H.E. Mr Wilson (right) with President Rene at State House on Tuesday

Seychelles said goodbye to His Excellency Fraser Wilson on Tuesday March 23,  as the outgoing British High Commissioner made his farewell visit to State House.

Speaking to the press after his final meetings with President France Albert Rene and Vice-President James Michel, High Commissioner Wilson said that their closing discussions had covered the state of Seychellois-British relations and the changes that lie ahead for Seychelles.

"We covered the usual range of topics, the bilateral relationship, the future, the difficulties that are going to be faced by the Vice-President when he becomes President. Everyone knows that the economy has certain problems and I expressed the hope that these would be resolved," said the High Commissioner.

"I know that Seychelles is about to go into a time of change and I discussed that with the President and the Vice-President and wished the President a happy retirement and the Vice-President success in his new responsibilities when he takes them up," he added.

Accredited in May 2002, H.E. Mr Wilson became the ninth British High Commissioner to Seychelles since the establishment of diplomatic relations on Independence Day in 1976.

He described his two years in Seychelles as, "a wonderful time for me in a beautiful country where the people are so friendly and welcoming."

The replacement for H.E. Mr Wilson, who is returning to London to take up a position in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, is yet to be named, but is expected in Seychelles in June or July.

Reviewing his Seychelles posting H.E. Mr Wilson described the reintroduction of the Chevening Scholarships, which each year allow two Seychellois post graduate students to study in the UK, as amongst his success while in post.

On a personal note he also said that he was very glad to have had the chance to visit Aldabra.

"It really is a jewel and Seychelles needs to ensure that it will always be a jewel and I'm sure that the country will," he said.

Asked for his views on the plans to build a hotel on the World Heritage Site atoll the High Commissioner replied that, "I understand that the hotel is not going to be built just at the moment. I have to say that we were delighted that we did not stay on the island, we were able to stay on a boat and that was an excellent way to see Aldabra."

H.E. Mr Wilson flew out of Seychelles, bound for London, on Tuesday  evening (March 23).

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