Tributes have poured in following the death of Ambassador Dick Esparon, who dedicated more than three decades to serving Seychelles.
State House announced his death late on Tuesday afternoon.
President Patrick Herminie described Mr Esparon as a close personal friend and a dedicated public servant.
“Seychelles has lost not only a distinguished public servant, but I have lost a close personal friend,” President Herminie said.
He said Mr Esparon gave himself fully to every role entrusted to him. The president also described him as a person who served with humility, loyalty and love for his country.
Mr Esparon served in several senior public positions during his career. He served three terms as a Member of the National Assembly for Pointe Larue. He also served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
His diplomatic roles included serving as Seychelles’ first resident High Commissioner to India. He also served as Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
Mr Esparon later became Seychelles’ first Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation. Most recently, he served as Secretary General of United Seychelles.
President Herminie extended his condolences to Mr Esparon’s family, loved ones and colleagues.
Former President Wavel Ramkalawan also paid tribute to Mr Esparon. Mr Ramkalawan said he learned of the death with “deep sadness”.
He described Mr Esparon as a respected Seychellois who dedicated most of his life to public service.
The two men served together in the First National Assembly of the Third Republic.
Mr Ramkalawan said their time together came during an important period in Seychelles’ political development. He also highlighted Mr Esparon’s work in public service and diplomacy.
“Seychelles has lost another son who answered the call to serve his country,” Mr Ramkalawan said.
Former President Ramkalawan extended his condolences to Mr Esparon’s family. He particularly offered his condolences to Mr Esparon’s brother, former Foreign Affairs Minister Sylvestre Radegonde.
Former President Danny Faure also paid tribute to Mr Esparon on social media.
Mr Faure described their relationship as one of “true friendship and genuine brotherhood”.
He recalled visiting Mr Esparon during the final five years of his life. Mr Faure said Mr Esparon continued to discuss Seychelles and its people during those visits. He said Mr Esparon rarely focused on his own illness.
Mr Faure also highlighted Mr Esparon’s role as the country’s first Secretary of State for Poverty Alleviation. He said Mr Esparon helped establish mechanisms aimed at addressing poverty. Mr Faure said his former colleague served with “deep compassion” and was a “man of conviction”.
“Last night was our final handshake,” Mr Faure wrote. “I salute you, my dear friend and brother. May your soul rest in peace.”