As the National Awards Act 2022 came into effect, the National Awards committee is inviting the public to make nominations for the Medal of Honour of the Republic of Seychelles and the Medal of Merit of the Republic of Seychelles.
This announcement was made by the chairperson of the National Awards committee, Robert Grandcourt, in the presence of four other members – Sister Nita Servina, Herman Maria, Gemma Jessy and Lena Desaubin – in a press conference at State House, yesterday.
The public has until June 13 to send their nomination to the committee and the awardees will be announced at the first National Awards ceremony which will be held on June 29, 2022.
The committee is responsible for receiving and assessing nominations from members of the public for the Award of Honour and for the Award of Merit under the Act.
“This year we will see a historic moment in the history of Seychelles. As a committee, we have the responsibility to nominate people for the first ever National Awards. On that day three awards will be announced (a) the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles (which automatically goes to the President) ; (b) the Medal of Honour of the Republic of Seychelles; and (c) the Medal of Merit of the Republic of Seychelles. It is a great honour for any citizen to be honoured and recognised for his exceptional service to his/her country,” explained Mr Grandcourt.
The Chair of the committee also shared that many Seychellois outside Seychelles have been recognised by many countries in the world and this is a great motivation for the upcoming generation.
The committee has been meeting ahead of the official nomination in order to prepare for the first national award. They will be responsible to compile a list of nominees in respect of each national award and make recommendations to the Chancellor of those persons to be considered for each national award; and advise the Chancellor on matters concerning the Order as the Chancellor may refer to the Committee for consideration.
Eligibility for National award
According to the National Awards Act 2022, the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles shall be conferred upon the President on his or her assumption of office or at any other time during his or her term of office. Subject to subsection (3), the President shall continue to be a member of the Order notwithstanding expiration of his or her term of office, resignation or retirement from office or removal from office on the ground of mental and physical incapacity.
The President shall cease to be a member of the Order where he or she is removed from office for violation of the Constitution or gross misconduct under article 54 of the Constitution.
Subsection (1) shall not apply to a person who is re-elected as President and who has already had conferred upon him or her the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles.
On his or her assumption of office, the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles shall be conferred upon the President by the Chief Justice or Judge before whom the President subscribes to the oath of office.
The Chancellor may confer the Medal of the Republic on any person who has served as President before the commencement of operation of this Act.
On the commencement of this Act, the incumbent President shall, at the first investiture ceremony, be conferred the Medal of the Republic of Seychelles by the Chief Justice.
Medal of Honour
The Medal of Honour of the Republic of Seychelles may be awarded to any person who — (a) has rendered exceptional or outstanding services of national importance to Seychelles, earning the respect and gratitude of the government and the people of Seychelles; (b) has performed an outstanding act of bravery, kindness or humanity to any person.
Medal of Merit
The Medal of Merit of the Republic of Seychelles may be awarded to any person who has rendered long, loyal, devoted, outstanding and meritorious service of national importance in various fields to the Republic of Seychelles and to the people of Seychelles.
Revocation of National Award
Unfortunately a National Award can be removed by the Chancellor if a person upon whom a national award has been conferred brings Seychelles into disrepute; or engages in dishonourable conduct. The name of the person will be removed from the register and he or she will have to return insignia to the Secretary.
On behalf of the committee, Mr Grandcourt is encouraging as many people to submit their nominations. The form for use by the public to make nominations for Awards will be made available on the State House website: www.statehouse.gov.sc.,or at the district administration office.
“The award is a recognition from your country to your services. If someone has passed away, the family can apply for them and the committee will work on these. Even a child can be nominated but by an adult. This award is a National event and we should work together as a Nation, forget our differences and come together for the sake of all Seychellois,” concluded Mr Grandcourt.
Source: Seychelles Nation
