The Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), Pr. Vêlayoudom Marimoutou, met with the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne on the morning of Friday 22nd October 2021.
Hon. Mancienne welcomed Pr. Marimoutou to the National Assembly and spoke of the various common interests among the small island states of the Indian ocean region. They discussed the existing areas of cooperation led by the IOC and the Secretary General briefed the Speaker on the work taking place to modernize the organization, as well as its progression. Hon. Mancienne was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gervais Henrie, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bernard Georges, the Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee, Hon. Waven William, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mrs. Tania Isaac and the Deputy Clerk, Ms. Alexandria Faure. Pr. Marimoutou was accompanied by Ms. Gina Bonne, Charge de Mission for IOC.
The meeting also involved strong discussions on the importance of the inclusion of Parliamentarians in the work of the IOC, as representatives of the people and as a mechanism to extend oversight on the programmes and projects being spearheaded by the organization. The Secretary General reaffirmed the position of the IOC in including Parliamentarians and briefed the Committee of the Constitution of the ‘Association des Parlementaires de la Commission de l’Océan Indien’ (AP-COI). The Chairperson of the International Affairs Committee, Hon. Waven William made certain points that related to the Revised Accord of the IOC which has so far been ratified by the Comoros and focused on a few articles that brought forward some concerns. The Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bernard Georges also discussed the matter and also coined the IOC as the organ close to the hearts of Seychellois and that the revival of the AP-COI would be timely and promote further inclusion in the work of the IOC. It was further agreed that the Secretary General may address the House on future visits as a means of education the Seychellois public on the work of the Organisation.
Mr. Marimoutou also met with the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sebastien Pillay. Following from that he met with the Chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee, Hon. Clifford Andre, of whom was accompanied by the Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Francois Adelaide, Director General for Facilities and Corporate Services, Mr. Godfra Hermitte and Assistant Secretary to the Committee, Mrs. Gillian Samson.
