VICTORIA, Seychelles — The National Assembly on Friday approved a motion for the designation of Wallace Cosgrow as Principal Minister, as requested by President Patrick Herminie. The motion was tabled by the leader of government business in the National Assembly, Sylvanne Lemiel, during the afternoon’s sitting, and seconded by Churchill Gill. When presenting the motion, Mrs Lemiel spoke highly of Mr Cosgrow’s professional attributes and why he should hold this position, citing his various ministerial roles and other involvement on local committees.
This was echoed by other members of the United Seychelles (US) caucus who intervened, namely Gill, Egbert Aglae, and Rocky Uraine, who welcomed the designation, stating he was the right person for the post. Despite expressing his disappointment that Mr Cosgrow’s name was tabled after the ministerial nominations the previous week, the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Bernard Georges, said he did not question the new Principal Minister’s ability to carry out his new duties.
The motion was approved by 18 members of the US caucus, while 14 from the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) caucus abstained. No one voted against. The role of Principal Minister, previously referred to as Designated Minister, was changed to its new title following an amendment by the seventh cohort of the National Assembly. Other than his new designation, Mr Cosgrow continues to serve as the Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy.
