World Social Justice Day |20 February 2024
Edelcia Esparon
Determined people at the heart of the justice system
On the occasion of World Social Justice Day today – February 20 –, the judiciary of Seychelles would like to highlight four people who have demonstrated strong progression in their career within the justice system, in positions that in one way or another greatly contribute to the advancement and smooth running of justice.
Contributed by the Judiciary of Seychelles
Edelcia Esparon – from housekeeper to court orderly, and now law clerk
“I’m someone who likes to learn, I have a naturally curious mind. Even as a housekeeper, I did my job with all my heart and to the best of my ability because I knew this role was important. As I did so, I also observed how the receptionist would do her job, and offered to fill in when they were absent or sick. Soon, as I gained experience and confidence, I got my driver’s license and became a driver/messenger. Many would consider this a man’s job, but I saw the opportunity to grow and took it. After about nine months, I took some short courses which the management of the judiciary encouraged me to do. I am always motivated so with the new skills I acquired in administration and office work, I got promoted to the post of court orderly.
“Throughout my career path, I wasn’t only looking at the salary upgrades, but also about my own growth and wellbeing. I also feel that the judiciary saw my skills and appreciated my efforts – this is also an important part of growth, you must be in an environment where you are appreciated and valued. I’ve learned from my mistakes too, and didn’t quit when I made them or let that discourage me. When the time came for another promotion to the post of law clerk, I was an obvious choice because of the standard I set for myself. When you like what you do, you can give more. I am confident in what I do. I got support from the judges, my supervisors, and today I am proud of what I’ve been able to achieve. People may be scared to work or get out of their comfort zone, but when opportunity comes you must seize it. I have been with the judiciary for 16 years, and learned a lot during that time. I am 60 years old now, and my advice to others would be that you have to want it – whatever it is in life, you have to really want it. There will be obstacles, but do not be afraid. Do not be afraid to ask for what you want. Whatever people may say about you, focus on what you want and be strong. Do not doubt yourself.”
Mick Hoareau – from driver/messenger to judge chauffeur
“I joined the judiciary a few years ago because I wanted a change in my life, and to work somewhere I knew I would grow and get some progress. I needed a new chapter. I dropped off my curriculum vitae (CV) at the Palais de Justice and was called in for an interview that same afternoon – it was like it was meant to be. Only two months into the job or running errands and dropping off parcels, opportunity came for training as a chauffeur to a judge. I was a bit apprehensive, due to the seriousness of the role of being by a judges’ side in their day-to-day life, but I gave it a chance. I believe you should never step back from challenges in life and take opportunities to progress.
“I connected very well with the first judge I was assigned to. I am polite, punctual, funny, and I give my best in everything that I do. I was appreciated by the judges, all of them that I ended up chauffeuring for. They gave good feedback on my behalf to human resources. I feel like I was recognised for my talents and efforts. Finally, I was assigned to chauffeur the chief justice himself… I was so nervous! But I was successful, and the chief justice believed in me. People may think working at the judiciary, in the justice system, is a difficult thing. It is not hard – it’s more about principles. You must learn to be a private person, to focus on the task at hand and what you want to achieve. You are working in the realm of law, so you learn to become responsible. I enjoy my work very much, it gives me a sense of satisfaction. There are odd hours, but for the experience I get and the people I get exposed to through this job it is worth it. I have gained some good perspectives on life in this job.”
Fabianna Savy – from court interpreter to legal researcher
“This is my first real job coming out of my studies, so I knew I wanted some experience but also some career progression eventually. As a court interpreter since 2019 with the judiciary, I was exposed to many court cases, the legal terms, and general atmosphere of a courtroom. I received a lot of on-the-job training as well. The most prominent one was the Judicial Institute of Africa (JIFA) training on legal research work and ethics, which was held in March 2023. I learned how to write memos for Judges to assist them in the research that contributes to the judgments and rulings delivered in Court. It was very interesting to me. When a position in that role opened up, I took my chances and applied. The team believed in me, the chief justice also believed in me as well. This new role has allowed me to not only progress in my professional life but also to grow in my personal life.
“My advice to others would be not to give up. You have to keep pushing, even when there are setbacks. Setbacks are not forever. I want to also note that I would not be where I am today without the support of my father, Richard, and my husband Ricky. I am a family oriented person, strong family values are important to me. That support is crucial in one’s life and it has made all the difference in mine.”
Eileen Rouillon – from housekeeper to court orderly, and now law clerk
“I was first based in the Anse Royale court, and after my housekeeping duties for the day, I would often sit in the registry and observe what the staff were doing. I like to know things, to learn, and the team saw my interest and nurtured it. They started to show me how to register certain summons into the booklets. I remember placing a small stool in the corner of the room, and sat there like an unofficial member of their team. I was determined to learn. Eventually they showed me how the online system worked, and they trusted me to type notices. They saw I was motivated and pushed me to succeed. I started taking courses after work in office procedures, to improve on my skills.
“Deep down, I always wanted to be a law clerk, I find the interaction with the public to be interesting. When I first applied for the role I was not successful because I was not qualified enough yet. The human resources department told me not to get discouraged, and placed me in the role of court orderly for me to gain experience. I didn’t allow this to become a setback. I moved into the Employment Tribunal and kept showing interest in the role and in September 2023 moved into the post of law clerk under training. Now I have officially been promoted this February 2024 into the post. My advice to others is to stay positive, even if you don’t get to your goals the way you imagined, there can be another way and you will learn through that process and succeed.”
