MoU between the Family department and Padayachy Funeral Investment |18 May 2022

Mr Padayachy and PS Roucou exchange documents after signing the MoU (Photo source: Family department)

Maintaining the dignity of our elderly citizens

Senior citizens from the different homes for the elderly across the country can now enjoy their last days in peace, without having to worry about their funeral cost and expenses, or any related burden that will be left upon their relatives, following their death.

Through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the department of Family within the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports and the Padayachy Funeral Investment, all funeral arrangements will be covered for all residents of existing homes under the jurisdiction of the department of Family at an agreeable fee.

The agreement was signed yesterday by principal secretary in the Family department, Clive Roucou, and managing director of the Padayachy Funeral Investment, Andrew Padayachy, during a ceremony held at the Anse Royale Home for the Elderly, in the presence of director general of the elderly and disabled persons division Rosa Morin.

Ms Morin explained that previously, it was observed that in many instances, some residents of the home who passed away did not have the means to cater for a proper funeral, thus putting additional expenses, while on the other hand, in several cases, families were not involved in the funeral procedures at all.

She said, with the aim of maintaining the dignity of the elderly citizens through a proper funeral, the government contacted the Padayachy Funeral Investment which offered two options, precisely cremation and burial.

Ms Morin said through the agreement, a bank account has been set up whereby a monthly amount of money will be deposited into – from the senior citizens’ benefits – and will be capped off at an agreed limit by the company.

Once the contribution is made, the residents will benefit from a proper funeral service when they die.

She encouraged family members to also contribute towards the fund.

Mr Padayachy, on his part, noted that based on experience, it has been previously observed that on several occasions when a resident of a home passed away, there were no proper arrangements, let alone involvement of families.

He said the agreement will help to honour the elderly citizens who have contributed greatly in one way or another in the development of our country.

Mr Padayachy also noted that as a company which started small, it is part of its moral duty to help in maintaining the welfare and dignity of people in the community, especially the elderly.

He also noted that in partnership with the ministry, the company will bring the agreement within the whole Seychellois community, allowing not only those from homes of the elderly to benefit from such service.

Roland Duval