The annual reopening of the courts ceremony will now take place on Monday 15 February at 9.30AM in Court Room 1 of the Supreme Court, Palais de Justice.
A ‘soft opening’ was chosen by the Chief Justice’s Office as an appropriate alternative to the traditionally grand ceremony, after the formal reopening scheduled for early January was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the community and ongoing restrictions on gatherings.
This soft opening will only include a short ceremonial moment in court with the Justices, Judges, Magistrates, and few key Judiciary staff in attendance. The Chief Justice Ronny Govinden will deliver his first speech of the year under the theme “For peace, cultivate justice” on this occasion.
History dictates that the reopening of the court should observe certain traditions such as a church service, procession of Judges and Magistrates on Independence Avenue in central Victoria, and officers commanding the guard of honor with a brass band outside the courthouse.
Given the current pandemic, the Judiciary has taken the decision not to include these in the event, to adjust accordingly and respect all health guidelines while still moving ahead with its duties for the year.
The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation and Telesesel will broadcast the soft opening and the Chief Justice’s speech live for the public to follow.