17 graduate from the ‘Sustainable Fisheries Programme for Future Seafarers’   |30 September 2023

Jed Labrosse, winner of the best student award

         Jed Labrosse wins best student award

After successfully completing a four-month course, followed by an on-the-job training in the blue economy field through the skills development programme offered by the employment department, 17 youths yesterday received their certificates, with Jed Labrosse graduating as the best student.

The ‘Sustainable Fisheries Programme for Future Seafarers’ – a joint collaboration between the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA), the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education – target secondary five leavers who for one reason or another were not admitted in a post-secondary institution of their choice, and it started with 18 students back in May.

Its aim is to provide the students with the necessary skills and attitude to join the industry as capable seafarers who are able to complete their tasks on a level that is acceptable by the Seychelles’ maritime industry.

During the four months, the students completed a NON- Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) safety course, basic net mending, basic seamanship and navigation practical, basic marine mechanic, fish trap making, and basic hook and line preparations, among other nodules.

The graduation ceremony yesterday was held in the auditorium of the Seychelles Institute of Teacher Education (SITE) at Mont Fleuri, in the presence of Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari, who also holds the portfolio for Fisheries and the Blue Economy; Employment and Social Affairs Minister Patricia Francourt; principal secretary for Educational Services, Merna Eulentin; director of the SMA, Captain Anura Herath; lecturers, instructors, parents and sponsors.

For being the best course participant, Labrosse received a certificate, a shield, along with tokens of appreciation from various sponsors, but most importantly, he received a scholarship to join the SMA for a certificate course in fishing technology.

Ezra Fred and Brendon Louise received awards for female and male best efforts respectively.

Addressing those present, Minister Ferrari started by congratulating the graduates, who he said, many of them have come from afar and have faced many hurdles to be here.

“Today, we want to pay tribute to the outcome of your hard work and commitment,” said the Designated Minister, who added that everyone is celebrating, because they have done something important.

“You have grasped this opportunity and have successfully completed your training which has equipped you with the necessary skills and attitude to become capable seafarers in the fisheries and maritime industry,” he said.

He added that the ministry also commends the effort of the SMA, particularly its dedicated lecturers and administration who have put the participants to the test and chart a course for their future success.

Minister Ferrari equally thanked the parents for the productive partnership to ensure that the graduates achieved their highest potential.

He also recognised the generous contributions of sponsors and the participation of our industry representatives, thanking them, while looking forward to future engagement.

“I invite you to live with passion and enjoy this life whatever the circumstances, giving the best of yourselves. You will have good times and rough seas ahead, but this is just part of life, so enjoy the ride,” said Minister Ferrari, who concluded by reminding the graduates that the country is counting on them, while the ministry will always be there for them, so that they can express their potential to the fullest and make their contributions to the development of the industry.

Roland Duval