Seychelles commemorates 41st Independence Day anniversary and National Day |30 June 2017

Great display of unity as leaders, citizens gather to celebrate

In a great display of unity political and religious leaders in the country gathered around President Danny Faure and citizens from all corners of the country to attend celebrations at Stad Linite commemorating the 41st anniversary of our Independence as well as the National Day.

It was in a fully packed Stad Linite that President Faure made his entry to the applause from excited citizens who had since very early in the afternoon taken their seats for the celebrations.

For the first time this year during the National Day military parade, the symbolic presence of all the powers of the Republic stood alongside President Faure and Vice-President Vincent Meriton for the presidential salute. They were the Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Pillay, the president of the Court of Appeal Justice Francis MacGregor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Dr Mathilda Twomey, Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Wavel Ramkalawan, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly Charles Decommarmond, Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet and Commissioner of Police Reginald Elizabeth.

The heartening National Day ceremony started with a fly-past led by four helicopters of the Zil Air followed by one from the visiting Indian Navy vessel, two Seychelles Air Force aircraft, an Air Seychelles Twin Otter, and an Island Development Company (IDC) Dornier.

To the excitement and joy of the crowd, three parachutists from France’s military unit based in Reunion landed soon after the fly-past exactly on the spot marked for them. A bigger round of applause greeted the surprise and unexpected parachute ride and landing of French ambassador Lionel Majesté-Larrouy who was well secured by a French parachutist.

There were a total of 21 platoons comprising our military and civilian forces as well as visiting forces from friendly nations, namely India, France and Mauritius.

Loud applause greeted the colourful parade which marched in well coordinated steps and saluted with precision in a display of colourful attire.

Nine members of the Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) led by Catholic Bishop Denis Wiehe had messages of peace, unity, love and harmony for all our citizens on this auspicious occasion. The representatives of all the different faiths who spoke all echoed messages of patriotic themes and nation building.

In a very symbolic gesture Father Danny Elizabeth called on everyone present to hold the hand of the person next to them as he delivered the final blessing for all our people and our country.

This was followed by a song by Everlasting Love Ministry entitled ‘Let there be Love’ which again called for better understanding, love and joy to be shared among our people.

The display by 250 primary and secondary pupils was also well appreciated as the crowd marvelled at the show of different coloured umbrellas depicting the different colours of the three different flags Seychelles has known until today.

This was followed by a patriotic sega song entitled Mon Sesel by a young Seychellois Karen Jeannevole.

The ceremony ended with a colourful sound and light show and a fireworks display.

The accompanying photographs show highlights of the event.