President Herminie and Vice President Pillay held their first Cabinet meeting on November 6 with Seychelles’ 14 newly appointed ministers, following the National Assembly’s approval of the new administration. The cabinet composition has drawn international attention for its gender representation, with 8 women ministers comprising 57% of the ministerial positions.
The formation marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ political landscape and positions the island nation among governments worldwide with the highest proportion of women in cabinet positions.
Cabinet composition
The 14-member cabinet includes ministers overseeing key portfolios across government operations. With 8 women and 6 men, the gender balance reflects what analysts describe as one of the most equitable ministerial compositions globally.
The ministerial team includes:
Mr. Pierre Frank Laporte (Finance, Economic Planning, Trade & Investment)
Ms. Geralda Dora Desaubin (Industry & Enterprise)
Mr. Barry Jude Jean Faure (Foreign Affairs & Diaspora)
Ms. Idith Sharon Alexander (Employment & Human Resource Planning)
Mr. David Claude Pierre (Education and Human Resource Development)
Dr. Marvin Nolan Fanny (Health)
Mr. Wallace Jude Keith Cosgrow (Fisheries, Agriculture & Blue Economy)
Ms. Marie-May Alice Jeremie (Environment, Climate, Energy & Natural Resources)
Ms. Veronique Bernadette Laporte (Transport, Ports & Civil Aviation)
Mrs. Pamela Clorida Charlette (Social Affairs, Family & Equality)
Ms. Eveline Erika Cecile Rose (Local Government & Inner Islands)
Ms. Kalsey Julia Jacqueline Vijay Belle (Youth & Sports)
Mr. James Conrad Jean Camille (Homeland Security & Civil Affairs)
Mrs. Nichola Amanda J. Bernstein (Tourism and Culture)
Political context
The cabinet formation follows President Herminie’s electoral victory and subsequent approval by the Seychelles National Assembly, completing the constitutional requirements for the new administration to assume executive functions.
The first cabinet meeting represents the formal commencement of the Herminie-Pillay administration’s governance agenda.
International comparison
According to UN Women data, the global average for women’s representation in cabinet positions stands at approximately 22.9%. Seychelles’ 57% representation places it among a small group of nations that have achieved near-parity or majority-women cabinets.
Reactions
The cabinet composition has been noted by regional and international observers as a benchmark for gender-inclusive governance in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and the broader African region.
This administration represents a new era of inclusive leadership for the island nation.
