The Government of Seychelles has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Roman Catholic Church to formalise their partnership in the operation of the addiction rehabilitation programme ‘La Ferme de L’Espoir’.
The tri-partite agreement was signed on Thursday 21st August 2025, at Liberty House by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade, Mr. Patrick Payet, the Principal Secretary for Health, Dr. Bernard Valentin, and the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Seychelles, Bishop Alain Harel.
The MoU sets out the roles and responsibilities of each party, providing a framework for collaboration in supporting individuals affected by substance addiction.
Speaking at the ceremony, SS Payet described the partnership as a government priority:
“Drug addiction is one of the social ills that is affecting our population, especially the workforce, which has a huge impact on productivity and economic growth. That is why collaborating with the Catholic Church on this programme is a priority for the government. We also invite other partners, from civil society to the private sector, to come forward and join efforts in tackling this challenge. The government stands ready to assist.”
Bishop Harel expressed his gratitude to the government, highlighting the shared commitment:
“This MoU is the latest step in a long history of collaboration between the Catholic Church and the government. This initiative will not only help those struggling with addiction but also their families, and we are hopeful for its success.”
Dr. Valentin, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Health, praised the Church’s initiative:
“The Ministry already provides a range of addiction treatment services, but this particular facility was missing. It is very promising, and we will give it our full support to ensure the success of the programme.”
‘La Ferme de L’Espoir’, located in Port Glaud, was officially inaugurated on 26th July 2025 by President Wavel Ramkalawan, Bishop Harel, Apostolic Nuncio Bishop Tomasz Gryza, and Father Jose Luis Menezes, President of Fazenda da Esperança. The facility, operated by the Roman Catholic Church, is designed as a therapeutic centre offering rehabilitation for individuals struggling with substance addiction.
Through the 2025 National Budget, the government allocated SCR 4.11 million for the renovation of the facility and has committed to covering part of its operational costs.
The signing of this MoU reaffirms the government’s determination not only to fight against illicit drugs but also to provide practical support for recovery and rehabilitation.