Maryland’s Governor Martin O’ Malley has honored Minister Peter Sinon, the Seychelles Minister of Natural Resources with a citation recognizing the Minister’s contribution to sustainable fisheries in the West Indian Ocean in general and in the Seychelles in particular.
Minister Sinon was presented with the citation by the Deputy Secretary of State for Policy and External Affairs Mr. Rajan Natarajan on behalf of the governor. Ms. Anna Yankova who is in charge of Maryland’s Sister State Programs and Mr. Asoka Ranaweera, who represents Maryland in Africa were also present.
Prior to receiving the citation, Minister Peter Sinon and Deputy Secretary Natarajan discussed prospects for future collaboration between the Seychelles and Maryland. The state of Maryland leads the U.S. in education, medical sciences, biotechnology and ICT.
Maryland’s 3 million citizens produce $300 billion in goods and services annually and is one of the most prosperous U.S states. The port of Baltimore which is located in the state one of the busiest U.S. sea ports and many products are exported from this port to Africa.
The state was the first U.S. state to establish an Africa presence when the Department of Business and Economic Development established a pan Africa office in July 2012. Governor Martin O’ Malley is considered to be a leading Democratic Governor with a reputation for being progressive on social issues with a focus on education, healthcare and community inclusion and integration.
Governor Martin O’Malley is currently laying the ground work for a potential Presidential bid for the United States of America (USA).
