Seychelles Fisheries Authority honours long-serving staff at awards ceremony
VICTORIA, Seychelles — The Seychelles Fisheries Authority (SFA) has held its Long Service Award ceremony at L’Escale Resort to reward 38 staff members with 5, 10, 15, 30 and 35 years of service. Three staff members, Bernadette Gill, Kethsia Georges and Joan Didon, clocked 35 years, while Gérard Ernesta was recognised for 30 years of service.
The event was attended by the Principal Minister and Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture and the Blue Economy, Wallace Cosgrow. Speaking to the media, Ms Georges said her career began modestly as an administrative assistant and that she had to learn and persevere to progress. Now a Logistics and Administrative Officer, she advised young people to be attentive and serious about their work.
Mr Ernesta, who has dedicated 30 years to the fisheries sector, described a lifelong passion for maritime work. A graduate of the Maritime School, he later trained in France and the United Kingdom before becoming a senior skipper and captain of a fishing vessel. He said he wants to continue and share his knowledge with the next generation.
Speaking at the ceremony, SFA chief executive Dr Jan Robinson said the milestones represent loyalty, resilience, professionalism and a deep commitment to the mandate and values of the authority. He added that long-serving staff are the custodians of the institution’s memory and role models for the next generation.
