SMART THINKING FOR 2020 PLANNING

President James Michel has launched today the first Smart Partnership National Dialogue, which is being held in collaboration between the Seychelles Government, the Commonwealth Partnership for Technology Management (CPTM), the University of Seychelles and other local partners, under the theme “Seychelles2020 – Making it Happen”.

The two-day Dialogue meeting is set within the context of the theme of the Seychelles2020 EXPO.

“Touching The Future”, reflects our vision for the New Seychelles – a vision that I shared with the people of Seychelles since I assumed the presidency. Every Seychellois is part of this vision; every Seychellois can make it happen. Together, we can all be joint architects to make the future a reality, to transform Seychelles into the jewel of our dream. Together, we can all win for Seychelles!, ” said President Michel/

President Michel invited the participants of the Dialogue to bring in their experience in the fields in which they excel, their values and skills with a view to contributing their ideas for the transformation of the society, as concerned citizens or partners of Seychelles and joint architects in the transformation of Seychelles, for the long term.

“The Expo encapsulates a vision. The Dialogue articulates this vision, processes and analyzes it and once it reaches a consensus, proposes a road map.  As I see it, Seychelles2020 Expo is about change and the transformation of our society in the form of the vivid presentation of our vision for the next decade. It is about winning for Seychelles. On the other hand, the Dialogue is all about the dynamics, the process, the engineering required to bring about the change and the transformation.”

The President requested participants to consider some of these stimulating questions;

· Where are our strengths and weaknesses and how best do we turn our weaknesses into strengths?

· What are the opportunities and threats?

· What are the challenges?

· How best do we apply the latest scientific and technological progress in the world to effect the transformation of our society?

· Have we taken the right steps yet to prepare for disasters in every shape and form?

· How do we use our spiritual, cultural and social values to create a happier and more prosperous society?

· What are the best practices that we can benchmark ourselves against in our quest for the transformation that we aspire to in 2020?

The President said that after the Dialogue, the country will move into action and that this will propel Seychelles into a constructive transformation of society.

“We have a bright and prosperous future ahead. With hard work, discipline and resilience we can do great things together. We can do great things for Seychelles and we can win for Seychelles. This I am convinced,” said the President.

President Michel informed the participants the National Development Strategy (NDS) will be launched tomorrow. The NDS complements Seychelles2020 Expo and it will use the Expo as a platform for consultations on the NDS.

Interview with President Michel on the Seychelles Young Leaders Programme

‘There is tremendous potential in our youth which demands to be harnessed for the good of our country. To do so, we must give them the opportunity of a holistic development. We must invest in their education and training, and equip them to be the future leaders of our country. This is what the concept of the Seychelles Young Leaders Programme stems from.’

1. Mr President, the young leaders who have followed the programme – as well as their supervisors – have hailed it, saying it has turned the graduates’ work and private lives around for the better. Where did you get the idea for this?

Having met many young leaders, their mentors and tutors, I too am of the view that this programme has had a profound impact both on their professional and private life. It has allowed them to broaden their knowledge and expertise, and hone their skills. It has also inculcated in them certain core values which will always stand them in good stead. There is tremendous potential in our youth which demands to be harnessed for the good of our country. To do so, we must give them the opportunity of a holistic development. We must invest in their education and training, and equip them to be the future leaders of our country. This is what the concept of the Seychelles Young Leaders Programme stems from.

2. Has your government benefited by getting better-skilled Seychellois to fill responsible positions, in some places replacing expatriates?
Yes, indeed! There are several graduates of this programme occupying top managerial positions today. And this testifies to the success of this venture. Our aim is to create a highly-qualified pool of young Seychellois professionals ready to assume positions of responsibility and trust in all sectors of society. We need expatriates in areas where we continue to lack expertise or manpower. But, in due course, our young, highly-trained Seychellois professionals will be in a position to gradually replace them.

3. The pool of qualified Seychellois is growing with every graduation. For how long do you believe the programme will need to go on without saturating the country with people with superior leadership skills?

For as long as it takes! Our country needs people with superior leadership skills, and it can never be saturated with them. Seychelles needs its youth, its young leaders, its highly-trained professionals. Our country’s development depends on them. Look at Singapore! It’s a good example to follow. In due course, some years hence, tiny Seychelles too could export “brain-power”. I see this as an advantage for Seychelles.

4. When you launched Strategy 2017, you said better-skilled Seychellois were a key input to help achieve the strategy’s goals. Has the SYLP helped in this regard?

What I said then is still very much valid today and for the foreseeable future. A country’s development depends on its people, and it must equip its people to take on the challenges of human-centred development. The key to this is education, the acquisition of knowledge and skills, and the constant nurturing of certain core values – like our national unity. Strategy 2017, like Strategy 2020 which has replaced it, is about us as a nation, about our progress, about our development in all its aspects. And the SYLP is a key component in this strategy.

5. How do you see the programme fitting in with Strategy 2020?

The two are very much linked; in fact, they are indivisible! As a country, we have very few natural resources. Our maritime resources – our blue gold – are not infinite, and we have to manage them with the greatest prudence. Similarly, we face increasing competition as a tourism destination. Oil exploration and extraction carries much promise – but that’s all in the future. In the meantime, our greatest asset is our people. We must equip them with the proper tools to lead the country, to innovate and to create. The basis of Strategy 2020 is a knowledge-based society. And that is what we are intent on creating. To do that, we need to develop “brain-power”! Both the programme and the strategy are geared to that end.

6. Many people think that after following the programme the Young Leaders will necessarily occupy higher public office. Is this so?

Indeed, this is precisely the aim. But we must also manage expectations. The SYLP provides our Young Leaders with the tools, the skills and knowledge to assume positions of responsibility in our country. But we must not forget that we also have “older” leaders out there with many years of experience and many years of loyal service, with the necessary skills and knowledge occupying top managerial posts. We cannot ask them simply to make way for the Young Leaders overnight! The Young Leaders have to prove themselves, they have to gain the trust and respect of society. But, through their hard work and with the right attitude, they will, I am sure, make it to the top echelons in society, rapidly.

7. How do you feel on learning that many graduates, and some who are still following the programme, find it very useful and serving as the “practical flesh” to support the “skeleton” of their previous theoretical qualifications?

I am not at all surprised, for this is precisely what the programme sets out to do. The prospective Young Leader comes to the programme with a solid educational background, a certain amount of experience and a set of skills. Are these sufficient to prepare him for future career prospects, for future top managerial positions? I would venture to reply that they are not enough! They need something extra. The “theoretical qualifications” – as you put it – are a good base to start off from – but they are not enough. That is why we need to put “flesh" on them. We do so through the SYLP and, in so doing, equip our future Young Leaders with the knowledge, the skills, the values and the experience that will allow them to develop themselves and strive to put our country ahead.

8. Do you get any feedback from chief executives whose staff have followed the programme and, if so, what have they told you?

I remain in touch with the participants of the programme. And I do follow their career progression. I also get feedback from the chief executives of their respective organisations about their performance. I have not received any negative comments about the Young Leaders. The general perception is that they are forward-looking, diligent and keen to impart their knowledge, skills and experience to their colleagues in the workplace.
 
9. Is it true that only Parti Lepep supporters can join the programme?

Absolutely not! There is no basis to that whatsoever. Admission to the programme is governed by a strict set of criteria – educational qualifications, work experience, aptitude, attitude – and political affiliation has absolutely nothing to do with it. The programme was envisaged and designed such that EVERY young Seychellois who fulfils the criteria can join it. It is also to be noted that we have established strategic links with a number of foreign partners. I can assure you that they will brook no political interference in their collaboration with us!

10. Mr President, many people who have passed the 38-year-old mark feel they can contribute positively if allowed to follow the programme. Why are they not being given the chance?

The issue has arisen many times, and I do understand their concern. But there has to be a “cut-off” point somewhere. Several organisations and institutions – the army and the police, for instance – impose age limits in their recruitment procedures. What is of paramount importance to me, though, is that we do not leave behind any Seychellois who wants to further his/her education. We already have a number of institutions in Seychelles offering courses leading to advanced diplomas to more “mature” students. As the University of Seychelles develops and progresses, more such courses will be offered.

 

Source: Seychelles Nation - 26.03.2011

Seychelles - Touch the Future!

President James Michel yesterday launched the Seychelles2020 Expo at the International Conference Centre in a ceremony where modern technology featured notably.

He then visited its stands in the transformed conference hall, accompanied by First Lady Natalie Michel, Vice-President Danny Faure, ministers and other guests.

Also present were former President James Mancham, speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie, chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende and former Vice-President Joseph Belmont.

They were shown around by the executive director of the expo Gilbert Pool.

At the opening ceremony, young people gave their views on what they believe Seychelles will be like in 2020.

Mr Michel said we are about to embark on a journey into the future and described Seychelles2020 Expo as a unique experience and an event that will transform our country and people in the journey towards the new Seychelles.

“Today we shall touch the future! Touch the Future: this is our theme. It encapsulates a vision. It is a vision of where and how we want our country to be by the beginning of the next decade,” he said.

He said the vision is a compelling one, of empowerment for every Seychellois.

“It is a vision of progress and prosperity for our youth and children. It is a vision, ambitious in its scope but realistic and achievable.”

Mr Michel said in 2004 we embarked on a new stage of development aimed at creating a new Seychelles and we are now consolidating this enterprise and project which we started together.

The exhibition shows what we can achieve when we take ownership of our future, he said, adding inspiration alone is not enough unless it is combined with necessary action to bring results.

He said all we are doing requires proper planning and the capacity to overcome challenges as well as initiative to get possible solutions.

Giving his impression of the expo, Mr Michel recalled how he came up with the vision for it which he shared with technicians to allow Seychellois enter and touch the future.

“Today when I saw the expo for the first time I was amazed,” he said, calling it the start of a real journey and not just a dream.

He said the project shows us how we can be part of the future development of the country.

Mr Michel was particularly happy with the sections showing how reclaimed land is being used. He said the land is offering opportunities for more houses, businesses and guest houses among other projects. These, he said, will allow us to take ownership of the economy, culture the environment and other treasures that will boost our pride in the ownership of the country.

“This is what I am offering the people of Seychelles through this door that I have now opened for them to build a new Seychelles for the future,” he said.

Accompanying the article are some of the photos taken by our photographers Patrick Joubert and Joena Bonnelame of guests viewing some of the displays in the Seychelles2020 Expo, which will run until April 6. 

Active Presidency!

The new concept in tourism set in motion by President James Michel, in his capacity as Minister for Tourism, is not just taking home international respect but is appealing to other destinations which now want to adopt the ‘Seychelles Brand’.
Tourism is just one of the other portfolio responsibilities the President has along with his role as head of government. He also heads Defence, Information and Legal Affairs, presides over several national committees and is the Patron of the University of Seychelles.
As most Head of States, President Michel is leading the way in taking on his plate more and delicate portfolios.
He knows he can give these sectors a pump or a thrust to make them prosper.
Another example is Defence. The Commander in Chief has been able to revamp the SPDF and with his style of executing foreign diplomacy he has befriended many countries which are now assisting in beefing up the defence department, especially the Seychelles Coast Guards.
President Michel knows that a major key to success or tremendous growth is to learn to enjoy challenging work and to enjoy working hard at it.
President Michel attaches importance to hard work because he knows his purpose. It is a price that he was willingly prepared to pay the minute he took over the presidency. 
President Michel juggles his duties with very similar determination.
Unlike the puppeteer who has recently declared that he will be at leisure, while his marionettes do all the work.
Power hungry Ramkalawan, the SNP leader, whose desire is to trade place with President Michel, must not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress.
The success of the economic reform programme and accomplishments in the rest of the sectors, President Michel owes it to hard work.
His active presidency is taking Seychelles forward.
On May 21, Seychellois will vote for the right candidate, one who is blasting through obstacles because he has a higher level of pleasure in dedication and commitment rather than be motionless.

AIR SEYCHELLES WILL CONTINUE TO FLY THE CREOLE SPIRIT

‘As President of the Seychelles I will never let our airline down…. There are a lot of challenges today and there have been many  in the past, and we have surmounted them. Today I am proud of Air Seychelles’

President James Michel has visited the Headquarters of Air Seychelles at the International Airport, where he met with the Acting Executive Chairman, Ambassador Maurice Loustau Lalanne and the staff of various departments to talk to them about their work, the change taking place at the national airline and as well as financial difficulties in its operation.

“ As President of the Seychelles I will never let our airline down…. There are a lot of challenges today and there have been man in the past, and we have surmounted them. Today I am proud of Air Seychelles,” said President Michel to the staff of different sections of Air Seychelles in the boardroom.

The President thanked the staff of Air Seychelles for their hard work and dedication and said that he would give them all the support that they need to have a prosperous career in the airline.

Air Seychelles financial difficulties have been the subject of speculation this week and the President reassured the staff of Air Seychelles that the Government would continue to support their job security.

“Air Seychelles is the lifeline of our tourism industry…. I can guarantee to you that it will survive. Seychellois staff will not lose their jobs and we will make sure the company prospers with the new management structures coming into place… We have to fly our Creole spirit around the world!... I am convinced that Air Seychelles will continue to do so.”

Following his visit to the Air Seychelles Headquarters, the President noted that the aviation industry around the world was experiencing similar problems to the national airline, and that in many cases government intervention was necessary.

“This is not the first time that Air Seychelles has suffered losses and faced financial difficulties. It has happened in the past when there has been global economic turbulence, and we overcame these difficulties… Airlines around the world are facing job cuts and company mergers due to economic problems, it is a difficult period  for the aviation industry, and that is why many governments, such as India, Tanzania and Mauritius, and others around the world, are stepping in with financial help to ensure their national airlines keep flying. Many airlines have collapsed, but this government will not let that happen. We will continue to support Air Seychelles,” said President Michel.

On the topic of competition faced by Air Seychelles, by increasing number of flights by Emirates and Qatar Airways, the President said that this would be a challenge for Air Seychelles and that work would be undertaken to minimize the impact on the company.

“ In considering the competition that Air Seychelles is facing, I have to consider the needs of tourism industry and the economy of Seychelles. We have a lot of hotels, guesthouses and entrepreneurs benefitting from the tourism industry. We have to be realistic, Air Seychelles cannot bring visitors to Seychelles alone and if it did many hotels would be three-quarters empty. That is why we need more frequent flights from other airlines in order to fill the hotels and guesthouses. Air Seychelles still has many competitive advantages with its direct flights from Europe that it needs to capitalize on.”

IMF Mission Finds Seychelles’ Three-Year Economic Program on Track

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Jean Le Dem visited Victoria during March 4-17, 2011 to conduct discussions for the third program review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement with Seychelles. The mission met with His Excellency President James Michel, Vice President Danny Faure, Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles Pierre Laporte, Principal Secretary of Finance Ahmed Afif, and other senior government officials as well as representatives of the private sector and parliamentarians.

At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Le Dem issued the following statement:

“Progress continues to be made by the Seychelles authorities in their reform program. Economic recovery has strengthened in 2010: real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is likely to have exceeded 6 percent and consumer price index (CPI) inflation was almost nil. The program is on track despite some technical delays in government payments to one parastatal. All end-December 2010 quantitative targets under the program were met and good progress has been achieved in the ambitious program of structural reforms. Over the last two years, Seychelles has successfully restructured most of its public external debt in the context of the current and a previous IMF-supported programs. As a result, external debt has been almost halved, to 48.7 percent of GDP at end-2010.

“Prospects remain good in 2011, despite a volatile global environment, including surges in commodity prices. Real GDP growth is projected at 4 percent, supported by the tourism industry. Twelve-month inflation, which has been close to zero in 2010, is expected to pick up to about 5.5 percent by year-end. The increase in food and fuel prices will weigh on the trade balance by about 5 percentage points of GDP.

“In this context, macroeconomic policies should be appropriately geared towards coping with the external shock while consolidating macroeconomic stabilization and improving debt sustainability. Delaying the pass-through of international prices on domestic prices could slow down the ongoing fiscal consolidation. In this context, we welcome the upward adjustment in petroleum prices since the beginning of the year, and the government’s intention to cap the use of the domestic price stabilization fund to the equivalent of 0.4 percentage points of GDP in 2011. We also support the authorities’ planned tightening of the monetary policy stance to contain the risk from excess liquidity in the banking system and prevent the buildup of domestic inflationary pressure.

“The modernization of the tax system continues, including important steps toward the launching of a value-added tax, scheduled for mid-2012; the authorities are also stepping up efforts to further strengthen revenue collection, especially in the customs area. Performance of public enterprises needs to be closely monitored, and the authorities’ efforts to address the current losses at Air Seychelles are crucial to limit the additional burden on the still fragile public finance situation. We welcome several new program measures aimed at developing a modern financial sector that can better contribute to the development of the country, through improved competition in the sector and a redefined role of the state-owned financial institutions.

“Staff expects to bring the program review to the attention of the IMF's Executive Board, tentatively in May 2011. The EFF arrangement was approved on December 22, 2009, for SDR19.8 million (about US$30.9 million), of which SDR 9.2 million (about US$14.3 million) has so far been disbursed. SDR 3.52 million (about US$5.5 million) would be available upon completion of the third review.

“The mission wishes to thank the authorities for their warm hospitality and the high quality of the technical discussions.”

PRESIDENT APPOINTS FIRST FEMALE JUDGE

President James Michel has approved the appointment of Mrs. Mathilda Twomey as a Justice of the Court of Appeal, following the recommendation of the Constitutional Appointments Authority.

“ Mathilda Twomey will become the first female judge in the history of Seychelles. I congratulate Mrs Twomey on her achievement, and wish her well in her new post. I hope that other young women will look to her for inspiration for a career in the judiciary in the future. Her appointment is timely as we have recently celebrated one hundred years of Women’s Day; it is another victory for Seychelles,” said President Michel.

Mrs Twomey (née Butler-Payette) is a Seychellois Barrister-at Law, who practiced law in Seychelles between 1987 and 1995 as a Senior State Counsel and Official Notary, as well as a Barrister/Attorney undertaking Criminal and Civil Litigation in courts and tribunals.

In 1992-93, Mathilda Twomey was a member of the Seychelles Constitutional Commission that drafted the Constitution of the Third Republic.

Since 1995, Mrs. Twomey has been living and working in Ireland. Since 1996 she worked as a regional coordinator for Multiple Sclerosis Ireland, a non-governmental organisation working in advocacy, policy development and legal advice for people with disabilities.

Mathilda Twomey is completing a Masters in Law at the University of Ireland, and also has a Degree in French Law from the University of Paris Sud, France, as well a Bachelor’s Degree in English and French Law from the University of Kent, UK.

SEYPEC, PROUDLY SEYCHELLOIS

President James Michel has hailed the success of the Seychelles Petroleum Company SEYPEC as a modern, profit-making and dynamic organisation, during the opening ceremony of the new SEYPEC Headquarters 2,500m² office building at New Port this morning.

President Michel said that Seychelles has much to be proud of SEYPEC as it is an entirely owned Seychellois company, employing an exclusively Seychellois staff of 183.

“It owns, manages and operates a fleet of six tankers, five of which ply the oceans to transport petroleum products to various ports around the world. The smallest tanker, Seychelles Paradise, operates locally to ensure the safe transportation of vital petroleum products to our inner islands. Our fleet of tankers provide employment to 120 young Seychellois. Bigger and more powerful countries have not been able to match our achievement in this field. It is a remarkable achievement for a country with a population of less than 90,000. And we are justifiably proud of it – yet another victory for Seychelles!”

The President noted that SEYPEC has been actively engaged in petroleum exploration programmes in the Seychelles Exclusive Economic Zone, in partnership with other foreign companies, and that the results look promising.

“There will be drilling of wells before the end of next year.  This will open new vistas for Seychelles and new opportunities. We have every reason to be optimistic,” said President Michel.

SEYPEC has today a hub for petroleum products, with a total export value of USD 151 million last year, comprising exports to the region, bunkering and aviation. SEYPEC is also engaged in the production of crude oil, having invested in international oil production, in AFREN, the company in which SEPEC holds minority shares. AFREN operates in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and Madagascar as well as in West Africa.

The President announced on behalf of SEYPEC, that AFREN is sponsoring 5 million Seychelles Rupees to the Indian Ocean Games. The President expressed the gratitude of the Government and people of Seychelles for this generous gesture.

The Government created SEYPEC in July 1985 with responsibility of importing and distributing petroleum products locally, a function which was prior to that date, being conducted by the SHELL Oil Company.

WOMEN ARE ALWAYS WINNING FOR SEYCHELLES

President James Michel has called on all Seychellois women to celebrate the 100th International Women’s Day with dignity and to work to make it another victory for Seychelles.

“When our society gives women the chance to develop and fulfill themselves, we are ensuring a better future for each one of us,” said President Michel during his televised address on the occasion of Women’s Day.

The President noted the great strides women of Seychelles have made to ensure that they have equality and to develop their potential since the 1960s, adding that these women are ‘an inspiration for our youth’ and ‘in the modern history of our nation.’

“The commemoration of this historic event is a recognition f the contribution that women have made to the development of our nation. All the progress we have made, most of all in the social development, that we have achieved in our country, benefits women.”

The President noted the important role that women play in the home, in the way they look after their families and children, as well as being giving an equal contribution to the economy.

“ We are creating many more business opportunities for women, we want more women to become entrepreneurs. Women are determined and independent; these values are a strength that will move the country forward. We want more women in key positions in all sectors of our society. We want to see a society where women are not abused. We are aiming to create a society where there are less social ills, where there are no AIDS, drugs, alcohol abuse,” siad President Michel.

The President thanked the women of Seychelles for everything they are doing for their country and said that the Seychellois people appreciate the role they play in all aspects of life and the building of the nation.

The 100th anniversary of Women’s Day was declared a public holiday in Seychelles during the President’s State of the Nation Address on February 25th.

Victoria welcomes you warmly

March 04 2011 -- President James Michel welcomed the participants coming from all four corners of the world of the ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ as he launched the carnival celebrations this evening. 

« Our city welcomes you warmly.  Victoria, city of peace and sharing. Victoria, city of generosity and human warmth, harmony and unity as a people of diverse origins. It showcases our nation as a true melting-pot of cultures, and a truly unique place.  Thank you for your presence and your participation. The ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ is the window of some aspect of our culture and heritage which we like to share with you.»

President Michel spoke of the opportunities and benefits of the first carnival of its kind to be held in Seychelles, which is taking place from 4th – 6th March.

“The ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ provides us with this excellent opportunity to show to the world not only what we are, but also what we have to offer as a tourism destination: the natural warmth and heartfelt welcome of a people who still live close to their roots; the social stability and concord we enjoy, and the spontaneity and irrepressible joie de vivre of our island-style way of life.  It is what distinguishes us from others as a tourism destination.”

The President spoke of his vision for the tourism industry since he took over the portfolio for tourism last year, and accomplishments of the new direction.

“The “Seychelles Brand” is visioned to diversify our tourism products so that our people can reap more benefits from the industry. We are indeed reaping more benefits from this industry. The Carnaval International de Victoria is the perfect encapsulation of The “Seychelles Brand”.  It is a bridge between civilisations and cultures.  It is a reflection of our social cohesion, our customs and values, our harmony and unity as a people of diverse origins.”

When addressing the Seychellois people specifically, President Michel spoke of Seychelles’ ‘most valued treasure’ as an aspect of national identity which is unique to Seychelles.

“We may be small as a country, but we have accomplished a lot, and we will achieve more through what is of utmost importance to Seychelles: our national unity: our country’s greatest asset……our carnival is bringing the world to Seychelles and vice versa….. ‘The world is a global village’ is entirely signified by the ‘Carnaval International de Victoria’ taking place today,” said President Michel.

In his appeal to ensure the success of the three day event, President Michel called on the Seychellois people to keep up its culture of good Creole hospitality, which will reflect this year’s National Theme “Winning For Seychelles.”

The President thanked and congratulated the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board Alain St Ange and to all his staff in the STB, as well as all the stakeholders in the industry: the hoteliers, the airlines, the waiters and waitresses, the chambermaids, the taxi drivers, the providers of services etc, for their work in the preparation for the carnival. 

Editors note

• 65 floats are taking part in the carnival procession, including Seychellois schools, business and non-governmental organisations.

• 19 countries are participating in the procession.

• Floats from countries such as  India (3), France (Mainland 1 and La Reunion-3),  Italy (2), China, Russia,  South Africa,  South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,      Tanzania, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Zanzibar, Madagascar are taking part.

• Organizations such as the FAO, IMF, EU, Indian Ocean Games, and La Francophonie will also have a float each. 

• The Navies of India and Russia will be participating.

• Foreign dignitaries from La Reunion, Indonesia, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Tanzania and Zanzibar, the European Union, the USA, Trinidad & Tobago, Japan and South Africa attended the ceremony.

• The Opening programme included songs and music from the legendary American singer Dionne Warwick , from the famous Seychellois artists Michelle Marengo Jean Baptiste, Jean-Marc Volcy, Patrick Victor, Fek Arive and Grace Barbe, Lima Calbio from Trinidad and Tobago, a Steel Band, Waki Band from La Reunion, the Cape Town Mistrals from South Africa and an Indonesian folk music group.

THE WORLD IS TALKING ABOUT US IN 2011

 

From Statehouse Press

“Yes, the world is talking about Seychelles’ successes…Our economic growth for 2010 was 6.2%. This surpassed the IMF forecast of 4%.”

President James Michel was addressing the National Assembly, and the Seychelles nation via live radio and television broadcast on his address on the State of the Nation today.

“With 47% of our territory designated as nature reserves, Seychelles is first in the world in conservation and environmental management. We conducted three missions to rescue our brothers who had been taken hostage by Somali bandits. The bravery and tenacity of our soldiers brought victory for Seychelles. Five tankers are flying our flag all over the world. Seychelles, a small country of 89,000 inhabitants, is developing its oil exploration industry. The University of Seychelles has opened its doors to its first group of students. More importantly, the economic reform we undertook two years ago has demonstrated to the world our resilience and strengthening.”

The President said that the success of the economic reforms is today a victory for Seychelles and that the country’s harmony, social cohesion, unity, peace and stability are a ‘victory for our young democracy.’

The President said that he wishes the upcoming presidential election takes place in peace, tolerance and respect for the opinions of others.

“On 14th April 2004 I laid the foundation stone for the new Seychelles that will enable us to prosper in this competitive world. I’ve started a job. I am not the type of person to walk away from a job halfway through it. Today, we have in place a solid structure and there is work to do to build the edifice that will receive and shelter all Seychellois, without exception. This job, this mission, is my passion, my life, because I believe in my people, and the people of Seychelles have put their trust in me. I am determined to complete what I have started doing together with the Seychellois people, said President Michel. 

The President outlined the state of the economy, noting noted that Seychelles is heading towards a sustainable debt level and increased growth.  In 2010, Seychelles recorded 6.2% economic growth in real terms, with inflation at almost zero. In 2010 there was  a record number of tourists who visited Seychelles, totaling 174,529.  Already, since the start of 2011, there is an increase in the number of tourist arrivals over the corresponding period of 2010. 

The year 2010 was also an exceptionally good year for Foreign Direct Investment, when US$290M entered the economy. In 2011, the governments expect this figure to be around US$120M. The President noted that the performance of the domestic economy ‘remains very solid’ and that other are economic indicators are encouraging: a fiscal surplus, fundamental to the continued reduction of our national debt; a stable exchange rate; foreign exchange reserves which had reached almost US$250M at the end of January 2011, which is the equivalent of 2.4 months of imports.

The President said that his government would continue to put in place policies that ensure that Seychellois become responsible workers, entrepreneurs, managers, and owners of their own businesses and enterprises.  And that they participate in wealth creation and the prosperity of the country.

In context with this ownership drive, the President announced that Government has decided to sell 40% of its shares in the Seychelles Savings Bank to its clients and employees of the Bank who wish to buy shares. 

On the topic of land ownership and future investment, the President announced that the Seychelles EXPO 2020 exhibition would be the launch pad for his government’s vision of the future ten years of development, including the opportunity for Seychellois entrepreneurs to invest in 5 reclaimed islands projects, where there will be opportunities for 400 units for shops, restaurants, workshops for small businesses and new offices, as well as up to 8 hotels and many small guesthouses.,

“In our vision for 2020, we are using our islands –Aurore, Soleil, Eve, Romainville and Perseverance to create economic space. We will make available opportunities for Seychellois to develop around 1,400 houses of different styles that blend well with our Seychellois creole identity and environment.  These houses will be tendered out to Seychellois who aspire to either have their own homes or wish to undertake commercial developments. Our ‘waterfront’ project which has been re-launched as ‘La Promenade’ is reserved for Seychellois investments,” said President Michel.

President Michel also announced a special fund will be created for the 1150 Seychellois workers of the Indian Ocean Tuna cannery. Government will use a portion of the dividends that it earns from IOT to pay Seychellois workers of IOT the benefits that they were not being paid before.  All Seychellois workers of IOT who will receive compensation for completion of 5-years service this year will also receive a gratuity as do other employees of the public sector.  Payments of gratuity will be made from April this year.

“This will encourage more Seychellois to work in the IOT factory, and help to localize posts.  It would also ensure that they will receive benefits upon retirement, and will have contributed to their pension fund, “said the President.

The President also said that as of the 1st of March, income tax will not be applied to gratuity payments that are less than RS10,000, and that this would apply to all Seychellois workers.

The President noted that there was a perception that foreigners are taking the place of Seychellois in the workplace, however he noted that today there are 191 expatriates, working mainly in the health and education sectors  in the Government ( down from 319 in 2005), and that this formed part of efforts of the Government to localize posts.

“There are today some 30,860 workers in the private sector.  Of these, some 21,030 are Seychellois, and 9,830 are expatriates.  The majority of foreign labour is in the tourism and construction industries.  Should we ask all these expatriates in the construction and tourism industries to leave?  Should we stop building houses?  Should we close our hotels?  Should we sack all the foreign teachers and doctors?  Is this what some people want to see?”said the President.

The President warned against cheap politics that are sowing the seeds of xenophobia in the country and called on respectful behaviour towards foreign workers.

“ We are a country renowned for its harmony and welcome. Our way of life is one of our strong points which makes visitors return to our country. Seychellois have no time for xenophobia. Every fast developing country needs expatriate workers.... all these developments and all these projects are being undertaken above all for the benefit of the Seychellois.”

A summary of major announcements

· Seychellois entrepreneurs will be able to make their applications at the Seychelles Expo 2020 for participation in business projects on reclaimed islands of Ile Soleil, Ile Eve, Ile Aurore, Ile Perseverance and Ile Romainville, as well as the La Promenade project (known as the Victoria Waterfront).

· Government will use a portion of the dividends that it earns from IOT (Indian Ocean Tuna) for the creation of a special fund to be used to pay Seychellois workers of IOT the benefits that they were not being paid before.  All Seychellois workers of IOT who will receive compensation for completion of 5-years service this year will also receive a gratuity as do other employees of the public sector.  Payments of gratuity will be made from April this year.

· As of the 1st of March, income tax will not, be applied to gratuity payments that are less

than RS10,000,which applies to all Seychellois workers.

· The Government will be selling 40% of Savings Bank to its clients and employees of the bank, who would like to own shares, starting on 15^th April this year.

· The Government will identify vacant plots of state land in the districts, which are not found in land bank projects, and these will be sold to people who have applied for housing and land and have been waiting for many years.

· The introduction of Civic Education in schools, as well as the support of the Catholic Church in training teachers in religious education.

· The Government will be supporting the Catholic Church in building two drug rehabilitation centres this year, on Praslin and Mahé. The Government will help to finance the construction and to give an annual budgetary allocation for the management of the centres by the Church.