VICTORIA, Seychelles — Seychelles marked the 32nd anniversary of Constitution Day on June 18 with dignified flag-hoisting ceremonies held consecutively on Mahe, La Digue and Praslin. Leading the nation in this significant commemoration was President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, as Seychellois from across the archipelago reflected on the adoption of the Constitution of the Third Republic, a landmark moment in the country’s democratic evolution.
The official proceedings began with a march by the Guard of Honour, featuring units from the Seychelles Defence Forces, Police Force, Air Force, Coast Guard and Special Operations Unit. The symbolic highlight was the hoisting of the National Flag, followed by a stirring performance of the National Anthem. On Mahe, the ceremony took place at the Lavwa Lanasyon monument in Victoria, with the flag hoisting led by a team of uniformed personnel under Warrant Officer Class II Benjamin Louis-Marie. Master of Ceremony Elsia Maria welcomed those present in Creole, French and English, reminding the public of the significance of the occasion.
Ms Maria also paid tribute to the designer of the National Flag, Philippe Uzice, and highlighted the symbolism behind its five colours. Following the flag ceremony, the National Choir performed the patriotic song ‘Ofer lanmitye’ by Frank Pierre, and Chloe Ally and Rishon Bastienne of the Seychelles National Youth Assembly presented the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. On La Digue and Praslin, talented young people from each island performed reflective and patriotic songs, while the flag was borne by flag bearers as the national anthem was interpreted by the Seychelles National Brass Band.
