State House hosts reception in honour of Commonwealth SG |30 June 2018
The visiting secretary general of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, rounded off her series of activities on Friday with a reception hosted by State House in her honour.
To note Baroness Scotland is this year's guest of honour for the country's 42nd anniversary celebration of its Independence.
The event was attended by a handful of representatives from the legislative, executive and judiciary branches of the government.
During his toast, President Danny Faure emphasised the shared values and principles between Seychelles and the Commonwealth organisation, which further strengthens the partnership between the two parties.
"Our cooperation rests on our shared values and principles of a world that is mutually respectful, resilient, peaceful and prosperous," President Faure said.
"The Commonwealth remains one of the most committed international organisations in Seychelles -- actively engaged in our national development. We continue to benefit greatly from its Commonwealth fund for technical cooperation and the Commonwealth Youth programme which have made significant contributions in so many areas and, of late, the Blue Economy."
President Faure further noted that through the Commonwealth, Seychelles has been able to take the lead in advocating for small island developing states (Sids) especially in the domain of climate change.
"You will recall when the heads of state and governments adopted the Commonwealth Blue Charter last April in London. Collectively we sent a clear message to the world about the importance of oceans and the significant contributions to the economic, social and environmental health as well as to cultural heritage of all nations."
President Faure concluded by expressing his gratitude to Baroness Scotland and her predecessors for encouraging the Commonwealth's role in strengthening our democracy since our Independence in 1976.
On her part, Baroness Scotland stated that Seychelles has changed considerably since she last came to the country in 1985, but not beyond all recognition.
The beauty of the country, the warmth of the people, their generosity and their kindness remains the same, she said.
"The essence of Seychelles has remained untouched. But what has happened is that the development in those 42 years has delivered real advantage to the people of Seychelles."
"The development not just in the buildings and infrastructure but also in the depth and quality of the Seychelles' democracy and is something most aspire to," Baroness Scotland said.
She also thanked Seychelles for its robust role in advocating against climate change on behalf of all Sids as well as for her home country, Dominican Republic, which was devastated by cyclone Maria late last year.
Baroness Scotland will be departing from Seychelles early tomorrow morning.