MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDANCE DAY – 29TH JUNE 2012

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

28.06.2012

 

MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDANCE DAY – 29TH JUNE 2012

Seychellois in every district in our country, on all islands and everywhere in the world are marking, with great  pride,  the 36^th anniversary of the day our islands became independent. On 29^th June 1976 we took the first big and bold step towards building a Seychellois society that today proudly stands among the thriving nations of the world.

Independence gave us the unique Seychellois national identity. It is a source of pride for our people.  

We took our destiny in our own hands. We became responsible for own development and progress.  We were a backwater group of islands, small, but we had big aspirations. In 36 years, our free  people joined hands in unity to move our country forward, fast.   

On 29^th June every year we thank the patriots –who have preceded us for determination and perseverance. Above all, they firmly believed in the capability of their compatriots  to transform our country for the better. They laid the foundation for the modern and democratic Seychelles that is our comfortable abode today. We pay tribute to them for their confidence in their own Seychellois. Their courage, resoluteness and strong belief embody the true Seychellois spirit of always striving to attain our goals. This is the spirit we have inherited from them, that we are passing on to our children, that is driving our country forward.  We want that spirit to endure.  

Independence also brought us dignity as a nation. Surely, all Seychellois, wherever they are, are proud of our accomplishments as a republic. We are now moving to the higher stage of our development.  We continue to nurture our democracy, grow our economy, develop our human resources, improve the health sector, strengthen the social safety net, give more protection to our environment and boost our security.  We have reorganised government for more effective public service delivery. In 36 years we have developed into the top country in Africa in human development and e-government. We are a leader in sustainable development. We are a world example in environment protection. Our democracy is thriving. We are in the forefront in the fight against maritime piracy.  Our active diplomacy is making Seychelles more visible on the world stage. Our republic is contributing to world peace. These are among the many achievements of our independent nation that are earning us friends, the respect and admiration of the international community. 

Challenges remain, and we will face new hurdles. That is why we are rallying our nation around the theme of Striving for our Seychelles. With our unity, hard work and the resilience we have acquired  over time, nothing is insurmountable.  We are the Seychelles’ children.  Our pledge to our beloved Seychelles today is to continue to do our utmost to protect it from harm, to keep it on the road of progress.  We love our motherland. When we raise our flag at the Voice of the Nation monument on Independence Day, and we all stand up to sing the national anthem, we do it with a sense of patriotism. It is a solemn reminder that we all share the duty to make our Seychelles a land of values.  We renew our commitment towards building a New Seychelles that is more prosperous, more united, compassionate and pleasant to live in.   

The independence anniversary is traditionally the day of the inter-schools athletics competition. It is dedicated to our youth and children. Every June 29, and under our national symbols, they test their strengths. It is from events like the 29^th June athletics competition that we produce strong men and women who bring honour to our country. We lived great moments last year during the Indian Ocean Islands Games competition we hosted. Our Seychelles was the smallest nation, yet, with determination and courage,  and filled with the Seychellois spirit, we emerged as the second best nation in this important regional competition It is feats like these that mark us as a successful independent country.

I wish  all schoolchildren and students success in the competition.

On Independence Day today, let us give a special thought to our two compatriots who remain captive at the hands of pirates in Somalia. We continue to pray for their safe return home.          

I wish all Seychellois a happy  Independence Day anniversary.  May God continue to bless Seychelles.

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Care launches new drug fight theme in schools

Care launches new drug fight theme in schools - 27.06.2012 

The campaign to help fight drug abuse and illicit trafficking in schools will run under the new theme – Debout pour nou lekol:Lavi pa retourn an aryer.

The theme was officially launched by the chairperson of Campaign for Awareness, Resilience and Education against substance abuse (Care) Sarah Rene yesterday at the Seychelles Trading Company’s conference room.

Attending the ceremony were Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, who also heads the Ministry of Social Affairs, Community Devlopment and Sports, principal secretary for social affairs Linda William Melanie and chief executive of the Seychelles Children’s Foundation Noella Gonthier.

Others present were director of Care Robert Ah-Weng, heads of schools, Care club coordinators and members.

Mrs Rene said the new theme is one which has major importance.
She said there is a need to keep working with the children and other young people to help them choose the right path instead of turning towards bad influences such as substance abuse.

Mrs Rene congratulated the Care club coordinators for their good work and urged them to keep working hard to help make a difference.

Addressing those present, Odile Octave, director general for schools, said the theme represents an extra motivation and an encouragement to seek what is best for our future.

She added that a good education is the key to a bright and successful future.
Mrs Octave said there is a need to move forward with determination and to develop their values which will allow them to become skilful in their everyday lives.

She called on the young generation not to let bad influences affect their future and the communities where they live.

Mrs Octave urged them to join the fight and to help create an ideal society.
The launch, which coincided with the International Day against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, started with  blessings and prayers by Anglican Bishop French Chang-Him.

He said the theme is in line with national efforts to boost social and moral renaissance.
During the ceremony, four teachers gave presentations on the projects under the new theme which they plan to carry out, while Mr Ah-Weng gave an overview of the theme and reasons for choosing it.

Care club coordinators were also presented with their badges as recognition of their hard work.

Students from Grand Anse Mahe primary presented a sketch while those from Takamaka primary performed a song entitled Lespwar Lavenir.
Prior to the launch, coordinators and members took part in a march which started at Care House.

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Minister clarifies land and air transport issues

Minister clarifies land and air transport issues - 27.06.2012 

Four questions based on government projects were clarified by the Minister for Home Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan on Monday.

Mr Morgan was answering to the National Assembly’s government assurance committee at its Ile du Port headquarters.

The committee is mandated to ensure that government follows through on assurances given in the National Assembly on projects it has to implement and seeks clarification on projects that are not meeting their deadlines.

The seven-member team also seeks more detailed information on any government projects if need be and visits project sites to see for themselves the progress made.

Mr Morgan on Monday answered questions on the Copolia road, the greater Victoria project, fire tenders for the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Agency, and also a leasing of two new aircraft for Air Seychelles.

Speaking about the new fire tenders for the fire and rescue agency, Mr Morgan said a tender has been put out for the building of two fire stations on Praslin and one on La Digue, and some fire tenders will be taken from Mahe and sent to Praslin.

Two new fire tenders will however be brought in for the Mahe stations, one this year and another one next year.

The committee’s chairperson, Sheryl Vangadasamy, said they are satisfied with the explanations and assurances given by Mr Morgan.

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| Partners discuss economic growth and private sector

| Partners discuss economic growth and private sector - 27.06.2012 Stakeholders yesterday discussed growth and the private sector in a day-long workshop organised by the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment and the Central Bank of Seychelles in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Those present at the Ephelia Resort meeting included representatives of international funding agencies and donor organisations. Among the presentations given was one by the IMF which offered macro-economic lessons with regard to growth in tourism-dependent economies. The delegates also talked about barriers to growth and Seychelles’ business climate as well as hurdles caused by lack of, or inadequate financing or infrastructure. When launching the meeting, Vice-President Danny Faure noted a few years ago we introduced new economic and financial policies that underpinned the macro-economic reform programme of 2008. “As a result we achieved macro-economic stabilisation. We then took the necessary steps to roll-out a series of reforms which have been termed as the second generation of reforms,” he said. “These reforms are both structural and complex in nature. They remain very important reforms which are necessary if the country and the economy are to maintain the gains of the first generation of reforms introduced in 2008.” Mr Faure said the reforms are aimed at unleashing the potential of the private sector, bringing down barriers affecting businesses, increasing efficiency of public enterprises, increasing investment in infrastructural development, establishing new institutions and creating a regulatory framework based on sound policies and international best practice. “In our country’s quest for continued inclusive growth, government will remain as regulator and facilitator. “Government will continue its efforts to create favourable conditions for doing business, comfortable in the knowledge that the private sector is the engine for growth.  Sustainable growth will depend on the jobs and wealth created by the private sector,” he said. “We are looking at areas such as macro-economic stability, security, market access for exports – be it for goods or services – infrastructure development, and working on the overall strategy to ensure that we exploit areas where we are well endowed.” He said Seychelles has three main resources that we can consider important assets: the beauty of our islands; our vast exclusive economic zone; an educated, healthy population. “As government, we need to ensure our policies make it possible for these three resources to be sustainably tapped and developed to their full potential,” he told the delegates, reminding them they were gathered to ensure we improve the basics to allow private sector to grow and flourish.

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Seychelles and Mauritius Solidify Cooperation

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

18^th June 2012 

Seychelles and Mauritius Solidify Cooperation

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, has today concluded the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding, with his counterpart, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of the Republic of Mauritius, Dr. Arvin Boolell, aimed at further deepening the cooperation between the two island states.

In a special signing ceremony witnessed by President James Michel and the Mauritian Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, held at State House this morning, the two Ministers signed an MoU on health cooperation between the two governments, which included a skills developing exchange programmes for health professionals. This agreement allows for Mauritian doctors to work in the Seychelles for the public health sector.

The second signing referred to the education sector with the conclusion of an MoU between the University of Seychelles and the University of Mauritius. 

“Mauritius and Seychelles are natural partners and these two MoU’s mark the start of a deepening of our engagements in many areas,” said Minister Adam

“We share the same vision of prosperity for our people but we also share many of the same challenges so together we are better equipped to realise our ambitions. Over the coming months, we will be pursuing additional areas of cooperation in the areas of trade, policing, and tourism among others.”

The Minister added that Seychelles and Mauritius were keen to work together to continually fight the scourge of piracy, and to speak with a more unified voice in the international arena, particularly their commitment to the Indian Ocean Commission and to the SADC Roadmap for Madagascar.

“As President Michel said during our working session this morning, a more prosperous region is for the benefit of us all so Seychelles and Mauritius are commitment to working together to safeguard and realise the full potential of our Blue Economy, as well as facilitate exchanges between our private sectors,” added Minister Adam.

In addition to the traditional sectors, the Minister highlighted possible cooperation in the fields of intelligence sharing and gathering, and in social development, particularly in addressing social ills such as drug use and trafficking.

Minister Boolell is currently in Seychelles accompanying Prime Minister Ramgoolam during his first State Visit.

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MAURITIAN PRIME MINISTER PLANTS ENDEMIC COCO DE MER

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

18^th June 2012 MAURITIAN PRIME MINISTER PLANTS ENDEMIC COCO DE MER

The Prime Minister of Mauritius, His Excellency Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, has planted a Coco de Mer tree in the VIP Arboretum tree planting park, during a visit to the National Biodiversity Centre at Barbarons yesterday commemorating his first State Visit to Seychelles.

The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied by the Seychelles Minister of Environment and Energy Professor Rolph Payet. Dr Ramgoolam was introduced to senior members of the Ministry of Environment and other representatives of the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO’s), and was given a briefing on the work of the National Biodiversity Centre.

The Prime Minister planted a Coco-de-Mer seedling in memory of his historic visit and said he looked forward to coming back to see how well it will grow in the years to come.

“It is an honour to receive Prime Minister Ramgoolam as the first foreign dignitary to plant a tree in new VIP Arboretum, and  it is testimony of the significance of the historical relationship between the two countries, not only in the areas of economic cooperation but share a common heritage between the biodiversity of the Mascareignes,” said Minister Payet.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam was presented with a Commemorative Plaque of this special ceremony followed by a small tour around the National Biodiversity Centre where he was able to enjoy the scenery of a variety of palms and other endemic plants.

The event was also attended by the Principal Secretary for Environment Mr. Wills Agricole, the Chairman of National Botanical Gardens Foundation, Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Botanical Gardens Foundation Mr. Raymond Brioche, Chief Executive Officer of Waste and Landscape Management Agency, Mrs. Lena Desaubin, Member of the Seychelles National Assembly for Port Glaud District, Honourable Sultanne Jacqueline, Member of the Seychelles National Assembly for Anse Boileau  district, Honourable Bernard Arnephy, Grand Anse Mahé district Administrator, Mrs. Raymonde Benstrong, , as well as representatives from various hotels, staff from the Environment Department and other invited guests.

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SEYCHELLES-MAURITIUS, A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

18.06.2012

SEYCHELLES-MAURITIUS, A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP

President James Michel and Mrs. Natalie Michel hosted a banquet at the Kempinski Resort at Baie Lazare yesterday evening, in honour of the Prime Minister of Mauritius, His Excellency Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam. The banquet was attended by Former President James Mancham, Vice President Danny Faure, the diplomatic corps, as well as Seychellois and Mauritian dignitaries.

“Your visit is placed under the sign of the deep-rooted friendship between our two countries. I am proud that this friendship -- this affinity -- can be strengthened further, and in a way that is a lot more strategic, thanks to the effort and the determination of our two governments and peoples... The people of Seychelles are today proud to welcome Prime Minister Ramgoolam as our guest of honour..... I know Navin as a person who keeps his promise. During many years he has played a key role in the development of Mauritius. He has worked tirelessly in positioning Mauritius as a country with a dynamic economy, and also an unfailing commitment to its social contract with its people. I want to seize this occasion to hail his conviction as a leader. He is not a person who will just do things because he is popular. He does it for the good of his people. And this is the quality of a true leader,” said President Michel in his address.

President Michel noted that Mauritius and Seychelles have a natural connection and special relationship, with the same vision for development that is solid, lasting and sustainable. He noted that both countries experience similar vulnerabilities which they are working together to address.

“Seychelles and Mauritius share a deep friendship. And this friendship strengthens our resilience as two developing small island states coping with the negative currents in the global economy presently. The crisis that is spreading across the world actually is the most severe we have known. Many may question the resilience of the small island states in the face of such challenges, because we are the ones that are the most vulnerable. But we believe in our own capability. And we have already shown our resilience. And we have already proven our ability to adapt. If our two countries are cited among those with the best governance in Africa, it is because we have demonstrated our resoluteness to utilize our resources to ensure development for our peoples. It is because we have invested in our respective populations. It is because we practice transparency. It is because we believe in the rule of law,” said President Michel.

In his address, Prime Minister Ramgoolam thanked the Seychellois people for their warm welcome and hospitality and applauded the excellent relations between the two countries.

“ We have the same history, the same roots, our countries used to be administered as one country, and even after our independence we remain as one people…Mauritians have a lot of esteem for their Seychellois friends. Our Seychellois friends are always welcome in Mauritius, just as Mauritians always feel welcome in Seychelles. ….….thanks to the friendship between our peoples, and the personal friendship between President Michel and myself, we recently achieved an historic agreement to jointly manage the Continental Shelf [of the Mascarene Plateau Region ]….. we are islands on the world map, but when we put our resources together, we become giants of the Indian Ocean. We have a great common future,” said Prime Minister Ramgoolam.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam praised the progress that Seychelles has made in recent years and assured that Mauritius would continue to support Seychelles in its development.

“Since my last visit to Seychelles in 2006, I have noticed that a lot of development has taken place… under the enlightened and progressive leadership of President Michel, the Seychellois people can look towards the future with much confidence. We are all aware what is happening in Europe, we know about the unprecedented economic crisis in the Euro zone… It is not easy for our countries… but thanks to our vision and determination we are working to create a synergy, which is promising for Seychelles and for Mauritius.”

The banquet was also attended by members of the Mauritian community in Seychelles, who had made a special effort to welcome their Prime Minister when he landed at the Seychelles International Airport.

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ENORMOUS POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE COOPERATION

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

18.06.2012

ENORMOUS POTENTIAL FOR FUTURE COOPERATION

President James Michel welcomed the Mauritian Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, at State House this morning, where the two leaders discussed state affairs in a tête-à-tête meeting before joining a working session with Vice-President Faure, and Ministers to discuss cooperation projects between Seychelles and Mauritius on matters of trade, security, education, tourism, health and Indian Ocean Commission cooperation.

Following their meeting, President Michel and Prime Minister Ramgoolam signed a joint letter addressed to the United Nations Secretary General formally informing him that the landmark treaties for the Joint Exercise of Sovereign Rights and the Joint Management of the Continental Shelf in the Mascarene Plateau Region have both entered into force on this date. The two leaders also formally exchanged Diplomatic Notes declaring the completion of the necessary procedures needed for the aforementioned treaties, signed by their respective governments during President Michel’s State Visit to Mauritius in March this year, to come into force.

“The visit of Prime Minister Ramgoolam to Seychelles following my own visit to Mauritius in March this year shows that Seychelles and Mauritius believe strongly in our friendship and our partnership. There is enormous potential for cooperation in trade, security and regional affairs. The letters we have exchanged today on the joint management of our extended continental shelf illustrate that we are committed to sustainable development.  Our two countries and peoples understand that sustainable development depends on effective management of shared resources and the blue economy, which is the lifeblood of our future. Seychelles and Mauritius have a common vision for the development and this historic visit of Prime Minister Ramgoolam has reinforced our efforts to create a strong Indian Ocean island area of cooperation,” said President Michel following the meeting.

Prime Minister Ramgoolam said that he felt ‘great pride’ in attending the Seychelles National Day celebrations and that the historic agreement between Mauritius and Seychelles to jointly manage the Mascarene Plateau Region would bring important benefits to the people of Mauritius and Seychelles for the development of their economies.

“ Mauritius and Seychelles have a very close relationship as neighbours, but the friendship between the President and myself goes much beyond the ordinary relations between two leaders of neighbouring countries; it is relationship based on trust and mutual esteem. For this reason, I think, this mutual esteem and trust made it possible for us to succeed in our joint submission to United Nations for joint management of the extended continental shelf….. we made history, as the only two neighbouring countries in the world, who have reached such as an agreement…. Furthermore we are increasing cooperation at all levels, including tourism. I am satisfied this will increase, as each country has named an ambassador to follow up on our cooperation, so that we do not lose time…. We can do more to work together as we share similar problems and a common vision for sustainable development,” said Prime Minister Ramgoolam.

The two leaders also witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding between the Governments of Seychelles and Mauritius.

Editors’ note

·         The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will provide more information on the signings of the MOU’s mentioned in this press release

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State House exhibition launched

President James Michel

| State House exhibition launched - 16.06.2012 An exhibition of photographs and art works entitled ‘The State House in Portrait’ was officially launched yesterday at the Carrefour des Arts Among guests at the launch ceremony were President James Michel, Vice-President Danny Faure, ministers, executive board members of the National Arts Council, chairpersons of arts associations, art collectors and friends of the Art. “I have seen some beautiful works of art today which portray the State House in a unique way. Our young people are very talented and should be encouraged to continue developing their artistic abilities. The National Arts Council should do more to encourage artists to exhibit their works more often, as this will enrich our cultural life and give them the opportunity to promote their work,” said President Michel following the exhibition. The exhibition has been organised to promote the artwork produced last year for the 100th anniversary of State House whereby through a series of art days, painters and photographers captured their vision of the State House and its gardens. Seven professionals and eleven semi-professional painters, photographers as well as a group of art students from the School of Visual arts are showcasing their final works through this exhibition. The exhibition will remain open until June 28. Seychelles Nation will come back on the exhibition’s opening ceremony.

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Mauritian PM to undertake State visit to Seychelles

Mauritian PM to undertake State visit to Seychelles - 16.06.2012 The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius, Navinchandra Ramgoolam, will be undertaking a State Visit to Seychelles from June 17 to 20, 2012 at the invitation of President James Michel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday. Prime Minister Ramgoolam will be accompanying the President as the Guest of Honour at the National Day celebrations on Monday. The Prime Minister’s programme will also include a call on State House, an address to an extra ordinary session of the National Assembly and a special tree planting ceremony at the Barbarons Biodiversity Centre. The Prime Minister will be travelling with a high-level government delegation including the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Dr Arvin Boolell.

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19 Chinese couples choose Seychelles to swear eternal love

19 Chinese couples choose Seychelles to swear eternal love - 16.06.2012

Nineteen couples from China who had chosen Seychelles to become husbands and wives, exchanged their vows at a unique ceremony at the Le Meridien Barbarons Resort yesterday afternoon.

They had arrived here on Thursday aboard Ethiopian Airlines from Beijing via Addis Ababa for five days honeymoon.
The grooms were dressed in black suits and tie and the smiling brides pale cream dresses and the lifetime occasion was held under the theme “Encounter another world”.
The vows as read by a coordinator and repeated by the happy newly weds, ran similar to those usually taken in Seychelles: “Do you wish to marry me.. for richer or poorer.. in sickness or in health..”
Watching under the coconut trees, were former President James Mancham, the Minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St Ange and the chairman of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) Barry Faure.
Also present were the Chinese ambassador to Victoria, Shi Zhongjun and the Seychelles ambassador to Beijing, Philippe Le Gall, who were also at the airport Thursday to welcome the couples, part of a 92-strong group, including 32 journalists covering the event and the destination.

“Many destinations would have welcomed such newly weds on their shores to see them start married life together, but you, decided it was to be the Seychelles,” said Mr St Ange.
He said they are reminding the world of this important tie we have with China.
“You are reminding us that we are truly the melting pot of cultures with roots coming from France, Britain, Africa, China and India.”
Mr St Ange also reminded everyone that just a year ago, the Prince of England, Prince William and his bride, Kate Middleton, chose Seychelles for their honeymoon.
“Seychelles is that dream honeymoon destination and we know that we can have no other destination who can even try to compete with us for that title,” he said.
Unfortunately, at this time of the year, the sea in the background was very rough, with huge waves lashing Barbarons beach – there was nobody swimming and it was far from appealing.
Nevertheless the mass wedding generated considerable interest from other guests staying at the resort, including Indian visitor Glisha Mammen from Kerela, who is on her second honeymoon and Pakistani Dorothy Ayoub David, who were very exited and joined the Chinese newsmen in shooting pictures.
The wedding and honeymoon boiled down to a tourism publicity stunt organised by STB, the Seychelles embassy in Biejing and the China-Seychelles Cultural Association, which this year is marking 150 years since the first Chinese decided to settle in Seychelles.
The association’s chairman Mr Cui, read a poem, wishing the couples “eternal love”.
A t-shirt was especially printed for the occasion and worn by many of the guests.
One of them, endorsed with the newly weds’ names, was presented to the STB.
As part of their honeymoon, excursions have been organised for them by Mason’s Travel. These include trips to Praslin and La Digue, which the Chinese media will help turn into a holiday of a lifetime.

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President opens the modern maritime school he promised

President James Michel

| President opens the modern maritime school he promised - 16.06.2012 President James Michel yesterday unveiled the plaque to officially open a maritime training school of the kind he promised students when he visited them in June 2010. The new school is so modern that one of the students present when he pledged the new one said “it exceeds our expectations”. Experts in the field said that the new Maritime Training Centre (MTC) – with electrically driven simulators to demonstrate how real equipment works – is the best equipped in the region and could attract students from abroad who could easily be accommodated in dormitories available there. When Mr Michel met the students they talked about their studies and asked for better facilities for practical lessons among other things, to which he told them the government was doing its maximum to improve the school environment and to get a new facility saying: “I am impressed to see the interest of young people in maritime studies and also the number of girls who are interested in a maritime career. I want to encourage them to continue to develop this sector as the second pillar of our economy.” One of the students who heard him say so was Meggy Gertrude, who went on to qualify and become the school’s outstanding student for 2010, obviously making many proud including Mr Michel, and Education Minister Macsuzy Mondon who yesterday said: “I would also like to call on past students of the MTC to return and upgrade their qualifications through the higher level courses on offer. I am happy to note that enrolment of girls at the MTC has steadily increased over the last five years. Moreover, the Outstanding Student for the 2011 academic year was a girl. This trend is very encouraging for promotion of gender parity in a field that was previously dominated by men.” Speaking yesterday, Miss Gertrude – who told Nation about her plans to study further – thanked “Mr Michel and his government for giving us these beautiful and well equipped buildings with facilities beyond our expectations”. Mr Michel, who toured the new school, said in a statement that “the MTC campus is truly impressive.  It will become a regional centre of excellence in maritime studies that will benefit many generations of Seychellois in the future. “I am sure that with these modern facilities and equipment, a greater number of students will benefit from their learning and experience and start a maritime career with greater confidence and knowledge.  “This institution reflects the importance that we place on the development of the key professions that rely on our marine resources, as we strive to create a stronger and more sustainable blue economy.” In her speech, Mrs Mondon also recalled that during his visit to the Maritime Training Centre in June 2010, “as part of a series of visits to post secondary institutions, President Michel reassured the students that a new Maritime Training Centre will be built for them with proper facilities and modern equipment. “Today, exactly two years and one week later, the President has delivered on his promise, and I would like on behalf of the MTC students and staff, to thank you Mr President for another great achievement for the youth of Seychelles.  This is indeed another first for Seychelles.” She said the realisation of such big projects, sometimes take longer than anticipated or adjustments have to be made along the way as we vie for the necessary, but usually scarce resources. “The new MTC represents a project cost in the region of 65 million Seychelles Rupees, of which 36.6 million were for civil works, 24 million for equipment, 3.2 million for furniture and 1 million for training of trainers,” she said. Apart from giving extra facilities to cater for an increase in training capacity for over 200 students, the considerable investment is to ensure that the new MTC is well equipped to deal with emerging training needs emanating from environmental factors like climate change, fighting piracy and illegal fishing in our seas, said Mrs Mondon. The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa’s (Badea) Abdelaziz Khelef noted that his bank contributed US4.4 million, adding that Badea hopes to finance new facilities for the Seychelles Tourism Academy and a primary school as well as a crèche on Ile Perseverance.

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seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association

seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association - 15.06.2012 
Seminar showcases benefits of sports for women

The benefits of sports for women, both as a physical activity and a source of empowerment and integration, are undeniable, Minister for Education Macsuzy Mondon said yesterday.

   
Minister Mondon addressing guests and delegates at the official launch of the seminar

Mrs Mondon was addressing delegates at the official launch of the two-day Women and Sports seminar being held at the National Baha’i Centre at Bel Air.

Organised by Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga), the seminar is aimed at encouraging women to take an active part in sports and sports administration.

It is covering various aspects touching women and their involvement in sports, including successes in their endeavours as female athletes, coaches and administrators.

Minister for Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton, principal secretary for community development and sports Denis Rose, principal secretary for social affairs Linda William Melanie, Socga president Antonio Gopal and Socga executive committee members were among those present at the launch.

Mrs Mondon said the government has over the years taken initiatives and steps at various levels from the Constitution, to enact laws and policies to give better enabling environments for the improved involvement of women in all spheres of development.

However, she said, despite these strides in facilitating the empowerment of women, it is generally recognised that women continue to be under-represented in decision-making positions in some sectors of our society, including in the field of sports.

She also noted that women in general are confronted by a variety of issues that are quite distinct from that of their male counterpart in sports.

“Such challenges including the general lack of investment in empowering women to be able to assume management and leadership roles in sports, coupled by our already limited human resource base is in many ways limiting the healthy development of sports,” she added.

She also said, locally, sports programmes have been successful at reducing restrictions and offering girls and women greater mobility. 

Mrs Mondon added that sports can help reduce the social isolation that many women and girls experience, particularly those who live in poverty and are marginalised within their communities and sometimes families. 

“Through sport, women and girls can find safe places to gather, acquire new interpersonal networks, develop a sense of identity and access new opportunities, often allowing them to become more engaged in community life,” she added.

On behalf of Socga, Mr Gopal said it is the association’s duty to encourage more girls and women to be actively involved in sports.

He said research has proven that girls who are active in sports excel in their academic performance, as sports enhance the mental capacity.

He added that sports also boost self confidence, promote a healthy life and most of all keep young girls away from substance abuse.

Mr Gopal also explained that sports provide a more healthy transition from young age to adulthood and the earlier one starts practicing sports activities, the longer he or she will remain active.

Among the topics that are being covered in the seminar are women participation in the Olympic Games, coaching and administration, volunteerism, doping, leadership in sports, sports, women and HIV, and women achievement in sports.

The guest speakers include Alain Alcindor from Socga, Bernard Denis from the Sports Training Centre, Giovanna Rousseau and Robert Auguste from the National Sports Council, Paul Nioze from the Regional Anti-Doping Organisation, Georgette Furneau from the Ministry of Health, Ulrich Mathiot from the Seychelles Football Federation and Thyra Faure.

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19 Chinese couples to tie the knot on Mahe

19 Chinese couples to tie the knot on Mahe - 15.06.2012 Nineteen Chinese couples arrived yesterday for their special wedding and honeymoon in Seychelles, six months prior to Air Seychelles launching flights to China. Their arrival also coincides with the 150th anniversary of the first Chinese settlers in Seychelles and a banner unfurled at the airport proclaimed the occasion. The nineteen brides and grooms, accompanied by a contingent of 32 journalists, from mainland China and Taiwan and several businessmen, were welcomed upon arrival on the Ethiopian Airways by Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange  and Chinese ambassador in Victoria Shi Zhongjun. The Seychelles resident ambassador in Beijing, Philippe Le Gall, who had played a key role in organising the event, garlanded all the couples as they arrived on the flight from Beijing via Addis Ababa. The couples will stay at the Le Meridien Barbarons Hotel, where they will wed this afternoon in a ceremony which will combine Creole, Asian and European culture, said Mr Le Gall. He said the couples had been selected on the strength of their passion. “They are very much in love,” he said, and that was obvious as they hugged upon disembarcation and took photos of one another. Mr Le Gall, whose office in Beijing, along with Mason’s Travel and the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) organised the vacation, said that when he was accredited to China, Seychelles was rather unknown. Since then, there have been two visits by President James Michel to China; a visit by President Hu Jintao to Mahe and just two weeks ago, the donation of two giant Aldabra tortoises to Beijing Zoo. There has also been Seychelles’ participation at the 2008 Olympics and 2010 World Trade Expo in China. Mr St Ange said China is the biggest growth area in the world as a tourism market. Some 50 million Chinese take yearly vacations and in the region, they constitute the biggest market for the Maldives, with 130,000 visitors yearly. For Seychelles, the numbers are still small, but our country is out to take a little chunk of the market, he said. Mr St Ange said the presence of the big press contingent to cover the wedding and feature Seychelles’ scenery and people, will also contribute enormously to making our islands more visible in China. He also noted that the Chinese visitors coming to Seychelles are well-off and the occasion will generate good publicity for Seychelles, as our national airline intends to operate three weekly flights non-stop to China, starting January 2013. Mr Eddie D’Offay of Mason’s said that marketing and tapping of the Chinese market began over five years ago. He noted that weddings have increased, with several taking place at the Banyan Tree Resort in January, following which Seychelles was featured in Cosmopolitan Bride, a holiday magazine in Asia. Mr D’Offay said after the weddings today, the couples will be going on various excursions organised by Masons, including to Praslin and La Digue, before flying back home Tuesday, their heads full of good memories. He said Mason’s works closely with several hotels, notably the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay and both Meridien resorts -- Barbarons and Fisherman’s Cove. He forecasts however that in future, Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay and the Kempinski resorts might prove more popular with the Chinese visitors because of the casinos there, which constitute a major attraction. Mr D’Offay said Mason’s plans to continue marketing and tapping some other Asian markets, notably South Korea.

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Renewed drive seeks to cut disaster risks

Renewed drive seeks to cut disaster risks - 15.06.2012 People from sectors that work to prevent disasters yesterday met to exchange knowledge on how to cut related risks so they can better act and also pass on the information to the public. They first gathered at the Forêt Noire site of the January 17, 2011 major landslide where Environment and Energy Minister, Professor Rolph Payet, launched their workshop. They later convened at the Seychelles Trading Centre conference room for the workshop proper. The delegates included Land Use and Housing Minister Christian Lionnet, member of the National Assembly for Mont Fleuri Beguitta Jeannevole, senior government and United Nations Development Programme officials, district administrators, technicians involved in planning, the environment or disaster prevention and University of Seychelles students, among other people. The director general for policy planning and risk management Alain Decomarmond explained how destructive the 2011 landslide was, and the work that has been done to prevent a recurrence. An exhibition at the site showed the work which has included improving draining, repairing a road and building retaining wall. Thanking Prof. Payet for coming up with the idea of having the opening ceremony at the site of the disaster, he said choice of the venue allowed the delegates to realise first hand what happens in such landslides and measures normally taken to reduce further danger. Prof. Payet said members of the public should understand measures and advice given for example by the planning authority are aimed at preventing disasters and loss of property and lives. The stakeholders at the workshop got a chance to learn the criteria the authority uses to vet plans. Urging the delegates to make significant contributions, Prof. Payet said the workshop was funded by the Global Environment Fund in collaboration with his ministry. He said the Forêt Noire landslide was triggered by strong wind and heavy rain that fell within a short period of time causing heavy runoffs which led to ground movement, rock falls, deep failure of slopes, and flow of debris. “To reduce the risk in this particular area, the government of Seychelles through the Department of Risk and Disaster Management embarked on a major restoration project -- at the cost of R550,000 -- which included the construction of a stone masonry retaining wall, road repairs and drainage to cater for better flow of water downhill,” he said. Although the physical cause of many landslides cannot be prevented, proper geological investigations, good engineering practices, and effective enforcement of land-use management regulations can reduce landslide hazards, he said. “Globally, landslides cause hundreds of billions of dollars in damages and hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries each year. So in Seychelles we are rather fortunate, but we still need to exercise care and professionalism when developing on our hillsides,” he said.

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New South African HC to Seychelles accredited

New South African HC to Seychelles accredited - 15.06.2012 

Nomvuyo Nontsikelelo Nokwe is the new South African high commissioner to Seychelles.

She presented her credentials to President James Michel at State House yesterday morning.

Speaking to the media soon after meeting President Michel, Dr Nokwe said she feels privileged to be representing her country here.

She described this first meeting with the Seychellois head of State as a “wonderful and overwhelming experience”.

With regard to relations between the two countries, Dr Nokwe said, “Seychelles and South Africa already share warm bilateral relations but I think we can do more to strengthen that”.

She said the two countries already have trade and other links and during her mandate she will work to increase cooperation between them.

“I think we will be looking at and exploring other avenues for cooperation especially in tourism where we could share experiences in this sector as well as in environment and wild life,” added Dr Nokwe.

With regard to South African investors here, Dr Nokwe again said this is an area which could be explored further.

During her four-year mandate she said she will continue to build on what has already been achieved by her predecessor and “take cooperation between our two countries to new heights”.

Following her meeting with President Michel, Dr Nokwe called on the speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie at Ile Du Port.

Dr Nokwe, who will be based in Mauritius, replaces Madumane Matabane who was accredited as his country’s diplomatic representative here in July 2008.

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| Town-bound traffic to keep right at Roche Caiman

| Town-bound traffic to keep right at Roche Caiman - 14.06.2012 Vehicles travelling towards town will from today be expected to keep right after the roundabout near Eden Island, the Land Transport Agency has said. The left lane will serve as an acceleration lane and signs drawn on the road yesterday indicate the drivers should move to the right lane, said LTA chief executive Parinda Herath. Immediately after the section, however, the drivers will keep left as usual when they share the road with oncoming south-bound traffic. Mr Herath said the LTA has observed that vehicles have been keeping left leaving the overtaking lane free, but rogue drivers have been abusing the situation, racing down the nearly empty lane and harassing those on the left at the end of the overtaking lane. “The new situation correctly gives right of way to the driver on the right and a vehicle on the left must give priority to one on the right,” he said, adding the previous arrangement led to many near-crashes and a few accidents. Drivers on site yesterday were skeptical that the new arrangement will improve the situation, and nearly all motorists ignored the signs as soon as workmen finished marking the road. Mr Herath said the LTA will observe how traffic behaves, adding there were no plans to put wardens on site to guide traffic today. “We might put wardens there on alternate days to educate motorists about the change, but we expect drivers to obey the road signs,” he said. He also told Nation work to replace a crumbling bridge near the Marine Charter is finished, and the LTA is giving the cement making the new structure time to cure before it is reopened next week. The new bridge has a footpath and guardrails which the old one did not have. He also thanked Hari builders who built a new bus shed at the Seychelles Hospital bus stop after the previous shelter was crashed by a falling tree.

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