The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan attended the National Day Parade at Rue Pierre de Possesion, Victoria yesterday afternoon to commemorate the 46th Anniversary of Seychelles' Independence.

This year's celebration was also attended by the Guest of Honour for National Day, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan representing His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

This year’s celebration took place in the heart of Victoria attended also by the Vice President, Mr.  Ahmed Afif and Mrs Stella Afif, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Hon. Roger Mancienne, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Rony Govinden, the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Anthony Fernando, Designated Minister, Mr Jean-François Ferrari, members of the National Celebrations Committee, Ministers, Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Hon. Bernard Georges, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe, Chief of the Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette, Mayor of Victoria, Mr. David Andre and other distinguished Guests. 

The Head of State was welcomed by the Vice President, Mr.  Ahmed Afif, the Designated Minister, Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe, and the Chief of the Defence Forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette. This was followed by the Presidential Salute, where the National Brass Band played the National Anthem and, for the first time, a 21- gun salute was fired simultaneously. 

This year's parade comprised 39 platoons of men and women in Uniform, youth organisations as well as assets of the Security Forces. The platoons included local and foreign Military Forces, the Seychelles Police Force, the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency and Youth Organisations falling under the Seychelles National Youth Council accompanied by the National Brass Band, led by Master Nilsen Ernest and Band Major, Brian Larue.

The audience present viewed the parade which started marching from the ‘Stad Popiler’ along ‘Rue Pierre de Possession’. Then, made its way towards the Clock Tower and proceeded along the Independence Avenue. Upon reaching the Constitution Avenue, it turned right and marched to the ‘Stad Popiler’ where it ended.

The ceremony also featured a reflection presented by the Chairman of the Seychelles Inter-Faith Council, Father Danny Elizabeth, and a fusion of the Seychelles national dances with a modern touch performed by the youths of the Seychelles National Youth Council.