SMA and SIAH 2017 graduation ceremony Dwayne Freminot and Jennifer Zialor best performers |17 March 2018

Dwayne Freminot of the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) and Jennifer Zialor of the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH) have won the President’s Cup from their respective institution during the 2017 combined graduation ceremony held at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) yesterday afternoon.

They were presented with their cups by Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon in the presence of the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Joel Morgan, the Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture Pamela Charlette and the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne.

Jennifer, who graduated from  the Advanced Certificate in General Agriculture course, also won overall best performer in that category.

Both winners also won a scholarship from the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD).

Other guests present at yesterday’s ceremony were the Speaker of the National Assembly Nicholas Prea, directors of SMA and SIAH, parents and sponsors.

A total of 109 students from the SMA graduated with 36 in advanced courses and 73 at certificate level.

SIAH had 14 students graduating.  Five graduated in general certificate in agriculture; six in certificate in ornamental horticulture and landscaping and four in advanced general agriculture.

Other prizes on offer were for the best overall performers. Sebastian Cowin clinched best performer in advanced certificate in navigation and seamanship, Rhodry Lesperance received an advanced certificate in marine mechanic, Emlyn Quatre a best advanced certificate in fisheries science, Kelly Laporte a best certificate in fisheries science and fisheries technology, Gael Alissop a best certificate in fishing technology apprenticeship, Andrea Marguerite best effort while Perry Adrienne won the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) award.

As for SIAH, Jennifer Zialor came out as the best overall performer in advanced certificate in general agriculture, Shane October best in certificate in general agriculture while Dwayne Pool  was best in certificate in ornamental horticulture and landscaping. Jean-Hugh Mathurin won the SNYC award for SIAH.

As best performer of SMA, Dwayne said as he has won a scholarship he is aiming as high as he can reach.

“I was not expecting the President’s Cup but I worked really hard at school during the two years I have been at the SMA. I was also very active in activities organised by the academy. I think these are the factors which made me win this cup today,” said Dwayne.

On her part Jennifer believed she won the prize due to her hard work and thanked the Almighty for enabling her to follow and complete her course successfully.

“My next step is to have my own business as a vet nurse and I encourage other youths to join SIAH as there are many opportunities in agriculture,” said Jennifer.

Speaking on behalf of both the SMA and SIAH, the director of SMA, Captain Tharaka Telwatta described the graduation day as a day for the students to be celebrated and also seen as an acknowledgement of their abilities, skills and proficiency acquired during their academic days in the classroom and the work experience gained practically during their learning process.

“As graduates of SMA and SIAH there is no doubt you will be recognised in the world of work in your respective fields as professionals and reliable individuals who will perform as responsible citizens,” Captain Telwatta said.

He told the graduates their role is greatly significant as they influence all the sectors of the economy.