Seychelles joins India in celebrating Itec Day |22 October 2011

Mr Darlong addressing guests at the event

The Itec programme – launched in 1964 –  is a bilateral programme of help of the government of India, for cooperation and partnership for mutual benefit to address the needs of developing countries like Seychelles.

Having played a major step in the human resource and capacity building of Africa post-colonisation, Itec is not only a training programme. It is also a way to foster contacts and friendship between Seychelles and India. This is due to the fact that for many people, Itec provided them with the opportunity to visit India for the first time and experience for themselves the diversity of the Indian culture and friendliness of the people.

Itec Day is therefore an occasion for Itec alumini to get together and renew their friendships with each other and with people from India.

The event, which took place recently, was attended by Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam, secretary of state Barry Faure, newly accredited Indian high commissioner to Seychelles Thanglura Darlong, and Seychelles’ chief of defence forces brigadier Leopold Payet.

Addressing those present, Mr Darlong spoke about what Seychelles has benefitted from the programme.

“Telemedicine and tele-education facilities under the Pan African Satellite project – one of the most ambitious projects in which India has the privilege to be associated with – has linked the Seychelles Hospital with prestigious hospitals in India and the University of Seychelles with renowned educational institutions in India,” he said.

“The setting up of the ICT centre in Seychelles at a cost of about US $1 million with the government of India’s help, is another milestone in Indo-Seychelles bilateral cooperation.”

He also re-affirmed his commitment to human resource development and capacity building in Seychelles under the Itec programme.

“In the past, there has been extensive interaction between India and Seychelles under various aspects of the Itec programme, both in the civilian and defence fields,” he said.

“To date, more than 500 Seychellois professionals have benefitted from the Itec programme and form part of their country’s human resources, and engaged in the service of their nation. In addition, a few Indian experts have been serving the government of Seychelles in various capacities, such as maritime security advisor, military advisor, legal expert, and expert in cyber security and forensic science. Moreover, the Dornier aircraft with crew members under the leadership of Commander Rajiv Sharma is stationed here. ”

Mr Darlong said India looks forward to continued interaction with Seychelles on both military and civilian training and hopes the relationship continues to thrive.

In his speech, Minister Adam said the Itec programme represents a foundation in the Indo-Seychelles relations and congratulated the Indian government for such an initiative, which has contributed so significantly to the development of local professionals.

“Itec has been a catalyst for cementing the links between our two countries and I’m proud to say that India has positioned itself as an excellent partner in our unfolding economic growth,” he said.

After the speeches, everyone shared a light-hearted moment together and discussed past experiences under the Itec programme and also the way forward.