Dreamliner 787 has arrived finally at the Seychelles International airport after Eight years of anticipation.

The Dreamliner 787 was on order by Air Seychelles under the tenure of CEO Colonel David Savy, not the good Savy.
Colonel Savy convinced the government of Seychelles that the Dreamliner, with 27 percent fuel,efficiency, was the way to go for Air Seychelles, and as CEO, he placed an order in the name of Air Seychelles, Two (2) Dreamliner 787.
Of course, these two Dreamliners never made it to Seychelles.

This week Ethiopian Airlines, saved face for Seychelles and landed a Dreamliner 787!

All corrupted wealth is fleeting- Dream on by baby!

I will not live off dirty money- Mr. Peter Rosalie ( Closing Remarks To SCCI).

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Clifford Andre Case Vexatious and Frivolous

Judge of the Supreme Court Samia Govinden has ruled the case against the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce (SCCI) as vexatious and frivolous and dismissed the Petition saying the Elections can go on tomorrow.

The Petition was filed by Clifford Andre who is also a candidate for Chairmanship of the SCCI, as attorney. The Petitioner was Peter Rosalie another candidate who has resigned as Councillor on the heals of the announcement of the election date as per SCCI Constitution, which provides the Secretary General ( Juliette Sicobo) can call elections within 21 days.

The issue was even put to a vote which Andre and Rosalie voted in opposition to the February elections advocating instead a March 21 date.
The campaign immediately got dirty and fortunately, the good image of the SCCI rebuilt after two years of hard work from all involved, has not been dented or tarnished.

Instead, the judgment and sensibility, common sense of Clifford Andre and his supporters have suffered a big blow.

Clifford Andre Says STC and GICC Needed In Seychelles

In an otherwise benign interview with TODAY with prepared questions put to Marco Francis and Clifford Andre candidates for the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce ( SCCI) chairmanship, Clifford Andre declared that: " STC ( former SMB) and GICC ( Green Island Construction company) taking government building contracts run by IDC Big Boss Glenny Savy, are NEEDED in Seychelles.

Hair Spray Anyone?

Recently, STC entered into the cosmetic supply business, the juice business, threatening local juice companies with closure. STC competes with merchants on even plastic toys and hair products, departing from its mandate to guarantee supply of essential commodities.
No financial controls are in STC that would allow the Public to assess the veracity of the books and accounts.

Most Favored Bankers Client

STC enjoys special conditions with bankers, paying lower interest rates, getting quicker access to foreign ex change, simply because they are so big.
If STC goes into the bedsheets business, which it does, it wipes out small entrepreneurs importing those items.
Green Island Monster

An endorsement of Green I island should have every single contractor opposed to Clifford Andre as the SCCI candidate. Every member of his team should resign and simply save themselves from further humiliation. Only last week one of his candidates was advising me in details how STC could be scamming millions and how Green Island, is a tool to funnel money from government to PL, and hence hurting the private sector.

Chairmanship of SCCI is no clown business!

Christopher Gill
The above article is the opinion of the Writer.

Hodge Podge Ministers On The Road With SBC

This week newly appointed minister Charles Bastienne a career Civil Service man was on the road along with Newly appointed Michael Benstrong.

Bastienne Visits Same Old Police Stations

Minister Bastienne visited the same old Police stations that every other minister visited when handed the Internal affairs portfolio. Grand Anse Police Station the ceiling was falling on the heads of the officers. A total disgrace, in a country ranked in the Genie Index as no. 1 in income disparity between the super rich and poor of a country. No. 1.

Minister Bastienne did an excellent job at immigration. The Police are using Chinese New a Year to celebrate his arrival and the abrupt departure of Joel Morgan. Officers broke out whiskey Black Label to celebrate the departure of Morgan.

Bastienne is a breathe of fresh air. We hope he will not abuse his position, respect the Constitution, and not resort to carrying a gun like John Wayne Bakka did.

Michael Benstrong from Banks To Fish
Benstrong a banker, has now gone on the road to tell us how to pack fish and process fish for export. Who makes these appointments? Who decides that one day a banker, will start giving lessons on SBC on fish processing? Who?

Five more years we will all be cookoo!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom loving Seychellois!

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

Dr. Ramadoss "Dream Team" Attempt To Take Seychelles Chamber of Commerce

Dr. Ramadoss, the infamous doctor who came to Seychelles as an Army doctor in “savat mi dans pous” on a pittance salary of SCR. 3,000.00 per month, who became the doctor of Communist Presidents, then the gaming King of Seychelles, to juice and milk mogul, and opponent to bring down Joe Albert, crush Vijay, take over from James Michel, has launched his dream team to now hijack the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce from Seychellois once again.

Mr. Clifford Andre Chairman

The Ramadoss Dream Team is led by Clifford Andre, the EX- TREASURER of the SCCI who for two years, hardly ever turned up to check the books. The staff led by Secretary General Juliette Sicobo, had to make do with Quickbooks and manage the accounts themselves.

Mr. Andre has a COLOURFUL career. He was President James Michel legal consul for a time, until he was unceremoniously terminated. Reasons are not Public, but you can use your imagination.

For a while he was a SPPF –PL member of the National Assembly.

Then he ran an offshore company registration scheme and this year his company was struck by SIBA for not filing returns in 2014.

One begs to ask, if Mr. Andre is elected Chairman of SCCI, if he will turn up to the office over the next Two years or if SCCI will be struck from the Associations List.

Ahmed Afif Vice Chairman

The Ramadoss Dream Team is supported by Ahmed Afif, ex Principal Secretary of Ministry of Finance. Mr. Afif recently became CEO of Seychelles Airlines, and he is attempting to get the green light for his airline company to fly.

He was nudging the government on Pure FM before he was removed. The program was popular with the Public.  

Mr. Afif has a good grip on economics and the inner workings of the Seychelles government, but very bad rapport with the government, who he once served. He was in government when the Lehman Brothers Bonds were signed and became due. The default followed and negotiations with IMF ensued under Mr. Afif.

Peter Rosalie Treasurer

Peter Rosalie is the Treasurer of the Ramadoss Dream Team. One only wonders what made Rosalie join this “Dr. Ramadoss Dream Team”?

We wish him well.

Doctor, Doctor, Doctor

The Public will recall, the Doctor was Chairman for the SCCI for many years. During those years, full page photos (color) of him smiling, with his handle bar moustache made the papers almost every week it seemed.

On trips abroad the Doctor would accompany James Michel and one started to get the feeling that Seychelles belonged to the Doctor and we will all be lucky to become his patient. Under a consultancy, he was placed in charge of the hospital, and garnered the catering contract at one point. Nothing much improved.

 In Praslin, Doctor open another Casino: Casino Des Iles. It has gone bankrupt and the grounds are abandoned now. Grass is growing three feet high and it is rat infested. Drug addicts live inside, on and off. A new hotel is opening now in Grand Anse with 30 rooms. The property is already on sale for SCR. 100 Million. The FIU is watching him day and night, I was advised by a fisherman.

Doctor has had a bad run in even with  Joe Albert. He ran Praslin-Express Ferry. At one point, Joe, known for his solid boxing skills almost took him out in a cocktail at Ile Du Port. Doctor of course is hardly a boxer, but tends to rely on the charisma of his sole weapon: the extra long handle bar moustache that conceals his extra large puffy lips and takes the attention off the wallet packet. Praslin –Express never made it to operational stage, too many enemies were created for the ferry business.

Doctor from my view has had little respect for Seychellois and those businesses that built Seychelles yet to mention the small entrepreneur. He even open a grocery store in Mont Fleuri, called it” People’s Market” ( who are you kidding?)  and cut down the mango tree I and others use to play underneath as a child. Surely, someone else could have open a grocery store? I wonder if he replanted any mango trees? Doubt it.

FIU and SCCI

Since FIU is apparently hot on Doctor’s heels, he is now banking on a "Dream Team" at SCCI to save him and defend him and perhaps insulate him.

For this and this is enough to vote his Dream Team out of SCCI because they are asking for the Public’s trust for the wrong reason, they themselves, may not be aware of.

The above is an Opinion of Dr. Christopher Gill

( Hell- everyone is a Doctor around here).

The SMB-STC Back To SMB Money Machine Killing Private Sector

After the 2007 Lehman Brother Bond Defaults, the government of James Michel in his Second Term of office opted for a IMF Standby Arrangement. The IMF immediately released some funds for fuel, to keep cars on the streets going around the clock tower.

Privatize The Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB)

In its recommendations the IMF said that one of the reasons for Seychelles failure of its economy was the Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB) presence. The IMF said this one party state leviathan of merchandising which turned over SCR. 400 Million a year had to be broken up and privatized.

SMB Sucks Up Foreign Exchange, Stock piles Misuses Capital  

SMB because of its sheer size and political influence, had immediate priority access to commercial bank hard currencies. They retained the title: Most Favorite Trader at the demise of bona fide traders like R. Pillay, Deenu, PJ Hardware, BODCO and other Small, Medium Enterprises (SME’s). These players would go to the prolific black market for funds.

SMB Turns Into STC

In the prime time IMF moment, SMB was privatized into a company called: Seychelles Trading Company (STC). Its promise to the Public was to import only essential goods into the country. The PL pulled the wool over the eyes of those dumb ass text book IMF technicians, thinking that when a leader says something in Africa, it is the same as a leader in Washington DC, where IMF is based .

Enter Veronique Laporte

Seychelles Trading Company is currently managed by Veronique Laporte, a very smart lady, well heeled in the right places and cunning as a fox in heat. While she initially took on the jargon: “STC is committed to importing essential goods” she went on a frolic, contrary to what IMF could ever imagine and started to import everything from cheap unbranded wines from South Africa, to hair spray, make up, bed sheets, pillow cases, lipstick, cologne, plastic animals, floating plastic animals, you dream of it, today, STC ex SMB imports it.

In her usual cunning defense, Miss Laporte took time off work, went to SBC and told us: “ STC must import other goods, to make a profit, and offset the low margins in essential goods.” IMF was gone or thought Seychelles was on auto pilot by then.

 Who Keeps Track of the SCR. 400 Million Plus

Who keeps track of this SCR 400 Million Plus or more business? Who counts the receivables daily? How much is really taken in? How much is really banked? Does a commission get paid out to the powers that be? Is cash hand carried from point A to point B?  Is it all banked? No one knows. It is up to Miss Laporte to give us the proof that STC is above board, and not under the table.

Question: What does STC do that the private sector could not do better?

Answer: Nothing. We are still in a “Free Communist Market”

More next week!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Kuoni tour operations eyed by Emirates group

Dubai-based dnata understood to be looking at buying Kuoni's tour operations after the Swiss group hoisted the "for sale" sign

 An arm of Middle Eastern airline Emirates is eyeing a bid for the tour operations of luxury travel company Kuoni.

Dubai’s dnata is among a handful of prospective suitors who have shown an early interest in bidding for the Kuoni business, which specialises in high-end holidays to places including the famous Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. The company has 35 branded travel agent shops in Britain, including eight concessions in John Lewis department stores.

Swiss-based Kuoni is looking to get out of the consumer travel industry amid fierce competition from online comparison sites and budget airlines. It is planning to concentrate on government travel and business services. The tour operating business includes services in Hong Kong, India, Belgium, Switzerland and the Nordics. It is not clear whether interest from dnata and several private equity firms, is for all the operations or whether they intend to cherry-pick parts.

 ^{Kuoni's most popular destination is to the Maldives where it also offers the opportunity to stay in the Rangali underwater hotel}

A Kuoni group spokesman said that there had been expressions of interest and the sale was progressing well but declined to comment on specific names. Kuoni’s tour business reported a pre-tax loss of £3.8m for the year ending 2013, but is now understood to be profitable.

Dubai’s dnata, which employs 23,000 people, has shown a growing interest for UK tour operators. Last year it bought online travel agent netflights.com and Pure Luxury from Thomas Cook for $74m and added Travel 2 parent Stella Travel Services just a couple months later. dnata said at the time that it had “plans for extensive growth”.

The sale of the Kuoni comes after a rash of travel deals including the sale of Riviera Travel, Scott Dunn, Sykes Cottages and Travel Counsellors.

Dnata did not return a request for comment. The dnata name originated as an acronym for the Dubai National Air Travel Agency.