SAO founding members rewarded |10 July 2023
The founding members in a souvenir photograph with Minister Radegonde and other guests
Founding members of the Seychelles Association of Omnibus Operation have been rewarded in a ceremony organised on Saturday evening at the Maison Marengo, Au Cap, to show appreciation towards them.
The event was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, representatives from Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), National Institute of Health and Social Studies (NIHSS) as well as the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).
The event began with Minister Radegonde viewing some of the omnibuses and conversing with their respective owners, whereby he received an insight on how the driver/members operate their business, how they maintain their vehicles and the business itself.
This was followed by an opening statement from Seychelles Credit Union vice-chairperson Michel Pierre who congratulated the founding members and the association as a whole on its successes and determination for reaching this far and taking the time to appreciate the members even though some of them are no longer within the association.
“We are proud today to witness that the team has achieved a lot, although there is still more work to be done. But today you can stand tall and proud in venturing out for more opportunities,” said Mr Pierre.
The Seychelles Association of Omnibus (SAO) rewarded seven founding members, namely Francis Jeremy, Mervin Elizabeth, Danny Létourdie, Jones Camille, Paul Fanchette, Alain Antoine and Christopher Boniface.
For her part, Iouna Pillay, secretary general of SCCI, said the chamber is proud to say that this is a great achievement. “We have viewed your buses and they are in spectacular condition and are well maintained. I am very sure that your clients appreciate that greatly. The SCCI will always encourage different industries to form an association as it will give you a stronger voice,” said Ms Pillay.
As for Minister Radegonde, he said despite the omnibus business not falling under his portfolio, his presence was to show the government’s support towards the association.
“I would like to continue to see the association remaining a professional association in all aspects. Let us iron out the small issues that exist and let us continue to work together to provide even better services,” said Minister Radegonde.
In his closing remarks SAO chairman Mervin Elizabeth said from the day they started it was very challenging, but thanks to the right support they managed to get through it to reach where they are today.
“I believe we have done a great job ever since we started, and I want to thank the post-secondary schools we have worked with during the time of the Covid-19 pandemic, for if it was not for them we could have found ourselves in deeper trouble trying to stay afloat,” said Mr Elizabeth.
Diane Laramé