VICTORIA, Seychelles — Twenty-six employees of the Department of Foreign Affairs were recognised for their years of continuous service during the department’s second long-service award ceremony, held on Saturday evening at the Constance Ephelia resort. The staff members have each completed between 10 and 40 years of service, both with the department and within the wider public service.
The department has employees stationed across the world serving in different roles, in addition to those based at its headquarters at Maison Quéau de Quinssy, Mont Fleuri. The longest-serving member of staff, Lorna Low-Hong, was among those honoured, marking 40 years of commitment. John Figaro was recognised for 25 years of service, having begun his career as a driver-messenger with the Ministry of Information before being referred to the Office of the President and later returning to Foreign Affairs in January 2005. He was promoted to Senior Protocol Chauffeur in March 2005, and from 2011 to 2014 served as Chauffeur to the Ambassador at the Seychelles embassy in Brussels.
Nine employees were honoured for 10 years of service, seven for 15 years, and three for 20 years. Beryl Samson, Beryl Pillay and Lisette Cupidon received their 30-year awards. Mr Figaro, reflecting on his journey, said he was proud of his achievements and that the work required sacrifice and dedication but was also rewarding. Other colleagues were recognised for their loyalty and continued contribution to the country’s diplomatic work abroad.
