SPTC driver commended for ‘going the extra mile’   |06 April 2022

Mr Camille in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan (Photo: Joena Meme)

President Wavel Ramkalawan has commended an SPTC driver, Steven Camille, who recently ‘went the extra mile’ to help an elderly couple who were stranded at a bus stop after the service had ended for the day.

Mr Camille was yesterday invited to State House for President Ramkalawan to personally thank him for his act of kindness.

After his meeting with President Ramkalawan Mr Camille, who has been a driver with the SPTC (Seychelles Public Transport Corporation) for the past two years, told the media that the President had commended him for his action.

He said he also discussed with the President his work and a bit about his life and future plans.

President Ramkalawan thanked Mr Camille for his act of kindness which he said is a boost to the hospitality service of the country.

To recap, Mr Camille was finishing his shift on a late Saturday evening, the last shift of the night for the Baie Lazare via Takamaka route when he came across an elderly couple waiting for the bus. They were in the vicinity of Chez Bastista restaurant (at Takamaka) waiting for the bus to go in the opposite direction (towards Anse Royale and town).

Mr Camille said he already knew that the service was over for the day and there would be no more buses heading to town.

He gave the couple a lift and continued towards his destination at Baie Lazare. When he reached Baie Lazare, he parked the bus at the depot, took his personal car and since he was going back home to Anse Aux Pins, he offered to drive the couple to Anse Royale where they said they were staying.

On the way, however, he found out that the couple was staying at the Surf (Anse Forbans), so he diverted and headed there instead and dropped them off at their hotel.

The bus driver said he was not expecting them to post anything about the encounter on social media, thanking him for his kindness.

He added that he did it out of the kindness of his heart and that he feels very happy that the President has recognised his act.

Mr Camille said he feels very honoured albeit a little overwhelmed by the attention he is receiving.

He wishes to advise others to change their mindset and that although making money is important, a little act of kindness every now and then is also uplifting.

Marla Simeon