PUBLIC AFFAIRS PROGRAMS

2009

On this page you can view the various programs and events sponsored or organized by the U.S. Embassy throughout this year.

President James Michel Welcomes Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Barrie Walkley (left) at State House.

Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Barrie Walkley Pays a Courtesy Visit on President James Michel
December 2, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Barrie Walkley
paid a courtesy call on President James Michel at the State House in Victoria on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 during his first visit to the Seychelles.

President Michel and Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Walkley discussed several issues, particularly the fight against piracy in the region. They also spoke about the excellent relations between the Seychelles and the United States and continued cooperation between both countries. They also talked about the progress made by Seychelles in the economic reform program.

Ambassador Barrie Walkley will serve as Chargé d’Affaires a.i. to Mauritius and Seychelles until the arrival of Ambassador-designate Mary Jo Wills.

General William E. Ward greeted by President James Michel, in presence of U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser.

General William E. Ward, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, Visits Seychelles
August 19 - 20, 2009

General William E. Ward, Commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited the Seychelles for the first time on August 19 and paid a courtesy call on President James Michel at the State House the following day. Following his meeting with President Michel, General Ward met with the press in the gardens of the State House. He defined his visit as an opportunity to continue the military relationship with the island and as a means to explain the role of AFRICOM. 

As part of his tour, General Ward and his delegation visited Mont Fleuri Secondary School where renovation works were carried out by the CJTF-HOA team during a recent ship visit.  Several other meetings with the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Seychelles People's Defense Forces were also on the agenda. General Ward was accompanied throughout his visit by the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Virginia Blaser.

Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser toasts to the President and the People of the Republic of Seychelles.

Chargé d’Affaires Co-Hosts Reception on Board the USS Arleigh Burke to Celebrate the 233rd Independence Day of the United States of America
June 30, 2009

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser and Mr. Blaser and Commander Brian C. Moum, Commanding Officer of the missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke, hosted a reception on board the USS Arleigh Burke, in Port Victoria on June 30, to celebrate the 233rd Independence Day of the United States. It was a double celebration as it was also the birthday of the ship, which was commissioned on July 4, 1991. In her remarks, Chargé d’Affaires Blaser said that it was the first reception the U.S. had in Seychelles after more than a decade to celebrate the United States’ Independence Day and it was a joy to celebrate this anniversary with the Government and the People of Seychelles.

Guests at the reception included President James Michel and his spouse, Vice-President Joseph Belmont, ministers, representatives from ministries, NGOs,  media, diplomats, contacts of the U.S. Embassy, officers and members of the crew of the USS Arleigh Burke and U.S. Embassy officials. Combined Joint-Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Rear Admiral Anthony Kurta was also present at the reception.

In the morning, the U.S. delegation, led by Chargé d’Affaires Virginia Blaser, paid a courtesy call on President Michel at State House. A one-hour tour of the USS Arleigh Burke was organized for the media where they had the opportunity to interview the Chargé d’Affaires, Rear Admiral Kurta and Commander Moum. The U.S. delegation also visited the St. Elizabeth Orphanage where CJTF-HOA and sailors of U.S. military ships recently conducted community relation projects.

USS BAINBRIDGE sailors with students and teachers of Mont Fleuri Secondary School getting ready to paint the school.

The USS BAINBRIDGE Makes a Port Visit in Seychelles
May 24 - 29, 2009

The USS BAINBRIDGE made a port call in Victoria from May 24 to 29 after spending 88 continuous days at sea supporting anti-piracy operations. During their weeklong visit in Seychelles, the sailors of USS BAINBRIDGE participated in community relation projects in coordination with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF – HOA).  At the Mont Fleuri Secondary School, the sailors along with students painted the outside of the school.

USNS CATAWBA sailors hand out soccer balls at the St. Elizabeth’s girls orphanage in Port Victoria.

The USNS CATAWBA Makes a Port Call in Seychelles
February 14 - 21, 2009

The fleet tug USNS CATAWBA made a port call in Victoria from February 14 to 21 after spending 70 continuous days at sea supporting anti-piracy operations. During their weeklong visit in Seychelles, the sailors of USNS CATAWBA participated in community relation projects in coordination with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF – HOA). At the St. Elizabeth orphanage for girls, the sailors handed out soccer balls and at the St. Elizabeth’s orphanage for boys, they repaired a basketball rim that had fallen down.

On La Digue Island, CJTF – HOA installed an Automated Information System (AIS) antenna in the area to assist the Republic of Seychelles in monitoring ship traffic.