Anse Lazio Development Committee Meets

The Anse Lazio Development Committee has met again a second time, on Praslin, in the Pension Fund meeting room. The Committee falls under the Town and Country Planning Act, and the auspices of the Planning Authority, the CEO, Joseph Francois. Chairman of this Committee is Mr. Patrick Nancy, who has been accepted by all the landowners present.

50 Meter Restriction No Longer Exist

The first issues addressed was the infamous 50 meter restriction policy. The Minister of Lands Mr. Bastienne has gone to the National Assembly and said the "50 meter Restriction" for Praslin and La Digue is still policy. It was over emphasized in the Anse Lazio meeting that the "50 Meter Restriction" no longer exist, Mr. Francois made this clear, and received an applause of agreement from all present.
Under the current situation, a plot of land must simply be " Build- able" as eloquently pointed out by Justice Mathilda Twomey in her land Mark Talma Case, " subject to reasonable restrictions necessary to protect environment. In addition , building technology today has improved so much, that it is now feasible she said, sighting a recent Cabinet of Minister position on this issue, in 2014. This is the position of the Planning Authority.
If Charles Bastienne still thinks the " 50 Meter Restriction" is still in place he must be thinking abou Nepal GOP workers at the Prison. We will accept Mr. Francois interpretation and not attempt to hold Mr. Bastienne in Contempt of Court before the Chief Justice on this one. Careful when you step into Christian Lionnet shoes!

Talma Case Sets Precedence On Property Rights

The Talma Case has set an incredible long over due precedence on property rights. Where Ex- Minister Dolor Ernesta ( Lands)  once sent SPDF men to break down a little shack built on a pre existing foundation, so Talma could earn a living, today, the site is approved for development of a Five star hotel, with pool, bar, restaurant, and supporting structures, as per Chief Justice judgment.
In the spirit of National Reconciliation, Mr. Talma should invite Dolor Ernesta to Anse Lazio, for a lunch, over looking a magnificent view, and pardon him for his trespass and uncommon arrogance born out of being a child of a failed Liberation, that is now cancelled.
For his part, Mr. Dolor Ernesta can return to the government of Seychelles, every parcel transferred on his name and his children, except for one parcel. This would be a good step forward in National Reconciliation.

Praslin Means Business

On the agenda were discussions of new roads, connecting Anse Lazio to Lemuria. This was a welcome proposal by government, Land Transport Department Patrick Andre. At the end of the meeting, it was clear to all present, Praslin is in business, Praslin means business. We count on government to support business development in Praslin in a very intelligent manner.

Monopolies in tourism industry will be the next major issue government will have to address, to insure the structures of our economy are sound. The community on Mahe , Praslin, La Digue are still waiting for a official copy of the World Bank Report- " Chain Analysis" made available to government of Seychelles, December 5 th, 2016, by Chris Coles of the World Bank.
Goat eating lettuce by 4000 pax a week!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

President Danny Rollen Faure- 100 Days!

President Danny Rollen Faure has completed his first key 100 days. The days past fast, with events uncontrollable by any, overtaking plans, but what has been critical we have witnessed a hard working, responsive President at State House. The critics of the " Pass Baton" protests led by LDS Leader Roger Mancienne, have regulated the " Pass Baton" protest to Ray Ray the Kat on Facebook, who uses a cartoon to send insulting messages to Faure, in an attempt to call early elections. All is fair in love and war I suppose. However, we all know Faure was elected on a ticket, we are all glad Michel is gone, Ray Ray should calm the whiskers for the greater good of the country, allow Faure time to address the shortfalls he has inherited from an era gone by, then we can judge him, as the gabble rests ultimately, in the hands of Seychellois voters.

Faure Breaks Precedence Attends National Assembly

President Faure made history when immediately after inauguration, he went to the National Assembly, made a declaration, on how his government will work, and announced a full engagement with the Opposition led National Assembly. In his address he said: " we are here, in this cohabitation situation, because our people, the electorate chose that we should be in such a situation" . This means, Seychelles will have to now dialogue, negotiate, give an take, to move the country in its next step of development.

Faure Meets With Opposition Regularly At State House

Another ground breaking initiative Faure has implemented is to regularly meet with the Opposition at State House, to discuss pending issues of concern. In the past, Michel met with David Pierre only, and he is now an Ambassador. An excellent initiative, that is earning President Faure the respect of the People on all sides, aside from Ray Ray the Kat, who is confined to the world of extremism, because she is a cartoon, don't get me wrong, I find it funny, but highly inappropriate for the sensitive stage Seychelles is now at.
New Year - Turn A New Leaf

At the turn of the New Year, President Faure took a bigger historically significant step forward in Seychelles history that many are yet to understand the full consequences. He went on SBC, from State House gardens, announced that June 5 th, 1977 Liberation Day  ( coup d'etat day) will " no longer be celebrated in Seychelles, instead, it will be a working day ". If ever there was a political earthquake in Seychelles, this was it. The tremors registered in the hearts and minds of all Seychellois, who generally, all wanted an end to the recognition of this day of infamy to come to an end. Few expected such a bold step forward, by a young cadre of the hardline of SPPF as Danny Faure. President Faure listened to the Public outcry, he did the right thing. The Opposition needs to welcome this move, give it the historical weight measure, it merits, adjust their speech from violence, denigration, to simply: " Respect" for removing June 5 th from the calendar, which was done from State House, not by Opposition motion in the National Assembly, though we ask for it countless times.

Death of President James Mancham

The sudden death of Former President James Mancham shocked most of Seychelles. While some fake profiles associated with LDS were denigrating the dead, castigating him, calling for debate with one who cannot raise a tongue, President Faure announced: full military honors, full State Funeral. He further broke ground, beyond Mr. Mancham's expectations, that his final resting place, shall be in the gardens of State House, where June 5 th, 1977 events deposed him, where one party state divided Seychellois for 15 years, where the ushering of multi party was deliberated in the early mornings of October 1991.

Budget Blues
While President Faure was excelling on the national reconciliation scene, the annual budget presented before the National Assembly, was setting back the image of his government, with elementary issues on fiscal responsibility, accountability, and whether expenditures were bona fide or turns of the corruption wheel. The Army budget and process revealed double expenditures, unaccounted expenses, a private account independent of the Ministry of Finance. The Brigadier who defended the Budget was defensive, and displayed an overt coverup and refused to answer MNA questions on fund allocation.
This Brigadier is so old, he qualifies for a position at stone henge. Move him along, and audit his assets.

There was the rent fiasco at ESPACE which dampened the image of the Faure Administration. Submission of a line item for rent exceeding 300% rental market values displayed lack of attention to detail, a culture of encouraging largess instead of curbing largess. The statement of salaries at STB enraged country representatives in Europe, some threaten to walk off the job. Again, lack of attention to detail when dealing with Public finance. It seems a culture of abuse of funds has been institutionalize. Case in point was the Prison budget for vegetables, pork, chicken, fish. All the time, for years, it was revealed, the prison had no store keeper nor any store keeping procedures in place.
President Faure, Maxim Tirant, he is unqualified to be a consultant. Fire him!

LDS Promises To Burn The Mid Night Candle
The Opposition promised to burn the mid night candle on the Budget. By December 21, 2016 six of them were already on holiday over seas. After Christmas, while we in the Tourism Industry were working 12 hour shifts, they were frolicking in Dubai, swimming with dolphins ($600.0 per swim), hitting the shops on Orchid Road.

The Deputy Speaker ordered a " short break" - 30 days, then most MNA left the country all out, without a BUDGET being passed. They vowed to go back to BUDGET after February 14 th, 2017 State of The Nation Address.

If you could not pass a budget on its due date - in Donald Trumps company you would be : FIRED!

You folks need to adjust your tempo and get much more serious, so far you are looking a little like a half serious, half clown show.

We wish President Faure all the best in his efforts to sort out the mess. We encourage the LDS MNA group under Mr. Ramkalawan to get more serious about state affairs. Mr. Ramkalawan for his part needs to keep on doing a good job, but learn to open his heart to the cry for peace, progress, prosperity, in that context.  Do not be led astray by the extremist of your party, like Ray, Ray, as funny as they may sound.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

IMF Warns Seychelles Government To Stay on Track

The IMF has issued a warning to the Seychelles government to stay on track.
This report came after the last State of the Nation Address made by then President James Alix Michel, which had numerous largess programs- expenditures which unless offset by higher revenue collection, will risk the achievements made until now since Seychelles went bankrupt in 2007.

Road To Reform Has Been Hard

The road to reform in Seychelles has been a hard slug. The brunt of the burden has rested on the private sector, mainly the Tourism Industry, which since 2007, has faced a loss of yield, resulting from global competition and lower room prices. Today, a hotel room in Seychelles is cheaper then a hotel room in Seychelles in 2007 by 50%. 

In spite of these price cuts, operational costs had stabilized with the reduction in fuel costs, but since the measures of the last SONA have now taken effect, for example, 13 th Month Salary imposition on the private sector, increase tariffs of PUC by 10%, increase of input costs in production of a room night, Seychelles is now becoming more expensive then ever, with Four star and Five star hotels increasing room per night cost by 40% over night, in reaction to increase of inputs in production line.

PL Takes On Recommendation of Praslin Business Community
Two years ago, the Praslin business community advise the PL Minister of Finance to take steps to reduce the tax burden on small business, since we have been suffering since 2007. 

We ask Minister of Finance to take meaningful steps to start taxing foreign owned properties, houses, villas, boats, yachts, their fair share to contribute to the running of the economy. For too long, non Seychellois, have enjoyed a tax holiday by simply investing in Seychelles, while Seychellois invest, and are subject to taxes. It was an unfair situation, that had gone on for too long. SCCI went silent on this key issue.

We support Governments measures to tax charters, yachts, villas owned by non Seychellois, Seychellois, non Seychellois alike. It is about time!

I call on all SCCI members, to resign in writing. Defy the annual membership fees, until such time the SCCI -1. Amends the proxy rules, 2. Changes the Chairman and Vice Chairman who are "yes men in mold" but fundamentally lack courage to stand up for business on key issues.

We note also the Chairman of Seychelles Chamber of Commerce has been reluctant to support this measure to tax charters, yachts, villas.. When the tide is high, there is no room in the sea for non swimmers. 

The Chairman of Seychelles Chamber of Commerce lacks the back bone to represent the private sector and Praslin in particular. He should simply grab Dolor Ernesta hand and resign or go raise honey bees to fight global warming. Stop wasting our time at his effort of self promotion on the backs of the Seychelles business community.

Minister La Rose Says SCR. 900 Million Uncollected

The new minister of Finance, Dr. Peter LaRose advise us SCR. 900 Million is due in revenue and uncollected. The Minister will note, the Praslin business community raised this issue as a warning to the out going Minister Jean Paul Adam. We advise the former minister of Finance, the following: 1. 35% business tax in a micro economy as Seychelles is too high, 2. VAT of 15% is too high for a micro economy as Seychelles, which performs in Tourism sector only 9 months out of 12 months a year at best.  Furthermore, we advise the minister, that given the licensing of over 13,000 rooms, with an average occupancy of 48% nation wide, hotel investments are destined to fail, one and all, with the exception of those highly lined such as Four Seasons, Kempenski, Banyan Tree, Hilton. As a consequence, we advise the minister, because his threshold for VAT is too high, he will face noncompliance, defiance, and non payment. Businesses around the world pay taxes when they are reasonable, and secondly, when the money is spent well on behalf of the contributor. In Seychelles, this is not the case. Hence, the defiance.

I would like to point out, the short fall of 900 Million is a direct result of a Chamber of Commerce, not defending and pushing forward the issues,agenda of the membership, because it is a " Yes  Man " operation delivers this exact result. Therefore, no one in government, nor in business, should be surprise by the results delivered.

GOS Get Back On Track
GOS needs to get back on track, it needs to do it fast. The light on 2017 is burning fast. January registered a reduction in load factor by -60%. Room occupancy therefore must be fluttering at 25% or less. We have lost visibility in Tourism, therefore, for the next traveler, we are not so relevant, they will opt for high visibility destinations such as Cuba, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Thailand, Mauritius .
Crime is on the increase again, after over 400 prisoner releases, more then Obama commuted in his last days of office for all of America. There is no time to lose with not one more minute of nonsense.
Our beaches are as filthy as they ever have been. Trees fallen from the 2006 Tsunami remain in place, rotting on beaches around Praslin. Nothing has been done, though for years, we register the complaint. Trash and micro plastics are now common on the beaches. We need them cleaned up to retain our image before those that do come to Seychelles.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

Seychelles Needs To Boost Revenue: IMF

The International Monetary Fund indicated on January 11 that Seychelles will need to take further measures to increase tax revenue over the medium term.
With strong economic activity continuing in Seychelles, the IMF disclosed that it expects the country's primary surplus – the surplus before accounting for the cost of interest on debt – is to reach three percent of gross domestic product in 2016, despite the expansionary impact of the fiscal initiatives announced in the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in early 2016. Those measures included personal income tax (PIT) cuts and increases in pensions and the minimum wage.
The IMF confirmed that "the SONA initiatives entailed substantial fiscal costs, around three percent of GDP on a full-year basis." The PIT reforms were designed by the Government to reduce the tax burden on low-income earners and, on a phased basis, make the tax system more progressive.
The IMF noted that the proposed 2017 Budget includes "some measures to moderate the impact of the SONA initiatives," including a new property tax on foreigners' land ownership in Seychelles, and realignments to the presumptive tax rate and to the tax rate on profits made by individual businesses.
However, its opinion was that "additional and permanent measures to boost revenue and contain expenditure will be needed to ensure a steady debt reduction over the medium term."

Minister of Agriculture- " Fill in The Blanks"!

The Minister of Agriculture Mr. Benstrong has gone on SBC to announce that a catapillar is ravaging tomato plants, attacking the leaf of the of the plant, cutting off circulation of the plant. The Minister has said he is imposing a ban on importation of tomatoes from South Africa, Egypt, other destinations. I suppose this is one way to " price control" imported tomatoes which cost SCR. 140.00 per kilo.

Fill in The Blanks

The Minister gave a big presentation concerning this worm. He said that South Africa will be banned from exporting tomatoes to Seychelles. What the Minister did not think of  is tomato exporters will simply export via Kenya, or Ethiopia. Minister failed to detail a comprehensive position on the ban. Is this how Ministry of Agriculture manages agricultural production?

No Snail Pellets Two Months

Minister encouraged farmers to run, start planting tomato plants to meet the new found demand, resulting from the ban, over ridding World Trade Organization ( WTO) treaty. Yet Minister has yet to insure that provision stores have snail pellets to apply the theory to the a la practical! Snail pellets have not been seen by farmers for over two Months now. How can you plant tomatoes without snail pellets? Hic!

Grow Fish In Marine Park

Meanwhile, a plan is under way to grow fish in the marine park in front of Anse Possession, where the biggest grouping of the Seychelles under world lairs. Mitcy Larue resides in the area occasionally. As the fish grow, they will make it to the dining tables of the criminal elite, before they ever make it to market, trust me.

Pig Meal and Chicken Feed

Ministry cannot maintain adequate supply of animal feed. How will it maintain adequate supply of fish meal to grow fish? Has it studied the Praslin Farmers Proposal to plant corn across Farquhar island? 

For agriculture to succeed we need real professionals to come forward and set the agenda, not people who never planted a thing in their life, and took it to market for return on investment ( ROI).

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Minister of Agriculture- " Fill in The Blanks"!

The Minister of Agriculture Mr. Benstrong has gone on SBC to announce that a catapillar is ravaging tomato plants, attacking the leaf of the of the plant, cutting off circulation of the plant. The Minister has said he is imposing a ban on importation of tomatoes from South Africa, Egypt, other destinations. I suppose this is one way to " price control" imported tomatoes which cost SCR. 140.00 per kilo.

Fill in The Blanks

The Minister gave a big presentation concerning this worm. He said that South Africa will be banned from exporting tomatoes to Seychelles. What the Minister did not think of  is tomato exporters will simply export via Kenya, or Ethiopia. Minister failed to detail a comprehensive position on the ban. Is this how Ministry of Agriculture manages agricultural production?

No Snail Pellets Two Months

Minister encouraged farmers to run, start planting tomato plants to meet the new found demand, resulting from the ban, over ridding World Trade Organization ( WTO) treaty. Yet Minister has yet to insure that provision stores have snail pellets to apply the theory to the a la practical! Snail pellets have not been seen by farmers for over two Mao this now. How can you plant tomatoes without snail pellets? Hic!

Grow Fish In Marine Park

Meanwhile, a plan is under way to grow fish in the marine park in front of Anse Possession, where the biggest grouping of the Seychelles under world lairs. Mitcy Larue resides in the area occasionally. As the fish grow, they will make it to the dining tables of the criminal elite, before they ever make it to market, trust me.

Pig Meal and Chicken Feed
Ministry cannot maintain adequate supply of animal feed. How will it maintain adequate supply of fish meal to grow fish? Has it studied the Praslin Farmers Proposal to plant corn across Farquhar island? 

For agriculture to succeed we need real professionals to come forward and set the agenda, not people who never planted a thing in their life, and took it to market for rerun on investment ( ROI).

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

St. Ange Zero in on UNWTO For Seychelles

Alain St.Ange, the Seychelles Candidate for the position of Secretary General of the UNWTO left Seychelles on Monday afternoon by Ethiopian Airlines and is on his way to Madrid to present his official documents and formalise his candidature. The former Minister of the Seychelles responsible for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine said as he was leaving Seychelles that his working visit to Madrid falls during FITUR, the Tourism Trade Fair of Spain which gives him a great opportunity to network with Tourism Ministers coming from the Community of Nations.

"Apart from presenting my official documents as the Seychelles Candidate for the post of Secretary General for the UNWTO, I have also organised one on one interviews with a number of press. On Tuesday the 17th I will join Tourism Ministers invited to a reception by His Majesty the King of Spain and I will also be attending the 2017 edition of the annual INVESTOUR conference where Africa meets Europe" said Alain St.Ange to a Kenyan Press following up on an earlier release announcing his candidature.

Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles is joining the race for the top job in tourism and will be facing candidates from Georgia, Brazil, Korea and Zimbabwe. "It is a position under the umbrella of the UN. It is a democratic electoral process and every candidate are only after the best for the tourism industry. Candidate all know each other and have all interacted together as they have all been Tourism Ministers at one point in time.  Member States of the UNWTO will elect who they see as the best person for the job. This is the normal course of action" said St.Ange.

Seychelles is one of very few countries where english and french are both official languages and St.Ange is coming forward as a candidate who worked in the private sector for many years become joining the Government as a Minister. He has been a strong advocate on public / private partnership for the tourism industry of Seychelles and this has helped him steer the industry with a lot of success.

Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands endorses Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles for SG of UNWTO

The islands of the Indian Ocean (Comoros, Mayotte, Mauritius, Madagascar, Reunion and Seychelles) joined together many years ago to form a new Tourism Block named the Vanilla Islands. Today they are seen in Tour Operator programs as a region to themselves and the islands have seen remarkable successes in holiday combinations of two or three islands at a time and a major success story in cruise ship business now cruising the Indian Ocean Region.

Alain St.Ange, as the Seychelles Tourism Minister was the first President of this regional grouping and was re-elected for a second mandate as he worked for unity in the Indian Ocean Islands .Last year it was Xavier Luc Duval, the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius who was at the head of the Regional Body having succeeded the Minister from Madagascar and Reunion. Today the Comoros are at the head of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands. Mrs Sitti Attoumane, the President of the Vanilla Islands and Head of the Comoros Tourism wrote to Alain St.Ange on behalf of the Regional Tourism Organization to endorse his candidature as Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

This endorsement is timely for on Monday St.Ange is due to travel to Madrid in Spain to present his official documents as a candidate to Dr Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the UNWTO. This is set to be done on the side lines of FITUR 2017, the tourism trade fair of Spain.

Mrs Sitti Attoumane of the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands wrote saying: "The social, economic and cultural development of a region is essential for the well being of the population. If this progression can be effected whilst respecting the environment then it is a success. It is with this vision that you guided not only the archipel of the Seychelles, but also the Indian Ocean region for many years. As you participated in the creation of the Vanilla Islands, the grouping of the Indian Ocean Islands, you showed in the belief of a shared prosperity and also the spirit of cooperation inclusive of sharing your successes. This is the reason that the Vanilla Islands Organization regrouping the islands of the Union of the Comoros, Reunion, Mayotte Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar are coming forward to extend their support for you as a candidate for the position of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. With both the francophones and anglophone cultures at your fingertip, we are persuaded that the world of tourism will find in you a competent and motivated partner at the service of tourism"

Alain St.Ange said that he was grateful with the letter of endorsement for his bid to before the SG of the UNWTO. "The Indian Ocean islands are strong tourism players with tourism industries remaining important for their economies. Their support is indeed appreciated" said Alain St.Ange.

When Europe Sneezes Seychelles Catches The Flu!

The winter is harsh in Europe. The Dunabe River has frozen. One would tend to believe, Seychelles is packed with tourist from Europe. She is not. 

In Seychelles, the load factor on inbound flights has dropped drastically. As Europe sneezes, Seychelles will catch a cold, the stage is set for a first quarter under performance as Tourism remains in limbo, without any firm footed direction after the surprise resignation of Mr. Alain St. Ange.

30% Hike Input Production Costs

The New Year brings insurmountable hurdles to the Tourism Industry. The sudden increase in cost for the 13 th month salary not only increases cost of employment subtitles for companies, but these costs, from operational input sectors increase cost of goods and services that support the Industry. 

For example, PUC has increased rates by 10% to cope with heavy salary demands. Yet no proposal has been presented to make inefficient PUC more efficient. The 13 month salary money could have gone to buying underground cables, to remove poles, make PUC more efficient. Instead, we will be stuck with same bad service at a higher cost.

Insurance charges for hotels will increase this ear as well, adversely affecting heir bottom line, and to cope, hotels will be left with no alternative then to hike, already high rates for the new season.

Online Rate Hikes
Online booking agents are indicating that as much as a 40% hike in hotel rates in Seychelles. Four star and Five star properties represent the highest hikes. Smaller hotels register average a 20% hike in rates. Unless government takes action to drop the input costs in Tourism, increased rates for rooms will translate into lower load factors for inbound flights. Eventually, airlines will cut flights, use smaller planes, finally abandon the route if the input costs are not addressed.

Why Snow but Europe No Go?

Mauritius just registered a 11% increase in Tourism, and arrivals blew the 1.3 million mark. This means Europeans go to Mauritius. But not to Seychelles. Why? Cost! A Mauritius five star hotel week stay with meals is the same cost as one night in a Seychelles Five (5) star. With the increase in input costs, the same Tourist money that is spent for one week in Mauritius, will get you a Day Room in Seychelles.

As the snow falls, the river of Danube freezes, planes come in empty,I trust the leaders of Seychelles will ask: " what did we do wrong"? Then try to undo it, before the second quarter turns to mayhem in the economy.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

James Mancham Passes Away!

It is announced from Glacis Surmer James Mancham the First President-Republic of Seychelles died peacefully in his sleep last night. The post was made on Gossip Corner by his son Alexander Mancham. 

Mr. Mancham had suffered from a stroke previously about 8 months ago and was confined to bed for some time. He made public appearances for the inauguration of the President after elections and the passing of Michel Administration to Faure Administration. This aside he had significantly reduced his travels and public agenda.

Mancham was a lead politician in the 1960's after returning from law school in London. He formed the Democratic Party, campaigned for " Free Association" with the U.K. 

The other side of the pendulum dur not the 1960's was the campaign for Independence led by France Albert Rene under the banner " Sesel Pou Seselwa" which was a spin off of the independence movement in Kenya : " Kenya For Kenyans" at that time.

As history chart its course, Mancham became the First Chief Minister of Seychelles government. Then in 1975 at Malboro House in London, on invitation of the Crown government, both Mancham and Rene along with their respective teams were called to the table, handed a Constitution for Independence and a Westminster style parliamentary system. Mancham would become the first president, Rene would become the Prime Minister, as the UK was bent on cost cutting and reducing its commitments to its colonies around the world, in spite of Mancham convincing Seychellois to remain " Freely Associated" with the United Kingdom.

The life of James Mancham has been tied intricately to the history of modern Seychelles. 

While Mancham fought for a international airport to open these once isolated and beautiful islands to the world, Rene opposed the airport. He would later change his stance after seeing the fruits and benefits of this critical move for Seychelles.

In the early 1970's Mancham travelled Europe, asking people he met, to come to Seychelles and invest their time, know how, money, to develop the lands. The Dutchman came, he open the Flying Dutchman hotel and restaurant, serve us the best ice cream in the world until he too passed. Many others came, Bill Pomeroy, Mario Ricci, Claus Meitimeir,they are too numerous to name. Seychelles was open to business.

On June 29th, 1976, a new flag was hoist with a new anthem. Eleven months later, another flag was hoist with another anthem, by this time Mancham was deposed while on a Commonwealth Conference in London by his Prime Minister France Albert Rene, a now self groomed leftist following Fidel Castro as his prime mentor.

In exile, he distant himself from the troubles of Seychelles, keeping in touch with occasional contacts  within the growing opposition exile as things got worse in Seychelles. As the exiles grew, the contacts grew, within the exile community and the international world as well. But as he would always say, " there are no free lunches out there".

In October 1991, France Albert Rene announced the following year, Seychelles will move to a multi party democracy, under pressure from the USA, all of which Mancham was right there to press the buttons, in the back ground, with the help of his faithful right hand man recruited from MPR Paul B. Chow.

The advent of Democracy in 1992, was the return from exiles thousands of Seychellois. Mancham returned April 12, 1992, to a crowd of 10,000. If he had assumed his seat at State House that day, Rene would have taken his seat on the out bound British Airways. He did not, instead opted to play the field, according to Rene Rules. Under Rene's rules it was, but Mancham held steadfast to his cherished proverb from Ghandi: " an eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind".

As the rules played out, the funds tighten. The Democratic Party folded over time as she pulled in multiple directions. Mancham had no regrets, just less responsibility. 

As Michel took the reigns, he saw the deep rooted weaknesses, capitalized on it, embracing Michel, endorsing him, at times in irrational ways to the lay man' s eye. 

If his record on the local stage was questionable for his supporters, his opponents loved having him on the other side. On international scene, he was energetic, making contacts through out the world. No Seychellois has racked as many travel miles as James Mancham in history. That kept him busy, as he once said to me:" it does not matter what your destination is as long as you are moving"........I suppose he had a point.

Finally, James Mancham dined his opponents around the dinner table, he did not butcher them and plant them in the sands of Beau Vallon. 

The future of the Seychelles he leaves rest in the lap of dialogue and real national reconciliation.

A peaceful spirt has been called to rest!

Rest in Peace!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Christopher Gill

Seychelles Budget Unprecedented Blockade

The Republic of Seychelles has been debating the National Budget 2017 since the second week of December 2016 without a conclusion by January 6 th , 2017. At the start of deliberations at Committee stage Deputy Speaker Nicolas Prea announced, his staff is sick, some are demanding leave after debating and providing back room service to the National Assembly through Christmas Eve, New Years Eve. He said the strain had become unbearable for staff, they have had enough, they need to check on their children, see if their husbands still remember them. The Deputy Speaker then made an unprecedented announcement: " debate will terminate at 5:00pm irrespective of what stage and resume AFTER the State of The Nation Speech by President Faure is made in FEBRUARY 2017. " Blockade!

Tag and Release Program

Like expert fishermen, the Opposition MNA team led by Now well seasoned politician Wavel Ramkalawan, the LDS implemented a " Tag and Release " program throughout the Budget debates, all the while exposing fraud in the Budget, misappropriation of funds, corruption of the wealth of the Public. The numbers were just incredible.

As Leader of Government Business Charles De Commarmond tried his best to fight off the tsunami of opposition dominance over the process, his shirt collar flipped, his temper raised, in vain, his humor left few laughing around the country. Chains around your neck, are chains .......around your neck, no matter what you would rather have them be ( chains of rollo chocolates).

Tag and Release

The " Tag and Release" program implemented was to review the budget headings, ask questions, where there were questions, unresolved, the LDS approved a budget heading for only three months under strict conditions that departments, report back to the National Assembly in three months, by March 31, 2017 with answers or face further cuts.

LDS Absent

Many LDS members were noticeably absent from the debates. At times as much as Five (5). Clifford Andre was gone, Loizeau was gone, Flory Larue and Patrick Pillay were all absent. Ramkalawan and Afif, saved the day for LDS along with the veterans like JF Ferrari, Bernard Georges. The level of fight put up by JF Ferrari and Afif was a moment to savior. Ramkalawan remain on point most of the time, and demonstrated traits of a well seasoned political leader, not to be out smarted by Le Pep who many say are hiding possibly as much as SCR. 500,000,000.00 in mis appropriations in the Budget.

Danny Faure Man of The Moment Outside National Assembly

If Leader of Opposition W. Ramkalwan was the man of the moment in the National Assembly debates, President Faure was making his own waves outside the National Assembly. Faure for his part, took to Abu Dhabi to secure additional investments to benefit Seychelles.

Ile Platte we were told would be lease to a Abu Dhabi company. We did not hear how much.

At the turn of the New Year, President Faure took a bold step in the right direction for the Nation: he announced that 5th of June will no longer be a holiday, but rather, a regular working day. The chains of the past had been released from Faure's ankles, and that of all Seychellois alike. The announcement of the end of mental slavery had been made and nonchalantly welcome by all, from all sides.

Now, perhaps, the country can start to heal and move forward.......less all the corruption of course. These corruption fish we will have to fry!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!