VICTORIA, Seychelles, Members of Seychelles’ parliament yesterday paid tribute to their late colleague, Rosie Bistoquet, who died tragically on December 22 last year, while still in office. A black ribbon now adorns her seat in parliament, as well as a photo of the late member of the National Assembly who was a proportionally elected member of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa caucus. She was 62 years old. The ceremony was an emotional moment for all those present.
The LDS caucus was joined by the United Seychelles MNAs for an emotional remembrance ceremony in the presence of family members of the late Rosie Bistoquet. Yesterday was exactly two months since her passing and the members, namely Gervais Henrie, Sandy Arissol, Regina Esparon, Kelly Samynadin of LDS and Sylvanne Lemiel and Egbert Aglaé of US, remembered her through heartfelt testimonies, highlighting her strong, confident and friendly personality, professionalism, and contributions towards the country in the field of health and as a parliamentarian. The bipartisan attendance reflected the high regard in which the late member was held across the political spectrum.
Deputy Speaker Henrie remembered their last conversation at the party’s executive meeting on December 21, hours before her death, when they were reflecting on the participation of more women in the LDS party and in Seychelles’ politics in general. Everybody in the party who believes in women’s emancipation, know we have lost a sincere ally towards this venture, said Mr Henrie. He described Mrs Bistoquet as a helpful person, filled with compassion and thanked her for showing everyone how to embrace life with open arms.
As for elected member for Au Cap, Kelly Samynadin, she also paid an emotional tribute to the late MNA. She has been appointed to replace Mrs Bistoquet as chairperson of the standing committee forum on human and social development and special programmes of SADC-PF. Ms Samynadin recalled the night she heard the sad news and how deeply it affected her as Mrs Bistoquet was a dear colleague and friend. The member could not hold back tears as she described the late MNA as a devoted person in anything she did and who was passionate in her chairmanship roles.
Following the testimonies, the son of the late MNA, Jude Bistoquet, was presented with a book of condolences by the assembly’s sergeant-at-arms Antoine Rose. Speaker Mancienne said it was a gesture which he hopes would bring some closure to the tragic event. As a last sign of adieu to Mrs Bistoquet, the members observed one minute of silence before joining her family members outside for a photo shoot.
