Large crowd gather for National Day celebrations - 20.06.2011

Again this year a huge crowd watched the parade and listened to President James Michel’s address at Stad Linite as Seychelles celebrated its 18th National Day on Saturday. The guests of honour at this year’s parade were the President of the United Republic of Tanzania Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and his wife. After the parade had entered the stadium and taken its position, the crowd witnessed the arrival of the Commissioner of Police, Ernest Quatre and Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet who received the General Salute upon arrival. Then came the Vice-President, Danny Faure, who was saluted by the Flag Guards (under the command Lieutenant Jude Raoul and Second Lieutenant Ivel Ernesta) and the parade, led by Major Robert Antat and accompanied by the National Brass Band. The arrival of the vice-president was followed by that of Tanzanian President Kikwete. Last to make his entrance was President James Michel, who received a rousing welcome from the flag-waving crowd as his motorcade went on a lap round the stadium before stopping at the presidential dais for the Presidential Salute and National Anthem. The parade consisted of six platoons representing the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces, three from the Seychelles Police, and one each from the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency, Seychelles Scout, President’s Award Scheme, Seychelles National Youth Council and Young Citizens. A French Military Detachment, and one platoon each from the Royal and Indian navies completed the parade. The platoons marched past the grandstand to salute the President, first in slow-time and then quick-time after the presidential address, before marching out of the stadium. A surprise at this year’s ceremony was a glide past of an Indian naval helicopter and that of the Royal Navy over the sports complex. There were also the two Y12 aircraft from China which were handed over the day before to Seychelles. These displays were very much appreciated by the audience. Another highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic handing over of the 8th Indian Ocean Island Games’ torch to Mr Michel to officially launch the relay in all districts. Scenes from the cultural show The 18th National Day ceremony ended with a cultural show which featured several local artists. There were famous Seychellois poet ‘Raspyek’ with his poem Verse Sakre. Jean-Marc Volcy with the song Ali Toto and Chicco with Mon Kontan Mon Pei also took the stage, among many others. The crowd was then able to have fun in a night fair in the sports complex compound which went on until 2am yesterday.

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