Day: May 11, 2023

Interior Minister Kamel Féki reassured the public that Tunisia remains a “safe country” despite the futile attempts of unnamed individuals to disrupt its peace. Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Féki praised the country’s armed forces and citizens for their unwavering strength, which he believes make Tunisia “invincible.”

The minister also took the opportunity to express his appreciation for the security forces, army, and civil protection who responded to the criminal attack on the island of Djerba with remarkable dedication and bravery. He emphasised that their swift actions led to the situation being under control within a mere 112 seconds. Féki also announced that a judicial investigation has been initiated in accordance with the law.

The Minister of Interior expressed his relief that normalcy has returned to the Ghriba synagogue and its surroundings, as well as the island of Djerba, known for its “tolerance and brotherhood”. He emphasised that this is a testament to the failure of the attack’s masterminds to achieve their goals. The Minister also praised the unity and solidarity demonstrated by various state institutions and the unwavering support of the military towards the security forces.

Féki went on to offer his condolences to the families of the martyrs who tragically lost their lives while courageously performing their duties, including Colonel Major Maher El-Arbi of National Security, Chief Warrant Officer Kheireddine Lafi of the National Guard, and martyr Mohamed Abdelmajid Atig of the Anti-Terrorism Brigades (BAT).

The minister also expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the civilians, Aviel Haddad and Benjamin Haddad, who were also victims of this criminal act, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured from this cowardly attack.

Furthermore, the Minister of the Interior praised the fraternal and friendly countries that generously expressed their support and solidarity with the Tunisian people in this difficult time. He reaffirmed his department’s determination to spare no effort and resources to ensure the stability of the country, preserve the security of society and citizens, protect the unity of the state, and thwart any criminal plans and projects, regardless of their nature and origin.

In this regard, he called on the security forces to exercise increased vigilance and readiness to thwart any attempt to destabilise the country and undermine the security of foreign nationals and visitors who come to Tunisia for work, tourism, or to perform their religious rites, such as the case of the Ghriba synagogue.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

In March this year, the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles celebrated its Golden Jubilee. The diocese was established on March 25, 1973. Prior to that, since the introduction of missionaries of the church in Seychelles in 1813, Seychelles – 115 islands in the western Indian Ocean – belonged to the Diocese of Mauritius.

In a series of Buzz topics, the SNA will bring you interesting facts about the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles.

Our first in this series features are 7 milestones in the life of Anglican Archbishop Emeritus French Chang Him, who was born on May 10, 1938, to a father of Chinese origin — Francis Chang Him – and a Seychellois mother – Amelia Zoe.

Now at the age of 85, Archbishop Chang Him is still active with his pastoral duties and currently serves at the St John Chapel of Glacis in the north of the main island of Mahe.

1.Ordination into priesthood

French Chang-Him was ordained to the priesthood in June 1963. This was after his theological studies at Lichfield Theological College in the United Kingdom. Over the years, he pursued other studies which included Post Ordination Studies at the St Augustine’s College in Canterbury, England, and at the Trinity College at the Toronto University of Canada.

Father French-Chang Him (personal archive) All Rights Reserved

2. 2023 – 60 years of service in the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles

This year marks the 60th anniversary since French Chang-Him gave his life to the service of the Anglican Church and community of Seychelles and the Indian Ocean. Over the years, he served in parishes all over the main islands of Mahe, Praslin and La Digue as well as for the Anglican community on Cousine and for the leper settlement on Curieuse Island.

Archbishop French Chang-Him addressing families and friends gathered to honour the late Davidson Chang-Him on June 5, 2013. (Le Seychellois/Facebook) Photo License: CC-BY

3. Survivor in a sinking ship incident

August 12, 1975, is a day that marked French Chang-Him. This was the sinking of the Ero, a wooden passenger schooner that capsized and sank, with 22 passengers, between Mahe and Praslin. Chang-Him was one of the passengers and, at the time, the young priest was left stranded at sea, threatened by sharks but recounted how he was protected by the dolphins, until he was rescued.

Painting of the Ero ship sinking – (Seychelles Weekly) Photo License: CC-BY

4. First Seychellois Anglican Bishop and Archbishop of the Anglican Province and Diocese

French Chang-Him served as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Seychelles from 1979 until his retirement in 2004. He was consecrated by Bishop George Briggs, his predecessor, and Bishop Trevor Huddlestone, a leading anti-apartheid campaigner from South Africa, assisted by three other bishops from Madagascar.

The consecration ceremony in 1979 (personal archive). All Rights Reserved

In 1984, he appointed as of Archbishop of the Indian Ocean Province. Archbishop Chang Him was conferred the title of Archbishop Emeritus by the Indian Ocean Province of the Anglican Church in 2014.

Archbishop French Chang-Him, the first Seychellois archbishop (Anglican Diocese of Seychelles) Photo License: CC-BY

5. OBE from her Queen Elizabeth II

In December 2014, Archbishop Chang-Him was designated an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. This was for his services to reconciliation, human rights, charity, and democratic values, and also for his invaluable service to British nationals in Seychelles, past and present.

Archbishop French Chang-Him (right) receiving the insignia of the OBE from British High Commissioner Lindsay Skoll as his daughter Frances and grand-daughter Shannon look. December 2014. (Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

6.French Chang Him Road

One year after taking office as the new head of state, President Wavel Ramkalawan announced that 15 streets in the island nation’s capital city of Victoria with names related to the island nation’s June 5, 1977 coup d’état would be renamed.

Thus, Liberation Road – leading from Mont Fleuri to Bel Eau and Bel Air was renamed to become the French Chang Him Road.

Liberation Road was renamed French Chang-Him Road (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

7.Archbishop French – marking the history of an island nation

Archbishop French, born from humble beginnings, has left his mark on the history of Seychelles. The octogenarian is the first Seychellois Anglican priest, celebrating 60 years of service on June 9, 2023. He became the first Bishop, Archbishop, and Archbishop Emeritus of the Indian Ocean Province of the Anglican Church.

The award of the OBE to Archbishop French was the first award of an order of chivalry in the British and Commonwealth honours systems given to a Seychellois citizen in 35 years.

Archbishop Chang-Him was the first Seychellois in almost 35 years to be designated an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Queen Elizabeth II (Seychelles News Agency).

Source: Seychelles News Agency

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan has concluded a series of “successful” discussions in Abu Dhabi for two national development projects, namely the Seychelles International Airport and the Port Victoria extension developments, according to a press statement from State House on Thursday.

Following the discussions, Ramkalawan “expressed his total satisfaction with both meetings held and has conveyed his sincere gratitude to the President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for the collaboration and his personal interest in the development in our two main facilities that connects us to the world.”

For the airport project, the meeting held on May 10 took place with a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJC (ADDHC PJC) and the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), including the ADAC managing director and chief executive officer, Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri.

The discissions “centered on a full review of the concept and works completed so far. For the next step, a technical team comprising of both Abu Dhabi and Seychelles will conduct final planning works after which the comprehensive airport concept proposal will be presented to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval” said State House.

In November 2022, EGIS Emirates was appointed for the review and preparation of an updated 30-year airport master plan for the Seychelles International Airport. The selection of EGIS Emirates, a global consulting, construction engineering and operating firm, was completed through a request for proposal through a memorandum of understanding. The MoU was signed between Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), SCAA and the Ministry of Transport in July 2022.

Furthermore, a technical team from Abu Dhabi Ports will undertake a working visit to Seychelles before the end of May 2023 for “a complete audit of the port which will include the infrastructure, shipping and trade elements. From there, the way forward will be decided,” according to State House.

A meeting with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group (State House) Photo license: CC-BY

The meeting concerning the port expansion was held with the managing director and group CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, Mohamed Al Shamisi, and other senior executives of the group.

Abu Dhabi has agreed to provide technical advice for the expansion of Port Victoria and construction of other projects related to fishing ports.

Ramkalawan was accompanied during the meetings by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques, the Secretary of State for Finance, Trade and Investment, Patrick Payet, the chief executive officer of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Garry Albert, and the chief executive officer of Seychelles Ports Authority (SPA), Sony Payet, and the Seychelles Chargé d’Affaires in the UAE, Terry Romain. The UAE Chargé d’Affaires in Seychelles, Ahmed Alneyadi, was also present.

Source: Seychelles News Agency