Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism & Culture discuss bilateral support with Germany

Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism & Culture discuss bilateral support with Germany

The Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism and Culture, Alain St.Ange, has sought the support of Germany to assist in the development of the German language at the Seychelles Tourism Academy. Minister St.Ange made this appeal during the German Ambassador’s visit to the Seychelles as H.E.  Mrs. Hargit Hellwig Boette made a courtesy call on the Minister.

Minister St.Ange said that '' the new purpose built Tourism Academy currently under construction in the Seychelles will house a language laboratory which will play an important role in the development of languages for our travel and tourism industry''.

Minister St.Ange spoke about the lack of German teachers in the Seychelles; ‘this is a huge constraint for students aspiring to learn Deutsch’, the Minister said

''Good German communication skills are today indispensable to the success of our tourism industry. If one wants to reach out to people, he or she has to speak the language. Germany remains a key tourism market for Seychelles and one that is growing fast.  It is therefore essential for the Seychelles Tourism Industry to have more German language speakers as it can boost students’ employment prospects both domestically and internationally'' Minister Alain St.Ange said. 

Ambassador Hellwig Boette has undertaken to look into this line of cooperation with the Seychelles. She spoke about the new German Institute in the Kenya Capital, Nairobi, stating that ''she will formulate a demand to seek the institution's support for the Seychelles Tourism Academy''.

The Goethe-Institute in Nairobi opened its new research center in March 2010 in the presence of Ambassador Hellwig Boette to awaken interest in the German language. It also promotes Kenya – German inter-cultural exchanges.

The Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture also spoke about the Third edition of the ''Carnaval International de Victoria'' to be held in February 2013.

Minister St. Ange has extended his congratulations for the impressive performance given by the Dusseldorf delegation during the second edition of the Carnival Parade. He has urged for the German support to make the third edition of the Carnival an even greated success.

Another area of bilateral cooperation which Minister St.Ange put emphasis on is the restoration of the Seychelles’ heritage sites. The Seychelles Minister said that '' Seychelles and Germany share close bilateral ties which should be reinforced where possible and as possible''.

Germany is today the Seychelles second main tourism market.

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Seychelles Candidate Elected New Executive Secretary of IOTC

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

&

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Industry

Joint Press Release

23^rd April 2012 

Seychelles Candidate Elected New Executive Secretary of IOTC

Former CEO of the Seychelles Fishing Authority (SFA) has been elected as the Executive Secretary of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission during the 16^th Session of the IOTC held on Saturday 21^st in Freemantle, Australia.

Mr. Rondolph Payet, currently working as the Regional Executive Secretary for the World Bank funded South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Project, was one of three shortlisted candidates out of 30 applicants for the post.

"It was an extremely emotional moment and delighted with results. I'm looking forward to be back in Seychelles, and proud and honoured to be part of ‘Striving for Seychelles’", stated Mr. Payet.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam has said:

"I warmly congratulate Rondolph on his election. His election reflects the leadership of Seychelles on a number of developmental issues- not least the question of equitable and sustainable fisheries and ocean management. We must continue to strive for the development of the blue economy and we wish Rondolph well for when he takes up his new role."

The Seychelles delegation to the 16th IOTC Session is being lead by the CEO of SFA, Mr. Finley Racombo (the IOTC Meeting is still ongoing and ends on Thursday).

As part of the process the candidates were required to make a presentation outlining their strategy and vision for the IOTC Secretariat. Mr. Payet listed his main focus areas as improving scientific advice and artisanal catch systems, assisting developing countries in adhering  to a comfortable level of compliance and data streaming, establishing effective mechanisms assisting the coastal states  to address  their constraints, and influence financing mechanisms in tuna fisheries research, management and capacity building.

Mr. Payet, who is expected to take up his three year tenure in early 2013, also described his main ambition as “able coordinate the efforts of the all the members countries for better management and improve economic returns of the tuna fisheries to all the coastal states in the Indian Ocean”.   

After serving for seven years as the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Fishing Authority, Mr. Payet became the Regional Executive Secretary, South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Project, a World Bank multimillion funded research project for improved management of fish stocks in the region, including tuna.

In 2009, he received the ‘Chevalier de L’Ordre National de Merit Agricole’ (Knighthood of the National Order of Merit) from the French Government for “distinguished achievement in fisheries.” He has a BSc in Fisheries Science and Oceanography,  a Masters degree in Marine and Coastal Resource Management, earned with Distinction, a Postgraduate Diploma in GIS and Fisheries Management and a Masters in Business Administration.

Additionally, Mr. Payet is the former Chairman of Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.

Editors Notes:

·         The Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) is an intergovernmental organization mandated to manage tuna and tuna-like species in the Indian Ocean and adjacent seas. The objective of the Commission is to promote cooperation among its members with a view to ensuring, through appropriate management, the conservation and optima utilization of stocks covered by this Agreement and encouraging sustainable development of fisheries based on such stocks.

·         The main functions of the IOTC are:

Ø  to keep under review the conditions and trends of the stocks and to gather, analyse and disseminate scientific information, catch and effort statistics and other data relevant to the conservation and management of the stocks and to fisheries based on the stocks covered by the Agreement;

Ø  to encourage, recommend and coordinate research and development activities in respect of the stocks and fisheries covered by the Agreement, and such other activities as the Commission may decide appropriate, including activities connected with transfer of technology, training and enhancement, having due regard to the need to ensure the equitable participation of members of the Commission in the fisheries and the special interests and needs of members in the region that are developing countries;

Ø  to adopt on the basis of scientific evidence, conservation and management measures, to ensure the conservation of the stocks covered by the Agreement and to promote the objective of their optima utilization throughout the Area;

Ø  to keep under review the economic and social aspects of the fisheries based on the stocks covered by the Agreement bearing in mind, in particular, the interests of developing coastal states.

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50 CHINESE COUPLES TO MARRY IN SEYCHELLES AS PART OF THE SINO-SEYCHELLOIS CULTURE WEEK

50 CHINESE COUPLES TO MARRY IN SEYCHELLES AS PART OF THE SINO-SEYCHELLOIS CULTURE WEEK

Close working cooperation and friendship now developed between the tropical mid-ocean islands of the Seychelles  and the ‘China International Friendship and Culture Festival’ organization will see 50 Chinese Couples fly to Seychelles in July to get married.

The launch of the Sino-Seychellois Culture Week was made at a Press Conference last week at the Panju 7-Star Hotel in Beijing. The Chinese International Friendship and Culture  Association spared no expense to showcase their coming Sino-Seychellois Culture week.

The Mr Cui and the Qiang Sheng Investment Group provided the needed support, and Mr Yue Zongchao, the Executive President of the Sino-Seychellois Culture Exchange and Promotion Organising Committee said as he addressed the Press Conference of the determination of his Committee to work with the Seychelles Government for a successful Sino-Seychellois Culture week this coming July.  ‘This special culture week will boost the Seychelles image as a honeymoon destination and the Chinese outbound tourism market will be better updated on Seychelles because of the expected TV coverage from the networks accompanying the 50 couples to Seychelles’ Mt Yue Zongchao said at the press conference.

The Seychelles Ambassador to China, Mr Philippe Le Gall also took to the podium to address the press conference. He spoke about the long lasting friendly ties between the Seychelles and China. Ambassador Le Gall thanked the organizers of the Sino-Seychellois Culture Week for their support for Seychelles and for the continued development of cultural and tourism ties between Seychelles and China.  

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture delivered the keynote address at the press conference in the presence of Elsia Grandcourt, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board and her staff based in the Board’s Beijing Office. He said that the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Culture Department of his Ministry would be closely associated with every stage of the program of the Sino-Seychellois Culture Week in Seychelles. He assured the Organising Committee that his Ministry would ensure that the event in Seychelles would be tailor made to ensure it is the success it deserves to be.

Minister Alain St.Ange said in his address:- “It gives me great pleasure to address you today as it provides me with an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Seychelles to the Chinese market. Seychelles has enjoyed close ties with China for many years and we share many things in common. In Seychelles, we have a sizeable Chinese population that has been living among us as Seychellois brothers and sisters for well over a century. When you visit our islands, you will notice their influence on our culture and on our traditions, and particularly in our delicious Creole cuisine.

The Seychelles Tourism Board remains very interested in China and remains very interested in cementing these ties by welcoming ever greater numbers of Chinese visitors to our shores. Already, China is Seychelles fastest growing tourism market and this looks to continue, as not only do we already have an Embassy and a tourism office here in Beijing, but are looking to expand with a second tourist office in Shanghai in the near future as we continue to explore  the possibility of further openings up Macau and Hong Kong.

The reason behind this expansion is that we strongly believe that Seychelles is the new destination that will appeal to Chinese tourists. We are of one of the smallest nations on earth: an archipelago of 115 sparkling islands, largely untouched since the dawn of time, whose beauty is the stuff of legend. Our population is only 87,000 people and our land area only 455 sq km…but the diversity we offer is truly vast.

Seychelles is between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and consists of 43 towering granite islands, the oldest mid-oceanic granitic islands on the planet, and 72 low-lying reef islands, sand cays and atolls which extend like stepping stones towards the coast of neighbouring Africa. We are indeed 1000 miles from anywhere - but we are a million miles in terms of the tranquility, in terms of authenticity and in terms of diversity of a Seychelles holiday experience.

We have towering granite mountains, so tall in fact that their peaks are constantly covered in mist. In these exotic habitats lives an array of equally unique flora & fauna that includes some of the rarest species on the planet. Despite its size, Seychelles boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of these is the amazing Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island – a hidden, ancient forest with towering palms upon which grows the legendary Coco-de-Mer, the world’s heaviest nut, once believed to grow on a mysterious tree beneath the sea. The other is the extraordinary atoll of Aldabra Island, known as the land that time forgot, with its population of 150, 000 giant tortoises.

Seychelles offers a wide range of authentic experiences that will leave you with the memories of a lifetime: great sailing among the inner islands; diving in places where as many as 800 different species of fish have been spotted on one dive; thrilling big-game fishing for marlin, sailfish, wahoo, tuna, barracuda and many other species besides. We also offer great spa & wellness holidays, casinos, and an opportunity to charge your batteries in Seychelles tranquil environment; we have a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course nested between a lush mountainside and a sapphire ocean and also fascinating walks & trails upon which to discover Seychelles diverse natural world. As many of you will discover, we are perhaps the world’s best known honeymoon venue that was visited recently by the Kate and William, the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge of Great Britain.

Beyond this, and much more besides, we offer a tranquil yet vibrant culture and an enviable, island-style way of life that is gentle, kind and welcoming – a unique break from busy schedules and a chance to rediscover yourself in another world” Minister Alain St.Ange said as part of his address.

The conference was also addressed by representatives from Mason’s Travel and Le Meridien Barbarons Beach Hotel as well as other Chinese Officials who are finalizing every part of that Culture Festival in the Seychelles.

A fashion show with bridal dresses followed with other performances by Chinese artists and performers.

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Foreign Minister in South Africa to Discuss Madagascar Roadmap

Foreign Minister in South Africa to Discuss Madagascar Roadmap

In his capacity as President of the Council of Ministers of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, has met with the Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Marius Fransman, in South Africa this week to discuss the way forward for the Madagascar roadmap.

The two discussed on-going support for the implementation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) roadmap, particularly in light of South Africa’s Chairmanship of the SADC Troika of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security.

“Regional stability is a priority for both the Indian Ocean Commission and SADC, and Seychelles is committed to doing its part and supporting this peaceful process in any way possible,” said Minister Adam.

The Minister was accompanied by the Seychelles Resident High Commissioner to South Africa, Mr. Joseph Nourrice.

The SADC Troika comprises of South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia.

 

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China and Seychelles to bring Tourism Television Culture Festival to Beijing

Image via Seychelles Ministry of Tourism & Culture

Apr 19, 2012

Alain St. Ange, the Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture, was received during his working visit to the People’s Republic of China at the People’s Great Hall in Beijing where he held discussions with Mr. Wang Jun, Party Secretary of the China Tourism Administration; Mr. Du Yanji; Mr. Gen Dewen, Vice Chairman of the China Radio and Television Association; Mr. Zhao Chen, Vice President of the Policy and Science Researching Association of the State Council; and Mr. Cui Ya Nan, Director of CCTV in the Zhonghua Hall of the People’s Great Hall in Beijing.
Discussions centered on the cooperation between China and Seychelles in the field of tourism and culture. After a panel discussion, all parties reached a preliminary agreement that reinforced the Chinese side’s commitment to work together with Seychelles on the followings points:
1. A visit to Seychelles to make promotional films, scenic films, scale-event films, online movies, as well as TV series.
2. To hold China-Seychelles Tourism Television Culture Festival in Beijing in July.
It was proposed that the Chinese delegation will invite 30-40 different television stations from all over China, totaling some 150-200 persons to go to Seychelles in May to make different themes of short videos. A selection of these videos will be played on Chinese TV to be able to enter a competition. An “Award Ceremony” will then be staged alongside a Seychelles Tourism Workshop and an Investment Seminar in the People’s Great Hall in Beijing.
3. To undertake a study on the feasibility of the renovation and extension of the Chinese Pagoda in Seychelles.
4. For China to participate in the 2013 edition of the “Carnaval International de Victoria” that is staged annually in Seychelles
During the meeting, a working/steering committee was set up to follow up on these projects. China would be appointing a 4-person team to liaise with Elsia Grandcourt, the CEO of Seychelles Tourism Board, and Benjamine Rose, the Principal Secretary for Culture, who were proposed to represent Seychelles on the steering committee.
On the Chinese side, it is expected that Seychelles will provide them, as soon as possible, will all useful and necessary materials for them to study the scripts of movies and all necessary proposals to facilitate the launch of the agreed projects.
The Chinese delegation concluded the meeting by extending their thanks for the show of friendship and solidarity they received by the Seychelles Minister of Tourism and Culture and his delegation which was comprised of Elsia Grandcourt, the Tourism Board’s CEO; Glynn Burridge, the Board’s Consultant and Copy Writer; and Jean-Luc Lai Lam and Li Huanhuan, Marketing Executives of the Seychelles Tourism Board.
At a lunch in the People’s Great Hall in Beijing that followed, Alain St.Ange reiterated the 36-year friendship between the two countries and said that he was looking forward to having further talks with the People’s Republic of China on further cooperation in the field of tourism and culture in the spirit of the mutual friendship.

Source: Seychelles Ministry of Tourism & Culture

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Seychelles set to increase Chinese tourists to the islands

Photo from Seychelles Ministry of Tourism & Culture

Apr 19, 2012

A delegation of the Seychelles private sector interested in receiving Chinese tourists joined Jean-Luc LaiLam and Huanhuan Lee the island’s Tourism Board Managers for China at COTTM, the Chinese Tourism Trade Fair in Beijing this week.
Elsia Grandcourt, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, accompanied by Stephanie Lablache, Amy Michel, and Glynn Burridge, all in China for the Routes Asia in Chengdu all then moved onto Beijing to participate at the COTTM alongside the Seychelles tourism private sector delegation.
Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister for Tourism and Culture also joined the Seychelles delegation at the China Tourism Trade Fair, the COTTM, after participating in a series of official meetings with the Chinese authorities.
The following Seychelles private sector businesses and tourism establishments were in China for the COTTM Tourism Trade Fair, saying they wanted to work to develop and consolidate this market for Seychelles:
- Constance Hotels, Ms. Vivienne Ho - vs@constancehotels.cn / www.constancehotels.com
- Creole Travel Services, Ms. Helen Pillay - helen.pillay@creoletravelservices.com / www.creoletravelservices.com
- Mason's Travel, Ms. Noella Gappy - ngappy@masonstravel.com / www.masonstravel.com
- 7 Degrees South, Mrs. Anna Butler Payette - 7south@7south.net / www.7south.net
- Sainte Anne Resort & Spa, Mr. Koogen Vythelingum - sales.sa@bchot.com / www.beachcomber-hotels.com
- Dhevatara Beach Hotel, Mr. Rene Squires - dbh.gm@dhevatara.com / www.dhevatara-seychelles.com
- Desroches Island, Ms. Amanda Lang - amanda@desroches-island.com /
www.desroches-island.com
- Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Ms. Johnette Labiche - Johnette.labiche@berjayaseychelles.com / www.berjayahotel.com
“It was a great experience being at the COTTM and to see the interest for Seychelles,” Minister Alain St.Ange said at the fair itself.
Seychelles is seeing a remarkable increase in visitor arrival numbers from China, and this figure is now set to increase further because of the recent marketing drive by the island’s tourism industry.

Source: Seychelles Ministry of Tourism & Culture

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Youth health workers get fit

Youth health workers get fit - 20.04.2012

Staff from the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) benefitted from a day dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle.

 

SNYC’s assistant human resources officer Gyra Nibourette said the idea was initiated by the council’s human resources department in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
“We have a lot of sections in the SNYC which are dedicated to working with the youth, especially in health matters, and we believe it is important that we as health providers remain healthy if we want to give out such advice,” she said.
The day started off with a short squatting exercise which set the tone for the day. Then, officials from the Ministry of Health gave a talk highlighting the importance of cardiovascular health and ways to prevent its decline.
Other activities during the rest of the day included screening tests such as those for blood pressure and diabetes, to name a few.
The activities took place on Tuesday at the Youth Centre, English River.
Our photos show some workers undergoing various screening tests.
 

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Third meeting of the National Economic Council

Third meeting of the National Economic Council - 20.04.2012
Govt acts to lessen effects of recession

The government will consider several options to mitigate the effects of the global economic recession and rising prices of fuel and commodities.

The measures include stricter budget and personnel management, and tightening tax collection to eliminate any leakages of revenue.

This came out yesterday at State House during the third meeting of the National Economic Council (Nec) chaired by President James Michel.
The council discussed a range of issues, proposed by members, on measures related to economic development.
Members expressed concern over the potential impact on the economy of the recent rises in the price of fuel and agreed that government should consider legislating the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the official benchmark to monitor and regulate unfair price increases as a policy instrument to contain uncontrolled inflation, as well as the need for an aggressive communications drive to develop an energy saving culture, starting from within government and public entities themselves, as an example.
The Council noted the revised growth forecast for 2012 from 4 to 2.8  per cent, and discussed strategies to boost the productive sectors of the economy in areas like tourism, construction, fisheries, manufacturing and how to capitalise on the imminent connection to the fibre optic submarine cable.
Among other issues discussed, the private sector requested the deferral, to a more appropriate time, of the proposed introduction of the Value Added Tax system in July.  Government would give early consideration to this proposal.
It was agreed that the tourism sectors need to provide appropriate diverse local services for new tourism markets such as China, in order to attract visitors from these areas when the European market is weak.
Members noted the significant increase in visitor arrivals, despite the decline in some traditional markets, and proposed various ways to increase tourism yield.
The Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) and the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA) were called upon to propose strategies for the consolidation and adaptation of the tourism industry given the changes in global tourism, recession in the traditional markets and the withdrawal of direct flights from these areas.
Air Seychelles has a key role to play in attracting tourists from new and diversified markets to holiday in Seychelles. Government would provide complementary assistance for capacity-building, as well as and incentives for tourism operators who wish to take advantage of the new drive for diversification.
The private sector expressed concern over the high cost of rental of business premises and the unavailability of commercial space/offices in and around the Victoria area.
Government would consider making land available to the private sector for real estate development, that would enable new commercial offices to be built in suitable locations.
The government and private sector agreed that more needed to be done to encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through the new structure that was recently announced. Government would also consider providing bank guarantees for SME loans, subject to sound business plans, and become an active partner in this sector.
Banks would be encouraged to provide development loans for productive purposes.
The private sector expressed concern over the high cost of domestic air services between Mahé and Praslin and the related effects on tourism. The need for Air Seychelles to remain commercially viable was emphasised and that costs would need to reflect the free market variability. 
Government said that it would consider applications for licenses from new domestic airline operators subject to their ability to meet safety and civil aviation regulations in force.
The chairman said that the proposals of the council would be submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers, and action in respect of approved measures should be implemented promptly.

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“Seychelles-Cuba relations still strong,” says Deputy Speaker

“Seychelles-Cuba relations still strong,” says Deputy Speaker - 20.04.2012

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, André Pool, has described his recent visit to Cuba as “very fruitful”, noting that relations between Seychelles and the Caribbean island are “still strong”.

Mr Pool was in Cuba from April 7-14 at the invitation of the President of the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba, Ricardo Alarcon de Quesada.
Among the issues Mr Pool discussed with the Mr Alarcon de Quesada are ways to further strengthen the strong bilateral corporation that exist between the two countries and the two national assemblies and the opening of a new Seychelles embassy in Havana.
On behalf of the government of Seychelles, Mr Pool also thanked the Cuban government for its continued support in the human resources development of Seychelles by providing annual scholarships for Seychellois students.
Mr Pool also assured Mr Alarcon de Quesada that Seychelles will support the decision to renew Cuba’s membership to the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council at the UN General Assembly in May 2013. Cuba’s membership on the council ends in June 2012.
During his visit, Mr Pool had the opportunity to meet Seychellois students studying in various fields at different Cuban universities.  They discussed their studies and related issues. 
He also took part in a wreath-laying ceremony at the José Marti Monument and visited the Labiofam, Carlos J. Finlay Research and Production Centre and the Che Guevera Square in the Santa Clara Province.  His visit ended with a meeting with the legislative leaders of the province.

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National Assembly goes into recess

National Assembly goes into recess - 20.04.2012

The National Assembly has gone into recess following its last sitting for the first term of this year on Tuesday.

It will reconvene for its second term on Tuesday May 29.
During the second half of its last sitting for this term on Tuesday, the Assembly debated two motions.
The first, tabled by the leader of government business Marie-Antoinette Rose, was asking the Assembly to approve the ratification of a Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) signed in 2010 by the government of India and the government of Seychelles.
Members of the majority party approved the motion while the leader of the opposition, David Pierre, abstained.
The second motion asking the government to set up a salary review commission, received the approval of 23 members while two others abstained.
 

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Meditation, and ideal way to keep the mind perfect

Meditation, and ideal way to keep the mind perfect - 20.04.2012

Today many people all over the world irrespective of their religions and faith are becoming more and more aware of the benefits of meditation and following the practice.

It’s everyone birth-right to know oneself better. The immediate purpose is to train the mind and use it effectively and efficiently in our daily life. Even though it may appear no easy task, it can nevertheless be obtainable without much effort and positive benefits gained, if one is serious about meditation.
Realising the benefits, meditation has been practiced by eminent personalities -- Moses (1300 BC), Mahavira (599 – 527 BC), Budha (563 – 483 BC), Confucius (551 – 479 BC), Jesus (AD 0 –33), Muhammad (AD 570 – 632). Some of the benefits of meditation can be summarised as follows:
• If you are a busy person, meditation can help you to get rid of tension and to find relaxation.
• If you are a worried person, meditation can calm you and help you find peace of mind.
• If you are a person who has endless problems, meditation can help you to develop courage and strength to face and overcome them.
• If you lack self-confidence, meditation can help you gain the self-confidence which is the secret of success in life.
• If you have fear in your heart, meditation can help you to understand the real nature of the problems that are making you afraid – then you can overcome the fear in your mind.
• If you are always dissatisfied with everything and nothing in life seems to be satisfactory – meditation can give you the chance to develop and maintain inner contentment.
• If you are skeptical and uninterested in the religious way of life, meditation can help you to go beyond your own notions and to see some practical values in spirituality and may give religious guidance.
• If you are frustrated and heart–broken due to a lack of understanding of the uncertainty of life and the world, meditation can truly guide and help you to understand the fleeting nature of worldly conditions.
• If you are a rich man, meditation can help you to realise the nature of your wealth and how to make use of it not only for your own happiness but also for others’ happiness.
• If you are a poor man, meditation can help you to develop contentment and not to harbour jealously towards those who have more than you.
• If you are a young man at the cross-roads of your life, and you do not know which way to turn, meditation can help you to the right path to reach your chosen goal.
• If you are an elderly man who is fed up with life, meditation can bring you to a deeper understanding of life; this understanding in turn will relieve your pains and increase the joy of living.
• If you are short tempered and highly emotional, you can develop the strength to overcome the weakness of anger, hatred, and resentment to become a calmer and sober person. You can manage your anger and emotions very well.
• If you are jealous, you can understand that negative mental attitudes never contribute anything for your benefit.
• If you cannot reduce your craving for sense-desires, you can learn how to become the master of your sense-desires.
• If you are addicted to drinking or to drugs, you can overcome the dangerous habit which has enslaved you.
• If you are a narrow-minded person, you can develop understanding that will be beneficial both to you and your friends and family to avoid misunderstanding.
• If you are strongly influenced by emotions, your emotions will have no chance to mislead you.
• If you suffer from certain disorders such as nervous breakdowns and mental disturbances, depression etc., meditation can activate the positive forces in your mind and body to regain your health, especially if they are psychosomatic problems. The mind and body get healthier and we are able to enjoy the bliss in life.
• If you are a weak-minded person or one who maintains an inferiority complex, meditation can strengthen your mind to develop courage to overcome your weaknesses.
• If you are a wise person, meditation will lead you to supreme wisdom. Then you will see things as they are, and not as they appear to be.
• If one is towards the fag end of life and is scared of death, meditation will make you accept the reality of life and acceptance of the inevitable.
• Meditation removes the blockage of the seven chakras known to be the energy centers in human body. Once the blockage is removed, the whole body starts absorbing cosmic energy, the unique gift of nature to us, easily helping us lead a more satisfying and contented life.
If such are the undisputed benefits of meditation proved through research in medical science, why not practice it regularly to make our lives more enjoyable and worthwhile? Five to eight minutes of meditation can keep us fit and healthy and if combined with yoga exercises is bound to give us a ‘HEALTHY MIND IN HEALTHY BODY’- unique gift of nature to us. These benefits are not for sale in any shopping complex or departmental store, but you can enjoy them while in your home, office, hotel, or outdoor, wherever you are without any extra equipment, instrument or medication through meditation. The mind is like a double edged sword – key to happiness or key to misery. It is for us to make our lives more enjoyable and worth living or miserable with pain. Fifteen to 20 minutes of yoga exercises coupled with meditation daily can keep us really fit and healthy – the undisputed key to happiness. To understand the mind and to use it well is a task that transcends a peaceful and contented life. Meditation, though appearing difficult, can be easily performed independently once learnt properly.
JEO JYOTI FOUNDATION OF INDIA (JJ INDIA) plans to organise YOGA SESSIONS at different locations in Seychelles between April 21 and mid May. For further information contact ‘khanna@seychelles.net’
 

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Hospice gets vital equipment

Hospice gets vital equipment - 20.04.2012

The North East Point hospice has received two new pieces of equipment which will be of great benefit in the treatment of patients.

The new suction machine and oxygen generator, costing around 2500 USD, is a joint donation from the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Serbia Dr Miodrag Todorovic and the Rotary Club of Victoria.
Handing over the donation to the principal secretary for health Veronique Laporte, Dr Todorovic said further support will be given to the terminally ill patients at the hospice and to help deliver better care.
Dr Todorovic thanked Victoria Rotary Club for contributing towards this cause.
On behalf of the Ministry of Health, Miss Laporte thanked the two partners for their contribution.
Miss Laporte said there is a need to enhance cooperation in other aspects such as training of staff.
She added that this donation is a good example of how private sector and individuals in the society can contribute towards those in need.
Present at the hand-over were chief nursing officer Bella Henderson, staff of the hospice and members of the club.
Local nurses will also benefit from the common effort of the Serbia’s Consulate and the Victoria Rotary Club through a five-day workshop in early June
This is expected to be led by a professor specialised in terminal care, Dr Natasha Milicevic, from Belgrade, Serbia.
Dr Todorovic is currently in Seychelles on a working visit to also discuss cooperation between the Ministry of Health and his hospital in Mauritius, as well as other existing opportunities.

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All set for first ‘Seychelles Track & Field Schools Invitational Meet’

Athletics - 20.04.2012
All set for first ‘Seychelles Track & Field Schools Invitational Meet’

Everything in terms of logistics and manpower are in place for the inaugural international track and field competition for secondary schools which will take place today and tomorrow at the Stad Popiler.

Jointly organised by the Seychelles Athletics Federation (SAF), local telecommunications company Airtel, the Ministry of Education and the National Sports Council (NSC), the ‘Seychelles Track & Field Schools Invitational Meet’ feature young athletes from the seven best performing secondary schools during the 2011 National Schools Athletics Championship – Praslin, Anse Royale, English River, Plaisance, La Digue, Pointe Larue and Beau Vallon – alongside athletes from the International School of Kenya.
The technical aspect of the competition will be the responsibility of the local athletics body and the athletes will compete in the under-14, under-16, under-18 and under-20 groups.
The new competition has been added to the local calendar as part of efforts to promote schools sports programmes and ensure that the youth develop their physical capacities, leading to a more active and healthy lifestyle.
It is also an opportunity to provide our young athletes with quality exposure and the opportunity to further develop their potential to the fullest.
It was initiated following an agreement between the Ministry of Education and the ministry responsible for sports for a better coordinated and monitored school sports system which will  ensure the development of the children and young people of the country through the “Physical Education and School Sports” (PESS) Strategy.
The Kenyan delegation comprising 27 athletes and 11 officials arrived in the country yesterday afternoon.
They were welcomed at the airport by the NSC chief executive Alain Volcère, SFF chairman Selby Dora and Airtel managing director Tsiresy Randriamampionona.
According to Athletics director at the International School of Kenya, Derrick Quinet, the athletes have been preparing and are looking forward to the competition.
He however added that they are here to have a good time in the spirit of exchange and friendship, rather than just serious competition.
The official launch of this inaugural event will take place at 10am today at Stad Popiler.
 

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Mervin Mathiot wins first ‘Player of the month’ award

Football - 20.04.2012
Mervin Mathiot wins first ‘Player of the month’ award

St Louis Suns’ captain Mervin Mathiot is the first recipient of the newly introduced ‘Player of the month’ award for outstanding players in the Barclays league division one.

Introduced by the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) as a boost to good performance, discipline and fair play, the prize will be awarded every two months.
According to the SFF secretary general Jemmy Adela, potential candidates for the award will be chosen according to ongoing reports from match commissioners which will be compiled by the federation.
He added that for the moment, the prize is being awarded to players in the Barclays league division one only and that the SFF is planning to introduce it in the other divisions.
The award winner will receive prizes sponsored by Barclays, the SFF as well as individual sponsors.

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Value Added Tax – zero-rated supplies explained

Value Added Tax – zero-rated supplies explained - 20.04.2012

The Value Added Tax (Vat) Act 2012 will come in operation as of July 1, 2012 replacing GST.

If you are a Vat registered business, Vat will be included in the price of most of the goods, services and other items you sell to others in the course of your business. These are called taxable supplies. There are other types of sales where Vat will not be included in the price.

These are called non-taxable supplies also known as exempt supplies. Taxable supplies are made by Vat registered businesses and they are either standard rated (15%) or zero-rated (0%). Therefore a zero-rated supply is also a taxable supply.
Which supplies are zero-rated under the Vat Act?
A zero-rated supply is a supply which is taxable at a zero rate (0%).
All exports are zero-rated because Vat is a local-based consumption tax and is therefore not charged on consumption made abroad. However it is important to note that companies registered under the SITZ regulations are not considered as making zero-rated supplies because of their special characteristics where they are deemed to be operating outside the Seychelles jurisdiction hence they are outside the scope of the Vat system.
In addition to exports, there are also some designated supplies which are zero-rated under the Vat Act. Some examples include:

• good sold in a duty free shop;

• supply of maritime’s services including maintenance and repairs of vessels;

• supply of management and maintenance of facilities at aerodromes.
(Please note that this list is not exhaustive. For the complete list see Schedule II of the Value Added Tax Act 2010).

Note that if a supply is both a zero-rated and an exempt supply, the supply will be treated as a zero-rated supply.
What are the differences between zero-rated and exempt supplies?Zero-rated supplies are taxable, even though no Vat is actually collected (Vat is charged at 0%) on transactions involving such supplies. However input tax incurred in the making of zero-rated supplies is fully deductible (unless otherwise provided in the Vat Act 2010), meaning that a business making zero-rated supplies can claim for a Vat credit or refund under Vat.
Exempt supplies on the other hand are outside the scope of the Vat system. No Vat can be charged on supplies which are exempted under the Vat Act. At the same time exempt supplies do not create any deduction right of the input tax correlated to transactions involving such exempt supplies. They cannot charge Vat and they cannot claim input tax credits or refund of Vat.
For example, educational institutions (their supplies are exempt under the Vat Act) will not be able to deduct any Vat they incur, say for example on their monthly telephone bills because their supplies are exempted from Vat.
For more informationYou can contact Seychelles Revenue Commission on 4293737 or email us at advisory.center@src.gov.sc. The Value Added Tax Act, 2010 is available on the Seychelles Revenue Commission website (www.src.gov.sc).
Submitted by the Seychelles Revenue Commission

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Lungos gears up for change into a national platform for civil society

Lungos gears up for change into a national platform for civil society - 20.04.2012


The Liaison Unit for Non-Governmental Organisations (Lungos) is conducting consultations aimed at transforming it into a national platform for a stronger civil society.

Set up in 1985, Lungos today groups 76 NGOs covering such thematic commissions as environment and natural resources, rights and governance, social and health, professional organisations and youth, culture and sports.

The body’s chief executive, Steve Lalande, said that the role of Lungos has forcibly evolved from that of liaison unit at the time of inception to one whose current operation is comparable to a national platform for civil society in Seychelles.
“While the raison d’être remains the same, the functions have changed,” said Mr Lalande.
The concept of national platforms is one which is now operational internationally and this is particularly so in the European Union (EU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) which are respectively funding and implementing the project.
The consultant for the project is the Seychelles Institute of Management – now under the jurisdiction of the University of Seychelles -- which will carry out a complete review of the mandate and objectives of Lungos.
A working paper says: “Consultations have indicated that Lungos is seen by citizens, civil society organisations, government and other institutions as the mechanism that will bring together non-state operators to effectively contribute to policy making and national development initiatives. Lungos, therefore, has the responsibility to effectively constitute and mould itself to respond more effectively to the needs of its members, the NGO community and the wider civil society.”
Mr Lalande said the five-year project will, besides developing a new operation strategy, also set up a new code of ethics.
The Lungos constitution will also be revised to keep more abreast of the changing environment.
A general meeting is due by the end of the year and under the present constitution, the chairman, Bernard Elizabeth, who is presently on overseas mission, will not be able to stand again, having already served two consecutive terms.
 

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Heritage conservation gets big boost

Heritage conservation gets big boost - 20.04.2012

The natural, historical and cultural heritage of Seychelles will now be better preserved and promoted with the launch of heritage trusts in the districts.

The Cascade and Port Glaud communities officially launched their heritage trusts on Wednesday as part of activities to mark Heritage Week.

Mr Lafortune addressing the gathering at the launch ceremony at Cascade

Seychelles Nation attended the Cascade launch which took place in the district’s administration office in the presence of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation chief executive Patrick Nanty and the district’s member of the National Assembly Charles Decommarmond.
Also there were the community development special advisor Dan Frichot and the Cascade district administrator Fred Barrat, as well as other members of the community.
The Cascade heritage trust is chaired by Gerard Lafortune, with Johanna Didon as vice-chairperson, Lorna Moustache (treasurer), Catherina Bonnelame (secretary) and Cynthia Victor, Nelson Didon, Jemma Joubert, James Morel, Dorothy Bamboche and Michel Pierre as ordinary members.
Wednesday’s ceremony at Cascade also saw the launch of the district’s heritage school club by the school’s head teacher Gina Balette.
During the ceremony the district’s heritage trust got its first contribution from local private firm Civil Construction Company Ltd (CCCL), which is based in the district, while the new heritage school club got a set of t-shirts for its members.

The districts’ heritage trusts will operate as a non-profit and non-government community based organisation.
Their objectives are to conserve, preserve and promote the natural, historical and cultural heritage of all districts. They will help promote community-based heritage tourism and finance conservation programmes, projects and activities in the districts.
Mr Lafortune said Cascade has several heritage sites to preserve for future generations.
He said he hopes that the Cascade community can develop a heritage site like the one at L’Union Estate on La Digue where visitors can pay an entrance fee to see interesting features on this part of the island.

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Plans for Ile Soleil are being finalised

Plans for Ile Soleil are being finalised - 19.04.2012

Seychellois entrepreneurs planning to set up shop on Ile Soleil will soon know more about the various developments to take place on the island and the procedures to buy a plot of land there.

The Minister for Land Use & Housing, Christian Lionnet, on Tuesday answered two questions by the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, David Pierre, relating to the development of the reclaimed island situated off the coast at Anse Aux Pins.
Mr Lionnet explained that the government is introducing a new sales policy for land on Ile Soleil through which it expects to collect sufficient funds to cover the cost of putting in place the necessary infrastructure the island will need.
Mr Lionnet noted that the price of land will be much higher than what was being charged in the land bank project so far.
He told the Assembly that the government has set up a new company -- S2020 Development Limited -- to manage and carry out development projects on the island through revenues collected from the sale of land there.
He said the company is expected to carry out all the projects planned without funds from the national budget.
Mr Lionnet said all applicants will have to qualify financially to be able to apply for a plot of land on Ile Soleil.
Mr Lionnet said all plots of land will be sold to Seychellois or leased to Seychellois companies, except for the hotel project where foreign investors will also be able to tender.
He explained that the sales guideline will maintain the government policy of ensuring that Seychellois with no property get the opportunity to obtain a plot of land.
Mr Lionnet said the price of these plots of land will be fixed and applicants will be selected through a lots procedure.
Plots of land for commercial developments will be sold through a competitive tender process where applicants with the most viable projects will be successful.
As is the case for Ile Perseverance and Ile Aurore, Mr Lionnet explained that Ile Soleil is also being considered for national projects where all Seychellois who meet set criteria will be allocated a plot of land for development.
S2020 Development Limited is in the process of appointing agents to plan the infrastructure and development for the island and to organise marketing and promotion for the sale of the different plots. Once all these are completed, the company will launch an active promotion and marketing programme to inform the public of all the procedures to obtain a plot on Ile Soleil, Mr Lionnet said.
This is set to be very soon because tender and land allocation of the plots of land are expected to be carried out before the end of the year.
Mr Lionnet also answered several other questions by Assembly members for Anse Aux Pins, Jhowla Manoo, Wilby Lucas for Baie Lazare, and Bernard Arnephy for Anse Boileau. The questions related to reconstruction of houses at the Chetty Flat at Anse Aux Pins which was destroyed by fire not so long ago, septic tanks overflows in different housing estates, and land for housing and land bank development projects.
Mr Lionnet told the Assembly that the government has since 2007 spent over R900,000 to build new septic tanks on two housing estates at Baie Lazare to try and address the problem of overflows which have been identified as linked to the topography of the area which makes it difficult for the soil to absorb water as required.
Specialised technical expertise has been sought to address the problem once and for all and Mr Lionnet has reassured residents from other housing estates facing the same problem that their concerns are also being addressed.
As for the availability of land for housing and land bank development projects, Mr Lionnet said the government remains committed to deliver on these projects and it will continue to do so as and when funds are available.

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New award to spur children’s interest in heritage research

New award to spur children’s interest in heritage research - 19.04.2012

A new award aimed at encouraging children to develop an interest in heritage conservation has been launched.

Sponsored by director of Elite Club Jerry Morin, the award was launched in a ceremony on Tuesday, coinciding with this year’s Heritage Day celebrated yesterday.

The ceremony, held at La Bastille, was attended by the chief executive of the Seychelles Heritage Foundation (SHF) Patrick Nanty, general manager of Elite Club Dereck Savy, SHF board and staff members, Heritage Week committee members, teachers, students and guests.
Senior project officer of SHF Meggy Jacques said the award, which will now be an annual event, will be eligible to all members of heritage clubs in state and private schools in Seychelles.
The SHF says the award seeks to “encourage and enable tomorrow’s decision makers to participate in heritage conservation and to respond to continuing threats facing our heritage and cultivate a sense of appreciation and respect for our cultural and natural heritage.”
The theme chosen for the 2012-2013 award is: Working hard to preserve our heritage (Travay dir pour prezerv nou leritaz) and proposed topics include slavery in Seychelles, traditional fishing and Romance, to name a few.
The main aims according to the Foundation are to develop an appreciation of Seychelles’ cultural heritage legacy in schools, to improve understanding of our heritage through research and other projects, actively involve schools and the community in aspects of cultural heritage, preservation, conservation and promotion and to help in the preservation of Seychelles’ heritage sites.
Mr Savy said Elite Club is happy to be a part of the award because as a destination management company, “we want to offer a different type of tourism which promotes different values that Seychelles has to offer and this includes promoting and enhancing our cultural heritage”.
Mr Savy said he believes the award is a good initiative and that it will encourage children to delve deeper into our culture and perhaps learn new things so that in future Seychelles may have more than three local heritage sites.

Before the end of the ceremony, Mr Nanty officially re-launched the Seychelles Heritage website – www.seychellesheritage.sc – so that the public can learn more about any cultural heritage projects undertaken by the organisation or simply get information on ongoing work by the SHF.

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Kominike Lapolis

Kominike Lapolis - 19.04.2012

Lapolis in raporte ki Malcom Jeannevole, sa prizonnyen ki ti’n sove prizon Montagne Posee Mardi, in ganny ratrape e ganny remet dan lanmen lotorite sa lenstitisyon koreksyonnel.

Jeannevole ti ganny ratrape ver 11.50 Mardi swar Lari Hangard.
Lapolis in egalman raporte ki Jeannevol ti reziste larestasyon e swivan son rezistans i ti ganny morde dan son lipye par lisyen lapolis ki ti pe asiste dan sa loperasyon.
Sa prizonnyen ti ganny lasistans medikal kot Lopital Sesel e apre ganny remet avek lotorite prizon 1 erdtan 10 minit apre ki i ti ganny arete par lapolis.
Antretan en lanket pe fer pour etablir sirkonstans dan ki Jeannevole ti sove.

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Photo contest celebrates museums

Photo contest celebrates museums - 19.04.2012

Museum lovers and budding photographers of all ages are being invited to take part in a photo contest
to mark the 35th anniversary of International Museum Day (IMD).

The aim of contest, organised by the International Council of Museums, is to celebrate museums all over the world through each participant’s perspective and marks the IMD anniversary in an original and playful way.
On their own, with friends or family, participants are invited to take a photo of themselves in their favourite museum with the IMD Badge on display. An international jury will reward the best picture, which must be original and dynamic, highlighting the badge and the museum.
Submissions from all around the world are expected, and will be shared online. The best photograph will also be featured in the June issue of ICOM News and the winner will receive a “surprise bag” full of goodies from museum stores around the world.
Deadline for submission is  April 22, 2012 and results will be  available May 18, 2012
Photographs and participation form must be sent by email to the following address: imd@icom.museum 
For further information please visit the website: http://imd2012.icom.museum
Every year since 1977, IMD is organised worldwide around May 18. From America to Oceania, through Europe, Asia and Africa, IMD is a fantastic opportunity to encourage public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society.
In 2011, IMD garnered record‐breaking participation with almost 30,000 museums hosting events in more than 120 countries.
Created in 1946, ICOM (International Council of Museums) is an international non‐governmental organisation maintaining formal relations with Unesco. Within the United Nations, ICOM has a consultative status with the Economic and Social Council. ICOM is the only international organisation representing museums and museum professionals on a global level.

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Exhibition, recitals mark World Poetry Day

Exhibition, recitals mark World Poetry Day - 19.04.2012

World Poetry Day this year was marked locally by recitals and an exhibition of poems.

Attending the event, held at the National Arts Council (Nac), were principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, Nac’s chief executive Jimmy Savy, local poets and members of the public who had come to view the exhibition.

In his speech, Mr Savy said he recognised local poets as “real artists” and stressed the need to develop the creative industry further, adding it was his wish to see local poets’ works promoted commercially.
Mr Savy explained that poets are the guardians of a language and said Seychellois poets have helped in the development and growth of the Creole language.

    

          
             
Some local poets reciting their poems

“Through recitals, our poets help us to preserve the beauty of our language,” he said.
The exhibition itself consisted of several poems written by poets from all walks of life such as Jude Ally, Raspyek, Marie Neige Philoe, Stephanie Joubert and  Reuben Lespoir, to name a few.

After invited guests and the public had viewed the exhibition, they enjoyed poetry recitals for the rest of the evening.

 

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Second World Olympic Sports convention

Second World Olympic Sports convention - 19.04.2012
Working together for sports

There is no other way to ensure that the youth have access to the outstanding benefits offered and promoted by sports than to have the Olympic movement and governments work together as a team.

This was the gist of the message delivered by the Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton to the second World Olympic Sports Convention held in Moscow, Russian Federation.
Minister Meriton joined sports ministers from around the world and representatives of the Association of National Olympic Committees (Anoc) at the April 16-17 convention – an initiative of Anoc president Mario Vazquez Rana.
The first World Olympic Sports Convention was held in Acapulco, Mexico in October 2010.
The Moscow convention was preceded by the 18th general assembly of Anoc from April 13-14 and the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) was represented by its president Antonio Gopal and secretary general  Alain Alcindor.
Speaking about Seychelles’ experience and the good relations that exist between Socga and the government, Minister Meriton said this contributed to the achievements of Seychellois sportsmen on all fronts.
“The good relation that exists between Socga and the government symbolises the combined power of government and sports for youth and youth development as well as for the advancement of peace and stability,” he told the convention.
Minister Meriton shared the Seychelles experience with other countries with a view to further strengthen the partnership that should exist between governments and Olympic committees across the world.
The ultimate aim of the convention was to demonstrate that it is possible for the Olympic movement and governments to work together, to collaborate and team up. It is also to bring to the fore the fact that the common responsibility of both parties as well as a moral and ethical obligation for them to make all the necessary efforts to deliver joint programmes to guarantee the population access to sports.
While in Moscow, the Seychelles team met officials from other National Olympic Committees to address issues related to the Olympics and the Olympic movement, such as doping and illegal betting.
Minister Meriton also held bilateral discussions with his counterparts.

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Tennis: Vijay league

Tennis: Vijay league - 19.04.2012
Club 2000 and Lift & Slice joint leaders

After the first round of the Vijay league tournament, Club 2000 and Lift & Slice are sharing the top spot on the league table after collecting the same number of points from similar set differences.

Club 2000  (above) and Lift & Slice joint league leaders

After three matches, they have both collected 11 points from 11 sets in their favour and four against them.
Teams taking part in the Vijay league are awarded one point for each set won and Lift & Slice have won all their first-round matches, while Club 2000 suffered only one defeat against third-placed Spitfire.
In their last first-round match on Friday, Lift & Slice defeated Rotary Club 4-1 to share the lead with Club 2000. Lift & Slice started the series with two men’s singles victories with Damien Laporte winning 2-0 (6-4, 6-1) over Georges Panovski, while Shaun Andriamaro struggled past Vijay Patel for a very tight 2-0 win. The set scores were 7-6 and 7-5.
Laporte then teamed up with Theo Barois in the men’s doubles to beat Charlie Ng and Philip Brioche 2-0(6-4, 1-5) for a 3-0 lead.
Peggy Chang-Tave then pulled one match back for Rotary Club with a 2-0 win over Tania Solovieva in the women’s singles. The set scores were 6-2 and 6-2.
Frederick Canale and Solovieva then sealed victory for Lift & Slice with their win over the Panovski and Chang-Tave duo in the mixed doubles after the latter abandoned the match.
With 10 points, Spitfire finished the first round of the league in the third position after winning 10 sets and losing four out of three matches. Academy are fourth on nine points from nine sets won and 1 lost, ahead of fifth placed Eden who are on four points after winning four sets and losing seven. With three points from three sets won and 12 lost, Rotary Club tail the league.

The Vijay league table after the first round:
Team	Match played	Set for	Set against	Points
Club 2000	3	11	4	11
Lift & Slice	3	11	4	11
Spitfire	3	10	5	10
Academy	4	9	11	9
Eden	3	4	7	4
Rotary Club	3	3	12	3

*1 Point for each set won
 

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