The 19th of October each year is dedicated as Breast Cancer awareness worldwide, to stand with the courageous women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and honor those who have lost the battle to this terrible disease. In commemoration of this day and to raise awareness on the importance of early detection of Breast Cancer, the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus carried out several activities at the National Assembly, the first being a statement made to media houses beforehand. The statement was purposefully made prior to the day of commemoration to sensitise and bring awareness to the public.
The Chairperson of the Caucus, Hon. Regina Esparon, on the 19th of October presented a Motion to the Assembly demanding that the Government embarks on a programme to detect breast cancer early in order to save lives. The Motion was seconded by the Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Audrey Vidot who raised the alarm on the worrying statistics on cancers being diagnosed in the 3rd and 4th stages in Seychelles. In addition to that, in her intervention on the Motion, Hon. Desheila Bastienne made a deeply moving statement on her personal battle with breast cancer and urged the public to get tests done early, for further holistic support for all cancer patients, as well as strengthen communications between doctors, patients and cancer charities that provide support. Her testimony was surely one to be engraved in the mental of the nation and it provided much reflection for the relevant authorities.
During the morning break of the Sitting, the WPC was accompanied by the Speaker, Hon. Roger Mancienne, Deputy Speaker, Hon. Gervais Henrie, the Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bernard Georges, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Sebastien Pillay when they presented a donation of 6,000scr to the Cancer Concern Association represented by Ms. Gina Laporte. Ms. Laporte expressed her gratitude for the caucuses continuous support and took heed of all the relevant recommendations made by the House.
All Members and Secretariat staff of the National Assembly wore pink ribbons throughout the day as a way to promote awareness on breast cancer and stand in solidarity with all women affected by this disease.
As members of the National Assembly of Seychelles, the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus is dedicated to become Breast Cancer Ambassadors to support all women and their families to take action to help stop breast cancer and save lives.
