Covid-19 relief fund |05 February 2021

Representatives of the three companies with Designated Minister Ferrari and Minister Vidot during the presentation ceremony yesterday (Photo: Joena Meme)

More local businesses lend a hand in the fight against Covid-19

The Covid-19 relief fund set up by President Wavel Ramkalawan as part of the fight against the ongoing pandemic, yesterday attracted three more donors who made significant financial contributions towards the cause.

The Ile du Port Handling Services (IPHS) and the Hunt, Deltel & Co. Ltd donated R1 million each, while the Ship Chandler and Husbandry company Aquarius Shipping Agency Ltd, represented by general manager Anthony Savy also made financial contribution towards the fund but kept their sum discreet.

All three companies’ representatives presented their cheques to Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari yesterday during a small ceremony at the Red Roof Building of the Seychelles Hospital, in the presence of Health Minister Peggy Vidot.

General manager of the IPHS, Antoine Changarnier, said the company is so proud to be part of the team fighting against the Covid-19 and also commended the department of health for an amazing job, especially the ongoing national immunisation, or vaccination campaign.

He added that the company’s effort is indispensable in maintaining activities linked to the Blue Economy, precisely in protecting the health of the staff, including stevedores and also those working on the fishing vessels involved in the daily activity.

Managing director of the Hunt, Deltel & Co. Ltd Christophe Hoareau, who was accompanied by general manager Ronny Matatiken, said the financial support is not the first assistance given by the firm who donated a ventilator to the department of health last year.

Mr Larue added that the gesture is part of the company’s culture and policy to give back and support the community.

He also noted that with the recent surge in the Covid-19 cases, the company is also assisting the health authority with urgent freight of the much needed consignments.

On behalf of the government, Minister Ferrari who also occupies the fishing portfolio thanked the three companies for their generosity which he described as the perfect partnership between the state and private companies in the fight and effort to mitigate Covid-19 in the country.

Through the companies, the Designated Minister extended his gratitude toward all the employees who he said is the main drive behind the companies’ income which permitted the contribution.

Roland Duval