Ceps and government enhance partnership through MoU signing |19 January 2018

The Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) and the government are set to benefit from better collaboration between them.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday between the two parties.

This MoU provides a framework for collaboration between government and the civil society sector as partners in development.

It will serve to facilitate the enabling environment which covers institutional, operational, policy, decision-making, capacity building and funding.

Also such MoU will allow the maintenance of an effective communication network between government and civil society organisations (CSOs); the provision of an effective consultation and collaboration process; the reduction of a duplication of efforts and maximisation of the use of limited resources.

The MoU was signed by the acting chairperson of Ceps, Jude Fred, and by Vice-President (VP) Vincent Meriton.

VP Meriton stated that such MoU will strengthen the relationship and also implement practical projects that will benefit the population.

“Ordinary citizens are not just beneficiaries of development, but when our men and women are also active participants in the process of nation-building, they know their rights, they understand their responsibilities and they share the vision of a better and greater Seychelles,” he said.

He added that we must all work together for a better Seychelles.

“A better and greater Seychelles demands that we work together, that we share ideas and that everyone is able to contribute; it demands understanding, respect and accountability. Since it was launched in November 2014, Ceps has grown in strength. We acknowledge the active and dynamic role it has played not just in civil society but in nation development. A strong society means a stronger Seychelles,” he said.

Mr Fred pointed out that such relationship between Ceps and the government dates from 29 years ago when the body was known as Lungos at that time.

“Since the existence of Lungos, it has maintained a fruitful and collaborative relationship with the government. In 2008 Lungos officialised this relationship by signing a formal agreement with the government which set the scene for stronger engagement, collaboration and actions. Lungos was also confirmed as the focal point for civil society in Seychelles,” he said.

This marks the second MoU signing by Ceps; the first one was signed in 2012 by Lungos.