PRESIDENT MICHEL MEETS PRESIDENT ZUMA IN MARGINS OF MALAGASY TALKS ON DESROCHES

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

26^th July 2012 

PRESIDENT MICHEL MEETS PRESIDENT ZUMA IN MARGINS OF MALAGASY TALKS ON DESROCHES

President James Michel and his South African counterpart, President Jacob Zuma, have held bilateral discussions in the margins of the Malagasy talks being hosted by President Michel on Desroches Island in Seychelles yesterday.

The President welcomed President Zuma to Mahe on Wednesday morning and then accompanied him to Desroches Island where in depth consultations have been underway to find an end to the impasse in Madagascar in relation to the implementation of the SADC roadmap.

The two Presidents met briefly to discuss deepening cooperation between Seychelles and South Africa, both on bilateral and regional security issues, as well as to follow-up on issues discussed at their last meeting in Addis Ababa, in the margins of the recently concluded African Union Summit.

President Michel thanked President Zuma for his dynamic and unswerving leadership within Southern African Development Community (SADC) as the head of the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence, and Security, and for his support and commitment to the Malagasy talks being held in Seychelles.

President Zuma in return thanked President Michel for the exemplary work done in order to host the historic talks between the Malagasy political leadership in Seychelles, recognising their shared commitment to bringing stability to Madagascar and the region. In addition, the South African President thanked Seychelles for its role in the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and for the organisations' commitment to the SADC Roadmap for Madagascar.

The two leaders also touched upon key areas of bilateral cooperation and having reaffirmed their commitment to the blue economy and developing a maritime partnership, President Michel emphasised the need to ensure that the Indian Ocean continues to grow as a space conducive for development, not just for the neighbouring Small Island States for the region as a whole.

The potential for enhancing educational exchanges and links, particularly in the light of both countries membership of the SADC Protocol on Education, was also raised and it was felt that a lot could be achieved in this sector.

The two heads of State also discussed their growing partnership in the tourism sector, and ways in which this partnership may be further enhanced and boosted.

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Madagascar talks run into the night

Madagascar talks run into the night - 26.07.2012

President Jacob Zuma of South Africa spent the day in Seychelles yesterday and – together with President James Michel of Seychelles – took part in talks between the rival political leaders of Madagascar.

Mr Zuma – who is the  chairman of the Southern African Development Community Organ Troika on Politics – arrived earlier yesterday and was met at the airport by Mr Michel who is hosting current leader Andry Rajoelina and former President Marc Ravalomanana on the resort island of Desroches.
The South African and Seychellois presidents flew to the Desroches SADC and Indian Ocean Commission-led efforts to resolve the political issues of Madagascar.
Seychelles is the current chair of the IOC.
Mr Zuma left around 9pm last night but the Madagascar politicians were still on Desroches where they were believed to continue their discussions.

The SADC and Seychelles government are today expected to shed light on the outcome of the talks.

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Central Bank moves to stabilise forex market

Central Bank moves to stabilise forex market - 20.07.2012 The Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) is taking measures to stabilise the foreign exchange market after observing risen volatility in recent weeks, CBS governor Caroline Abel said in an interview on Thursday. She said a number of factors have pushed the cost of foreign exchange up and if not curbed could lead to further inflation, assuring the public that the bank is taking remedial measures, for example using some of its reserves to stall the declining value of the rupee. Ms Abel said the volatility has been driven in part by developments on the international scene, namely the prevailing uncertainty in the Eurozone, which has translated into speculative behaviour in the domestic market. “Although the market fundamentals in terms of demand and supply have not shown significant divergence compared to 2011 up to July 17, 2012, supply of foreign exchange through authorised dealers – banks and bureau de changes – has dropped by only 0.3%, while demand declined by 6.9% which shows that demand pressures have somewhat subsided,” she said. “Despite this, the rupee has depreciated by 14.5% against the US dollar and 6.9% against the euro since the beginning of the year. For example, the monthly average exchange rate moved from R13.9450 to the dollar in January 2012 to R14.2064 in May 2012, but accelerated in June and July to stand at R14.9678 on July 17.” She said the Central Bank is very concerned about the rapid depreciation of the domestic currency, particularly in recent weeks given that it is translated into higher inflation. “This is also reflected in the increase in consumer price index as observed in the past few months. As of June 2012, year-on-year inflation stood at 8.9%  – up from 8.7% in May – while the 12-month average rate was 5.5% , up from 4.9% in May.” She said Seychelles being a net importer, depreciation of the domestic currency is transmitted into higher prices in the domestic market. “Given its mandate to maintain price stability, the Central Bank has tightened its monetary policy stance since the second quarter of 2011. To that end, the bank uses its own liquidity absorbing instruments to withdraw liquidity from the banking system.  In addition, Treasury Bills which are issued by the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment are also used to mop up extra liquidity and these can be taken up by the general public. “Following further tightening in the monetary policy stance, an increase has been observed in the average interest rate across all maturities and on all instruments, that is CBS instruments and T-Bills. “This has started to be translated into higher deposit rates at commercial banks and it is expected that this will continue,” she said. “As an additional measure the Central Bank has decided to intervene in the foreign exchange market in order to smooth out the excess volatility, and to provide orderly market conditions as well as reduce any speculative element,” she said, adding the strategy is also consistent with the bank’s price stability objective to contain inflation. “In that respect, the Central Bank stands ready to use the instruments at its disposal to ensure that its primary objective is not jeopardised as well as the smooth functioning of the financial system foreign exchange market,” she said.

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Seychelles’ beauty queen set for Miss World pageant

Seychelles’ beauty queen set for Miss World pageant - 18.07.2012 Seychelles’ beauty queen Sherlyn Furneau left the country on Monday all set to take part in this year’s Miss World beauty pageant which will take place on August 18 in Ordos, China. In a press conference at the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) headquarters, Bel Ombre, before her departure, she said she is more than ready to represent Seychelles at the pageant. She was speaking in the presence of Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange, STB chief executive Elsia Grandcourt and special adviser for culture Raymonde Onezime. Ms Furneau, together with over 100 contestants, will be spending about a month in China to take part in a series of activities leading up to the pageant. She said she is positive about the event “as I have much local and international exposure thanks to the STB and other sponsors and all these have given me the baggage and confidence to make Seychelles proud in China”. She added that her grooming session in Italy -- which included make-up as well as other tips on how to behave and carry herself -- were all great experiences. The young lady also thanked all sponsors for giving her all the support she needs. The Miss Seychelles … Another World 2012 also got her wardrobe from Italy with the help of renowned Italian designer Michele Miglionico. Mr Miglionico is also sponsoring her a floral evening gown which has a fusion of colours representing our culture. Her traditional dress to be used when taking part in the talent show as part of activities for the pageant is sponsored by Paquerette Lablache of Mangouya Studio. Another costume – a cocktail dress – has been sponsored by local seamstress and designer Santasha Hoareau. Mrs Grandcourt said Seychelles is proud to have its own beauty queen taking part in the Miss World contest. And the STB feels honoured to have rallied behind Sherlyn since she was titled Miss Seychelles and followed her in her preparation for the international pageant. “Apart from the grooming during the preparation for Miss Seychelles, we went further than this – and for the first time a Miss Seychelles got the chance to go internationally to prepare herself for the Miss World,” said Mrs Grandcourt. She thanked both local and international sponsors for their support, Mr Miglionico, the Jj Spirit Foundation and the STB staff. Mrs Grandcourt, who will also be present at the 62nd Miss World beauty pageant, said the sponsors have allowed Sherlyn to get lots of exposure to give her more baggage and confidence.

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More youths join scheme to boost skills

More youths join scheme to boost skills - 18.07.2012 

A new group of young people have signed up for this year’s Skills Development Programme.
A ceremony held recently at the Seychelles Trading Company’s conference room saw over 30 young people officially welcomed to the programme.

Present at the launch ceremony were the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development Idith Alexander, her principal secretary (PS) Veronique Bresson, and other senior officials from their ministry.

The training programme was introduced in February 2010 to help vulnerable young people from 18 to 35 years old – who had not completed secondary or post secondary school, or lacked necessary skills in a certain field – with opportunities to develop their skills, enhance their knowledge and gain on-the-job experience to ease their access to employment opportunities on the labour market.

Many of the trainees who have followed this programme have today been absorbed at their places of attachment, or got jobs at other places.

At the launch ceremony, some of them were present to tell their success stories.
While officially launching this year’s training programme, PS Bresson said youths form part of the highest number of jobseekers in Seychelles.

“Out of 1284 registered jobseekers, youths between the ages of 15 and 35 represent 78% of the total jobseekers. Most of them are young male and female who did not successfully complete their vocational or academic schooling and therefore could not earn the required qualification to enter the world of work,” she said.

“Therefore, one of the many challenges that the young vulnerable jobseekers face in their every day job search is ‘competition’ due to lack of qualifications, experience and necessary skills to compete with the expectations and job requirements of the labour market.”

She noted that these unskilled youngsters are motivated and determined to take up employment, but they end up being confused and discouraged after turning up for job interviews and finally being told that they do not possess the necessary requirement or experience for the job.

“In the end, some of them give up the search for employment and fall prey to the various social ills which are currently invading our society,” she said.

The skills development programme is now part of the ministry’s strategy and every year the government makes budgetary provisions to ensure continued upgrading of the youths’ skills.

Ms Bresson said this new group will be attached to tourism establishments, an area where there is a large scope of prospects for young Seychellois jobseekers.

She also told the group that the ministry is offering them a second and fair chance for a career in a field of their choice.

“I call on you to seize this opportunity to learn and develop the best of your abilities so that at the end of your six months’ training, you can be absorbed in full time employment,” she said.
To prevent dropouts like has been the case in the past, trainees will receive counselling and follow-up as they progress.

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President James Michel addresses 19th Assembly of the AU

President James Michel

| President James Michel addresses 19th Assembly of the AU - 17.07.2012 ‘Islands crucial to ease Africa’s link with world’ Africa’s islands are critical to facilitate the link between the continent and the rest of the world, as well as among its different states, President James Michel has said. Addressing the 19th Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa at the weekend, President Michel called for more attention to be given to Africa’s ocean and its islands, adding that problems such as piracy came about because of Africa’s lack of capacity and political will to secure this oceanic space. “It is time that Africa redefines its relationship with its oceans. Our oceanic space is currently not given enough attention. Piracy profits from the fact that we, as African governments, have not done enough to secure this developmental space,” the President remarked. The President added that while most efforts for regional and continental integration had brought about tangible infrastructure in terms of roads or bridges, there was not enough done to connect Africa through its oceans, and its islands, the guardians of these maritime highways. “We will not succeed fully …… if we fail to harness the true potential of our oceans to connect us, to connect us with each other, and to connect us to other continents.  Africa’s islands are critical to facilitate these connections.” The President said that the potential of Africa’s ocean was boundless, but in the majority this wealth was exploited by external parties: “It is OUR wealth.  We must work together to ensure that we are the ones to mobilise it for the benefit of our children.” The President cited the example of the recent ground breaking agreement between Seychelles and Mauritius on a shared extended continental shelf as an illustration of states working together to mobilise the true potential of the ‘blue economy’. The Seychelles delegation at the assembly also took the opportunity to call for an acceleration of the process to resolve the crisis in Madagascar through full implementation of the SADC Roadmap. As chair of the Indian Ocean Commission, President Michel called on all partners to strengthen the support to Madagascar to prepare the way for free and fair elections to mark the conclusion of the crisis. The President stated that Seychelles was seizing the moment to re-engage with the African Union, to contribute towards a second liberation for Africa - that of ‘true economic liberation’. As part of this process, the Seychelles government has announced its decision to open an embassy in Addis Ababa.

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Les Etats de la COI valident leur stratégie régionale d’adaptation au changement climatique

Les Etats de la COI valident leur stratégie régionale d’adaptation au changement climatique - 12.07.2012 Les Etats membres de la Commission de l’Océan Indien (COI)- à savoir les Comores, Madagascar, Maurice, La Réunion (France) et les Seychelles – ont validé une stratégie régionale d’adaptation au changement climatique. Cela   au terme d’un atelier de deux jours, du 4 au 5 juillet organisé à Maurice par le projet Acclimate de la COI. Etaient également présents à cette occasion, divers observateurs représentant le PNUD, l’Union Européenne ainsi que la société civile des pays de la région. Les représentants et les experts des pays ont travaillé conjointement pour finaliser les fondements de la stratégie et l’identification des secteurs d’intervention prioritaires pour la région, tels que la gestion intégrée de la ressource en eau, la préservation de l’environnement (terrestre et marin), la santé publique et la sécurité alimentaire. D’un commun accord, d’autres secteurs, également jugés prioritaires, devront être pris en compte dans un second temps (gestion des risques naturels, transports, énergie, tourisme, etc.) Les attentes exprimées par les participants à cet atelier ont permis de préciser le rôle et les étapes de mise en oeuvre de cette stratégie. C’est ainsi que les pays membres de la COI sont unanimes sur la nécessité de disposer d’un centre régional de services climatologiques, en accord avec ce que préconise l’OMM (avec son cadre mondial pour les services climatologiques). Ce centre, s’appuyant sur plusieurs pôles de ressources, permettrait de mutualiser les compétences au service des pays de la COI dans le domaine du changement climatique. Le document de stratégie finalisé doit maintenant être entériné politiquement par le conseil des ministres de la COI d’ici la fin de l’année pour devenir le cadre d’action de la COI pour les prochaines années en matière d’adaptation au changement climatique. En savoir plus : http://www.acclimate-oi.net/atelier-validation-strategie-regionale-adaptation-au-changement-climatique

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job fair moves to Praslin

ob fair moves to Praslin - 12.07.2012 

The Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development has organised its second ‘job fair’, this time on Praslin. 

The fair, held last Friday on the basketball court outside the Baie Ste Anne community centre, saw the participation of 18 organisations displaying over one hundred vacancies available on the island. Vacancies range from hotel positions to police officers, aviation security and cabin crew.

The Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Idith Alexander, along with high level officials of the ministry, visited the fair and interacted with the employers and jobseekers present.

“The aim of the job fairs is for our ministry to remain connected with the employers and also facilitate job seekers from the island who are in search of employment…..our youth and students who are future job seekers to know the job market demand to make well informed choices when choosing a career at the end of their studies…,” said Minister Alexander.

Some organisations however have expressed disappointment over the number of visitors who have shown interest to apply for the available vacancies. Their concerns were over the number of unemployed Praslinois versus vacancies, but yet minimum application and interest were observed at the job fair.

At the close of the fair, 151 applications had been filled out for the different positions available.

After visiting the job fair on Praslin, the minister conducted her first visit to the ministry’s outstation office on La Digue to meet with staff.

She then proceeded to conduct a familiarisation visit at the Domaine de L’Orangeraie, an activity featuring high on her agenda to consolidate good partnership with the private sector.
 
The visits to workplaces also allow the minister to meet with the workers in their work environment and hear firsthand of their concerns. 

After the tour the minister met the general manager and his management team to discuss issues such as training plan for succession purposes, working hours, and internal dispute resolution procedure.  

The general manager has agreed to take action on issues requiring immediate attention. 
The ministry will follow up closely with the hotel until all problems have been resolved. 

The Ministry has also pledged to work closely with the human resource manager to put in place and improve on procedures for better industrial relations.

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8èmes Jeux de la CJSOI du 9 au 16 juillet aux Comores – volet jeunesse

8èmes Jeux de la CJSOI du 9 au 16 juillet aux Comores – volet jeunesse - 12.07.2012 Les délégués discutent la situation de l’emploi des jeunes dans la région Après avoir débattu sur l’énergie renouvelable mardi, les participants à l’Assemblée des jeunes du volet jeunesse des 8èmes Jeux de la Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l’Océan Indien (CJSOI), ont abordé, hier au Palais du Peuple de Moroni aux Comores, la situation de l’emploi dans la région. La séance d’hier a été présidée par le coordonateur national du projet ‘Emploi-jeunes aux Comores’, M. Mohamed Zoubeiri, qui est également le point focal du Bureau de l’Emploi aux Comores. Le Ministre seychellois des Affaires Sociales, du Développent Communautaire, et des Sports, M. Vincent Meriton, qui est également le président en exercice de la CJSOI, était présent à cette assemblée dont le but principal est de promouvoir l’amitié et la fraternité entre les jeunes des îles/pays membres et de favoriser le développement de la coopération régionale. Jean-Yves Kilindo, Jean-Luc Adrienne, Nisha Serret  et Thalia Uzice sont les représentants seychellois à l’Assemblée de jeunes. Toujours hier, il y avait une répétition de l’Orchestre de l’Océan Indien. Les deux guitaristes seychellois – Dean Rose et Shawn Lepère – et les deux joueuses de clarinette – Lauren Montalban et Sandy Finesse – font partie cet orchestre. Il est bon de noter qu’en privilégiant la promotion de l’amitié et de la fraternité entre jeunes de l’Océan Indien, l’organisation de ces 8èmes Jeux prévoit l’utilisation d’un hymne des Jeux et non des hymnes nationaux. Par ailleurs, les jeunes sont hébergés selon le principe de répartition par discipline et non par délégation. Ceci permet un véritable brassage des jeunes pour leur permettre de mieux se connaître, s’estimer et progresser ensemble.

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| Suspected pirates demand new mattresses in jail

| Suspected pirates demand new mattresses in jail - 12.07.2012 Fourteen suspected Somali pirates being tried for attacking a ship in the Gulf of Oman have made a string of demands including one for new mattresses at Montagne Posée prison where they are being held. Referring to the arsenal they were allegedly caught with as the most deadly he had seen, a court official told Nation the suspects “keep making demands and behave as if they want to disrupt the proceedings, sometimes throwing ad hoc statements at judge Duncan Gaswaga who is hearing the case”. Responding to their request, Mr Gaswaga summoned prisons superintendent Maxime Tirant who submitted a report to the court with pictures he said showed the prisoners have ideal accommodation. Nation recently heard visiting Somali ministers and United Nations officials describe the new block in which convicted and suspected Somali pirates are housed as “very comfortable”, a fact Mr Tirant pointed out in his report. Nation learned that the suspects were complaining of not getting medical attention, but also that they reportedly threw back medicine they were given and demanded lawyers from Somalia. Mr Tirant said in his report that the suspects get the standard treatment given to all inmates, although upon their arrival the media saw Seychelles topmost – and not ordinary – doctors attending to them. Seychelles’ primary health care is ranked highest in Africa under the United Nations Human Development Index, which ranks Somalia quite low. The suspects are being represented by lawyer Anthony Derjacques – who is the president of the Seychelles Bar Association – at government expense. They had said they want to either represent themselves or be allowed lawyers from Somalia, to which Mr Gaswaga said they were free to do at their own expense but also told them in view of the serious nature of the crimes they are charged with, it is best they accept the high-ranking lawyer they have been offered rather than be unrepresented. Michael Mulkerrins is prosecuting in the case for the 14, who were arrested by European forces patrolling pirate riddled waters. The suspects had earlier argued that Seychelles courts have no power to try them as they were caught near Oman, but Mr Gaswaga referred to an earlier case in which he had ruled that the exclusive economic zone of a country comprises international waters except for the purpose of economic exploitation. Therefore, given Seychelles’ amended laws, the court has jurisdiction in the case.

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Strong communities key to productive society

Strong communities key to productive society - 12.07.2012 Empowering inhabitants of a community, its volunteers and the social structure is a must if we want to create and preserve a healthy and productive society. This was said by the Minister for Social affairs, Community Development and Sports Vincent Meriton at a one-day forum held for community leaders under the theme Our Community, Our Engagement: Together we can. The event, held recently at the Seychelles Trading Centre conference room, is an initiative of the community development department and sports together with the Liaison Unit of Non- Governmental Organisations (Lungos). Present at the launch of the forum were the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry Peter Sinon, chief executive of Lungos Steve Lalande, principal secretary for culture Benjamine Rose, principal secretary for youth and sports Denis Rose and principal secretary for social affairs Linda William. Other guests included Catholic Bishop Denis Wiehe, leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre and other members, district administrators and community leaders, volunteers and representatives from other departments concerned and involved. “After the family, community is the most important structure where individuals are raised and taught moral values,” said Mr Meriton, adding it is Seychellois men, women and youth who form the basis of our community and who have the power to decide and act on what is best for it. He also brought to light common concerns like criminality and substance abuse in communities, stressing the importance for volunteers and designated watchdogs to take on active roles in identifying and preventing this. The forum – which is in line and a part of the social renaissance campaign launched last year – included presentations on strategic approaches to community engagement and empowerment, a documentary on community leadership and strategies and approaches for private and government sector as well as civil society, group work and general discussions. Mr Meriton said the aim of this strategic planning is to find innovative ways to give people the power to take responsibility for their own future and added new structures will be incorporated at district level to ease the process.

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SADC Ministers of Infrastructure agree on Specific Oceanic States Infrastructure Development Programme

 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Press Release

4^th July 2012 

SADC Ministers of Infrastructure agree on Specific Oceanic States Infrastructure Development Programme

SADC Ministers responsible for infrastructure approved USD 358 billion SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan, RIDMP (2013-2027) during its meeting on the 28^th June, in Luanda, Angola. The master plan which will be implemented in 3 phases also includes a programme specifically targeting the needs of the oceanic states, namely Seychelles and Mauritius. Seychelles was instrumental in obtaining a decision by the SADC ministers with regards to infrastructure projects which address the specific needs of oceanic states in areas of energy, transport, tourism, ICT, meteorology and water.

The RIDMP would be the basis for SADC’s future cooperation on regional infrastructure development, joint planning, resource mobilization, cooperation with International Cooperation and Development Partners, the Private Sector investors and other development agencies. Investing in Infrastructure is paramount to Economic Integration of the SADC Region, boosting trade and further enhances political cooperation. SADC Ministers also agreed to convene a SADC Infrastructure Investment Summit during the first quarter of 2013 with the aim of mobilizing the necessary resources to implement this plan.

The Minister for Environment and Energy, Dr. Rolph Payet, headed the Seychelles delegation at this meeting, and was accompanied by the Director of Development and Regional Integration, Mr Kenneth Racombo, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Payet reiterated in his statement to the meeting that ‘with only 87000 inhabitants, Seychelles encounters numerous Sustainable development challenges; limited resources, remoteness, vulnerability to external shocks, excessive dependence on International Trade and fragile environments to name a few impact negatively on our economic development; and this further impose numerous challenges in delivering on our regional integration commitments and our economic reform programme.

Infrastructural projects are paramount for our development; one cannot underscore the importance and the link of regional projects in promoting integration. High communication, energy and transportation costs, disproportionately expensive infrastructure due to small size provides little to no opportunity to create economies of scale in Seychelles.

Present at the Meeting was also respective Ministers from SADC member states, Representatives from the African Development Bank and the AU Commissioner of Infrastructure and Energy HE Dr Elham M.A Ibrahim.

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