The highlight of the ceremony was an exhibition charting the evolution of Seychelles' legislatures

Past and present Assembly members gathered at the International Conference Centre (ICCS) on Wednesday July 30, in what has been described as "a reunion with living history".

The occasion, organised by the National Assembly Speaker Francis MacGregor to mark the tenth anniversary of the National Assembly of the Third Republic, was highlighted by an exhibition charting the evolution of the legislatures of Seychelles, from separation from Mauritius and attainment of Crown colony status, in 1903, through Independence and up to the present day.

Present at the ceremony were today's MNAs, former members of the Assembly, representatives from previous legislatures, ministers and other dignitaries.

Before viewing the exhibition, speeches were given by a number of prominent figures associated with the assembly, each of whom paid tribute to past legislature members.

First to address the gathering was Speaker MacGregor who described the meeting as a "reunion with living history," explaining that all past and present members of the legislatures of Seychelles had been invited in recognition of the time and service they gave "to put at least one brick in the building of the nation that is Seychelles today".

Speaker MacGregor said the political past was linked to the future, symbolised by the formation of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly, which he described as a forum for learning and practising the values of democracy.

Speaking after Speaker MacGregor, the Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Wavel Ramkalawan, called on current MNAs to draw upon the example of their predecessors.

Honourable Ramkalawan said that ten years was not long enough to draw any definite conclusions about the National Assembly, "but is on the other hand enough time for us to see what its future might be .... and if it continues to evolve as it has started its future is very bright indeed."

Honourable Patrick Herminie, Leader of Government Business, speaking next, praised former legislative members, saying that, "this great nation of ours has produced a lot of formidable sons and daughters who have devoted their lives to ensure a better Seychelles."

Honourable Herminie added that, "democracy in our small island state is more than a dream, more than an ideal, it is part of our everyday life," before stating that the current Assembly is duty bound to ensure that there is no fourth republic.

In her role as Chairperson of the Women's Parliamentary Commission, the Mayor of Victoria, Honourable Florence Benstrong, said that women in the National Assembly had played a big role in bringing about many changes as far as gender equality was concerned.

The Mayor went on to say that Seychelles was now among the top countries in the world with women accounting for over 25% of legislative members, but told her audience that this was still not enough and that more must be done.

Honourable Daniel Belle, President of the Association des Anciens Parlementaires des Seychelles, said that the National Assembly was a great achievement for the people of Seychelles and its tenth anniversary was one of the proudest moments of Seychelles history.

He told his audience that they must develop a culture of trust and respect amongst the leaders and representatives of the people.

Last to speak was the Minister for Education and Youth, Mr Danny Faure, former Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, who said that, despite political differences, Assembly members past and present had managed to develop good partnerships in their work which had contributed to a favourable environment necessary for political stability and harmony in Seychelles.

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