National Assembly launches new theme • Plants coco-de-mer nuts as symbolic gesture |03 July 2021
Deputy Speaker Henrie and Speaker Mancienne planting the nuts (Photos: Louis Toussaint)
To commemorate the International Day of Parliament, celebrated on June 30, 2021, the National Assembly of Seychelles yesterday adopted the motto ‘Serving a modern democracy’ as its new theme and also planted two coco de mer nuts on its premises at Ile du Port.
The new theme, placed above the entrance to the lobby, was unveiled by Speaker Roger Mancienne in a ceremony to mark the occasion.
Following the unveiling of the theme, Speaker Mancienne along with deputy Speaker Gervais Henrie, each planted a coco de mer nut on both sides of the premises in front of the Assembly building. The nuts have been donated by the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF).
Present at the ceremony were the leader of government business, Bernard Georges; some assembly members; the chief executive of SIF, Dr Frauke Fleischer-Dogley; officials from environment and some staff of the Assembly’s secretariat.
The new theme, ‘Serving a modern democracy’, replaces the old theme ‘Moving towards a modern democracy’ of the 6th Assembly.
In addressing all present Speaker Mancienne explained that the new theme symbolises the role of the National Assembly working in a democratic environment.
“We want to reflect that Seychelles has entered a modern, democratic environment and we are proud the National Assembly is playing its role in this new democracy. We are using this democracy in the name of the people who have elected us,” Speaker Mancienne said.
Speaking on the roles of a parliament, Speaker Mancienne stated that a parliament, as a central pillar in any modern democratic country, has as main role to pass on and revise laws on behalf of the people they represent.
He also stated that among other responsibilities, a parliament also acts as the watchdog on the actions and effectiveness of the governments, among other contributions from organisations and constitutional institutions with the same role.
He added that the National Assembly is proud to be working and to deliver in the new democracy.
With regard to the two coco-de-mer nuts, the Speaker stated that they represent the life and durability of the National Assembly. He noted that as the coco de mer is known to live a hundred years and over, they will reinforce the determination and strength of the National Assembly to continue to work democratically for the country for many years to come.
“A coco de mer is the most appropriate tree to show the meaning of growth and durability of the National Assembly. It is also a unique plant worldwide and is also representing our country which is also unique in the world,” Mr Mancienne said.
Mr Mancienne thanked officials of SIF and environment, the Terrestrial Restoration Action Society Seychelles (TRASS) and the environmental policy implementation committee (EPIC) in the National Assembly for the donation, guidance and support that has made the National Assembly aware of the importance and sustainability of its environment, and to maintain a garden. The planting of the two coco de mer nuts is part of the National Assembly’s environmental awareness plan to have more endemic plants on the parliamentary grounds.
It is to be noted that the coco de mer nut also features on the logo of the National Assembly and represents a unique element of our islands. The logo also features two coco de mer palm leaves at the bottom, facing opposite directions, illustrating maintaining a balance in nature when we have two opposing forces.
Dr Dogley later said that depending on the surrounding nature among other conditions, the nuts are expected to shoot from the ground between 6 months to one year.
She noted that officials from SIF will monitor the growth of the two nuts.
Vanessa Lucas/Patrick Joubert
