On the afternoon of Wednesday 13th August 2025, a delegation of the National Assembly led by Speaker Hon. Roger Mancienne met with the young Members of the Parlement Régional Des Jeunes De L’Indianocéanie (PRJIO). The NAS delegation was comprised of Deputy Speaker Hon. Gervais Henrie, Hon. Audrey Vidot, Hon. Philip Monthy, Clerk Mrs. Tania Isaac, and Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure.
Preceding the meeting with the PRJIO Members was an internal meeting to discuss the mechanisms and structures governing the L’Association des Parlements des États membres de la Commission de l’océan Indien (AP-COI), of which Seychelles holds the Presidency, and the Commission de l’océan Indien (COI). Discussions were centred around key systems such as the financing of projects, the continued provision of administrative support, and the prioritisation of strategic regional issues such as illegal fisheries and maritime security, climate change and food security, the protection of craftsmanship and culture, and the control of drug trafficking. The Hon. Speaker then led a discussion on the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the AP-COI and COI, which will serve to formalise the AP-COI as a regional parliamentary hub with the mandate to connect parliamentarians, defend the interests of the Indian Ocean region, and to support the development of the PRJIO.
This was followed by the meeting with the Seychelles PRJIO Cohort. In attendance was Ms. Elgin Crea, Ms. Nadisha Malbrook, Ms. Camilla Cupidon, Mr. Steve Monnaie, and Mr. Fredo Dubel. Representing the Media, Youth, Sports and Culture Committee (MYSCC) was Vice Chairperson Hon. Philip Arissol. The purpose of the meeting was to re-establish contact with the Youth Members and reconfirm the shared commitment to promoting the values of the youth parliament. Ms. Crea spoke on behalf of the cohort and outlined the objectives and action plan, particularly their interests in working in key sectors such as environmental protection and waste management, social welfare and youth entrepreneurship, health and sports, amongst others.
It was emphasised that support from the National Assembly, in terms of financing, administrative and logistical support, and formal recognition, would be the key in the achievement of their goals. Ms. Malbrook took the opportunity to note that there was additional support required in terms of assistance for the Inner Island Members, particularly through the provision of commuting costs for meetings and events. The group also put forward the ambition for an increased presence nationally and on social media platforms in order to reach international partners for networking and partnership opportunities.
Hon. Mancienne echoed the sentiments expressed by the group and was moved by the in-depth and resolute action plan laid forward. He did not hesitate in affirming that the National Assembly was more than prepared to provide the requested support, and that Parliamentary staff would also play a role in facilitating various aspects of logistics and assistance. Hon. Henrie intervened, noting that their goals were ambitious and noble, however advised the cohort to agree on a priority list of items and key MDAs to interact with in order to effect change within their 2-year mandate.
The Speaker then led a discussion on the use of the National Assembly precinct as a forum for PRJIO activities, as well as confirming a calendar of activities including meetings with key stakeholders such as the MYSCC and Seychelles National Youth Council (SYNC), as well as proposing that PRJIO Members be present at key parliamentary events such as the Budget Address and State of the Nation Address in order to continue fostering a close relationship. It was confirmed during the meeting that as well as acting as Desk Officer for the AP-COI, the Deputy Clerk Ms. Alexandria Faure would take on the role of Focal Person between the National Assembly and the PRJIO.
The fruitful meeting served to reaffirm the positive relationship between the two groups, and a solid foundational plan was established to ensure that the Seychelles PRJIO Cohort has the resources and support in order to achieve their goals and continue to represent the country on a national, regional, and international level.
