The Gratias Agit has been awarded by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the promotion of the good name of the Czech Republic abroad ever since 1997 in appreciation of prominent personalities and organizations developing activities in nongovernmental fields. Along with the increasing role of civic society, this award, too, is becoming an ever more prestigious prize for the voluntary activities of people committed to working for the benefit of the whole society, for the promotion of friendship among nations and for the promotion of the good name of the Czech Republic in the world. At present, it is the only statutory prize awarded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Dr Patrick Matthew Antonio Herminie is one of the most senior constitutional officials in the Seychelles, and generally in sub-Saharian Africa, who graduated from Czech universities. He completed his medical studies at Charles University in Prague.  He maintains an informal circle of Seychelles graduates of Czech universities and other persons connected to the Czech

Republic around himself and promotes cooperation with the Czech Republic. During his visit in Prague, he also held a meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Ms. Jaroslava Jermanová.

Patrick Herminie receiving the award from the Minister of Foreign Affairs Lubomír Zaorálek (photo: Robert Janás, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic)