Africa-Press – Seychelles. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs thanked the volunteers who are part of the brigade team in the district, and recognized their work.
This was during a ceremony that took place yesterday morning at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay hotel.
This event was organized to coincide with Volunteer Day on December 5.
This ceremony was held in the presence of Minister Rose-Marie Hoareau, the principal secretary for Social Affairs, Linda William-Melanie, as well as representatives of the Seychelles Rose Cross and the Division of Risk and Disaster Management, among others.
Brigade members from all 26 districts were present, and they were presented with a certificate as a symbol that the ministry sees and appreciates their contribution.
When he addressed them, Minister Hoareau expressed his deep gratitude for the remarkable contribution they are making as members of the brigade to help their communities during disasters.
“They dedicate their time and energy to help individuals in great need in the community. They are always ready to help with district activities and of course they always answer the call of the district administration when there is an emergency or disaster. I want you to know that your efforts are worth a lot and that we really appreciate your volunteer spirit,” Minister Hoareau said.
The theme for this year’s Volunteer Day is ‘The power of collective action: if everyone did’; a term that Minister Hoareau says reflects on “we can achieve if we work together” and that this is the true spirit of the brigade in the district.
Words of thanks also came from the principal secretary for Local Government and Community Affairs, Kevin Perine, who said that the members of the brigade are an example for others because of their “living testimony that action is always stronger than words”.
He continued to say that the contribution of these members goes further than just in times of disaster. “Even though our brigade members often address events such as torrential rains, landslides, floods, fallen trees, bushfires or house fires, and more, it is important to emphasize that their contribution goes further than just dealing with with emergencies. We salute the members of the brigade because they also actively participate in community life.”
He also added that in 2024 the ministry is anticipating strengthening its commitment to the health brigade and this is to increase the skills of volunteers through the different trainings and sessions that will be offered.
One of the brigade members, Priscilla Bristol, also shared her experience through a short testimony. Miss Bristol joined the Pointe Larue district brigade 14 years ago. He says that this is a parkour that has brought him a lot of pride and joy because since childhood he has always been ready to help others and give a helping hand to those in need.
But it also adds that it does not mean that he does not encounter difficulties. “This spirit of volunteerism is always in me, but of course it is not always easy as a single wife with three children, I see that I face many challenges, and one of the biggest challenges is when my two children had an accident . But that doesn’t stop me. I have always stood strong and today I am still standing proud as a member of the brigade.”
Ms. Bristol also added that unfortunately sometimes, even though the brigade members are offering their services, they are facing a lot of verbal abuse from individuals in the community. He hopes that members of the public will show more respect towards them and also show more cooperation that will help make things easier.
The ceremony also saw performances by artists and representatives of local government departments.
For More News And Analysis About Seychelles Follow Africa-Press
