Praslin Boycotts PL Rally!

The PL have held a major rally on Saturday on Praslin. The turn out was slight made up of very few Praslinoise and mostly People from Mahe and La Digue. The turn out delivered a resounding clear message to Le Pep that we have been sounding off for years now: " Do Not Ignore Praslin"! Instead of listening, PL has done exactly the opposite of what we have been saying:" Ignore Praslin.

Charter Cat Cocos- Cat Rose

PL disgraceful effort to pack the fields came with a disgraceful effort to fill the grass fields with charter arrangements for supporters given uniforms on Mahe and La Digue. Each was given allowance for food, drinks and ancillary matters. If PL can charter a boat for 400 people to attend a rally on Praslin why can they not charter a boat to send prisoners or army to Praslin to clean up the seaweed destroying the beauty of the islands and the livelihood of hotels and workers? Praslinoise are no longer blind. Amazing Grace! We were blind.......and now we see.

Proud Praslinoise Stay Home!

Proud Praslinoise of dignity, self respect stayed home this Saturday. We stayed home because we want to send a message to PL loud and clear, to the heart:" Praslin Will Not Be Ignored"!
Praslinoise are pragmatic and result oriented. We expect government to be like us: deliver the goods do not just talk,talk,talk. We expect debriefing of problems, propose solutions, set deadlines and get problems resolved once and for all. We expect solutions and attentiveness, engagement from political posts. From the Civil Servants on Mahe, we expect quick solutions to our problems because we are from Praslin, because the government has abandoned Praslin for years. We do not expect civil servants to pull the royalty card on us if we are not PL .

PL Praslin is too small to be divided. We all depend on each other regardless of political party affiliation. We cannot say : "sa pa ek nou nou pa Kapab deal ek li"! We deal with everyone, and we treat everyone according to his personal dignity as a Seselwa and we are fearless in dignity when we must defend it.

This is Sesel Pou Seselwa, in case you forgot!

Our Seychelles belongs to all of us......this is the message of Praslinoise!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Minister Says Seychelles Too Expensive!

The Minister of Tourism Mr. Alain St. Ange has gone on a media blitz to remind the government, public, tourism operators that Seychelles is simply too expensive. He has called on all stakeholders to sit down dialogue see where they can make adjustments to cut operating costs and cost of food and beverage to not offend Visitors to our shores. He said:" when one visitor gets ripped off from their perception, they go to Tripadvisor tell everyone, thousands view this, and their friends will not come to Seychelles".

Travel Leisure Award Best Destination 2016

St. Ange highlighted what seem to go under the radar completely. Seychelles has been awarded the coveted and much sought after award: " Travel Leisure Best Destination- 2016". This is a great honor that culminates Ten (10) years of government and private sector change in approach. But there is room for improvement and we must improve to re main viable and relevant. For St. Ange it is the crowning of an illustrious career in Tourism that has taken him to the top in the field world wide. He will not be able to accomplish much more without the support of all ministries and the private sector.

The SCR. 140.00 Water Bottle
The Minister announced he was taken offense at a Sunday lunch when the bill presented had detail a bottle of water costing SCR. 140.00. Outrageous he says. But the alarm bell sounds off a stark reality.
A bottle of Pellgrini cost SCR. 38.00 wholesale. Add retail mark up, add service charge 10%, add VAT 15% , add Food and Beverage accepted scientific mark up x 3 , guess what, we get SCR. 150.00.
The same madness applies to Seybrew which retails for SCR. 25.00. By the time it hits the table and location of a Five Star hotel, it will cost SCR. 140.00. Seybrew is nothing more then water, fixed and mixed, with hops and grains aged for 30 days.
We can do better as a country, but it will require give and take on all sides. Better speed it up.

Central Bank Lets Down Tourism

At the point of sale wherein Euros are converted to Seychelles Rupees, the Central Bank plays it's role in making Seychelles a very expensive destination, destroying the opportunity for creating a feel good, good value destination for visitors. The Central Bank has a deficit of hard currency to meet demand. In a phrase this has been caused by a overvalued currency by as much as 20%.
If Seychelles wants to offer better value to visitors, reduce cost of operations, it must start with the Central Bank aligning the Seychelles Rupee to a bonafide rate. Cash flow is better then cash dreams . Take your pick.

Relook at Retail- Wholesale Business

Government must also relook at wholesale and retail businesses. A wholesaler should not be allowed to retail the same item it imports for wholesale. This allows excessive profits, and makes the destination expensive.

Challenges Ahead Massive

The challenges ahead are un daunting. It is unlikely government will be able to keep it all together with the added burden of political largess for two years and bad fiscal policies being put in place to please the voter, initiative by the opposition SNP but Le Pep fell for them without due reflection as to why voters are so irate.

It's not because of something we never had that makes us mad (13th month salary) it is what we have that you do not respect that I rates the Public.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Faces Potentially Severe Downturn Ahead!

The numbers on Tourism and Fisheries are yet to come in, but the situation does not look good for Seychelles. Many are waiting on pins and needles for declaration of a new direction, new approach by government to deal with economic downturn ahead. However, Le Pep government is famous, famous for practicing the methods of St. Thomas, doubting Thomas who said: " Oh Lord, I must see God to believe in God". Le Pep must see economic catastrophe to believe it will happen. Unfortunately, for Seychelles this will mean we will now face a downturn worse then in 2007-2008. 

Why?

In 2007-2008 only Seychelles went Bankrupt with the highest Debt- GDP Ratio 137% in the World. Today, while we have reduced Debt - GDP ratio to 62%, it will increase because many of our main markets are now facing Bankruptcy, or severe hardships ahead. Seychelles has not adjusted to this market marginalization in time to not be adversely affected.

France- Facing Terrorism 

Italy- Facing Banking Crisis

UK- Facing chaos

Belgium - Failed State

Russia- Economy Collapsing

South Africa - Economy and currency Crisis

Central Bank Send Cautious Alert

The Central Bank of Seychelles has sent a yellow card out last week, with alarming figures: 1. 21% shortfall in Foreign Exchange Supply, 2. Abrupt increase of 11% in Demand for the same, 3. Depreciation of the Euro, 4. Depreciation of the Pound Sterling. All these figures paint a picture of the monetary policy derailing faster then the Central Bank can adjust itself and move away from the now certain artificial rate of the Seychelles Rupee that now makes Tourism and Fish Exports at least 25% more costly or out of market. Enter Tourism disaster pending.

Tourism Disaster Looms

The Tourism Industry is undergoing a tremendous amount of stress and distress. Minister St. Ange has done his best over the years to launch and build up this Industry. However, the Industry today can no longer grow, no longer expand with the obstacles in place, created by Le Pep ministries, who focus more on excuses then on solutions. The reality that we do not see in the statistics is daunting on the ground. Hotels on Mahe, Praslin, La Digue have gone empty for near Three (3) months. As July set in, a Peak Period, only two weeks of Four weeks, are rooms booked 60% or less. August is another Peak Period, for Two (2) weeks. The expected hard currency levels will shock Le Pep in September. The shortfalls will cause Le Pep to go into crisis management mode, to find solutions, find money, to pay for feel good projects and expenses. 

Agents are telling us over and over, again, again, " Seychelles is beautiful, but your product is too, too expensive, your service sucks, your environment is filthy, as if you are destroying what you have ....,,,,,,,,,..deliberately."

With this type of comment running on email, Facebook, blogs, by agents, Minister Alain St. Ange will simply not be able to deliver the impossible. The Industry will now bleed, bleed, bleed unless government changes it's tap dance routine. 

Fisheries Industry

The Fisheries Industry offers great potential. Mr. James Michel has written a book on the subject. But Mr. Michel has not address the -25% labor force needed to develop Fisheries Industry. Where will we get the manpower to develop Fisheries? Where? This platonic question erases the chapters on chapters of opportunity Mr. Michel thinks we have. The fish will grow, not because we plant them, because we do not have the manpower to pull them out of the sea. 

Support Services Will Crumble

With the lack of hard currency in the country over the next three months, increase demand for the same, increase offer of support services such as Education, Health care, road maintenance, port upgrades, airport expansion, will all face distress as the hard cash just does not come into Seychelles. If prolonged over a long term, by years end, secondary hospitals like Logan on La Digue , Praslin, will be beyond use since they are already near beyond use. Roads on Praslin will cease upgrade in September, cars will continue to break, demand for parts will continue to increase. Trash will be collected less if at all, when GOS starts to stagger contract payments to refuse collectors. 

Debt Servicing

External Debt servicing with IMF for the $55 Million has been paid consistently under Pierre Laportes management of the economy. Under Caroline Abel and Jean Paul Adam, the repayments have been less. What has become of the $ 850 Million external commercial debt is unclear. The last we heard, it had been reduced to under $ 500 Million. This was three years ago, hence, we expect it now to be back above $650 Million unless GOS can clear this matter for us.

Debt- GDP Ratio Back Up

The national debt GDP ratio is going back up. Jean Paul Adam has advise the National Assembly, that Seychelles will not meet the 2017 50% Debt GDP ratio. He has ask for a Two (2) year extension, but that was before the Second Round Presidential Election and before the Le Pep Anse Royale Rally. Foolishly, the National Assembly remained silent on the issue as they snored right through his presentation. It is never wise to snore when the Minister of Finance is before the legislature, even if you are being kicked out by your party.

Dialogue To Solve Our Issues

When GOS fails we all fail. When PL fails we all fail. They drag us with them. They destroy your dreams of a better life when they make bad decisions, employ bad ministers who let the entire system fall, as they allow to be drop, your files. When they fail, they master the art of excuses,to cover up until they can get on the next flight, to another international conference which brings with it, the VIP limousines, protocol, cocktails and shopping bliss. Rarely do they ever convert contacts into any thing material for Seychelles, with the exception of St. Ange of course.

In the opposition, it is the same. With bad leaders, we all fail. When they kouyon us for a contribution and import a BMW on our backs, we fail. We fail the 40% who live in poverty in this country! We fail those who have invested dearly in Seychelles with their money, blood, sweat and yes, tears, there are many tears for the Seychellois investor.

Those that remain silent, fail the mass of supporters begging for a better life, and better deal.

I call on all parties to dialogue, chart a course forward. Retire your deadbeat leaders on each side. Make room for the young, let us move this country forward, before the young are also too old to carry this big burden, whose seeds are planted by France Albert Rene, nurtured to an incredible level by James Michel.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Military Coup Averted!

A military coup involving 2800 soldiers made up of enlisted personnel and colonels was launched in the early morning Saturday. Helicopters assaulted the radio and government television station. A group of armed military accompanied, supported by tanks and armored personnel carriers made its way to the Presidential Palace, only to be flanked by a human wall of support for the President.

President Calls Public To Take To The Streets
The President immediately called on citizens to take to the streets. He ask them to stay there for a whole week.

Military Surrender
In no time, before lunch, the coup attempt was foiled as 2800 military men, with tanks surrendered to People power.

Judges Fired

Immediately the president fired 2000 judges and jailed 3000 military personnel.  He has vowed to purge the conspirators of the coup.

Coup in Turkey

The coup attempt has taken place in Turkey not Seychelles. But you just never know the way things are going.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Central Bank Issues Yellow Marker on Economy!

Seychelles Central Bank has issued a yellow card warning to the government and general public on under performance of the economy and lack of fiscal discipline in the market last week, in first a TODAY article in the Business section followed by an EXTRA presentation on SBC by the Governor Caroline Abel, herself, giving rise to the speculation of the urgency of the warnings.

Banks Not Holding Reserve Requirements

The Central Bank has admitted for the first time since 2007, when the country faced national bankruptcy that the liquidity situation at the commercial banks is alarmingly low, below the regulated amounts required by the Central Bank ( Precautionary Balance). There was speculation that reserve requirement for June 2016 may not be met.

Monetary Sector Touch and Go

The Central Bank highlighted in its report: " sustainability of existing Demand and pressures within the banking system remain uncertain should deposit and lending rates continue to be sticky". A key phrase that basically alerts us to the in congruence of commercial bank interest rates which are back to 17% in some instances, lack of deposits by account holders, most notably, hard currency. 

High interest rates make economic development and economic participation impossible for local operators. Hence the dormant Fisheries Industry and under performing Tourism Industry which seems to have lost itself by mid year out of sheer lack of management and foresight, by the government. 

Carnival can provide some marketing impetus for Tourism, it rightly does, but at the end of the day, government must INSURE visitors are coming to Paradise, and not a tropical dumping sight for plastics on the ocean, drug addicts strung along the beaches where Tourist frolick to only face petty theft and harassment while on holiday. For this, ministers must take their jobs more seriously, and be more result oriented, instead on being focus on perfecting the art of excuses.

Demand For Hard Currency Exceeds Supply

The Central Bank has correctly noted that the demand for hard currency has surged by 17% but the supply has sloped by 11%. This should have had the consequence of lowering the Seychelles Rupee against the Euro and Pound Sterling. However, it has not. 

Central Bank does not explain the reason. Perhaps the embryo of a Black Market has been conceived,prompting the Governor to issue the series of warnings to the government, private sector,public at large.

Reserves Decline
The National Reserve has declined by $25 Million CB says. Since CB has been slow to react to market forces, in order to stabilize the true value of the Seychelles Rupee, retain, increase reserves, it is foreseeable that given the long drawn out election season, and populist programs in place, demand for hard currency will increase beyond 20% of supply. 

Consequently, Black Market may be put in place by lack of timely action by CB by the third quarter. If so, Reserves will drop another $25 Million - 35 Million by years end, the price for a hardened political season,wherein few paid attention to the downward economic trends and even fewer cared to do anything about it to reverse the trend with immediate, smart strategies.

Instability In Europe and Uk Means Less Visitors

Instability in Europe and Brexit mean less long haul travelers. This will mean less hard currency inbound for Seychelles. CB should adopt a proactive stance, anticipate reduction in Arrivals, curtail the same with sound monetary policy that is proactive, progressive. Waiting for the results of the Brexit on the Seychelles economy, will only reduce Reserves further, challenge CB with debt servicing, falter the private sector, let down the citizenry and Seychelles fairly successful program up to now.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

LDS Tsunami Slams Preservans!

LDS the opposition of Seychelles landed on Ile Preservans a newly built housing estate with 25,000 supporters in a Sunday rally, the largest wave of supporters in Seychelles political history.

Residents of Ile Preservans draped their flags from the first floor windows of their Public Housing residents. It is sourced that over 2/3 of Ile Preservans residents now support the LDS. This includes the hospital staffers, army soldiers and clerks given housing allocation in exchange for tacit- silent- understood support for ruling party PL.

Rally Sends Dengue To State House

This 25,000 strong rally immediately sent the Dengue fever mosquitoes to State a house grounds and spread panic about the James Michel Administration. Questions were abound: 1. How can these people be so ungrateful, we give them a house, make them pay , they turn on us; 2. What is the magic key to undo this political disaster before us? ; 3. How can the army soldiers give houses be present in rallies?; How much money did they take?

The questions were endless. The fever set in and streams of distress ran through the minds of the leadership. All strategies implemented are back firing on the Eve of the official launching of the National Assembly elections. Where was Mitcy? In Praslin, attending church and being lectured about peace and love. As she walked out of Church, it was clear, she heard nothing the Priest said: " ah, Christopher Gill pa ek nou".

Mr. Michel- tell Mitcy Larue Christopher Gill believes in " Sesel Pou Seselwa" and this principle has nothing to do with the primitive thinking of " Ek Nou, Pa Ek Nou". Tell her I live by this principle everyday, and it includes everyone, excludes no one, not even you. Even you Mr. Michel have a role in Sesel Pou Seselwa, though you will now find this hard to understand after selling us to foreigners over the years and leaving us 3rd class citizens in Seychelles. Christian Lionnet can confirm this for you. It is up to you to undo the sin, because all cards are in your hand, not ours for now.

Ras Ricky Says Not For Sale
Ras Ricky hit the stage and said a third time, he is not for sale. This song and dance, and ,messaging by Ras Ricky is getting contagious. As he spoke, 25,000 people jumped, danced and hugged each other. The message was clear and uncontroverted: PL runs the country on a thread!

Musicians from around the World are gathering to prepare songs for the Opposition. They are doing it for free.

Economy Sinking

As the 25,000 Seychellois dance and sang, the reality is the economy is sinking. PL hides the figures and as a result the crowd thinks the dancing is just starting. Behind the scenes hotels are empty, some are selling rooms at fire sale prices. Mauritius is discounting 72% and Seychelles gets hit with lack of demand. The second half of the year will be another Tsunami instead of LDS, it will be financial.

Dialogue? All sides say it is out of the question! I will speak to myself.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!