Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Seychelles can look forward to stronger ties with government and the potential for increased international relationships in the future.

These were among the issues discussed in the General Assembly of the Liaison Unit of Non-Governmental Organisations in Seychelles (LUNGOS), held recently at the National Theatre, Mont Fleuri.

Addressing members of the assembly, chairperson Nirmal Jivan Shah of Nature Seychelles said that LUNGOS had made significant achievements during the past three years despite a difficult operating environment.

At the forefront of these achievements was the acquisition of a EUR 300,000 funding package from the European Union.  Mr Shah said that LUNGOS had also been able to develop its international ties via participation in the World Summit on Sustainable Development in South Africa. 

Mr Shah added that participation in the Barbados +10 Meeting for Small Island States, taking place in Mauritius next year, would further promote LUNGOS’ outreach to international organisations.

Locally, various meetings and the NGO-Government Workshop have helped LUNGOS establish a better understanding between the NGO sector and government officials, which Mr Shah said had increased NGO representation on government committees and led to a more fruitful relationship in general.

Mr Shah also noted in his report to the assembly that LUNGOS has secured free office space for Seychelles NGOs, based on a pledge from SACOS (State Assurance Corporation of Seychelles, which will contribute its current offices once the company moves into its new building.

The LUNGOS assembly, held every three years, produced some notable turnover for its board of directors.  While Mr Shah retained his chair seat, Mayor of Victoria Mrs Florence Benstrong, representing the Seychelles Community Training Institute, was the only other member to be re-elected to the board.

The new board members are Bernard Elizabeth (Seychelles Scouts), Sandra Crewe (Seychelles Association of Women Professionals), Emile Esparon (Seychelles Credit Union) and Jean Claude Matombe (National Council for Children).

LUNGOS, now boasting some 60 registered NGO members, was founded in 1989 to promote and develop activities of NGOs in Seychelles.

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