Praslin Island Hit By LDS Tsunami!

The beautiful and ever so sexy island of Praslin has been hit by a Tsunami of LDS political party activity on Sunday. The LDS the main opposition swept through the island on Sunday in an incredible unbelievable motorcade qualifying it for the largest motorcade ever on Praslin, without army vehicles, without government vehicles.

Mother of Motorcades

The massive motorcade of 75 cars and trucks started at humble Eve Island, a reclaimed land area, which most parcels were gifted signed off to Indian contractors in amorous favor to the Ministry of Lands. Many Praslinoise have applied for land and are yet to be allocated a plot of industrial land.

The motorcade made its way to Anse Boudin, where Minister Mitcy Larue had just returned from church after being cold shouldered by most of the parish of Baie St. Anne. Unbeknownst to her, the main sermon of the day was tailor cut for her vicious nature, now known to all.

She made her way to the road side, took photos of all the cars and occupants passing by, as if she is the only person with a camera in Seychelles . Participants took pictures of her as well and she was noticeably "smiling yellow" and turning red over the Tsunami motorcade.
Mitcy Larue- everyone has a camera today, not just your family.

Madam Larue- the camera pictures you took show only one thing: " You have failed Praslin with your politics of " ek nou, pa ek nou" and " entre nou, pa entre nou". The PL failure on Praslin today is the responsibility of the Central Committee member responsible for Praslin all these years: YOU!

Anse Boudin To Grand Anse Tsunami Motorcade

As this mega Tsunami motorcade made its way to Côte D'Or, where tree are piling up on the beach from year on year neglect, the wave grew bigger and bigger, by passing clogged drains that are breeding grounds for mosquitoes such as Dengue, Chikkengunya, Zika possibly. A little excavation works has taken place to drain the land about the housing estates, but the excavator back piled the sand blocking drainage, insuring the next rain, the houses will flood out like in a Tsunami.

Onwards to Consolation the mega motorcade winded up the bad road, PL has refused to enlarge after all these years of neglecting Praslin as if we form part of Somalia.

PL- let this be a message for you on Mitcy Larue' s failures: we are not Somalia.

This message resounded with the Hundreds of Praslinoise who stood besides the road with their cheers, and thumbs up and cries for change on Praslin after years and years of NEGLECT and an uncaring un attentive Le Pep party who has lost touch with its people and relies on Mitcy Larue who cares only for her family.

Le Pep- it is never too late to start to work to get things right. Just say - " Yes! " Stop treating Praslin like a slave station that it once was.

1000 Rally

The motorcade stopped in Grand Anse and a rally of over 1000 near 2000 people started. They sang songs, danced, hugged each other and looked at the cheap made in Thailand rags every one was wearing to cover the bruises, pain, suffering, economic failure I under PL for Praslinoise. White tee shirts with LDS logo were given out, flags floated. No one was divided in the quest for a better life, which everyone in attendance believed, they have been denied.

Le Pep Wake Up!

Praslin districts are no longer safe seats. After years and years of social and economic neglect, Praslin has had enough.

Praslin has heard too many promises, too many words, and seen too little deeds and too little action. On Praslin, Praslinoise live as one. We do not live divided. Le Pep or opposition is not
important to us.

We love Seychelles and we want Seychelles For Seychellois! We expect each party to respect this.

My Message To Le Pep!

Le Pep- stop dividing our people. Find common ground, take initiative to open dialogue with the Opposition. I know you don't like Pillay or Ramkalawan. Show your grandeur after 40 years of Independence, call a Round Table of all parties and private sector to get this country on the right track. Do not divide Seychelles, you may not know what to do with the results.

Finally, remember when I begged you to give Praslin attention and solve her problems?

Well- I hate to say it, " but I told you so".

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Opposition Calls For Gappy To Resign!

The Seychelles opposition called on the office of Electioms  Commission today with a pick up truck, large boom box, signs, placards, and 200 protestors along with party leaders, to demand that the Commissioner of Elections Mr. Hendricks Gappy- RESIGN.

Constitutional Court Damns Gappy Commission
The Constitutional Court was the first to damn the performance of the Election Commission in the last Presidential Elections. Numerous blunders upon blunders were cited, bordering on incompetence. A heavy blame was lured on Charlie Morin in the judgment.

Saga To Remove Ramkalawan From Voters List
Wavel Ramkalawan had initially congratulated Gappy for a professional job in his speech after the challenged results were declared in December 2015. What turned his eye to Gappy is the insistence that the Elections Commission lawyer Samantha Aglae insist that Wavel Ramkalawan be delisted from the Voters List as per the Constitutional Court, pending appeal of his case.
It appears Gappy acted unilaterally, without consulting the Seychelles Elections  Commission.

LDS Promises More Protests Until Gappy is Gone

The opposition has promised more protests next week if Gappy does not resign.

Mr. Gappy, in Seychelles we need PEACE. You have had your fun in the sun, you have played your games, now do what is right: RESIGN!

Let's move our Democracy forward!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom loving Seychellois!

Seychellois Refuse To Have Back Against The Wall!

Week by week, day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute, Seychellois are sending a loud and clear message to Mr. James Michel:  " we refuse to live with our backs against the wall".

State House Back Office of Honey Pot

In the run up to elections which cannot be more then 70 days away, Mr. Michel has resorted to using his Head of State office to ply for political support in the opposition rank and file.lise Bastienne uses her phone to call in key players, ask for a meeting at State House. Her common line is : " do not disappoint the President".

Last week, Colin Philoe and Magnificent were called in for a meeting to see where the problems are and what can be done to bring in these opposition players from Praslin, the island Mr. Michel
Administration has ignored to the point where today, most of the island business is going bankrupt, many are leaving for Mahe and PL once strong base in Baie St. Anne is now a strong hold for LDS.

This tactic is similar to the old tactics used in days gone by to recruit soldiers for the coup. Call a meeting set the agenda, and conditions, without asking the potential candidate what is on his mind. This generation Michel does not understand.

Philoe and Magnificent went back to Praslin. Magnificent immediately called other musicians and cut a song and full track embarrassing James Michel and his abuse of power seemingly trying to push these boys against the wall. They said:"No.....Wrong Number!"

There are many daily incidents like this ongoing, back firing on Michel and Le Pep. They have it wrong, totally wrong.  Gone are the days when the subjects are servants of State House, Mr. Michel. Today, we expect government to serve us, not us to be served by government. If you crook us, we will expose it. This is where Seychellois stand with you today.

Rightfully, if you do us right, we should mention that and give credit where credit is due.

Respect Seychellois!

If there was ever a time to respect Seychellios Mr. Michel, it is today. Send this message out to your stooges in every office:" I call on all government employees to RESPECT Seychellios! "

When you send this out, send a special message to Mata Hari Mitcy: " give Clive Roucou back his job".

The way it works these days Mr. Michel- if you want others to respect you, you must treat your subjects with respect! Simple.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Opposition Overflows in Rally

The Seychelles Opposition LDS has overflowed into a massive rally in Grand Anse, Mahe today one week after flooding the the streets of Victoria with 3,000 protestors over Fair Elections.
The Sunday  Rally in Grand Anse started as a motorcade and finished with a 10,000 strong turn out burying the turn out of James Mancham Former President on April 12, 1992 for turnout.

Same-O Same-O

This time, the same people who met Sir James Mancham in 1992 and hung from tree branches to greet him, were calmly sitting in their portable folding chairs with the. Same-O determination to remove the PL from their position of ongoing arrogance in the face of staggering statistics such as: 1. 40% National Poverty, 2. 50% of our children go to sleep hungry, 3. 4000 Drug addicts for a population of 87,000, 4. Near 1000 young men incarcerated, making Seychelles No. 1 for incarcerating men in the World per 1000 population, 5. Tourism Arrival is 19 % increase- but national yield is -1% according to the World Bank, 6 IMF has given us a three month projection instead of a twelve month projection, because it is un secured in the direction of the country, 7. Foreigners are treated like kings in the land of the pauper Seychellios who government believes, the best business for Seychellois is street cleaning and baley zig making. The list of acrimonious failure is endless.

We Do not Care Who leads

Supporters are now so grounded in their quest for change, they no longer care who leads the opposition. Wavel Ramkalawn is facing a court order to strike his name from the voters list. Opposition members do not care if his name is struck from the list. They are more determined then ever for change and they are more united then ever, since April 12, 1992 ( Day of Treason and Betrayal ) then ever. Strike or do not strike, the resolve for change will not be deterred.

Mancham Sings Along With Michel

At the constitutional  Flag ceremony Mancham sang along with Michel and held hands.......that has been going on since April 12, 1992.........now maybe you will all believe me. It was all cute and very silly, but it ignored the dire need for national dialogue with the right parties to move the country forward. Hugging Mancham only makes matters worse for all of us since no one in the opposition will receive him for even a lunch today.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom loving Seychellos!

Seychelles Faces Three Years of Elections!

Seychelles is now facing a tumultuous Three ( 3 ) years of national elections. This long drawn out train ride started in January 2015, as the Electoral Register was open for imminent Presidential Elections. The Presidential Elections went into a First Round, then a historical Second Round, after neither candidate was able to garner 50% plus one vote to claim a minimal majority.

The sitting executive Mr. James Michel, rules today with a hair string of credibility.

Second Round Contest

The Second Round election was contested by James Michel and Wavel Ramkalawan. The results were challenged in court, and a judgment  by the Constitutional Court dismissed the claims, though said voter fraud and malpractice was prolific in the process. No international observer has submitted a report on the elections. Only local observers, head by NGO Jules Hoarau has condemned the elections as not being free or fair or credible.

The judgment by the Constitutional Court is on appeal, a decision could be made in December, which if in favor of Wavel Ramkalawan, could null and void the Presidential elections, if such relief is sought by his lawyers. Under this scenario, the Seychelles could see another presidential election in 2017, as it is very unlikely, the Appeals Court will rush to rule on the case in the next sitting.

Ramkalawan Challenges Order to be Struck From Voters List

Another challenge before the Appeals Court is the Order, by the Constitutional Court to strike Wavel Ramkalawan off the Voters List, which will have consequences in so far as further elections in 2017. 

If Ramkalawan loses the Presidential Elections Appeal, stands for a district, and wins in 2016, subsequently the Court of Appeals upholds the Order to strike his name from the Voters List, he will lose his seat as a MNA, lose his seat as LDS leader, and a Bye Election will follow for the District he sits. This will drag elections into 2017. A chaotic situation indeed for Seychelles.

Both the Attorney General and the Election Commissioner/ Commission are over zealous to remove Ramkalawan from the Voters List. 

Ile Preservans Issue

To hook up the train of elections into 2017, the Vice President, Danny Faure has presented, caused to be passed an electoral law legislation which will-1. Make Ile Preservans a district 2. allow current residents to vote in their old districts, 3. Vote for a MNA for Ile Preservans next year as well.

This seals our fate of being in election mode for three (3) years. The law is being challenged for its constitutionality since it violates the principle of: " one man....one vote...one district". Now, Ile Preservans will exercise: " one man......two votes......two districts".............some will say funny, others will express outrage.

Elections Breed Economic Chaos

Elections breed economic and financial chaos. The writing is on the wall. Since we had 107 international press here in Carnival, many slipped to the side, and did political and economic stories on Seychelles. They reported to Europe that Seychelles will be in election mode all of 2016. 

As a result, hotels are experiencing unprecedented low bookings for the next three months our peak period. Inbound flights like Emirates have cut back their flights. Air Seychelles is trying to set up additional flights to Mumbai with two hearts ( Leker dan Leker) , it is a very unhealthy situation. 

Eden Island Sales

Sales at Eden Island of luxury homes are indicated to be -40% the purchase price. With impending street protests, which will go on and on this year, these prices will deflate further. If things get rowdy- expect .20 cents on the Dollar by years end for house sales.

Yachts are going up for sale daily. The carnage is everywhere, simmering, like raw meat on a hot fire skillet just before the heat evaporates into smoke and up,up and away, touching your nose, so you can smell the flesh of burnt beef.

Leaders of Seychelles, collect yourselves in a room of seriousness before we all end up......up in smoke!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Blows Into Street Protests!

This Saturday, while Mr. James Michel ( contested President) was making his way to open the National Agricultural Fair on La Digue and spend the day with some prize cows, prize goats and prize eggplants, the Seychelles opposition spilled into the streets of Victoria with placards, signs, flags, calling for Free and Fair elections.

I Told You So!

I have been making a solemn appeal to James Michel and his Le Pep party to pave a serious path for dialogue and negotiate with the opposition, putting emotions aside, and nostalgia of who they were to him at one point in time. The Opposition leaders are changing in form daily. The attitude and perception is changing daily. Michel has taken his opponents personally, and it has shown his intellectual shortcomings, in dealing with them. Instead of dialogue, he has offered the back of his shoulders to his once friends and staunch party stalwarts who make up the leadership of the Seychelles Opposition today.

More Protests Ahead

Patrick Pillay a former minister and ambassador of the James Michel government has promised more protests until the Michel Administration is brought down. This is no laughing matter, and the threat is serious. The Seychelles Opposition maintains a full monopoly on social media. They are organized better then ever, in each district, each zone. Placards are detailed with professionalism, and mobilization is but a simple post" Protest Victoria, 10::00am Saturday" is enough to send the country into protest panic.

Such protests are now easy to do for the Opposition building up against the James Michel government. He has taken peace and tranquility in paradise for granted, and thought the conditions were always on his terms alone.

For example: 

in January 2015, he said in the Mauritian press:" there is no Opposition in Seychelles against me, I will win the next elections easily".  This statement showed how out of touch James Michel was and is today, he cannot claim a legitimate win in the last elections, which is marred in election fraud. In fact, he is luck his party stalwarts are not filling the jails, thanks to a sympathetic Chief Justice who found Ramkalawan's actions in the election to be more repugnant then James Michel's supporters actions.  That is all subjective at this point. What is objective, is the reality that protests will get larger and larger, and strategies around protests will get more and more sophisticated going beyond a walk around town with placards.

Dialogue Or Disorder

The options are straight forward enough. Michel must engage the opposition in dialogue or he shall face national disorder. If he chooses dialogue, he will be able to retain a semblance on the surface of legitimacy. If he refuses to dialogue, disorder will ensue, and with that, his own legitimacy. Which hangs on a mere thread at this time, as a leader yet alone as a President, will snap.

No Turning Back

Once the Opposition is on the streets, there is no turning back for the Nation. James Michel has made a fatal blunder by taking his politics too personally. He has felt betrayed by William Herminie, Simon Testa, Ahmed Afif, Patrick Pillay,  Daniella Payet, betrayed by his old friend Ramkalawan,and a plethora of ex SPPF who have abandoned Michel. People come and go Mr. Michel, that's politics. You should not take it personally. When you do, you scare others from supporting who may, if you had a decent agenda, which you do not. In the end, your approach then becomes the seed that will implode your party. No one wants to support an acidic leader in this day and age of individual empowerment, transparency. People support leaders who will tolerate them, embellish their lives, make things better for them.

   Seychelles Under CIA Plan

In fact, the latest fad is to oppose acidic dictators if you have not noticed. If you have not noticed, instead of bury your nose in poorly written books on fish, lift your head, look around you, bear witness to what is happening around the world. Another hint: it's all a CIA plan......if you dialogued enough, you would have learnt something.....in time.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Needs A Minister of Happiness

Seychelles is faced with one challenge after another. She has faced national bankruptcy, IMF intervention, devaluation of currency, revaluation of currency. Along the way, the ordinary Seychellois and anyone else that calls Seychelles home as the plethora of Fabrikes commenting on our politics these days, have had to endure downturn, turmoil and now political instability and possibly political mayhem.

Create A Ministry of Happiness

We need to keep are perspective. At time leaders and followers alike can get tied down to dogma, ideology or the lack of it. Human beings all have a quest to seek out happiness. Arguably, from what I have witness, there is no country unhappier in the Indian Ocean then Seychelles. To address this quest to be happy, PL should initiate the creation of a Ministry of Happiness, to address the reasons why people are so unhappy, and to implement measures, lobby other ministries to insure unhappiness in Seychelles is a thing of the past.

What Will Ministry of Happiness Address?

The Ministry of Happiness can address any issue. Let's start with the hard issues. The hardest social issue of the day, is the killings before, after the coup. Ministry of Happiness can meet with the families of use victims. The Ministry can compile the records and personal testimony. It can advance the sentiments of the families forward. They do not have to resort to Facebook all year. A apology can be negotiated, to allow these families to heal. Compensation for pain and suffering organized and administered, though money will not address the loss and pain, but it is something. It will help move the country forward and we will heal slowly.

The Social issues

Today, drugs is ravaging our country. To bear witness to the amount of drug addicts on the street each day, as I drive my children to school is simply astonishing. Ben Vel from DAC tells me in 2007 Praslin  had 200 intravenous drug users. Today, he suspects the number has reached 1500. We are in a chaotic situation we need help. Ministry of Happiness can ID these users, reach out to them, prepare a plan of action for them, before they die. Ministry of Social Affairs, poor man, Minister Vincent Meriton is simply dumbfounded with the magnitude of social problems he must face. He is openly saying on SBC, he does not have resources to tackle issues. In his ministry he is now suffering from shortage of competent able staff. The problems are enveloping us as a Nation.

National Reconciliation

The Ministry of Happiness can address and deal with the portfolio of National Reconciliation. It must be done. The strategy being embarked by James Michel is morally wrong. Similarly Ramkalawan's strategy is morally wrong. We must chart a third way, to bring the country to peace with itself. Remember the words of Jesus: " an eye for an eye, will leave the whole world blind", " love your neighbor, pardon your enemy". What's up, did everyone forget these wise words?

Collect Ourselves!

The Nation must collect itself, no longer are we a young new Nation, with a margin of error that can be classified as " luxury". Today, Seychelles can no longer make errors upon errors, blunders upon blunders. Yes, we cannot have State House dubbed " Playboy House". Yes, we cannot continue to pillage state assets, enrich a select group of families, at the expense of the people. Yes, we must heal. To heal, will mean, to move forward. To do this, dear Seychellois, on all sides, will mean that we all come to our senses.

First step- Ministry of Happiness!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Cuts A Raw Nerve

The Seychelles political scene has suffered a raw nerve laceration this week with the Second Round Presidential Election Petition before the Seychelles Constitutional Court. The judgment endured like a marathon of improper practices, being exposed, by the Justices. Each took a turn to read a part of the Judgment, which was actually Two cases. After a Four (4) hour endurance read, the first case- Dismissed. The second case- Dismissed. The first case was passable, but the second case, was jaw dropping for any one. 

In particular, was the order that the Election Commissioner strike Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan from the Voters List, for his role in drafting a letter to Tamils appealing for support in exchange for some concessions. What shocked me about this was how effortlessly the Justice made the order. This man, whatever his issues may or may not be was a Presidential candidate who came within 83 votes of a victory. He filed a case before the courts, attended each session, pushed the envelope card for Democracy forward, in the case. His opponent, the Respondent, Was never called to appear before the courts. This is a great imbalance in the proceedings and the result to is a great injustice to Mr. Ramkalawan and to Seychelles.

 

Post Court Ruling Rally

LDS immediately gathered at the Unity Car Park and voiced out. Mr. Ramkalawan had some fighting words for the Judges, it was recorded and aired on social media. Others referred to the Respondent openly in Public an idiot. Emotions ran high. But worse, a raw nerve in Seychelles politics was struck, the damage will compound our problems for the remainder of the year, and perhaps into the next decade. I am deeply sadden because Seychelles has been pushed to a point of no return, there will be casualties, the people, will suffer, and suffering will be compounded upon suffering.

PL Congress

The next day, PL held another Congress. They do this every year. They advertise some celebrations over June 5 th weekend, presumably to celebrate the judgment, insuring Michel stays at least until the end of the year,if he likes or next year. 

The appeal Michel made was to continue the next struggle. The struggle ahead he said, was a big challenge. He is right. His party is at an all time low for support. It is plausible that he is running the country as a minority party today, with LDS the largest party in the country. But PL has one vote LDS does not have: The Courts!

The Country Has A Raw Nerve

Ever seen a dispute turn ugly with personal attacks? Well, in Seychelles, politics has gotten very personal dismissing basic tenets of decency, expected in a civilized country. Our politics today is a mix of citing civil and criminal codes with a blend of cursing each other denigrating each other to the point of incoherence. It is unhealthy, and it is very un patriotic. For me, personally, if we have to resort to such lowly attacks towards each other, we may as well fight it out and pick a winner, declare a loser. A country cannot function without civility, and dignity, mutual respect.

The Courts Should Lead By Example

The Constitutional Court should lead by example, and show the people what respect means, civility, decency. They can start by tendering their resignations. Then political parties should follow suite, turn a new leaf, dialogue in the interest of the nation, find solutions , stop victimizing  

your fellow Seychellios. Please Stop The Hate on all sides!

For the Courts, the Opposition should insure that this is done ( resignations) especially since one Judge sits on the Court of Appeals as well, a Conflict of Interest, which God only knows why the Bar has not objected to in the first place. Attending Respondents post judgment party sipping wine, at State House, for a judge is collusion - fraternizing and is  grounds for resignation as well.

It shows overtly, for the World to see, the Judge was not ever " Impartial". She was " Partial all along". 

I ask the Church to intervene, seek common ground to move this country forward, before she implodes, the country not the Judge. Right now it is closer to implosion then moving forward. 

Save Our Seychelles! (SOS)

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

ISIS in Mauritius!

Dangers of Mauritius

Port Louis, 09 June (Asiantribune.com):

Mauritius is witnessing an upsurge in Islamist fundamentalist elements since the general elections held last December.

Besides a host of Islamist groups like Zam Zam Society (ZZS), Hizbullah Party(HP), and Islamic Society of Mauritius (ISM), Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT, Islamist Party of Liberation), which American experts see as more dangerous than ISIS, has become active raising concerns in the Indian Ocean island nation.

HuT’s foot-print in Mauritius is a part of its effort to building a global infrastructure of radicalized youth and deep-pocketed Arab support in preparation for the global Khilafat.

ISIS has reportedly found its first recruits from Mauritius with Islamic preacher Reaz Lauthan and his close friend, one Yusoof Osman travelling all the way to Syria to join the anti-Assad rebels. They left Mauritius in July 2013.

While Reaz has returned, Osman has not yet. Riaz’s passport does not show any movement beyond Turkey border raising suspicion.

Political and diplomatic observers say that the Islamist elements are encouraged by the government’s agenda of placating the minority Muslim community for short term political gains and long term financial backing of the Muslim world.

Lending credence to this view are recent political changes in the country. On the insistence of Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth, President Kailash Purryag, resigned two years before completing his term; he has been succeeded by Professor Ameenah Gurib-Fakim. Moreover, the government has many Muslim Ministers, one of them a Vice-Prime Minister. There are 11 Muslim law makers in all.

Muslims account for 16 per cent of the total population of Mauritius while Hindus are a majority (48%) followed by Christians (32%). As much as 68 percent of Mauritius population is of Indian descent.

While the government is working to strengthen bilateral relations with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia with an eye on investments and trade, the Islamist groups are exploiting the “opening” to spread their net in the island nation.

For instance, the Zam Zam Society (ZZS) is affiliated to the Deoband School of Wahabi Islam that draws its sustenance from Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Most of the Islamist militant outfits active in Af-Pak region like the Afghan Taliban which is active in Afghanistan, Pakistan Taliban which is drawing blood in Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), and its parent outfit, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, which are mostly India centric, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JEM), Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan (SSP), Tehrik-I-Jafria Pakistan (TJP), and Tehrik-I-Nifaz-I-Shariat-I Mohammadi (TNSM), which are all Pakistan based subscribe to Deobandi fundamentalism and Wahabi Islam.

Their goal, like HuT’s, is creation of Khilafat where Shariah (divine law of Islam as revealed by the Prophet as well as in his function as model and exemplar of the law) is strictly enforced. Shariah was systematised during the 2nd and 3rd centuries of the Muslim era which corresponds to 8th–9th centuries.

ZZS gets its finances directly from Saudi Arabia and has about five to six thousand followers. So do Hizbullah Party (HP), which is now Mauritian Solidarity Front (FSM) and Islamic Society of Mauritius (ISM).

FSM, also known as Islamic Jihad once in the past, also has some 5000 members; at least 2000 of them are believed to be “very active in Port Louis”, according to police sources.

Interestingly these fundamental outfits are anchored in anti-India sentiments.

“ZZS, FSM and ISM have come to notice for propagating anti-India sentiments”, a top police official said in an interview, pointing out that FSM doesn’t prefer Indian Imams for its Madrasas set up through Jamat-ul-Moslemeen.

“Jamat-ul-Moslemeen doesn’t consider Indian Imams as truly Islamic; therefore they are not appointed in its Madrasas where youth are taught fundamentalism”, the official stated.

Presence of HuT in Mauritius came to light recently when a group owing allegiance to the outfit held a noisy demonstration near the French Embassy protesting against Charlie Hebdo’s cartoons. It (demonstration) was a publicity stunt”, say the Mauritius Security Agency while noting that the group’s leader Fazl-ur-Rahman had earlier condemned killing of Muslims in Gaza strip and situation in Pakistan and denounced US’s divide and rule policy.

Libya is also helping Mauritian Islamists financially, according to sources familiar with the ‘emerging scenario’. Some ‘active’ Mauritian Islamists are believed to be visiting Pakistan for religious training; a natural corollary is Islamabad using the Islam card to make inroads into Mauritius, which it sees as its Gateway to Africa.

To further the process, Pakistan is sending a retired Army Officer who had closely worked with the Islamist militants during his stint in the ISI (2011-13), as its envoy to Port Louis. For this ISI job, this Major-General was reportedly handpicked by then Army Chief Pervez Kayani from the Sindh Regiment (Infantry). His CV also shows that he had served in the Saudi Arabian Army on deputation.

Diplomatic observers point out that Pakistan has been regularly sending retired or serving senior military officers with stints in the ISI to various diplomatic missions in Asian countries including Sri Lanka.

“In a sense this is not a new development that should cause eye brows to rise but stints in ISI and Saudi Army are a deadly combination and should cause concern to the United States in these days of Islamist fundamental upsurge both on its own soil and in the Middle East”, a strategic analyst said.

It is said that even India will have reasons to worry when the change of guard takes place at the Pakistan Mission in the Mauritian capital.

“The new incumbent can work to consolidate Pakistan’s hold over Mauritius Muslim population, fundamentalist elements in particular, to utilize them for activities against Indian interests in the long run”, the analyst, a long time India-Pakistan observer, said pointing out that the present Mauritius government appears to be “turning away” from New Delhi.

The reference is to the plans of government of Prime Minister Jugnauth to open an embassy in Saudi Arabia. He came to power on the pledge of turnaround in the economy and more jobs. Both tasks demand huge investments, and his government is looking towards countries like China and Saudi Arabia which have deep pockets. So it is natural for the aid giving nations to gain influence in Mauritius.

The return of Jugnauth at the head of a three-party coalition, Alliance Lepep (AL) has eclipsed his predecessor, Navin Ramgoolam, whose regime saw India-Mauritius relations deepen and broaden. More over his support base is Indo-Mauritians.

Navin is making a determined bid to stage a comeback but Prime Minister Jugnauth is equally determined to marginalize his key opponent.

Already several cases have been slapped on Ramgoolam in “a very planned manner not only to discredit him within the Indo-Mauritian support base but also to render him incapable of a political comeback”, a political analyst said.

Result is the absence of a strong opposition. And this may help the Prime Minister to consolidate his hold and pass on his baton to his son, Pravind Jugnauth by the year end “without any hiccups”.

-Asian Tribune -

Minister St. Ange clears his name!

Seychelles Tourism and Culture Minister reacts to corruption allegations before the National Assembly

                  

The Tourism and Culture Minister of Seychelles Alain St.Ange has refuted allegations made towards him in the Seychelles Weekly newspaper last week in regards to him being involved in corruption.

The newspaper wrote an article saying Minister St.Ange had received a cheque for R100,000 from the former general manager of Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort and Spa Norbert Couvreur.

Minister St.Ange said the payment of R100,000 issued in his name by the Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort and Spa is official payment.

He was in the National Assembly yesterday morning to answer a private notice question tabled by the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Francesca Monnaie was asking for an explanation following an article which was published last week in the Seychelles Weekly newspaper, stating that a cheque amounting to R100,000 that was addressed to the Minister St.Ange could be seen as an act of corruption.

“I am happy you have taken the decision to ask this PNQ. As a minister in this government, this does not worry me because we have just adopted a proposition to have an anti-corruption commission and transparency is always vital for our country and our people,” Minister St.Ange said.

“I am happy that the leader of the opposition has brought this private notice question in the spirit of transparency and this will serve as a platform for us to address those who spend their time maliciously attacking others in newspapers, in political speeches delivered during rallies and on social media where we see keyboard warriors hiding behind their computers.”the Minister said.

He added that there are many living in corruption and they are the same people who see the actions of others as corrupted.

Minister St.Ange gave examples of corrupted actions which have taken place in the country.

“Collecting large sums of rupees in paper bags at night from a businessman’s private residence, thinking nobody is watching is a first definition of corruption, and not a cheque legally issued,” he said.

“That collection of millions in darkness is indeed the biggest corruption in the country, and the Seychelles Weekly has never dared to write about it.”                                                                                                                                       

“But when Nancy for example from the Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort and Spa was encouraged to share confidential information from his workplace, the Seychelles Weekly immediately wrote about it.”

Minister St.Ange said on May 10, the resort issued a cheque numbered 001128 for a sum of R100,000. This he added, followed an accord between the tourism establishment and eTurboNews, an international online newswire, distributing  news and information relevant to the global travel trade.

He said Mr Couvreur wrote the following statement on the payment :- “Cette Societe de presse en ligne, avec laquelle nous avons passe un contract en aout 2015 portait sur la couverture en plusieurs reportages de la Beachcomber Adventure 2016, notre événement phare en matière commerciale. eTurbo news nous avez demande d'effectuer le paiement de la somme convenue de Scr 100,000 a Monsieur Alain St.Ange, en l'occurrence vous, son represent aux Seychelles.”

On its part, eTurboNews wrote the following on what the minister has termed as the Seychelles Weekly saga:-

"You have been our agent in Seychelles, referred to as eTN Ambassador, for many years. Initially you covered our successful Indian Ocean column in the mid 2000. It was known also as the St.Ange Indian Ocean Report. Due to your effort eTN is now rightfully regarded as a source and expert on issues relevant to the Indian Ocean region.

Due to your effort also many tourism enterprises were able to get worldwide recognition and visibility through our extensive network.

The incident referred to by the press in the Seychelles was for a payment of $ 7650.00 or Seychelles Rupees 100,000.00 invoiced by us on September 2, 2015. The invoice was generated after a negotiation with Mr Norbert Couvreur of Beachcomber Hotel to use our extensive partner network in Europe to get awareness for Beachcomber worldwide with a focus on France and Belgium and in accordance with an agreement we made at the France Tourism Fair. The project was for the 2016 Beachcomber Adventure campaign. Thank you for collecting a payment for this invoice. It settled invoice Number 1381 for Sainte Anne Beachcomber Hotel. I am attaching a paid invoice copy for your record.

eTN's concept to work with Tourism Ambassadors like you and all over the world is key of our success. It allows us to truly operate on a global marketplace.”

Minister St.Ange also spoke on the Bel Air Basketball Academy which is being supported by Mr Couvreur, the new Culture Ambassador and that was also written about in the Seychelles Weekly article.

“Mr Couvreur has completed his contract here in Seychelles as the general manager of the Beachcomber Sainte Anne Resort and Spa. I was among the many who knew where his future posting was going to be and I did not want to let a good chance for our young Seychellois go to waste. It is all about opening new doors for our young sportsmen and women,” he said.

Mr Couvreur is going to head a hotel in France which is highly affiliated with a sports training facility for top professionals in the world of sports, he added.

“At the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, we thought of the joy that our youngsters would feel when meeting a professional sportsman whom they only see on television.”

“This is what we all want for our young sportsmen and women. This is all about bringing more opportunities for our young people for them to develop professionally, thus letting our country progress.”

“With a group of sportsmen from the district of Bel Air, we have initiated the idea for Mr Couvreur to use this new Basketball Academy of Bel Air as a liaison between sportsmen and women, and the Ministry responsbile for Sports to choose candidates who will go to France when the professional from a particular sports discipline will be in that hotel where Mr Couvreur will head. The government as a facilitator aims to offer opportunities to its people.”

Minister St.Ange also gave more details on the title of cultural ambassador, which has recently been given to Mr Couvreur. He said this is for foreigners who can open doors of opportunities for our people. This is not a paid job but rather on a voluntary basis.

“We also have tourism ambassadors, which is for Seychellois living abroad and to date we have around 80 tourism ambassadors in all the four corners of the world. Their aim is to promote Seychelles, help our islands to remain visible and to defend its position as the best destination in the world for tourists.”

Minister St.Ange said more explanation was given on an eTN invoice dated September 2, 2015 which states :- Local Seychelles Representative authorized to receive payment in Seychelles Rupees as discussed. Please pay eTN Tourism Ambassador Alain St.Ange.

He said these are facts and not what the newspaper has written, an article which he has described as encouraging rumours and lies.

He added that it creates hatred and at the same time an atmosphere of division which makes Seychellois people suffer.

“What we need in Seychelles is sincerity, unity and an atmosphere  which creates vast opportunities for its people. We have one Seychelles and we remain as one Seychellois people. There is no place for division and hatred in our society .