A Delegation from the Citizens Engagement Platform (CEPS) led by the Chairperson Mrs. Francoise Larue met with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne on Tuesday 15th February, 2022. Mrs. Larue was accompanied by the Vice-Chairperson Mr. Michel Pierre, the CEO of CEPS Mr. Alvin Laurence, and the Deputy CEO, Ms. Julie Florentine.
The aim of this meeting was to introduce the new board members of CEPS and brief the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and the Members present, on the important role of CEPS as an umbrella group of civil societies in Seychelles. Mrs. Larue gave a detailed assessment of the function and the role of CEPS, notably in its contribution towards the common good of the society in empowering citizens.
Mr. Alvin Laurence took this opportunity to thank the National Assembly for their collaboration with the platform and expressed the need for further dialogue between the Parliament and the umbrella organization to strengthen collaboration in common areas of interest. Mr. Laurence also stated that there is a need for more engagement and participation from the National Assembly in activities organized by the NGOs either locally or internationally.
Hon. Rosie Bistoquet, Hon. Wallace Cosgrow and Hon. Naddy Zialor were also present at the meeting and welcomed the opportunity to strengthen the existing relationship between the National Assembly and CEPS by also highlighting the importance of access to correct data and further communications with Committees. The Clerk to the National Assembly, Mrs. Tania Isaac and the Deputy Clerk, Ms. Alexandria Faure further added to the discussions by supporting the needs to implement proper channels of communications to facilitate the sharing of credible information and also expressed that CEPS would be a key partner for the Parliamentary Research Unit as it further develops its network to conduct effective research services centered on non-partisan and balanced analysis that is adapted to the needs of parliamentarians, Committees and the Secretariat.
The meeting also provided the delegation from CEPS with the opportunity to shed light on the key thematic areas of focus as well as the strategic plans for the year ahead. In addition, the delegation highlighted key areas on how the Members and Secretariat of the National Assembly can participate and contribute towards the success of the activities.
Editors note: Civil Society, considered as the Third Sector is globally identified and accepted as a significant factor in development. In Seychelles, there are about two hundred organizations that can be classified as CSOs. These legally registered organizations are not-for-profit, voluntary-based operating independently from Government. Most of the active organizations are accredited members of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) the platform for civil society organizations in Seychelles.
