Former US ambassador to Seychelles, Richard Carlson, passes away |01 April 2025

Mr Carlson

Richard Carlson had a distinguished career in both journalism and the United States government service. From 1991 to 1993, he served as the U.S. ambassador to the Seychelles under President George H.W. Bush.

Prior to that, he was the Director of Voice of America from 1982 to 1986 under President Ronald Reagan. Carlson was also known for his investigative reporting and spent many years as a local news anchor, most notably in San Diego.

During his time as ambassador to Seychelles, he showed great interest in our country's delicate transition to democracy. He made it a point to personally welcome all political leaders who had been forced into exile after the coup and were then returning to Seychelles. 

Ambassador Carlson will be remembered by the local media professionals as an outspoken advocate of the free press. It was under his leadership that 'Regar', the first independent newspaper at the time in Seychelles, benefited from a grant to purchase computer equipment. Some local journalists were also offered training and visits to the United States under the USAID programme for Africa.

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