Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Useful info that may help someone ...
|
Monday, August 29, 2011
SEA CLIFF HOTEL OFFERS HELICOPTER CHARTERS
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011
PRESIDENT CONCLUDES AUSTRALIA STATE VISIT
PRESIDENT CONCLUDES AUSTRALIA STATE VISIT
President James Michel has left Australia following a ‘highly successful’ state visit, following his visits to four cities of the Commonwealth of Australia.
“ This visit was a great success and a great encouragement as we have seen that Australia is looking West towards the Indian Ocean and Africa and sees Seychelles as a leader in sustainable development of the Small Island Developing States as well as a leader for climate change advocacy, “said President Michel following the visit.
The President said that it was a pleasure to meet a wide range of Seychellois Diaspora in Australia, who have the potential to contribute to the development of Seychelles as well as Australia.
In Canberra, the President has met with the Governor General Quentin Bryce as well as the Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
“ We have reinforced our already excellent relations and have pledged to intensify our cooperation and exchanges. We are particularly appreciative of the Australian government pledge to support the institutional framework of the Association of Small Island States,” said President Michel.
Mr. Michel also met with the Minister for Defence, Stephen Smith to discuss maritime security and anti-piracy initiatives.
The President also discussed development and environmental issues with the Minister for Resources, Energy and Tourism, Martin Ferguson.
President Michel spoke about the Seychelles’ Energy policy for 2010-2030, which emphasizes on energy efficiency and renewable energy and has set a minimum target of 5% and 15% of electricity generation to be supplied by renewable energy in 2020 and 2030 respectively.
The President noted that Australian investment in the renewable energy sector is welcome and that Seychelles is researching the best and most appropriate technology to achieve its targets.
The President also emphasized the need to develop tourism links between Australia and Seychelles as Seychelles receives around 1000 tourists from Australia each year but has the potential for greater growth. The President has called for direct air links to be established from Australia to Seychelles in order to improve tourism and trade flow, and make the two countries more accessible to each other. This was further reinforced with his meeting with the Victorian Employer’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
During his meeting with, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Harry Jenkins and the President of the Senate John Hogg, the President and the Australian parliamentarians spoke about the possibilities of setting up of a parliamentary exchange visit between the Seychelles’ National Assembly and the Australian House of Representatives which could serve as an important platform for both countries to exchange views on mutual concerns and promote bilateral cooperation in such areas as international cooperation, and environmental protection.
In Brisbane, President Michel met with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Queensland to discuss climate change, sea level rise and renewable energy. It was agreed that a Memorandum of Understanding be developed between the University of Seychelles and the University of Queensland.
The President also met with the Deputy Leader of the Opposition of the Australian Parliament, Julie Bishop
Editor’s Note
Extra photographs
- Meeting members of the Seychellois community in Melbourne, who offered the President a commemorative plaque for his first visit to Australia
- Visiting the Australian War Memorial
- President meets with Susan de St Jorre, Personal Protection Officer of Prime Minister Gillard (Susan is the niece of the late Danielle de St Jorre, former Minister for Foreign Affairs).
| South African author to showcase Seychelles’ beauty in new book
 |  South African author to showcase Seychelles’ beauty in new book - 26.08.2011South African author and humanitarian Kingsley Holgate – one of the most travelled man in Africa – is in Seychelles to learn about the country before writing about it. In a book the author is writing themed “Mama Afrika”, the culmination of more than 30 years of travel around the continent will feature Seychelles in the last chapter entitled ‘Seychelles – Saving the best till last’. Mr Holgate arrived in Seychelles last week – accompanied by his wife and son – with the aim of visiting the islands to showcase their beauty not only through his book but also through reports, articles, blogs and other media.  Addressing the audience, Minister Shamlaye said the publication of the book is being anticipated and will certainly give needed publicity about Seychelles. “As we explore every avenue in our promotional campaign to create awareness of our islands as a desirable tourist destination, the publication Of Mama Afrika will be a most welcome contribution to raising the profile of Seychelles even higher and further,” he said. “We are very pleased that the Holgate family is with us and I hope that their journey through our islands is proving to be both enjoyable and eye-opening, even for such seasoned explorers as they are.” Mr Holgate had a very exciting story for those present, where he recounted stories of adventures in the many countries he had visited, including facts like having had malaria 50 times and being caught by armed rebels. And for many years he has done may types of humanitarian work, such as carrying out the One net, One life campaign, where he would give mosquito nets to pregnant women and educate them, and today has distributed over one million mosquito nets. Mr Holgate also said his travelogue covered every country forming part of the African continent, with Seychelles being the last country, hence the title of the last chapter of his book ‘Seychelles: Saving the best till last’. The event also served to launch a new map of Seychelles, commissioned by the Seychelles Tourism Board, a map which also classifies the islands according to the groups they fall in, such as inner islands and Amirantes group. The map will also feature in Mr Holgates’ book, a move praised by Minister Shamlaye. “The mere name of Seychelles often evokes desires and dreams and it strongly suggests a  place of great beauty. Yet its specific geographic location is not so well known,” he said.“The new poster-sized map has been designed to fill this information gap and to make the point that the islands of Seychelles once lay at the very centre of the ancient continent of Gondwanaland. Indeed, we can also say that Seychelles is very centrally located in today’s world!” Mr Holgate said when the book is finished he will head to Djibouti and from there on a one-year expedition, exploring the Great African Rift Valley. |
Friday, August 26, 2011
SEYCHELLES TO PARTNER WITH WORLDCLASS CENTRES FOR MARINE RESEARCH
SEYCHELLES TO PARTNER WITH WORLDCLASS CENTRES FOR MARINE RESEARCH
President James Michel has met with the Chief Executives of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, the Australian Institute of Marine Science and James Cook University in Townsville to discuss greater cooperation between these world class centres of marine research and conservation, and the Seychelles Government and the University of Seychelles.
“ The three centres of marine research in Townsville have given us a valuable insight into the management of marine national parks, ideas for new tourism and scientific projects, as well as experience of the wonders of the underwater world which we share,” said President Michel.
The President visited the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority aquarium and was briefed on the possibilities of creating such an educational and tourism attraction in the Seychelles.
“ This would be a wonderful addition to our portfolio of eco-tourism projects and to showcase our natural heritage as well as provide the resources for marine research, educational visits and a new tourism venture.”
The President and his delegation also discussed marine park authority management and best practice measures for keep marine parks clean, safe and preserving the biodiversity of these vulnerable environments.
At the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the President toured the facilities and was presented with some of the latest reef and climate change research.
“I am impressed with the similarity between the research of AIMS and the effects of climate change that we are experiencing in Seychelles. They can help us with mitigation strategies and we can contribute to the valuable work they are undertaking,” said the President.
The Vice-Chancellor of James Cook University welcomed President Michel as well as the President and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Dr Rolph Payet to the in Townsville campus, where the Presidential delegation and the University management discussed the first phases for the development of research and academic programmes between JCU and UniSey. JCU is ranked the 1st in the world for coral reef research.
The President met with two Seychellois marine science PHd students at James Cook University, Karen Chong Seng and Michelle Esparon, praising them for their choice of studies, and expressing the hope that they would bring back their knowledge and experience to their homeland.
SEYCHELLES TOURISM AMBASSADORS MEET IN DAR ES SALAAM
The CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, Mr. Alain St Ange was in Dar Es Salaam to launch the colorful Carnival Souvenir Book (limited edition)
Coastal and flooding study going smoothly
The three-year project to study coastal and flood management in Seychelles being carried out by Japanese experts is well under way and going smoothly.  Mr Dogley addressing delegates at the workshop  The half-day meeting was attended by environment principal secretary Didier Dogley as well as stakeholders from several non-governmental organisations and government agencies. It was led by the Japan International Cooperation Agency expert team which include Hiroshi Hashimoto, Shuishi Mori and Shuiji Kaku. Professor Tomoya Shibayama of the Japanese Waseda University was also there. Mr Agricole said the goals of the US $3 million project financed by the Japanese government are to formulate a coastal conservation plan to enhance coastal management and a flood management plan to reduce flood risks in the country. He added that pilot projects will also be done to confirm the effectiveness of the measures. "Technical transfer will also be undertaken, where relevant personnel will attend trainings and workshops." He said that one year through the study the experts have suggested the needs to improve drainage in Victoria, as the level of rainfall in the area has increased and causes inundation. They have also managed to identify appropriate methods to rehabilitate coastal areas which have been affected by erosion. He explained that pilot projects will take place on Mahe in areas which have inundation problems such as in Victoria and also in the Baie Lazare district. On Praslin and La Digue several of these sites have also been identified. “Our coastal areas are being eroded as a result of climate change, for example at North East Point on Mahe and Anse Kerlan on Praslin.” He added that the workshop was also a chance for other stakeholders to be introduced to this study. "It was also to introduce the Japanese experience for coastal erosion and its measures, sharing of progress of the study among the local government officials, non-governmental organisations and other agencies," he said. Mr Dogley said the more frequent occurrences of coastal erosion and flooding have now become an inconvenience to the country’s socio-economic development. “This is due to the fact that most of the infrastructure as well as economic activities are found at the coastal plateau of the islands.” He said there is a need to come up with solutions in order to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion and flooding occurring along the coastal zones of these islands. During the workshop several presentations were given by the experts on the coastal and flooding issues and its solutions. Delegates learned more about the tsunami which struck Japan earlier this year. |
President holds fruitful talks with Australian PM
President Michel has had “very fruitful and engaging” discussions with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard as he continues with his state visit to Australia.
The President is in Canberra after his first stop in Melbourne, and he is expected to proceed
to Townsville in Queensland on the next leg of his visit.
“The people of Australia and Seychelles share a similar world view based on a strong desire to protect the uniqueness of the respective national identities, while also being societies that recognise that they are part of an interconnected world.“Seychelles is a natural partner for Australia in the Indian Ocean,” said the President. to Townsville in Queensland on the next leg of his visit.Prime Minister Gillard has indicated that Australia is increasingly looking West, as a country that wants to contribute positively in the development of the Indian Ocean, and values the partnership with Seychelles.
The two leaders covered a number of topics of mutual interest including education, the environment, issues concerning Small Island Developing States, climate change, security of the Indian Ocean including piracy as well as possibilities for trade and investment.
On the subject of education, the President thanked Australia for its support in providing scholarships to Masters students in a number of fields at world class Australian universities.
During the visit the two countries are also looking to strengthen their university to university links.
On the subject of the environment and climate change, the President congratulated Australia for its proactive stance on the subject. The two countries are working together to bridge the gap between developing and developed countries towards reaching a binding agreement on climate change in Durban later this year. Seychelles has called for specific funds to be made available for climate change adaptation, as these fast track funds have not been accelerated as they should have been. Many middle income Small Island Developing States are also not able to access such funds at present.
The President and the Prime Minister also discussed the possibility of increased institutional support for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Australian government has pledged to ensure that this happens.
On the subject of piracy the two leaders agreed to reinforce bilateral cooperation as well as their respective efforts as part of the international fight against piracy. Seychelles was praised for its work in prosecuting pirates. The subject will also be raised in the upcoming Commonwealth heads of government meeting to be held in Perth in October this year.
Minister Sinon represents Seychelles at SADC Summit
The Minister for Investment, Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon represented President James Michel at the recent SADC (Southern African Development Community) Summit for heads of state and government which took place in Luanda, Angola.
The Summit, held under the chairmanship of President José Eduardo Dos Santos of Angola who took over from President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia, was preceded by the senior officials and council of minister’s meetings under the theme ‘Infrastructural
Development for Regional Integration’.
Minister Sinon also represented Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam at this preparatory meeting.
Amongst the many issues discussed was the progress on the regional integration process where Seychelles was congratulated for having decided and initiated the preliminary processes of joining the SADC Free Trade Area (FTA).
The importance of regional infrastructure to be the cornerstone of a more efficient and effective integration was highlighted on many occasions. Seychelles and Mauritius however emphasised on the lack of projects and/or programmes in the ‘Regional Infrastructure Action Plan’ that is being formulated that adequately address infrastructural impediments faced by island states members of SADC in this integration process.
SADC secretariat gave an engagement to start the process of developing a special Infrastructure Action Plan for Mauritius and Seychelles. This was approved by the participants of the Summit. Follow-up actions will start in earnest.
The Summit endorsed the Maritime Security Strategy to lead and consolidate the fight against piracy in the SADC member states waters.
Minister Sinon commended SADC for taking up this initiative, stating that this “would provide and deepen cooperation amongst member states of the SADC group and build on our capacity to act as a coordinated group against insecurity posed by acts of piracy”.
Political development in SADC member states and the need for resolving old and emerging conflicts took centre stage. Madagascar and Zimbabwe were the two main items on this agenda.
In this context Seychelles was praised on the recent peaceful and fair election, thereby marking a major step in the consolidation of democracy within the SADC.
Members of the Summit were also informed of the progress and reaffirmed its support to South Africa hosting the 17th Conference of Parties (COP 17) for Sustainable Development.
Member states were urged to take an active part to ensure that the region’s concerns are given priority attention on the agenda. It reiterated that paramount to integrating, our economies invariably entail improving the lives of its ordinary citizens.
Mindful of the famine in Somalia, the Summit reaffirmed its solidarity with the people of the Republic of Somalia and urged member states to pledge humanitarian assistance.
The Seychelles government and the local non-governmental organisations have already joined hands to bring our modest contribution to the Somalis. The Republic of South Africa pledged to airlift the collected items from Johannesburg to Somalia for member countries that have difficulties to do so. This should intensify the efforts by stakeholders who are involved in raising funds and/or collecting needed items for this charitable cause.
Minister Sinon described the Summit as one where major decisions to move the regional integration agenda further have been taken and one where the political willpower to have those decisions implemented has been endorsed at the highest level.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
SEYCHELLES AND AUSTRALIA HAVE FRUITFUL AND ENGAGING DISCUSSIONS
BASED ON SHARED WORLD VIEW
President Michel has had ‘very fruitful and engaging’ discussions with Australian Prime Minister, H.E Ms. Julia Gillard as he continues with his state visit to Australia.
The President is in Canberra after his first stop in Melbourne, and he is expected to proceed to Townsville in Queensland on the next leg of his visit.
“The people of Australia and Seychelles share a similar world view based on a strong desire to protect the uniqueness of the respective national identities, while also being societies that recognise that they are part of an interconnected world. Seychelles is a natural partner for Australia in the Indian Ocean”, said the President.
Prime Minister Gillard has indicated that Australia is increasingly looking West, as a country that wants to contribute positively in the development of the Indian Ocean, and values the partnership with Seychelles.
The two leaders covered a number of topics of mutual interest including education, the environment, issues concerning Small Island Developing States, climate change, security of the Indian Ocean including piracy as well as possibilities for trade and investment.
On the subject of education, the President thanked Australia for its support in providing scholarships to masters students in a number of fields at world class Australian universities. During the visit the two countries are also looking to strengthen their university to university links.
On the subject of the environment and climate change, the President congratulated Australia for its proactive stance on the subject. The two countries are working together to bridge the gap between developing and developed countries towards reaching a binding agreement on climate change in Durban later this year. Seychelles has called for specific funds to be made available for climate change adaptation, as these fast track funds have not been accelerated as they should have been. Many middle income Small Island Developing States are also not able to access such funds at present.
The President and the Prime Minister also discussed the possibility of increased institutional support for the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and the Australian government has pledged to ensure that this happens.
On the subject of piracy the two leaders agreed to reinforce bilateral cooperation as well as their respective efforts as part of the international fight against piracy. Seychelles was praised for its work in prosecuting pirates. The subject will also be raised in the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting to be held in Perth in October this year.
SOLAR POWERED WELLS from SUNNRGY SYSTEMS LTD
African Reflections Foundation has started providing deep wells in Mkuranga and Kigamboni Districts. The solar wells are being built by SUNNRGY SYSTEMS LIMITED.
I as the Founder make sure that the sponsors funding is well spent and 100% of the money raised go directly to the projects. Most of the deep wells are being sponsored by Karen Flewelling and Co sponsored by my self and friends as matching funds in Tanzania.
In picture: Mkamba Primary School deep solar powered well. It provides water for the school and the villagers around the Village of Mkamba. Women use the source of water to farm as sustainable projects for livelihood.
Seychelles makes it all the way to take the cover of Australian Luxury Travel and Style Magazine
Seychelles makes it all the way to take the cover of Australian Luxury Travel and Style Magazine
August 22, 2011 in Travel Related
