoming services the two telecommunications companies will be making available soon at the Espace building to benefit the youths.
Mr Servina even said that Airtel and Cable & Wireless are not competitors, but instead complement each other in bringing new services to the youths and the population of Seychelles, while Ms Marengo noted that “Airtel is the youth and the youth is Airtel”.
Jj Spirit Foundation chief executive Marymonde Matatiken thanked all faithful partners who have contributed to the success of the Foundation and have made a powerful difference in the lives of the youths.
“My wish is to see more young people engaging themselves in activities that will inculcate in them good values like realism, responsibility and resilience which will accompany them throughout their lives,” said Mrs Matatiken.
Third in the 18-35 years age category of the Sesel I Anna Talan singing contest and winner of the public choice award, Praslinois Barbara Lepathy said Sesel I Anna Talan is not just a contest but a journey on which they have had to show a lot of resilience.
She thanked President Michel for believing in the youths and for presenting them with many opportunities to develop themselves.