Africa-Press – Seychelles. Tributes and messages of condolence are pouring in following the passing yesterday morning of former Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning Peter Larose.
President Wavel Ramkalawan, the National Assembly and Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade Naadir Hassan are among those who led the tributes yesterday.
President Ramkalawan conveyed his message of condolence to Dr Larose’s wife and family on behalf of government, citizens, and in his personal capacity, recognising Dr Larose as an individual who “served his country with devotion and professionalism in various capacities and made significant contributions to his homeland, particularly in the domain of Finance”.
“He will be remembered for his hard work and commitment in everything that he did. At all times he put his country first. This was clearly exhibited when his nomination as minister was approved unanimously by members of all political parties in the National Assembly. Our thoughts of comfort and courage go out to all his loved ones during their time of loss,” the message reads.
Both leaders in the National Assembly also paid their respects on behalf of their respective parties, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), and United Seychelles (US).
Leader of government business Bernard Georges referred to Dr Larose as “a humble man who was always courteous, always well-spoken, an intelligent man with a great sense of fairplay”, deeming his death as a great loss for the country.
“I had much appreciation for the way he worked. Each time he appeared before the National Assembly, with one small exception, we saw someone who was willing to help, and an extremely courteous person. He was someone who liked to find solutions to problems, and we appreciated this a lot during the short time in which he served as minister. He wanted Seychelles to take its position in the world, and for this, his departure is a great loss to us,” Mr Georges said.
For his part, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Sebastien Pillay, noted that Dr Larose was a source of great pride for constituents of the Glacis district, having accomplished so much professionally.
“We thank him for his contributions, and we hope that in this time of sadness and pain, his family can find some consolation in the good moments that they have spent together,” Mr Pillay said.
“I wish that the accomplishments of Dr Larose remain a source of inspiration for the upcoming youths,” Mr Pillay stated.
Mr Pillay’s political party, United Seychelles (US) in a communiqué paid their respects to the “well-respected professional” in the banking and finance fields.
“Dr Larose was also a fervent believer in the principles of our party. Seychelles has lost a true professional. We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of Dr Larose and may his soul rest in eternal peace,” the statement reads.
For his part, Minister for Finance, National Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan, remembers Dr Larose as a professional who “has shown tenacity, commitment, discipline and seriousness” throughout his career.
Dr Larose assumed the office of Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning on November 1, 2016, and served up to 2018.
“Dr Larose took great pride in furthering and sharing his extensive experience in his chosen fields of banking, finance, economics and accounting. His career should be a model for young Seychellois who are ambitious and serious in furthering their career, not only in Seychelles, but internationally. As a nation, we are proud of Dr Larose’s career achievements,” Minister Hassan stated in a press communiqué.
Dr Larose served as minister in former President Danny Faure’s cabinet. Mr Faure in his message remembered him as a great professional.
“He will be remembered as a great Seychellois professional with expertise in finance and banking at senior executive level not only in Seychelles but also at international level with the World Bank and many other institutions. I express my deepest condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace,” Mr Faure expressed.
Former Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Alain St Ange, was a cabinet colleague of Dr Larose and said in a statement that the islands had lost a great son and one who believed in the ability of the Seychellois.
“He was a supportive cabinet minister in my bid for the position of secretary general of the UNWTO and at every meeting held in his office he showed that he was following the feedback from the Community of Nations and went further to message his own contacts in international organisations to push the Seychelles candidature at the Madrid elections. He saw the greater picture and the merit of having Seychellois heading international organisations,” said Mr St Ange.
Dr Peter Larose is said to have been a great visionary as a Seychelles cabinet minister and spoke with experience he amassed from his time at the World Bank.
“As Seychelles bids farewell to a former Minister for Finance, and as we express our sympathy to his family, we also say we lost a friend who was also ready with advice and guidance whenever his expertise was sought,” former Minister St Ange added.
Dr Larose had longstanding experience in the fields of finance, accountancy, economics and banking. He held a Master of Administration (MBA) in International Banking & Finance from the University of Birmingham, and a doctorate degree (PhD) in UK Commercial Banking from the same university.
He started his career in 1975, moving up the ladder to become the advisor to the Ministry of Finance between 2000 and 2001, and general manager of the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) from 2001 to 2005.
Dr Larose served in several posts at the World Bank since 2008 starting off as an advisor. In 2010, he was promoted senior advisor, and assumed the position of alternate executive director in 2012. In 2014, Dr Larose was appointed as executive director of African Group 1 Constituency, where he represented 22 African countries.
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