On the afternoon of Monday 26th February 2024, a Staff Delegation of the Congress of the United States of America met the Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Roger Mancienne. The Speaker was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, Leader of the Opposition Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Leader of Government Business Hon. Bernard Georges, Chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee Hon. Clifford Andre, Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee Hon. Waven William, Clerk of the National Assembly Mrs. Tania Isaac, and Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure.
The Congress delegation was comprised of US Ambassador H.E. Mr. Henry Jardine, Rear Admiral Mr. Calvin Foster, U.S. Senior Defense Attaché Mr. Jeff Schwamb, Africa Subcommittee Staff Director Mr. Joe Foltz, Deputy Staff Director Ms. Laura Fullerton, Senior Advisor Ms. Rachel Walker, Communications Director Ms. Leslie Shedd, Charge d'Affaires Mr. Adham Loutfi, and Professional Staff Members Ms. Christina Tsafoulis, Mr. Chris Kulukundis, and Mr. Dwayne Clark.
Discussions began with an outline of the aims of the visit from the delegation, noting the improvement of US-Africa relations and the joint formulation of policy via the Legislature were points of high importance. Mutual topics, such as maritime security, environmental protection, trade and investment, and the exchange of parliamentary practices, were discussed at length. It was noted that despite the change in dynamics of certain cases, such as piracy and the development of maritime terrorism, the US would remain a source of aid and support.
Hon. Pillay gave the delegation a strong recommendation for future engagements to begin with more consultation on various levels, in order to gain valuable insights and better inform the public. Hon. Georges expressed his gratefulness to witness the reinvigoration of the US – Seychelles friendship and thanked the delegation for their efforts in engaging with parliamentarians amongst other important parties during the working visit. Mr. Foltz noted his appreciation for this bipartisan style of engagement, and strongly affirmed the aim of people-to-people engagement that the US aimed to cultivate in Seychelles.
The Hon. Speaker Mancienne noted that it was a pleasure to have this exchange with the delegation and remarked that the topics they represented were of mutual importance. The improvement of joint engagement and democratic practices were well received, with the Speaker thanking them for their time.
The delegation then presented the Speaker with a token of appreciation, before the meeting came to a close.
