Ministry of Tourism and Culture Press release

Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Press release

Tuesday 22^nd January 2013

Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors from around the globe confirm participation at coming carnival in Seychelles

Mrs Rita Romain-Richez, Tourism Ambassador from France in collaboration with Mrs Maryvonne Pool, Tourism Ambassador from Tanzania have confirmed the participation of Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors at the 2013 edition of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands Carnival which is being held this year from the 8th to 10th February in Seychelles.

The Tourism Ambassadors are coming from France, Tanzania, Jamaica, UK, Switzerland and Germany. They will represent their countries of residence with their respective flags and will be dressed in these  country’s national costumes. Although many of the other Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors could not make it this year, both Rita Romain-Richez and Maryvonne Pool said they were going ahead even with a smaller delegation, but that they intend to treat this edition as preparation for 2014 when most of the Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors are planning to be present.

The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors float in the 2013 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria will be depicting all the Tourism Ambassadors representing Seychelles all around the Globe and they will be flying their respective country’s flags. The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors give their time to promote Seychelles on a Pro Bono basis. They try their best to promote Seychelles as a Destination in their individual Countries. 

 The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors who will be participating in this year’s carnival said that they are thrilled to be part of this first participation which they say will help to promote Seychelles destination.

The Tourism Ambassadors are coming from France, Tanzania, Jamaica, UK, Switzerland and Germany. They will represent their countries of residence with their respective flags and will be dressed in these  country’s national costumes. Although many of the other Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors could not make it this year, both Rita Romain-Richez and Maryvonne Pool said they were going ahead even with a smaller delegation, but that they intend to treat this edition as preparation for 2014 when most of the Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors are planning to be present.

The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors float in the 2013 edition of the Carnaval International de Victoria will be depicting all the Tourism Ambassadors representing Seychelles all around the Globe and they will be flying their respective country’s flags. The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors give their time to promote Seychelles on a Pro Bono basis. They try their best to promote Seychelles as a Destination in their individual Countries. 

 The Seychelles Tourism Ambassadors who will be participating in this year’s carnival said that they are thrilled to be part of this first participation which they say will help to promote Seychelles destination.

Read More

Third phase of government restructuring

Third phase of government restructuring - 15.01.2013 President announces changes, new appointments President James Michel Monday announced a number of changes and new appointments in the government and in public sector agencies, which form part of the third phase of restructuring of government which started in March 2012. This is in line with the President’s emphasis on enhancing service delivery, on government remaining connected to the people, and giving more responsibility to young professionals. “We are improving the government structure to remain relevant in an environment of changing public demands, modernised services as well as giving opportunities for innovation in order to become more efficient and effective in providing public services,” said President Michel following the appointments. The Office of the President has been restructured. The President retains direct portfolio responsibility of Defence, Legal Affairs, Information, Youth and Hydrocarbons. In addition to the portfolios of Information Communication Technology and Public Administration which are already assigned to the Vice-President in the Office of the President, the portfolio responsibility for Youth has been assigned to the Vice-President. An Executive Office of the President has been created. It will be headed by Lise Bastienne, who has been appointed Secretary General of the Office of the President. In her new capacity, the former Principal Secretary for Presidential Affairs assumes responsibility for the executive functions of the Office of the President, including the management of the departments of this office, as well as liaison with other ministries, departments and agencies. Mohammed Afif remains Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office, and is directly responsible to the President. Ambassador Callixte d’Offay, until recently the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission, has been appointed the Conseiller Diplomatique à la Présidence. Ambassador d’Offay will continue to serve as the Non-Resident Ambassador to Mauritius, Comores and Madagascar. Srdjana Janosevic, who is Chief Press Secretary, will also assume responsibility for the Department of Information, under the Office of the Secretary General. Lekha Nair remains Principal Secretary for President’s Office Administration, under the Office of the Secretary General. Jessie Esparon has been promoted to the new post of Chief Secretary for the Public Service, a post which combines the role of PS for Public Administration and Secretary of the Public Sector Commission which is responsible for the management of the Senior Public Officials. The functions of the Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investment have been strengthened by the addition of the responsibility for Economic Policy and Planning. The ministry will have two principal secretaries. Steve Fanny remains the Principal Secretary for Finance & Trade, and Bertrand Belle has been promoted to the post of Principal Secretary for Economic Policy & Planning. Sherin Renaud has been appointed as the Principal Secretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. Mrs Renaud previously held the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Investment Board. Rupert Siméon, who was previously Director General for Policy & Planning in the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment, has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Investment Board. Patrick Payet has been appointed as the Comptroller-General in the Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investment, a post previously held by Sitna Cesar. Miss Cesar will serve as Consultant to the Minister for the setting up of a new Commission for Public Enterprise Monitoring. Damien Thesée has been promoted to the post of Deputy-Comptroller-General. Yves Choppy has been confirmed as the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Land Use & Housing. Ronny Palmyre has been confirmed as the new CEO for the Housing Finance Company, and Timothé Sinon as the CEO of the Property Management Company. Marcus Siméon has been appointed to the post of Deputy CEO in the Agency for Social Protection. The new appointments take effect today, January 15, 2013.

Read More

Third phase of government restructuring

Third phase of government restructuring - 15.01.2013 President announces changes, new appointments President James Michel Monday announced a number of changes and new appointments in the government and in public sector agencies, which form part of the third phase of restructuring of government which started in March 2012. This is in line with the President’s emphasis on enhancing service delivery, on government remaining connected to the people, and giving more responsibility to young professionals. “We are improving the government structure to remain relevant in an environment of changing public demands, modernised services as well as giving opportunities for innovation in order to become more efficient and effective in providing public services,” said President Michel following the appointments. The Office of the President has been restructured. The President retains direct portfolio responsibility of Defence, Legal Affairs, Information, Youth and Hydrocarbons. In addition to the portfolios of Information Communication Technology and Public Administration which are already assigned to the Vice-President in the Office of the President, the portfolio responsibility for Youth has been assigned to the Vice-President. An Executive Office of the President has been created. It will be headed by Lise Bastienne, who has been appointed Secretary General of the Office of the President. In her new capacity, the former Principal Secretary for Presidential Affairs assumes responsibility for the executive functions of the Office of the President, including the management of the departments of this office, as well as liaison with other ministries, departments and agencies. Mohammed Afif remains Secretary of State in the Cabinet Office, and is directly responsible to the President. Ambassador Callixte d’Offay, until recently the Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Commission, has been appointed the Conseiller Diplomatique à la Présidence. Ambassador d’Offay will continue to serve as the Non-Resident Ambassador to Mauritius, Comores and Madagascar. Srdjana Janosevic, who is Chief Press Secretary, will also assume responsibility for the Department of Information, under the Office of the Secretary General. Lekha Nair remains Principal Secretary for President’s Office Administration, under the Office of the Secretary General. Jessie Esparon has been promoted to the new post of Chief Secretary for the Public Service, a post which combines the role of PS for Public Administration and Secretary of the Public Sector Commission which is responsible for the management of the Senior Public Officials. The functions of the Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investment have been strengthened by the addition of the responsibility for Economic Policy and Planning. The ministry will have two principal secretaries. Steve Fanny remains the Principal Secretary for Finance & Trade, and Bertrand Belle has been promoted to the post of Principal Secretary for Economic Policy & Planning. Sherin Renaud has been appointed as the Principal Secretary for Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism & Culture. Mrs Renaud previously held the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Investment Board. Rupert Siméon, who was previously Director General for Policy & Planning in the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment, has been appointed to the post of Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Investment Board. Patrick Payet has been appointed as the Comptroller-General in the Ministry of Finance, Trade & Investment, a post previously held by Sitna Cesar. Miss Cesar will serve as Consultant to the Minister for the setting up of a new Commission for Public Enterprise Monitoring. Damien Thesée has been promoted to the post of Deputy-Comptroller-General. Yves Choppy has been confirmed as the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Land Use & Housing. Ronny Palmyre has been confirmed as the new CEO for the Housing Finance Company, and Timothé Sinon as the CEO of the Property Management Company. Marcus Siméon has been appointed to the post of Deputy CEO in the Agency for Social Protection. The new appointments take effect today, January 15, 2013.

Read More

Ministry of Tourism and Culture Press release

Ministry of Tourism and Culture

Press release

Friday 11^th January 2013

Carnaval banner adds festive eye catching splash to Seychelles

A mega 20 x 3 metre high Seychelles Carnaval banner now decorates the National Cultural Centre of Victoria and will remain the eye catching sign to all entering Victoria, the Capital of the Seychelles.

The National Cultural Centre house the Offices of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture. 

The Banner securely mounted on the building is sponsored by Maryvonne Pool, the Seychelles Tourism Ambassador and the Country’s Honorary Consul based in Tanzania. The banner was erected into place by Allied Builders as part of their c/ontinued effort to work with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

This latest sponsorship by Maryvonne Pool is considered as a valuable contribution to Carnaval International de Victoria as it adds a festive eye catching splash to the town of Victoria. 

Fabricated from quality high strength material the Carnaval banner erected 3 metre high on the National Cultural Centre building paved the way for Seychelles Tourism Board to start this weekend its downtown Carnaval decorations.

Maryvonne Pool commitment as a key partner of Seychelles Carnaval International de Victoria started in 2011 when she sponsored her first mega 15 by 3 metre banner accompanied by six more three metre banners to the Carnaval first edition.

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture used the arrival of the banner from Tanzania to say that the carnival is for Seychelles and its co-hosts. It is for each and every Seychellois. “Let us continue to rally to make this great annual event what it deserves to be. Every business in Seychelles reaps the benefits from Seychelles hosting the annual carnival. We only need to look at the /foreign exchange intake by the country, or at the visitor arrival numbers for the period of the carnival to see the evidence of the benefits of the national event.  Year on year the results stands out. This is why we can say to the business community walk with us and in so doing, you will help the consolidate your own business. Be in the carnival with a delegation, or decorate your own business premises, come forward to help sponsor the carnival and be seen as a friend of the carnival “said Minister Alain St.Ange

“Maryvonne Pool’s gesture speaks volume, let us see what others can now do” Minister St.Ange said.

Photo Caption: Carnaval International mega poster on the National Cultural Centre building

Read More

L’Assemblée générale de l’organisation ‘Entreprendre au Féminin Océan Indien

L’Assemblée générale de l’organisation ‘Entreprendre au Féminin Océan Indien’ - 14.01.2013 Promouvoir l’entrepreneuriat féminin dans la région Bon nombre de femmes représentant divers secteurs d’activité économique ont participé à l’Assemblée Générale ordinaire dimanche de l’Association ‘Entreprendre au Féminin Océan Indien (EFOI) qui a eu lieu à la salle des conférences de la faculté de l’Education de l’Université des Seychelles, à Mont Fleuri. Les femmes, qui devaient vers la fin de l’assemblée d’hier élire un premier comité national de l’EFOI Seychelles, sont gérantes ou propriétaires d’entreprises dans les secteurs comme l’artisanat, le média, boutique, coiffure, l’ameublement, l’horticulture, la discothèque et la comptabilité. Etaient également présentes à cette réunion organisée sous l’égide de la Commission de l’Océan Indien (COI) Mme Sylvianne Valmont, parlementaire seychelloise, Mme Sylvia Pagès, présidente régionale de l’EFOI, Mme Fatoumia Bazi, chargée de mission de la COI, et Mlle Penny Belmont, chef exécutive de l’Agence pour la Promotion des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (Senpa). Dans un discours de bienvenue, Mme Valmont, elle-même ancienne chef exécutive de la Senpa, s’est réjouie de l’intérêt que porte la COI à l’entrepreneuriat féminin aux Seychelles et dans la région. Elle a signalé qu’un grand nombre des Seychelloises sont entrepreneures et chefs d’entreprises.  Mme Valmont a rappelé que certaines organisations non-gouvernementales (ONG) de femmes, dont  SAWE (l’Association des femmes entrepreneurs seychelloises) qui compte environ 80 membres, soutiennent les objectifs de l’EFOI. Mme Bazi a fait un rappel historique de l’EFOI depuis 2007 jusqu’au premier forum à Tamatave, Madagascar, en 2007.  Elle a souligné que l’organisation cherche à partager les connaissances et les bonnes pratiques entre les groupements nationaux afin de faire émerger une dynamique économique. L’EFOI vise aussi l’échange d’expertise et la facilitation du développement d’affaires, de partenariat et de commerce entre les îles de la région. Parmi les partenaires de l’EFOI on retrouve l’Union Européenne, la Banque Africaine de Développement et les chambres de commerce des îles de la région. Au cours de la réunion, il a aussi été convenu que l’adhésion à l’EFOI Seychellois soit 100 roupies et 200 roupies pour la contribution annuelle.

Read More

Domaine de Val des Près redevelopment

Domaine de Val des Près redevelopment - 14.01.2013 
Nine local entrepreneurs successful bidders

Nine Seychellois entrepreneurs involved in art and craft and other small industry production have been successful in their bid for a land parcel at the Domaine de Val des Près.

The Seychelles Heritage Foundation (SHF) revealed this information last week in a press release.

The selected projects will offer a range of products and services from art classes to Seychellois and sale of candles with several essences.

 Also on sale will be miniature of Seychelles’ traditional musical instruments, audio visual products on our heritage among others.

The selected projects represent a balanced development that preserves the historical and heritage significance of the site while providing for additional cultural and heritage attractions and services for visitors and the general public and make the site more visitor-friendly.

It also represents a significant investment coming from the private sector into the field of culture.

Additionally, it will create employment opportunities for residents of Au Cap and nearby districts
The Ministry of Tourism and Culture and the SHF would like to see to greater community involvement in the village, greater collaboration with travel agencies, taxi operators and other stakeholders.

 This is aimed at increasing the yield that the country collects from tourism.

In August last year, the SHF invited interested people to take part in the bidding process through their proposed projects to redevelop the important historical and heritage village, while at the same time preserving and conserving its historical and heritage values.

This is in line with the ongoing redevelopment and extension plan of the Domaine de Val des Près.

The press release adds that the project is in line with President James Michel’s call and Seychelles Tourism Board’s efforts for a Seychelles tourism brand that reflects a rich combination of the natural and cultural attractions of our islands.

In a presentation in the National Assembly in July last year, Tourism and Culture Minister Alain St Ange elaborated his ministry’s plan to ensure that this popular site is developed into a lively traditional, historical and cultural village with commercially viable and sustainable projects that will provide visitors with core activities to enrich their holiday experience in the context of the cultural tourism programme.

Cultural tourism is educative, entertaining and it provides a new perspective and stimulating experience to visitors. The Domaine de Val des Près heritage site has the potential to showcase our Creole culture and hospitality to visitors.

The redevelopment plan falls well within the mandate of the SHF aimed at promoting and preserving cultural heritage sites with particular significance to heritage or cultural tourism.

The government of Seychelles through the SHF identified Domaine de Val des Près as one of the heritage properties for conversion into a prime cultural heritage site by inviting interested and potential investors to take part in the redevelopment and extension initiatives.

The private sector can play an important role in the conservation of heritage properties and promote heritage tourism as a commercial venture.

This policy ensures greater private, public and community involvement in the development of Seychelles’ cultural and heritage sites through the principle of shared responsibility.

Read More

Policy seeks to counter threats to food security

Policy seeks to counter threats to food security - 14.01.2013 

There are many threats to our food security hence partners from all sectors came together on Friday to fine-tune the country’s proposed National Food and Security Policy.

They did so at the International Conference Centre with the support of several agencies including the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme of the Partnership for Africa's Development, better known as Nepad, which was represented by its head Martin Bwalya.

Principal secretary for Natural Resources and Industry Michel Nalletamby told them that having enough foreign exchange to import does not guarantee food security.

Mr Nalletamby said that for long many argued that being a middle income country, Seychelles could afford to buy its food and have it landed in the country quickly because “as long as we earned the foreign exchange through tourism or other sectors, we can buy the food we need”.

“The world food crisis at the end of the last decade, however, served a very severe wakeup call on us,” he said noting climate change, hoarding in source markets due to domestic and global shortages, diseases and piracy have brought about a very different perspective.

“We have come to realise that we need to have some level of local food production,” he said, noting this is why the local production component of food and nutrition security has taken a prominent position on the local agenda.

“We need to produce food locally to ensure at least some degree of local food security and as a result nutrition security.

“Despite this reality, the local food producing sector especially the agricultural sector has been facing major drawbacks to the extent that it is today, possibly at the lowest level for a long time.

“Many of the livestock farmers have gone out of operation and many of the others still in there, are facing severe hardships for many reasons including the ability to face the competition brought about by imported meat.”

He said many blame the trade policy which has allowed for fierce competition which local farmers were not prepared to cope with, but added that changing the trade policy to become more restrictive cannot be the total answer to the problem as it is much more complex than that.

“Imagine a situation where taxes are raised on imported agricultural products, fruits, vegetables and meat, without much being done to improve the production efficiency locally.

“Undoubtedly production would happen, but at what cost to the consumer and the country?

“What level of quality and even reliability would we manage to achieve?”

He said we cannot simply change the trade policy, for, as a member of the regional and international community and as a country that is aspiring to accede to the World Trade Organisation, we also have obligations to foster unhindered trade.

“This nonetheless, is not to say that we have absolutely no choice but to allow completely free trade in agricultural products, but it does mean that we cannot simply impose trade restrictions at will.

“In such circumstances, it is also not wise to simply subsidise agricultural production, as it will be very costly and it will not be sustainable.”

Mr Nalletamby said in view of the foregoing, it has become clear that the country needs to rethink its approach to agricultural development.

“Short term knee jerk measures can no longer be the order of the day.

“Even our foreign partners, as willing as they are to assist us in the revival of the agricultural sector, require that Seychelles takes a long-term approach to development of the sector.”

He urged the delegates, who included farmers or their representatives and those of government and  private sector as well as civil society groups to give their frank views on the situation and what they feel are the possible remedies and on how they could contribute further in the process.

Mr Bwalya and senior policy analyst Mermedah Moustache delved into the various aspects of a sustainable food and nutrition security which we hope to highlight next week.

She said the Constitution names access to food as a fundamental right underscoring the need for a food security policy.

Read More

Belgium confirms participation at Carnival in Seychelles with their group 'Echasseurs'

Belgium confirms participation at Carnival in Seychelles with their group 'Echasseurs'

Governor Denis MATHEN of Province de Namur set to personally fly the Belgium flag in Seychelles

Belgium, is the latest European Country to confirm their participation at the 8^th to 10^th February Carnaval International de Victoria. This spectacular unique event is staged annually in Seychelles and is this year being co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar and Zimbabwe.

It is the Province de Namur of Belgium that will be flying the Belgium Flag alongside those from the Community of Nations showcasing their country’s culture and people at the event now known as the carnival of carnivals because all the world’s best and most reputed carnivals all parade together followed by cultural troupes from proud nations from everywhere.

Mr Christian Hebrant, the Chef de Cabinet from the Office of Governor Denis Mathen from the Province de Namur has written to Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Minister responsible for Tourism and Culture to confirm Belgium’s participation. The request to have Belgium participate at the Carnaval International de Victoria was made to Governor Mathen by Minister St.Ange last year when the Seychelles Minister was on a working visit Belgium. It was at the Palais du Gouverneur that Governor Denis Mathen welcomed Minister Alain St.Ange and where they discussed cultural exchange programs and cooperation in Hospitality training.

The Province of Namur is known for its group "Echasseurs" which is walking and performing on stilts and it is this group made up of some 17 Belgium who will be travelling to Seychelles for the 2013 Carnaval International de Victoria, the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands mid-ocean Carnival.

Gouverneur Denis Mathen of the Province de Namur will also personally lead a delegation to Seychelles to be at the carnival as well as to continue of the discussions he and Minister St.Ange of the Seychelles have on the table.

“I am happy the Governor Mathen from the Belgium Province de Namur is coming to the carnival with a delegation of ‘Echasseurs’. This is a new attraction for the 2013 carnival we are staging together with La Reunion, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. The spirit of the melting pot of cultures remains alive and kicking as we see delegations upon delegations from North and South America, Europe, Africa and Asia confirm their participation in the Vanilla islands Carnival that we stage on the Equator for the world to showcase their culture and their people” Minister Alain St.Ange said.

Read More