President Ramkalawan satisfied with transition of power |09 November 2020
It was less than a month ago since the Seychellois public cast their votes, electing Linyon Demokratik Seselwa leader Wavel Ramkalawan as head of state.
Since coming to power, President Ramkalawan has touched the hearts of many with his pleas for national unity and togetherness, for citizens to work dedicatedly in the interest of the country, and for leaders to unite and be an example to citizens.
Following the first leaders’ forum at the State House on Friday, President Ramkalawan conveyed to the media his satisfaction at how calm and peaceful the transition of power has been thus far, as well as the progress made by his administration during the short period under his reign.
“Thus far, the transition is going extremely well. All ministers – except the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism and Minister for Lands and Housing, who are still under quarantine – have entered their places and are having dialogues with their principal secretaries. There is really good cooperation as everyone realises that they are keeping their jobs, but that there is simply a new administration. Thus far, everything is going really well and I am encouraged with what I see is happening in our country,” he said.
Among the major decisions taken by President Ramkalawan’s administration is for all elected members of the National Assembly to have an office in their respective districts. Minister for Local Government Rose-Marie Hoareau is doing the necessary to give the members their offices, said President Ramkalawan, adding that the upcoming recess towards the end of November should be adequate time for them to familiarise and establish themselves in their offices.
Furthermore, the government has imposed a moratorium on undeveloped industrial land, requesting that the Industrial Estates Authority (IEA) not effect any transfers, to allow for undeveloped plot to be acquired and distributed to other interested business persons.
President Ramkalwan further noted projects within the healthcare sector, including the construction of a new hospital facility on La Digue.
“Thirdly, the government has secured help, support for the construction of a new hospital on La Digue. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has pledged to finance the construction, and we extend our gratitude to them for supporting the project,” President Ramkalawan stated.
Plots for the construction have already been identified and a site visit is scheduled for this week, along with Minister for Lands and Housing Billy Rangasamy, once he completes his quarantine.
Moreover, President Ramkalawan on Thursday morning signed a letter to the World Health Organisation (WHO), requesting that Seychelles be aided if and when a vaccine is developed for Covid-19.
Laura Pillay