Seychelles health authorities extends travel restriction to include latest Ebola affected country, DRC

Victoria, Seychelles | August 26, 2014, Tuesday @ 15:59 in National » HEALTH | By: Hajira Amla | Views: 569

The entrance to the Seychelles main hospital at Mont Fleuri (Joe Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - The Seychelles Public Health Authority has announced that it has extended the list of countries to which Seychelles citizens will not be allowed to travel without the expressed permission of the Public Health Commissioner, as part of measures to prevent the Ebola virus from being introduced in Seychelles.

In a press statement issued this morning, the archipelago’s health authority said the restriction on travel to Ebola-stricken countries now includes the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which on Monday confirmed its first two cases of Ebola.

"All Seychellois nationals will not be allowed to travel to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria or the DRC without the express permission of the Public Health Commissioner until the epidemic has officially been deemed to be over by the World Health Organization (WHO)," read the statement.

Citizens of the countries mentioned above and any other foreign nationals who work in Seychelles are still being discouraged from visiting the affected countries.

“If they do, they will not be allowed to re-enter Seychelles until the outbreak has been declared over by WHO,” read the statement.

“Citizens of any nationals will not be allowed to enter Seychelles if they have visited Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo for any length of time.”

In addition to these measures, passengers and crew of any ship which has called on the ports of the five countries mentioned above will not be allowed to disembark in Seychelles, particularly if the visit to the affected countries was less than 21 days ago.

Reiterating measures already in force since August 14, the Public Health Authority is continuing to discourage Seychellois citizens from travelling to the whole West African region while strict visa requirements for West African citizens prior to entering Seychelles remain in force.

The Ebola virus, for which there is currently no proven cure, is transmitted to humans from wild animals and is then spread through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs or other bodily fluids of those who are already infected.

Symptoms, which can begin between two to 21 days after infection, include fever, muscle pain, headache and a sore throat followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, impaired kidney and liver function and in some cases both internal and external bleeding.

The mortality rate from the current West African outbreak, which stands at 90 percent if left untreated, has so far had a fatality rate of 55 per cent.

‘Less fatal strain’ in DRC

Medical experts have announced that the DRC’s outbreak is a pathologically different strain compared to the outbreak in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Nigeria, which has caused 2,615 infections and almost 1,500 deaths so far, and seems to be completely unrelated.

Dr. Schmidt-Chanasit, head of the viral diagnostic unit at Hamburg's Bernhard-Nocht-Institute told the German news site Deutsche Welle that the Ebola virus has been circulating in the DRC region for some time, causing other outbreaks in the past.

“Case fatality rate is much lower when we compare this to West Africa - it's around 20 percent,” he said. “So it might be possible that this is a different strain of the Ebola virus that is less pathogenic.”

The DRC outbreak has occurred in its northern Équateur province, cross-cut by the Ebola River, after which scientists first named the virus in 1976.

Although two patients have tested positive for the virus, health officials in the DRC believe that Ebola may have killed at least 13 other people in the region. Up to eighty people who came into contact with the infected patients are currently being traced.

- See more at: http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/1234#sthash.oX5aAmdP.dpuf

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Another important accomplishment in the Seychelles fisheries sector

Another important accomplishment in the Seychelles fisheries sector

Mon, 25 August 2014

President James Michel has officially opened the Fish Processing Plant in a ceremony held this morning at the Providence Fishing Port. This event forms part of a series of activities to commemorate the Seychelles Fishing Authority’s 30th Anniversary celebration.

With the completion of this plant, the SFA aims to diversifying and add more value to the country’s marine resources.  Present at the ceremony was the Vice President, Mr. Danny Faure, President of Court of Appeal, Mr. Francis MacGregor, Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Mr. Peter Sinon, Minister of Finance, Trade & Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte, Deputy High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Mr. Dave Jones,  members of the Diplomatic corps, the European Union local presidency, members of the National Assembly and other distinguished guests.

“These processing facilities are another important accomplishment in the fisheries sector. It shows the Seychelles Fishing Authority’s commitment to make Seychelles the main fish processing hub in the Indian Ocean. I wish to thank the European Union for partnering with Seychelles in this project in the pursuit of unlocking Seychelles’ potential as we continue to promote the Blue Economy concept in our socio-economic growth,” said President Michel.

The Fish Processing Facilities estimated at 32 million rupees is a project co-funded by the Government of Seychelles and the European Union Fisheries Sectional programme. The processing facilities comprise of 8 units that will be occupied solely by Seychellois private operators to service the fisheries sector, and this morning they were formally presented with their keys to these facilities.

During his address, the Minister for Natural Resources and Industry, Mr. Peter Sinon said that this event shows great improvements and expansion of the fisheries sector in terms of increased economic growth as well as promoting President Michel’s vision of the ‘Blue Economy’ concept in using the ocean to its full potential.

“Fishing remains a significant part of this concept and the objective to increase and improve income generation from the fishery through value addition and increased investment in the post-harvest sector. This is a critical factor that we today will take another step to realize through the launching of the 8 processing plants. Today we with witness the launching of second phase of the Providence post-harvest project that consisted of the need to promote ownership and increase the involvements of Seychellois entrepreneurs in the fish processing and value addition,” said Minister Sinon.

The President unveiled the commemoration plaque accompanied by Minister Sinon and the Deputy High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Mr. Dave Jones.

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Early Childhood Aspirations for 2020 presented to President Michel

Early Childhood Aspirations for 2020 presented to President Michel Mon, 25 August 2014 In a special ceremony held at State House this afternoon, President James Michel was presented with a book entitled 'Seychelles A Determined Island Nation: The Aspirations of Early Childhood Children' by  Andrea Matombe, crèche, year 2, Baie Lazare school, Liam Alexander, primary one, Independent school and Christie Sedgwick, primary 2, Takamaka school. They all won first place in their category in the drawing and writing competitions under the theme 'Early Childhood Islanders Aspirations 2020+: Letter to the President', held in February this year, which coincides with this year's theme 'International Year of Small Island Developing States - Seychelles, a Determined Island Nation'.  This competition was an initiative of the Institute of Early Childhood Development (IECD). During the meeting, the three children requested that this book with their aspirations is also brought to the UN Conference on Small Island Developing States scheduled to be held in Samoa this September. "I am happy to receive you today....I welcome your aspirations expressed in this book that I will definitely bring with me to Samoa. I would like you to know and tell your friends that have participated in this competition, that I give my commitment to sharing your aspirations with other Heads of State attending the Conference and making sure that your wishes are also taken into consideration, so you can continue to enjoy your beautiful country, a better planet and a prosperous future," said President Michel while interacting with the three children. The book consists of creative work of thirty-six early childhood finalists. It clearly depicts Seychelles as a small developing island nation, its challenges, accomplishments and aspirations. Through the drawings of the talented young islanders and accompanying letter, it shows strong aspirations for Seychelles in 2020 and beyond. The IECD has worked closely with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Environment and Energy and other partners in the realisation of this booklet. Present at the meeting was the Chief Executive Officer for Institute of Early Childhood Development, Mrs. Shirley Choppy, Director Programme Coordination, Dr Andre Leste, Technical Adviser Environmental Education in the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Mrs. Jeanette Larue and Senior Programme Development Officer, Mrs. Felicia Lafortune.

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Coast Guard benefits from EUCAP Nestor training

Coast Guard benefits from EUCAP Nestor training

25-August-2014

Nineteen privates from the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) have received their certificates after completing eight months of training under the SCG-EUCAP Nestor basic training programme.

The certificate presentation ceremony took place last week at the SCG base, Ile Perseverance in the presence of acting British high commissioner to Seychelles Dave Jones; principal secretary for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Maurice Loustau-Lalanne; SPDF Chief of Staff Col Clifford Roseline; commanding officer of the SCG Lt Col Simon Dine; commanding officer of the SAF, Major Michael Pouponneau; SPDF personnel and other guests.

It is to be noted that this was the first time this programme has been conducted in Seychelles.

When addressing guests at the ceremony, the EUCAP Nestor head of mission Ambassador Etienne de Poncins mentioned that this training programme covers the full range of coast guard functions.

At the same ceremony a group of six privates from the Seychelles Air Force (SAF) received their certificates after completing four weeks of basic unit familiarisation training.

Both training took place with the assistance and expertise of EUCAP Nestor, whose mission is to assist countries in the horn of Africa and the Western Indian Ocean in strengthening their capacity to ensure maritime security and safety in particular in the fight against piracy. 

Ambassador de Poncins also made a donation of various communication, optical and security equipment to the SCG. It was Lt Col Dine who accepted the donation on behalf of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF).

In his address, Lt Col Dine said that the launch of the basic training course for the Coast Guard is the initiative and ideas of different partners who are supportive of the anti-piracy operations.

He added that the trainees have worked hard and have achieved their objectives. 

“They have had the opportunity to train and acquaint themselves with state of the art equipment. They have gained a lot and acquired the necessary knowledge and tools; now it is just a matter of putting these into practice, proving and demonstrating their ability,” Lt Col Dine said.

Speaking to the press, Ambassador de Poncins described the training as a success, adding that Seychelles could become a model for other regional countries.
The EUCAP Nestor along with the SCG are planning to have a second basic training programme. 

“EUCAP Nestor has been requested to cooperate for the second basic training that will start in the next months; it will be shorter (of three-month duration) but more intensive and it will cover the same subjects as the first one,” Ambassador de Poncins informed the guests.

“The reason for the shorter period of time is to get the privates to be operational in a shorter period of time. Their training will therefore take place in the morning and in the afternoon,” said Ambassador de Poncins.

Some subjects which were covered are maritime domain awareness, regulations and legislation, border and exercice control, maritime security, among others.

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Discours du Président James Michel au 4e Sommet des Chefs D’Etat et de Gouvernement de la Commission de L’océan Indien, Moroni, Comores

Speech of President James Michel at the 4th Summit of Heads On State and Government of the Commission of the Indian Ocean, Moroni, Comoros

Sat, 23 August 2014

President of the Union of the Comoros

President of the Commission of the Indian Ocean,

Excellencies Heads of State and Government,

Mr. Secretary General of the IOC

Distinguished Ministers,

Distinguished Ambassadors, Heads of Diplomatic Missions,

Distinguished Delegates,

Distinguished Guests,

Distinguished Representatives of the Press

Ladies and gentlemen,

This summit is a critical moment, that while putting us in front of our destiny as free people, also questions our capacity to fulfill that destiny. It is a special time of introspection that brings us back to our individual and collective responsibilities. It also brings us to the covenant that binds us to each other, around the high values ​​of insular fraternity, complementarity and solidarity. This responsibility, the Seychelles fully share.

It is with this commitment that I would like to thank on behalf of the Seychellois people and on my own behalf the people and the Comoros government for their warm hospitality. I also thank them for the special care they have shown in organizing this summit, and for the excellent work done during their presidency of the organization.

I also wish to extend my compliments to all the dignitaries came to participate in the summit, with the unshakable faith of the builders of genuine humanity made of justice and brotherhood.

I would also like to pay particular tribute to the President for his excellent Hery RAJAORIMAMPIANINA early presidency of the IOC. There is little doubt that under this president, our organization will become even more vitality and visibility.

The more I travel in other islands of the Indian Ocean, the more I am inspired by a deep conviction that our destinies are inextricably linked; our future is common. We draw from the same sources: a long history, often interlaced. We meet with the basics: first by the Indian Ocean, our common heritage.

He has enormous wealth that make a large area of ​​geostrategic interest. If harnessed, the wealth of our blue Economics represent real opportunities for economic development in the region. Our ocean could be our new energy eldorado, job opportunities, as long as we give it all the attention it deserves. That's why we need to work together to make it a leading sector of our economies and the global economy.

That must justify our impatience and the expectations we place in the Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, Samoa.

We will go to the conference with conviction and hope. We will speak with one voice. For our consensus is built mainly on the need to promote small islands, a new model of a more open and sustainable that builds on our specific development: a model that recognizes our vulnerabilities; a model which provides solutions to debt problems and that values ​​the potential of our blue economy.

But in anticipation of the conference, we need to look more seriously at the issue of connectivity between our islands. Our isolation, the narrowness of our markets and our regional routes, besides poverty aerial and maritime frequencies, make the issue of connectivity is a real challenge for our development.

I am pleased that our Ministers of Transport and Tourism and our experts have recently taken on Mahé this issue head on. I welcome further advocacy emanating from this conference that is brought to the attention of the Summit and proposes to examine the many opportunities for cooperation that can be implemented in the short term. It was there evidence of active solidarity in the sub-region.

The challenge for our region is the development of scheduled services between our islands. What is true for the air and also the Maritime connectivity including low impact heavy price for our products and limits the inter-islands. Resolution should have emergency value. For without air and sea connectivity there will never regional integration or integrated regional development.

It is the same with the issue of food security is a recurring challenge, especially in this global context of climate change. Currently our islands import most of their products in remote areas. We pay for this expense shipping which represent 30-40% of the price of products sold to consumers. We must put an end to this situation. To this end, we must mobilize all economic players in the region for the development of huge Madagascar's potentials, with the help of our technical and financial partners. But this must be done in strict compliance with the customary use rights of land Malagasy families.

Ladies and gentlemen

You all know me as, if not better than me, that all these development initiatives can only be successful in an environment of peace and security.

In terms of maritime safety, much has been done, but it does not allow us to give up the risk of being surprised by the pirates that remain unpredictable.

Piracy - we all know - is that the expression of a criminal action. But in addition to this, also came into play a combination of old and new threats such as drug trafficking and people, organized crime, terrorism, etc. Many threats that we have to tame and master. These criminal activities are key challenges in obstacle to diplomacy and regional security.

Monitoring, analysis, sharing of information and intelligence, including the continued strengthening of our mobilization and response to these dangers, are therefore of great importance. This is the place for me to announce here that Seychelles has already launched an initiative to improve the sharing of information. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate again how important it is to build the capacity of our states in this direction and to work together and in harmony.

The implementation of all these projects is a prerequisite for the creation of this competitive economic and commercial space and secure we call ardently wish for.

This space should be open, dynamic, creative and able to offer new perspectives for our region, and beyond our region. It will be a place for investment and trade opportunities for our business men and women, for our entrepreneurs.

I think of our young entrepreneurs who are looking for new perspectives. We know their expectations are high. Seychelles would therefore like to take this opportunity to invite IOC to invest more in strengthening this area of ​​development for the benefit of our youth.

The major obstacle is the lack of connectivity, invites us to do even more to find the best ways and means of encouraging the reconciliation of our young people so that they know better and they share their experiences and ideas.

In this context, we propose to increase meetings of our youth organizations so that our youth can better rub and effectively contribute to the construction of the indiaoncéanie our dream.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Sailors from home say when you do not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is the right one. But the IOC knows where it goes.

She knows it and does it so well it is now desired by other states.

Of course, we must remain committed to the immutable constants of our organization in which the identity of our islands derives its strength and its cultural specificity. But in my opinion, the principle of a measured and consistent opening must be a constant in all the initiatives we are taking and in all policies we adopt. This openness to other measured is vital to the progress of our organization and its place in the world.

This is the place for me to thank the Secretary General Jean Claude de l'Estrac for its dynamism and its continued commitment to the reputation of our organization.

I have no doubt that as he has done in a short time the IOC partnership reference, it will also transform into a large Francophone hopeful family. As long as they give him that chance. I count on the IOC family, to give a happy ending to his candidacy in the General Secretariat of the Francophonie.

Forming the ardent wish that our common ambition outlines the road a Indianocėanie of peace and progress, I wish you success in our work.

Thank you!

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Seychelles to test disaster preparedness in September

Victoria, Seychelles | August 17, 2014, Sunday @ 09:10 in National » GENERAL | By: Sharon Meriton-Jean | Views: 515

Aerial Shot Seychelles islands - The Indian Ocean archipelago will join regional countries to test how prepared it is to deal with a tsunami 10 years after it was affected by such a disaster (Romano Laurence, Seychelles News Agency)

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(Seychelles News Agency) - A decade after the 2004 tsunami, Seychelles will be joining other countries in the Indian Ocean basin to participate in the Indian Ocean Wave Exercise or IOWAVE14 to mark the tenth anniversary since the disaster.

This was decided recently during the 9th session of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System, which was held in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Planned for next month, the exercise will involve a tsunamis alert which will be given following a simulated earthquake firstly in Java, Indonesia. A second alert will be raised the second day, this time with a ‘simulated’ earthquake that will occur in the Makran Trench, south of Iran and Pakistan.

The Indian Ocean countries involved were able to review the planned exercise during an intercessional meeting held in Hyderabad, India, earlier this year.

A village near the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia lays in ruin after the Tsunami that struck South East Asia January 2, 2005 (US Navy Photo/Wikimedia) Photo License: CC-BY

According to the Information and Communication Officer in the Division for Risk and Disaster Management, DRDM, Regina Prosper, Seychelles is expecting to play an important role in this event as it will mark the tenth anniversary of the first major tsunamis event experienced by the Indian Ocean archipelago.

“All the agencies and partners will use this exercise in order to test their standard operating procedures which have been designed for response within and between organisations. A specific area or areas will be chosen for the exercise and we will use our alert systems and equipment and we hope that each partners will be able to coordinate their own evacuation plans using designated routes and assembly point or shelters,” Prosper told SNA.

Surely no one has forgotten when almost all of the granitic islands in the archipelago felt the aftermath of the earthquake which struck the Aceh Province in Indonesia on December 26, 2004. A tsunami that followed reached the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, including Seychelles.

Some 230,000 people from around 14 countries were killed in the disaster.

Seychelles lost 3 of its citizens in the tsunami which left many people in distress for several days as bridges and roads were severely damaged, homes and infrastructures along the coastal areas were flooded and an important record of properties were sucked out to sea by the waves.

Damaged bridge and boat washed ashore in Seychelles following the tsunami in 2004 (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: CC-BY-NC

In spite of being considered one of the safest countries in the Indian Ocean due to its geographical position and geology, Seychelles, has had its share of disasters that have highlighted the need for prevention and preparative measures.

The worst disaster dates back to 1862 precisely on October 12, when torrential rain caused a landslide which saw raging floods of mud and swirling waters cover a large area of the Seychelles capital of Victoria destroying houses, roads and bridges as well as costing the lives of at least 25 men, 27 women and 23 children according to archive records.

While such disastrous event of that magnitude has not reoccurred in recent years the Indian Ocean island nation has experienced minor disasters.

Severe flooding and landslides are often felt in low lying areas during periods of heavy rainfall as was the case in January this year.

Disaster preparedness - A national business

Created in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, the Division for Risk and Disaster Management, DRDM, an independent entity which falls under the Ministry of Environment and Energy has as its prime functions the four phases of the Disaster Management Continuum which are preparedness, prevention, response and recovery. 

Prosper noted that Seychelles has come a long way in taking disaster prevention and preparation measures.

“Most of our key partners such as Red Cross, Fire and Rescue services, etc have a well-designed plan for such scenarios and their staff have received relevant training over the past ten years,” she said while not stopping short of admitting that much still needs to be done in order to achieve 100 percent emergency preparedness and management in the country.

File Photo: Flooding in the Seychelles capital of Victoria following heavy rainfall - DRDM says Seychelles has come a long way in taking disaster prevention and preparation measures.(Seychelles Nation) (Seychelles Nation) Photo License: CC-BY-NC

The division is therefore working closely with the most vulnerable groups in the community to be better prepared to respond to disasters which includes the public and private schools.

Most of the thirty six public and private schools in Seychelles have an average population of over five hundred students each and lack the human resources capacity to cater for disasters on a large scale.

Prosper said that in order to help them DRDM has initiated a national program for ‘Schools Emergency Preparedness and Management’.

“We have first introduced the programme to the management levels of the schools. We have also visited them and assess what they have in place and how best we could assist and support them.”

She added that currently regular visits are conducted at the various schools around the country.

“We want the schools and their staff to be committed to any emergency plans so that lives of children of Seychelles could be saved in any emergency situation and if there is tsunami for example.’

Drill exercises are conducted at school level at least three times a year. In addition some schools especially those located near the coastal areas, are also involved in national simulation exercises such as the Indian Ocean Wave simulation which will take place next month.

Following the tsunami simulation in September an evaluation exercise will be conducted locally and internationally to assess Seychelles’ and other Indian Ocean countries preparedness if ever they are faced with another tsunami.

- See more at: http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/1183?utm_content=buffer08a7b&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer#sthash.D0JmpZXE.dpuf

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Wealth is created through value addition, we need to diversify our economies’- President Michel at the SADC Summit 2014

Wealth is created through value addition, we need to diversify our economies’- President Michel at the SADC Summit 2014

Mon, 18 August 2014

President James Michel attended the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit of the Heads of State and Government in Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe on Sunday.

The chairmanship of the SADC was assumed by Zimbabwe, following a handover from Malawi.

During his intervention at the summit, President Michel congratulated Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe on assuming the chairmanship of SADC.

The President noted that the general political and security situation in the SADC region is stable, and that this stability would 'drive common agenda for economic integration and for the advancement of our respective countries.'

The SADC leaders all welcomed back Madagascar to the SADC family following the return to constitutional normalcy and recent democratic elections.

"I think it would be good to address the many challenges ahead, namely those of reconciliation and the socio-economic development of the country. I believe the SADC family should continue to engage with Madagascar in its post conflict phase and especially in its reconstruction process," said President Michel in his intervention.

It should be recalled that President James Michel hosted two rounds of mediation talks in Seychelles together with South African President Jacob Zuma, then Chair of the SADC Organ Troika on Peace, Defence and Security, as part of the Roadmap that led to the elections, notably the Desroches Process held in July 2012.

The Seychelles Government also seconded Ambassador Claude Morel to Antananarivo as Head of the IOC Liaison Office to support efforts to bring and end to the crisis and realise credible democratic elections.

While speaking about the theme of the summit, which is 'SADC Strategy for Economic Transformation: Leveraging the Region's Diverse Resources for Sustainable Economic and Social Development through Beneficiation and Value Addition,' President Michel called for the increase of export of manufactured products as a priority for SADC economies.

"Wealth is created through value addition; we need to diversify our economies. Africa represents only 3% of global trade. Africa is exceedingly rich in natural resources therefore we need a renewed focus on the importance of services in economic development and the possibilities for leveraging Global Value Chains to drive rapid and sustainable growth in income and employment," said Mr Michel.

The President said that one source of 'vast wealth' for Africa are the oceans and that there is a huge potential for developing the Blue Economy within the infrastructure framework and policy of SADC.

"The ocean is the next frontier that we need to tap for its vast potential....The diversification of our economies lies in the sustainable use of all our ocean resources...However at the heart of the Blue Economy there is sustainability. This will ensure that the natural resources and fragile ecosystems that we depend on will not be depleted and Africa will achieve economic diversity as planned in Agenda 2063."

He also added that Seychelles strongly supports the SADC theme for the summit and called on the organization to ensure it is properly reflected in its programmes and projects.

President Michel reiterated his call for islands of southern Africa to be included in the SADC development programmes, and not be marginalized, similar to the call he also made in Washington recently at the US Africa Summit.

The President is accompanied at the summit by the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure, the Seychelles Ambassador to South Africa and Permanent Representative to SADC, Ambassador Claude Morel, the Secretary General of the Office of the President, Lise Bastienne as well as senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President.

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We are islands of Africa, we exist, and we should not be marginalised in the US partnership with Africa

We are islands of Africa, we exist, and we should not be marginalised in the US partnership with Africa

Wed, 06 August 2014

President James Michel has called on the US government to develop a stronger relationship with the African islands and create innovative ways to include small island states in its investment programmes.

President Michel was speaking at the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington today, where he addressed African leaders and US President Barack Obama.

President Michel spoke about the importance of two issues for the summit; the Small Island States of Africa and the Blue Economy.

"I think we must not forget that Africa is not only the mainland Africa but is also made up of African islands...These islands should not be marginalised as we develop the concept of partnership, because we are small, we don't have the economies of scale, sometimes we are left aside," he said.

The President gave the example of the US' Power Africa programme, in which there are plans for the creation of dams and railway lines which will benefit different countries of mainland Africa.

"But these railways cannot reach our islands, and the power cannot reach the islands, but we exist, we are part of Africa. We should develop models, innovative models to make ensure that African islands do not lose out; that we become part and parcel of this initiative," said President Michel.

He called for the islands of Africa to be included in future programmes such as solar energy and other partnerships.

President Michel said the summit had discussed the exploitation of resources that exist on the mainland; such as mining, oil exploitation and agriculture, but he added that the ocean is an important resource for Africa.

"The ocean consists of 18% of Africa's territory, unfortunately today not enough benefit is being derived from development of our oceans. But then again, It needs to be developed sustainably so that it remains vibrant, it remains healthy for future benefit of other generation," said President Michel.

He commended the US government for the Oceans summit which was organised in Washington recently as well as the work of the African Union to promote the Blue Economy concept.

"There is vast potential of development of the Blue Economy and the United States has a lot of experience in oceanic research and this can help us to develop mechanisms to be able to develop and harness the potential of the Blue Economy, which is very important for the future of our continent."

President Michel said that the small island states are striving to survive in this globalised world and that the islands have put an emphasis on environmental protection.

"We have kept about 55% of our land territory as natural reserves, because we believe in the protection of our environment, we believe in the sustainability of our development and believe in saving the planet. And your initiatives to try and reach to an agreement on climate change will help especially coastal areas and the small island states to ensure that we save the planet, which is our only home."

He said that development is based on the stability of African states and that this is achieved through the stability of the democracy and good governance.

Mr Michel shared the experience of Seychelles economic reforms which he said was accompanied by government reforms, which empowered the Seychelles democracy.

"Empowering our democracy, developing and consultative democracy, functional democracy which works well and empower our people which was successful. And today, the international community, our partners are starting to see the efforts that we've made..... You talked about empowerment of our young people, which is key, we cannot have a future without empowering our young people. And your initiative about the Young Leaders programme is commendable, but I think more than that our individual countries should come up with concrete programmes."

The President spoke about the Seychelles' Young Leaders Programme, where academic study is complimented by education in the communities, where 'the communities are their classroom.'

In his response, President Barack Obama said; "Thank you so much, those are excellent points. Obviously working together on maritime issues, issues with respective to enormous resource that are our oceans, dealing with pollution, dealing with making sure that fish stocks in the oceans are sustainable, dealing with climate change, those are all areas where we are seeking cooperation."

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Seychelles National Statement: Submitted on behalf of President James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles August 5th and 6th 2014 Washington, USA

Seychelles National Statement: Submitted on behalf of President James Alix Michel, President of the Republic of Seychelles August 5th and 6th 2014 Washington, USA

07.08.2014

In the spirit of broadening cooperation between Africa and the United States of America, we commend the American government, and President Barack Obama, for the initiative taken to organize this 1st US-Africa Summit.
The organization of this summit gives us the timely opportunity to move beyond the stale image of a relationship based on aid, crisis management and unequal trade, investment and development.
We come to this Summit with a message of confidence.
Confidence in our continent of Africa- where the unparalleled opportunities, and determination and will of our peoples, gives substance to the narrative of a rising and flourishing Africa.
Confidence in our nation-Seychelles- Africa’s smallest country whose development is anchored in people centred development, and in harnessing the vast potential of Africa’s blue economy.
Confidence in the United States of America, as an engaged partner in building a safer, more stable world where wealth and opportunity can be shared more evenly.
And confidence in what Africa and the US can achieve together- if we join forces to work for security, freedom and prosperity in the world.
Together we must strive in all sincerity to fulfill Africa’s full potential by unlocking its trove of human talent- by investing in the next generation.
This is the only way forward in a competitive and globalized world where dialogue lies at the heart of all actions to create the future that we want.
We look forward to working with the US, and other development partners, to set ambitious but achievable sustainable development goals.

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This will not be possible unless we are decisive on the subject of climate change. We need to stop global warming beyond an additional 2 degrees at next year’s climate change conference in Paris.
Africa and its islands are the most vulnerable to climate change- and we have the least means to address this issue.
We cannot achieve anything without engagement of nations such as the US, and we welcome the statements made by President Obama and by Secretary of State, John Kerry aimed at getting an agreement next year.
In Seychelles, we have dedicated over 50% of our land territory as nature reserves, because through this protection we are contributing not only to the fight against climate change- but to a sustainable future for our children.
In partnership with the Washington based Nature Conservancy we are also proposing an innovative debt for adaptation initiative that will both contribute to building marine protected areas while also tackling the chronic debt problems shared by many African states and in particular island states. We look forward to further support to make such innovations a part of the world’s development architecture available to Africa and to island everywhere.

As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), more than most, we face limitations and constraints that challenge our efforts to maintain the sustainable development of our economy.
As we work towards developing a more inclusive international development framework, the challenges of all countries-big or small must be addressed. When the SIDS family meets in SAMOA in September 2014 to collectively take stock and address the remaining gaps in their quest towards sustainable development, we count on the US to give a strong political support to the key deliverables of that conference especially when it concerns the increasing need for a vulnerability index which allows SIDS to tackle the core obstacles to their development.
In this light, the “Our Oceans” Conference organized last June in Washington DC was key in acknowledging the pivotal importance of our oceans, and we warmly congratulate the United States on this initiative. This is especially important for SIDS which are above all oceanic nations.
Our oceans connect us all, and we must not forget that 18% of Africa’s space is made up of oceans and seas. 80 percent of trade is also conducted by sea. While mineral deposits in the ocean represent a new frontier of resources that can be sustainably harnessed.

The Blue Economy concept is an essential part of Africa’s future as expressed through the draft Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
The Blue Economy has been identified as a key opportunity to maximize food security across the African continent, contributing to poverty eradication and mitigating the effects of climate change. We are firm advocates of an inclusive view of the Blue Economy that can harness the

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true potential of Africa. We count on the support of the US in ensuring that Africa’s oceans can bring renewed wealth creation opportunities to our continent.
It is essential that we work towards sustainable development goals that move beyond extraction of natural resources as the basis of economic growth, and that look at transforming our oceans into spaces for development and shared opportunity.
Seychelles is also committed to enhancing Africa’s capacity to ensure maritime security. We need to enhance cooperation amongst ourselves while also working with partners such as the US that have critical experiences to share in this regard.
The United States of America has been an invaluable partner for Seychelles, and our region of East Africa in its determination to fight piracy and end impunity that was once associated with this crime. Seychelles has supported a twin track approach that targets the ‘kingpins’ that finance piracy and prosecuting the perpetrators, while building sustainable wealth creation in Somalia.
Continuous international and regional cooperation with a primary focus on information gathering and sharing must be achieved to combat the emerging issue. Seychelles has established an information sharing centre pertaining to maritime security; REFLECS 3, with the support of partners which include the United States, and we believe such regional models can make a key contribution. With the support of the US and other partners, we look forward to share our experiences with those that are combating the rise of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

This Summit is also about placing a high value on people- especially our youth. Since 2009, Seychelles has invested a lot in creating its Young Leaders awards- a scheme whereby we train young aspiring leaders from government, private sector and civil society to seize the initiative in driving sustainable development.
Our community has been their classroom. And once they have graduated, they are aiming to build better classrooms for their successors.
We believe that leadership is something which must be nurtured, fostered and developed to achieve shared wealth creation.
The notion that the rising global tide of economic growth lifts all boats can no longer be considered a universal truth.
We need to empower the captains of all our boats- whether large or small. We commend the US for being a part of building this leadership through the Young African leadership Initiative, and we look forward to further engaging with it.

This Summit is also occasion to celebrate the values that Africa and the US share. First and foremost- the value that we place in human dignity.
This Summit thus also affords me the opportunity to reiterate Africa and the US’s shared condemnation of intolerance and the spectre of terrorism in all its forms. We recall with sadness

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the attacks on the World Trade Centre in 2001, and we reject those who seek to sow division through such atrocities. We express our solidarity with all those African countries that are fighting terrorism and extremism- From Nigeria to Kenya. From Mali to Somalia. These acts of violence serve only to strengthen our resolve, our solidarity and our determination to move forward in our shared compact.
In conclusion, we also believe that these shared values must lead to the necessary reforms of international institutions to ensure that our shared institutions reflect those values of inclusion, partnership and equality. It is time that we review the governance structure of many international organizations especially the United Nations Security Council to ensure that it lives up to the expectations and realities of the 21st century. We count on the US’s support towards Africa’s Elzuwini consensus and look forward to further dialogue on this issue.
Many seek to define Africa through a lens of history clouded by the narrative of outdated textbooks.
But we do not seek to re-write the past as a priority. We are looking to the future.
Our future will reveal our potential; our ability to make a difference; our ability to learn from the past, take charge of the present, and create a better future for Africa.
We reaffirm that the future of a sustainable Africa is very much based around partnerships to invest in the next generation.
We are confident that our US-Africa partnership can live up to this billing

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Seychelles at Mauritania swearing in ceremony

Seychelles at Mauritania swearing in ceremony

07.08.2014

Ambassador Joseph Nourrice has extended his warmest felicitations to the newly elected President of Mauritania on behalf of President James Michel and the people of Seychelles at the inauguration ceremony held last week.

Ambassador Nourrice participated at the inauguration ceremony held in Nouakchott on Saturday 2^ndof August, witnessing the swearing in of the President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz for his second five-year mandate following the June 2014 election.

The Ambassador conveyed the fraternal greetings and congratulations of President Michel and the People of the Republic of Seychelles to the Newly inaugurated President Abdel Aziz and applauded the peaceful atmosphere in which the elections were carried out:

“The re-election of President Aziz is sign of confidence by the people of Mauritania for the continuation and consolidation of the economic progress of the past five years and also to ensure continuity in the person holding the Presidency of the African Union until January 2015.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, described the Mauritanian President’s re-election as a testament of his leadership:

“President Abdel Aziz’s victory is a reflection of the faith his people have in him and we look forward to working with him, not only on a bilateral level, but also through his leadership in his current Presidency of the African Union.”

Ambassador Nourrice is the Resident Ambassador of Seychelles to Ethiopia and the Permanent Representative to the African Union.

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Official Launching Ceremony of Seychelles-China Friendship and Business Association on 29 July 2014

Official Launching Ceremony of Seychelles-China Friendship and Business Association on 29 July 2014

06.08.2014

On July 29^th, 2014, the Official Launching Ceremony of the Seychelles-China Friendship and Business Association was held at the Consulate General of Seychelles in Shanghai. The Ceremony was hosted by Dr. Sidney To, Acting Head of the Consulate General, in the presence of Sir James R. Mancham, Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles, who is also the Patron of the Association, Mr. Kyan Su Lone, Founding President of the Association and Ms. Zhuang Youhua, CEO of the Executive Committee of the Association. The signboard of the Association was unveiled at the Consulate General prior to the start of the ceremony.

This was followed by the Official Launching at the Ramada Plaza Gateway Shanghai Hotel. Opening Remarks were delivered by Mr. Kyan Su Lone, Founding President of the Association who commented “members will make good use of the Association to act as a bridge to link up peoples of the two countries, to further develop friendship and communications that can contribute to the enhancement in their economic cooperation and exchange.” Afterwards, Sir James R. Mancham presented his best wishes for the success and promising future of the Association and also briefly introduced the outstanding potential of investment opportunities available in the Seychelles Islands. Finally, Ms. Zhang Youhua, CEO of the Executive Committee expressed her greetings on the auspicious occasion of this launching ceremony and words of thanks for the support rendered by the leaders of the Association.

During the ceremony, Dr. Sidney To emphasized the significance of the Association, as its launching was encouraged by Mr. Jean-Paul Adam, Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as Mr. Pierre Laporte, Minister of Finance, Trade & Investment.

The Launching Ceremony ended up by the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to its Patron, Sir James R. Mancham and Certificates of Appointment to its Founding President, Mr. Kyan Su Lone, Honorary President, Mr. Lin Sing Yun, Vice Presidents Mr. Lam Keng Kuong & Ms. Patricia Cheong, as well as to the CEO of its Executive Committee, Ms. Zhuang Youhua and its Treasurer, Mr. Wang Binzhong.

Seychelles - China Friendship and Business Association was founded by a group of business leaders having strong interest in the development of friendship and business opportunities between Seychelles and China.  Its creation was proposed and supported by Seychelles' Diplomatic and Consular Posts in China. The Association is registered in Seychelles as an NGO and it is operational under the aegis of the Consulate General of Seychelles in Shanghai. Mr. Kyan Su Lone, the Founding President is the Chairman of the Chong Ou Seng Group which engages in finance, real-estate development and education businesses in Macau and Xiamen of China, he is also a Board Member of the City University of Macau. And Ms. Zhuang Youhua, the CEO is the Financial Controller of the Shanghai Ruinan Group which engages in real-estate development, finance and green energy businesses in Shanghai and the western part of China.

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