SCAA recognises and rewards ninety-five long-serving employees |15 July 2019

Cutting a commemorative cake for the occasion

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) recognised and rewarded its largest cohort of long-serving employees in an exquisite ceremony at Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Baie Lazare, on Friday July 13.

The annual ceremony saw a total of 95 awardees who have dedicated 10 to 40 years with the organisation and comes about a week after the airport celebrated 48 years since the first commercial jet, the British Overseas Airways Corporation, landed in Seychelles.

Addressing the employees and awardees, chief executive of SCAA, Garry Albert, described SCAA’s employees as “pioneers” whose many years of dedication, commitment and loyalty have shaped and contributed towards SCAA’s successes.

“Dear awardees, your contributions are nothing less than a mark of passion, perseverance and dedication. We are very proud to have such loyal and committed people representing our organisation and we value your hard work, extensive knowledge and invaluable experience. You are all important members of our team and your abilities and contributions are of paramount importance for our committed success,” Mr Albert stated.

Mr Albert continued to congratulate the employees on the remarkable achievement emphasising that SCAA remains focused on the professional development of staff and the allocation of incentives to further motivate them to deliver to the best of their ability.

“The long years of service are ample proof of the conducive working environment our employees operate in at SCAA. With a staff contingent of 727 and growing, our people are our greatest asset. We understand their value and their importance,” Mr Albert said.

Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Didier Dogley was also present for the event. During his brief address, he thanked all employees who work dedicatedly as well as their family members who support them.

“Thank you to the families of our awardees and employees in civil aviation. We all know it is not an easy job and requires them to work odd hours and without the backing of their families and loved ones, it would be a harder feat,” Minister Dogley said applauding the families of SCAA employees.

The awards were then presented to 78 employees who have worked for the organisation for 10 years. Of the 78 employees, 60 are part of the aviation security team.

A further eight staff who celebrated 15 years in employment were also recognised from the maintenance team, housekeeping and the Airport Fire & Rescue departments.

Two employees, namely, James Margeurite and Bessy Baibe from the Engineering and Technical Services department and Finance department respectively were awarded and presented with shields and certificates in recognition of their loyalty to SCAA.

As for employees who have racked up 30 years of service with the organisation, three received such tributes and a further three who have been with SCAA for the longer period of 40 years also received awards of recognition.

Among the awardees, three are set to retire by the end of this year, namely, the Safety and Security Regulation department general manager Gerard Sicobo, head of operations Lineda Samson and Jenna Dubel from the housekeeping team within the Air Navigation Services department.

Both Mr Sicobo and Ms Samson have 40 years of services with SCAA.

Gerard Sicobo started his career in 1979 within the AIR Navigation Services as an Air Traffic control officer. He then progressed and eventually transferred to the Safety Regulations department.

Ms Samson also started her career as an Air Traffic control officer in the 1980s. She developed in her field and in August 1996, was appointed as a Senior Air Traffic Controller (operations). Through continuous hard work, in July 2017, she was appointed as Head of Operations, within the Air Navigation Services department.

The third employee to have served with SCAA for forty years is Felixine Matatiken who forms part of the Safety Regulations department. Her journey with SCAA started within the Housekeeping section in 1979. Through hard work and dedication she progressed to the post of Telephone operator and was then promoted to Senior Clerk. Currently, Mrs Matatiken holds the post of Office Manager within the department.