The national colours blue, yellow, red, white, green, were raised over La Digue and Praslin today as President Dr Patrick Herminie, accompanied by First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie, led Constitution Day ceremonies on the two islands, joining Seychellois in marking the 33rd anniversary of the Constitution of the Third Republic under the theme, ‘Our Flag, Our People, Our Future.’

The two ceremonies followed the main flag-raising ceremony held earlier in the day at the Monument Lavwa Lanasyon in Victoria, Mahe.

The President's programme on the inner islands began on La Digue, where he arrived at Anse Kalis shortly before midday to a fanfare performed by the Seychelles National Brass Band, following the march past of the Guard of Honour and flag bearers. The ceremony opened with the reflection song ‘Bondye Tou Pwisan,’ composed by Gordon and Janette Robert and performed by Jasmine Ah-Kong, Romario Bouzin and Audrey Philoe, before a poetry recital entitled La Digue, written by Fabian Jeanne and recited by Shamira Albert and Shamila Fanchette.

President Herminie then presided over the ceremonial raising of the National Flag, accompanied by the National Anthem, followed by the patriotic song ‘Seselwa Leve.’ Pedro Anacoura, Maritza Hetimier and Jeron Victor, students of La Digue School, delivered a recital of the Preamble to the Constitution, before the ceremony concluded with the patriotic song ‘O Mon Pei.’

The President's delegation then travelled to Praslin, where the second ceremony was held at Eve Island in the afternoon. Proceedings opened with the poetry recital Mon Sesel, written by Ezekiel Rath and recited by Sam Louise, followed by the reflection song ‘Annou Remersye Bondye Papa,’ performed by students of Praslin Secondary School.

Following the raising of the National Flag and the playing of the National Anthem, the patriotic song ‘Mon Kriy Sesel’ was performed by Vicky Athanase and Faisel Athanase. The Preamble to the Constitution was recited by Noah Matombe of Baie Ste Anne Primary School, Indra Rouady of Grand Anse Praslin Primary School, and Elianne Vidot of Vijay International School, representing the islands' youngest generation of Seychellois. The ceremony concluded with the patriotic song ‘I Zoli,’ performed by Stephan Ladouce.

Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of the Third Republic of Seychelles on 18 June 1993, a document that enshrines the fundamental rights to life, liberty and dignity, and establishes the shared responsibility of all Seychellois to uphold these principles.

This year's commemorations carry added significance as they form part of Seychelles' 50th Anniversary of Independence celebrations, linking the nation's democratic foundations to half a century of nationhood. Today's ceremonies marked the first time President Herminie has presided over Constitution Day flag-raising ceremonies on the islands of La Digue and Praslin since assuming office.