Seychelles Chamber of Commerce: STAY THE COURSE!

Ten (10) Days To Vote

In Ten (10) days of so, the Seychelles business community will be faced with a serious choice. They will choose between Two (2) teams: 1. A-1 Team is the Marco Francis Team; 2. A-2 Team is led by challenger Mr. Clifford Andre.

The Candidates

Marco is a popular character with a strong following across all social spectrums.

Mr. Clifford Andre, is vying to unseat Marco Francis to avenge the defeat handed to Dr. V. Ramadoss Two years ago. There is a saying in India folklore: “an elephant never forgets”. In true vindictive nature, the Doctor, has cast a team to defeat Marco Francis. This is no Bollywood film. It is the real deal- in Seychelles society.

Seventy-Five (75) Votes Ahead

Only your vote can undue this potion of defeat the Dr. Ramdaoss business conglomerate camp that stretches over Seventy –Five (75) companies, in this tiny Seychelles. Seventy –Five (75) votes means 75 proxies signed in favor of the Dr. Ramadoss candidate. This is nothing to take for granted.

What Did Marco Francis Do At SCCI in Two (2) years

. Marco brought in International Trade Fair Exhibitioners from Mauritius, to put us in contact with business partners first hand. This was a first ever;

. Marco brought in International Trade Fair Exhibitioners from Kenya, to put us in contact with business partners first hand. This was a first ever.

. Marco brought in international Trade Fair Exhibitioners from Sri Lanka, to put us in contact with business partners first hand. First time ever.

. Marco advance the cause of Small Medium Enterprises (SME) by seeking funding from UK High Commission for a computer training center, available for use, by all small business up starts that need help. This program took time to set up, but it is done. Now we need professionals to get involved to help empower small up starts with solid business ideas and know how. A first ever.

.Marco bridge the cap with government and the private sector, remaining calm, collective, and always encouraging dialogue in spite of wide gaps in perception. But first and foremost, I have seen Marco is always advancing the cause for Business. “What is good for Business is good for Seychelles”.

. Marco initiated the creation of SCCI Sub –Committee on Praslin Island. This committee is led by Christopher Gill, its ordinary members are Meite Godley, William Rose, Adrian Uzice, Nigel Hoarau. The Committee briefs SCCI regularly on business issues that affect Praslin. It has been proactive throughout the Two (2) years when other organizations faced internal squabbles. Notably the Committee has pushed for removal of VAT on inter island cargo from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue. This has been successful though the SI has not passed. Business will not have to pay this tax, or if they do, it will be refunded or the cargo boats will be tied to the docks.

. SCCI under Marco Francis advance a key idea of the formation of a Cross- Sector Committee to discuss national economic issues facing Agriculture, Tourism, Fisheries, and other issues, to hold ministers directly responsible for their portfolio and to keep all stakeholders engaged to push Seychelles in the right direction.

. SCCI under Marco Francis has diligently advanced the cause of business with proposals to reduce VAT, reduce Fuel at the pump, reduce the overall cost of living in Seychelles.

. SCCI has advocated a proactive factual engagement with GOS and it has avoided name calling, and aggressive culture of insults to the leadership because this will end dialogue and the ongoing process to adjust the economy in areas wherein it must be adjusted while under IMF Reform.

. SCCI has met with Planning Authority concerning the Land Use Plan for Praslin and Planning has agreed to retable anther proposal to enhance, improve the business climate on Praslin.

. Marco Francis operates an open door policy and has sent his opponents ( Peter Rosalie-Treasurer candidate to represent SCCI at the COI Conference in Comores); he has introduced the IMF delegation led by M. Mills to Ahmed Afif –Vice Chairman candidate the CEO to Seychelles Airlines, to assist them get operational; he has met with Clifford Andre- Chairman candidate anytime, anyplace, in spite of not handling his responsibilities as Treasurer of the SCCI for Two (2) years as duly elected in the last election.

Stay The Course

The economy of Seychelles is going through very testing times. It is important at the SCCI we stay the course, and support the team in place under Marco Francis at this critical time. The good work started, must come to a successful completion.

Thank you.

The above is the Opinion of Christopher Gill a respected businessman in Seychelles