03.20.08
Posted in International Organisations, Seychelles government at 1:08 am by Robert Klien
Last month, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles published in a press release named “Assessment of the State of Good Governance in Seychellesâ€.
According to the release, a validation workshop for the draft 2007 Report, “Assessing the State of Good Governance in the Republic of Seychelles” was organized on February 18, 2008 at the International Conference Centre, Victoria. The workshop was aimed at public, private and NGO stakeholders to collectively validate the report and after that it would be submitted to the UNECA.
The workshop concluded Phase II of the UNECA Project “Monitoring and Measuring Progress Towards Good Governance in Africa” launched in Seychelles in April 2007. Phase II included an update of the state of governance of the 27 countries (including South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt, etc.) that took part in Phase I.
The release informed the public that the exercise has been carried out by a Mauritian-based consultancy firm StraConsult with the assistance of local professionals. According to the results of an independent survey conducted by StraConsult, in terms of good governance Seychelles is at the very top in Africa.
It was also emphasized in the press release that “Assessing the State of Good Governance in the Republic of Seychelles” will be a background document to the forthcoming UNECA report – the 2007 African Governance Report.
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02.24.08
Posted in Foreign investments, International relations, Seychelles government at 11:44 pm by Robert Klien
The visit of Seychellois President James Michel to Kuwait has been discussed previously.
As to the outcomes of the 2-day visit to Kuwait, Michel said that the visit has opened up space for a dynamic cooperation between the 2 countries.
It has been described previously that after a final round of negotiations held in February 2007, Seychelles and Kuwait are expected to sign the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA). However, according to the Seychellois President, besides the signing of a DTA between the 2 countries, work on a Protection Investment Agreement has started to reinforce the protection that investors seek when investing in a country.
Also, the possibility for Kuwait Airlines to fly to Seychelles was announced by the President. He said that it was discussed and that a bilateral air services agreement should be signed soon in order to allow for this.
There were also discussions on the possibility to make available a line of credit for Seychelles aimed at importing fuel from Kuwait.
According to President Michel, his visit to Kuwait at the invitation of the Amir of the Gulf State, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah was an opportunity not only to reinforce personal ties with the leader of Kuwait, but also to reinforce friendly ties between the countries. To remind, a past diverse relationship between Seychelles and Kuwait was interrupted after Kuwait’s invasion by Iraq and the subsequent Gulf War.
The Amir has expressed his desire to strengthen the cooperation and to assist in bringing more investments to Seychelles that would contribute to the economic development of it.
President Michel also mentioned having intense discussions with the Kuwait Investment Authority (talks on the possibility for the Authority to invest in commercial projects in Seychelles), the Kuwait Fund for Development (talks on how it could help in financing infrastructural projects), and the Minister responsible for Oil and Energy (talks on the possibility to make available a line of credit for Seychelles to import fuel from Kuwait).
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02.12.08
Posted in Business and Economy, Seychelles government at 4:50 am by Robert Klien
Today, on February 12, 2008, Seychellois President James A. Michel will present his 4th State-of-the-Nation address as the President of the jurisdiction.
The President’s address will be presented to the 1st sitting of the National Assembly for the 1st term of 2008, and it will be broadcast live on both the radio and TV. Highlights of the State-of-the-Nation address is expected to be published on the pages of tomorrow’s papers.
To remind, in Seychelles, the State-of-the-Nation address is required by the Constitution and presented at the start of National Assembly sittings for the new year.
After hearing the President’s address at today’s sitting, National Assembly will reconvene on February 15, 2008 to give their views.
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02.05.08
Posted in Double Taxation Agreements, International relations, Seychelles government at 11:02 pm by Robert Klien
President James A. Michel is currently visiting Kuwait as a result of the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait.
During his stay, President of Seychelles will hold talks with His Highness The Amir, Prime Minister Nassir al-Muhammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and National Assembly Speaker Jassem Mohammad Al-Kharafi, and meet the representatives of the Kuwait Investment Authority and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.
It is worth indicating that Seychelles established diplomatic relations with Kuwait on July 11, 1988. Cooperation between the two countries has been mainly with the Kuwait Fund for Development that has financed the East Coast Fisheries, PUC Electricity Generation Project and the Praslin Sewerage Facilities.
After a final round of negotiations held in February 2007, Seychelles and Kuwait are expected to sign the agreement on double taxation avoidance.
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01.11.08
Posted in Business and Economy, Foreign investments, Seychelles government, Seychelles offshore jurisdiction at 10:31 am by Robert Klien
On December 31, 2007, in his televised New Year’s message, Seychelles’ President James Michel announced Seychelles national theme for 2008 which is the Constitution, the voice of the nation.
Earlier, the President said that Seychelles Constitution contains the democratic principles of the country, embodies rights and responsibilities of the people as well as serves as a to the behaviour of individuals, government and bodies. On December 31, 2007, President Michel said that it is necessary to promote Seychelles Constitution with a view to build our democracy and to reinforce the institutions of nation-building. In his speech, Michel also said that in 2008 Seychelles will mark 15 years of the Third Republic after the majority approved the new Constitution.
For Year 2008, the President wished the people of Seychelles to learn to value what they have as well as to appreciate the good things offered by their. He also wished that the jurisdiction continues to enjoy peace, unity, greater stability and progress.
As regards the launching of Strategy 2017 aimed to double GDP in 10 years, President James Michel said that in 2007 more confidence in the future of Seychelles and its economy was built by the people, which can be seen from the record level of investments and economic activity into the jurisdiction. According to the Head of the State, foreign investments into the country in 2007 were an estimated USD 180 million compared to USD 146 million in 2006.
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01.07.08
Posted in Seychelles government, Seychelles offshore jurisdiction at 12:20 pm by Robert Klien
Recently, Seychelles Strategy for 2017 has been published. In the foreword, President of the Republic of Seychelles James A. Michel has emphasized that the nation “has come a long way in a short timeâ€, which has provided the right platform for the country’s socio-economic development. He also noted that much was done in the kast 2 years in terms of re-dynamising the economy of Seychelles. This is why a dynamic strategy was needed.
President Michel said that Seychelles’ Strategy for 2017 is a government-led document that represents a template for sustained growth through a strategic positioning of Government.
Seychelles’ Strategy for 2017 develops the policies that were compiled in order to address the needs of all sectors.
The mission stated in the document is doubling the Seychelles’ GDP by 2017 by focusing on developing the offshore financial services industry, fisheries and tourism expansion programmes, and the growth of other economic sectors.
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12.20.07
Posted in Business and Economy, International relations, Seychelles government at 11:00 am by Robert Klien
During his official visit to Seychelles on November 27-28, 2007, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon held talks with Seychelles’ President James Michel and Vice-President Joseph Belmont.
Besides the President and the Vice-President, Mr McKinnon had a meeting with the Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Herminie and Opposition Leader Wavel Ramkalawan.
The issues under discussion included governance issues, parliamentary matters, local politics as well as the outcomes of the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting that was held in Kampala, Uganda, on November 23-25.
The Secretary-General also toured the Mahé fishing port in order to discuss a traffic study that is sponsored by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
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11.06.07
Posted in International relations, Seychelles government at 11:01 am by Robert Klien
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Seychelles has updated its website design and structure.
The updated website of the Ministry now includes new sections “Consular Servicesâ€, “Vacanciesâ€, “Archivesâ€, “Linksâ€.
However, “Vacancies†are not completed yet.
As to and “Links†section, it includes mostly information on tourism in Seychelles as well as some information on media and transport.
Section “Consular Services†should be mentioned because it contains FAQ that provides essential and detailed information related to visas. It provides an explanation of what a visa actually is, how and where to apply for it, what documents to provide for it and how long to wait for it.
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09.28.07
Posted in Seychelles government at 11:40 am by Robert Klien
As a result of the restructuring undertaken by the government that has been described previously, the Seychelles’ public sector workforce in the sphere of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can essentially shrink.
Recently, Jacquelin Dugasse, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, said that the Ministry is going to outsource most projects to the private sector. According to the Minister, this is a good opportunity for young professionals to apply their trade in the private sector or even to establish their own businesses.
However, several developers, programmers, analysts, designers, administrators and technicians are the ICT specialists who could lose their employment with the government. In the last 4 weeks 57 employees, including ICT specialists have been made redundant.
The official from a chamber of commerce commented that despite the fact that the Seychelles is already dependent on foreign expertise in the ICT fields, qualified local talents are being made redundant.
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09.20.07
Posted in SIBA, Seychelles government at 11:14 pm by Robert Klien
According to a restructuring of the government announced by President James Michel, the number of ministries was on reduced from 10 to 8.
President Michel said that in his State-of-the-Nation Address on March 20 and on National Day on June 18 he was speaking about the necessity to transform the way things are done in Seychelles.
In his address on June 18, President Michel also announced the restructuring of the government. So, after a long period of reflection, he announced the reorganization. According to him, the following portfolios have taken effect:
Rolph Payet is appointed in the Office of the President as president’s special advisor for Environment. He also became chairman of the newly established Foundation for Seychelles University.
Lucy Athanasius became the principal secretary (PS) for “Special Dutiesâ€, which includes a new project “Young Leadersâ€.
Jean-Paul Adam is the principal secretary in the Office of the President dealing with a new portfolio for the exploration of oil.
Principal secretary Marie-Ange Hoareau continues to deal with Internal Affairs, but in the Office of the Vice-President (VP).
Jessie Esparon is the new Principal secretary for Public Administration.
The Seychelles Tourism Board under the direction of Maurice Loustau-Lalanne will discharge the responsibilities of the Department of Tourism.
Minister Danny Faure retains the portfolio for Finance consisting of 3 departments with Ahmed Afif as the PS for Finance and Commerce, Lekha Nair being responsible for the Treasury Department as the Comptroller General. The budget and government spending will be controlled by the department.
The Tax office will work under Steve Jardin. It is being restructured to be the Revenue Authority to allow government to collect revenue in an efficient and centralized way.
The Minister for Finance will continue to be in charge of the Licensing Authority, Social Security and the Seychelles International Business Authority (SIBA). Steve Fanny will become chief executive of SIBA.
Patrick Pillay will continue to be the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Callixte d’Offay will be his new PS to replace Claude Morel who will become Ambassador in Paris.
The Ministry of Investment, Industries and Technology replaced by the Ministry of National Development will work under Minister Jacquelin Dugasse, and Veronique Herminie will become the PS for Investment, Land Use and Industries. Christian Lionnet becomes the PS for Housing. Benjamin Choppy remains PS for Information, Communication and Technology.
Jones Belmont becomes the chief executive of the Planning Authority, and Patrick Lablache will be consultant for reclamation work.
The Ministry of Community Development and Youth will be called the Ministry of Community Development, Youth, Sports and Culture. Its Minister will be Vincent Meriton. Olsen Vidot will continue to be PS for Community Development, while Denis Rose now will be PS for Youth, Sports and Culture. The position of the chief executive officer of the National Sports Council will be taken by Alain Volcere.
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Transport will be headed by Joel Morgan, while Didier Dogley becomes the PS for Environment, Walter Talma remains PS for Natural Resources and Gerard Lafortune remains PS for Transport.
Minister Bernard Shamlaye remains responsible for the Ministry of Education. Jeanne Simeon remains PS for Education.
A new Ministry of Employment and Human Resources Development will be headed by Macsuzy Mondon, andh Jean Ragain will be PS. Also, Mondon will be the chairperson of the new Human Resources Development Council.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development will be formed to be headed by Marie-Pierre Lloyd. Anne Lafortune will be the PS for Social Development, Marie-Antoinette Alexis will be special adviser to the minister and Dr Jude Gedeon – PS for Health.
President Michel said that the restructuring is already under way, and that ministers have one month to work on it.
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