Inter Ministerial Cross Sector Held on Praslin

Responding to Praslin Business community for a inter ministerial cross sector to be held on Praslin regularly to address problems facing the Praslin business community, the Government of Seychelles, sent the Vice President ( designated as the minister of Inner Islands) to handle this request, and touch base in a Three (3) hour meeting at Raffles Hotel Conference Room, Anse Boudin, Praslin.

Vice President Waste No Time

The Vice President wasted no time, no small talk with the business community. It was a frank business setting,with all key issues open on the table, to brief him on his new portfolio, in details, that only the Praslinoise would have the stomach to digest.

World Bank Chain Analysis Report May 2016

The first key topic of discussion was the World Bank Chain Analysis Report filed by three World Bank experts on Vertical Integration in May, 2016. This Report focuses on how to best insure that each Tourism Dollar is distributed to as much of the cross sections of society as possible, and not bottle neck with Two (2) or Three (3) megladon operators.
The World Bank has been cited numerous times, saying that it is imperative, that Tourism revenue is spread across a wide cross section of the business community, and not confined to only a few accounts. This reduces risk for the macro economic picture of any country, insured political and social stability, guaranteed prosperity for a people, and increase the overall National Yield.

This Report was promised by the Minister of Finance Jean Paul Adam, but has been shelved, due to work pressures, of course, and changing ministries abruptly.

Praslin Fisherman Association Speaks Out!

The Praslin Fishermen Association longtime standing Chairman Mr. Darrel Green, expressed discontent on a number of issues that affect the Praslin Fishing Industry. These include: 1. Lack of adequate ice production, 2. Ice plant does not bag ice, hence does not store ice beyond 150 kilo capacity, 3. Demand is for 5000 kilo of ice stock, 4. 1000 kilo production per day, 4. Inadequate moorings, harassment by NDEA of fishermen, combined with disrespect, 5. Need for modern fish processing centers, hotels source fish on Mahe, which is unacceptable, when adequate quality and supply exist on Praslin. Generally, the points highlighted were address by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Benstrong, who has committed himself, to address these issues along with numerous others highlighted.

Boat Charter Address Vice President and Minister of Tourism
Adrian Uzice, a boat charter operator address numerous issues, of inadequate business available for 126 boats licenses on Praslin. A detail presentation was made, the Vice President promised his energy, commitment, to see what must be done to change this situation. In support, was the Minister of Tourism, Alain St. Ange, who for many years, has been working with the Tourism Trade, and remains highly regarded, in spite of efforts of some of his former SNP friends, insistence that he be run through the mill, when he has more serious matters to attend to like: make sure Tourist keep coming to Seychelles, make sure flights keep increasing, make sure our presence is made across the world on a shoestring budget. 

Anyone that attacks St. Ange without serious cause, does not care if the People of Seychelles eat. So long as his attackers eat, and have access to their private swimming pools behind the Church, they are happy. People of Seychelles ask who is helping us, who is sinking us? We will unite on the answer.

Other Matters
The Vice a president was kind, cordial to all those present. He offered us a lunch, and we all had time for a meal, as civilized people, and we discussed further the issues we face, and the way forward.

We did not make jokes over serious issues, we did not tease each other, or have to laugh like a hyena by covering our face into our arm pits as some do, no names mentioned.

The agenda was well served, Praslin now has the focus it needs, and we expect this momentum to pick up on part of the energetic, engaging, humble, Vice President.

Once under way, we expect the economic potential of Praslin to be unleashed and Praslinoise on the way to a better life, which we deserve, since we are the highest per capita island, in spite, of all the set backs. ........just imagine, where we would be today, if We had been encouraged to move forward, instead of been advise to stay backwards and silent.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

All in Favor say ......."Yea" !

The " Yeas" have it!

Inter Ministerial Cross Sector Held on Praslin

Responding to Praslin Business community for a inter ministerial cross sector to be held on Praslin regularly to address problems facing the Praslin business community, the Government of Seychelles, sent the Vice President ( designated as the minister of Inner Islands) to handle this request, and touch base in a Three (3) hour meeting at Raffles Hotel Conference Room, Anse Boudin, Praslin.

Vice President Waste No Time

The Vice President wasted no time, no small talk with the business community. It was a frank business setting,with all key issues open on the table, to brief him on his new portfolio, in details, that only the Praslinoise would have the stomach to digest.

World Bank Chain Analysis Report May 2016

The first key topic of discussion was the World Bank Chain Analysis Report filed by three World Bank experts on Vertical Integration in May, 2016. This Report focuses on how to best insure that each Tourism Dollar is distributed to as much of the cross sections of society as possible, and not bottle neck with Two (2) or Three (3) megladon operators.
The World Bank has been cited numerous times, saying that it is imperative, that Tourism revenue is spread across a wide cross section of the business community, and not confined to only a few accounts. This reduces risk for the macro economic picture of any country, insured political and social stability, guaranteed prosperity for a people, and increase the overall National Yield.

This Report was promised by the Minister of Finance Jean Paul Adam, but has been shelved, due to work pressures, of course, and changing ministries abruptly.

Praslin Fisherman Association Speaks Out!

The Praslin Fishermen Association longtime standing Chairman Mr. Darrel Green, expressed discontent on a number of issues that affect the Praslin Fishing Industry. These include: 1. Lack of adequate ice production, 2. Ice plant does not bag ice, hence does not store ice beyond 150 kilo capacity, 3. Demand is for 5000 kilo of ice stock, 4. 1000 kilo production per day, 4. Inadequate moorings, harassment by NDEA of fishermen, combined with disrespect, 5. Need for modern fish processing centers, hotels source fish on Mahe, which is unacceptable, when adequate quality and supply exist on Praslin. Generally, the points highlighted were address by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Benstrong, who has committed himself, to address these issues along with numerous others highlighted.

Boat Charter Address Vice President and Minister of Tourism
Adrian Uzice, a boat charter operator address numerous issues, of inadequate business available for 126 boats licenses on Praslin. A detail presentation was made, the Vice President promised his energy, commitment, to see what must be done to change this situation. In support, was the Minister of Tourism, Alain St. Ange, who for many years, has been working with the Tourism Trade, and remains highly regarded, in spite of efforts of some of his former SNP friends, insistence that he be run through the mill, when he has more serious matters to attend to like: make sure Tourist keep coming to Seychelles, make sure flights keep increasing, make sure our presence is made across the world on a shoestring budget. 

Anyone that attacks St. Ange without serious cause, does not care if the People of Seychelles eat. So long as his attackers eat, and have access to their private swimming pools behind the Church, they are happy. People of Seychelles ask who is helping us, who is sinking us? We will unite on the answer.

Other Matters
The Vice a president was kind, cordial to all those present. He offered us a lunch, and we all had time for a meal, as civilized people, and we discussed further the issues we face, and the way forward.

We did not make jokes over serious issues, we did not tease each other, or have to laugh like a hyena by covering our face into our arm pits as some do, no names mentioned.

The agenda was well served, Praslin now has the focus it needs, and we expect this momentum to pick up on part of the energetic, engaging, humble, Vice President.

Once under way, we expect the economic potential of Praslin to be unleashed and Praslinoise on the way to a better life, which we deserve, since we are the highest per capita island, in spite, of all the set backs. ........just imagine, where we would be today, if We had been encouraged to move forward, instead of been advise to stay backwards and silent.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

All in Favor say ......."Yea" !

The " Yeas" have it!

A Tough Day on Praslin For President Faure

President Faure kept his promise to come to Praslin, after visiting La Digue. It proved to be a tough day for President Faure.

Walk into District Office

After arriving by ferry, with his entourage of personnel and security, he filmed a walk about in Baie St. Anne in front of the fishermen stand. The scene was a bit stressful. Perhaps President Faure did not know, he was walking just past the Baie St. Anne heroin den. If you felt like zombies were onlooking, you now know why.

Baie St. Anne Meeting

In attendance at the meeting were all key players that make the island work. school head teachers, MNA, ferry operators, charter operators, Fisherman Association, Police, and so forth. In total about 20 strong.

In attendance from government were, Designated Minister, Macsuzy Mondon, Vice President, Vincent Meriton, the President, MNA , DA and so on.  It was a high level meet, unprecedented in recent Seychelles history. The President deserves compliments for pushing for such high level meetings.

The Tough exposes itself!

As the floor open for discussion, Darrel Green ask for fresh elections. Quite an embarrassing request given that the President is elected on a ticket. Hence, he DOES have a mandate to run the country. If he did not, why did they receive him at the National Assembly?
The Headteacher for Baie St. Anne address the need for a fence, gate, and dogs dumping trash in the yard over the weekend. Tough. Hardly an issue to be discussed with the President.
Fishermen complained of lack of infrastructure to implement the Blue Economy policy. While other districts in Mahe were on their send or third phase of infrastructure up grade in fisheries, Praslin has been left behind, operating on fisheries infrastructure, dated back to 1980.
The drug addiction issue was raised, and alarmed all present that, 1500 drug addicts on an island with a population of 7200, is simply unacceptable. Where did we go wrong?
How can we move forward?
Many business are failing on Praslin. Government and the President is aware of this. In response, he has named the Vice President Vincent Meriton in charge of Inner Islands to deal with issues facing Praslin, to turn her around, for the people, and for the Nation.
Noticeably absent was the Taxi Association, they must have starved to death by now.

Key Message

The key message, it seems rounded on national reconciliation and an official pardon by the President, on behalf of his party. That is fine.  Most reasonable people can accept this for minor infractions,in the life of the Nation, but I doubt if it will carry much weight, in murder, mayhem, disappearance, financial ruin of families, because of politics and victimization.

Cross Sector Praslin

A proposal was made for a cross sector meeting to take place with ministers and the Vice President, to address the serious issues Praslin faces. It is envision that this would be an appropriate method of work. Praslin, naturally, looks forward to Mr. Presidents reply......the sooner, the better, for Praslin, for the Nation.

Bon Courage!

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

Air Seychelles Makes Brilliant Move !

AIR SEYCHELLES ANNOUNCES MAJOR EXPANSION IN EUROPE AND INDIAN OCEAN IN 2017

• Non-stop twice-weekly flights from Seychelles to Düsseldorf
• Non-stop twice-weekly flights from Seychelles to Durban
• Paris service frequency increase from three to four flights per week
• Additional regional capacity to Johannesburg, Mauritius and Mumbai
• Second wide-body Airbus A330 to enter fleet

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has announced a major fleet and network expansion that will see the airline introduce a second Airbus A330 aircraft, commence non-stop services to Düsseldorf (Germany) and Durban (South Africa), and significantly strengthen its existing regional network in early 2017.

The airline plans to establish the air bridge between Seychelles and Germany on 30 March, 2017, by launching a twice-per-week service to Düsseldorf, in western Germany.

To further strengthen its European network, Air Seychelles will also upgrade its Paris service from three to four flights per week, with effect from 28 March 2017, giving more travel options to holidaymakers visiting Seychelles from France.

Effective 30 March 2017, the Seychelles flag carrier will also commence a twice-weekly service to South Africa’s port city of Durban, an important trade hub that is home to over three million people, complementing its existing five-a-week service to Johannesburg.

Roy Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, said: “Air Seychelles has grown extensively and robustly in 2016 and is now ready to embark on the next exciting chapter of its evolution, further enhancing air access to our archipelago and bringing more holidaymakers and business people to our shores.

“Both stakeholders, the Government of Seychelles and Etihad Airways fully support the airline’s plan to develop its European network by establishing a non-stop connection to Germany, a strategically-important market that is currently the second-largest source of inbound tourism after France.

 “More than 29,200 people from Germany have visited Seychelles so far this year, representing an increase of nine per cent over 2015, demonstrating the importance of opening up air links to this part of the world. 

 “Together with the new service to Durban, additional flights to Paris and increased regional capacity, these developments will lay the foundations for solid long-term growth of the Seychelles national airline and country's economy.”

The airline’s second Airbus A330 aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in the last week of March 2017 and will have a two cabin configuration with 18 Business Class and 236 Economy Class seats.

Mr Kinnear said: “The addition of a second wide-body A330 to our fleet is set to open up significant growth opportunities, enabling Air Seychelles to extend its network footprint in Europe and the Indian Ocean region.

“The new Düsseldorf service is an exciting and much-awaited development that will provide travellers in Germany and the wider catchment area of Belgium, Holland and Scandinavia with attractive new travel options to Seychelles.

“The German market has traditionally been a key source of leisure tourism for Seychelles and our Düsseldorf service has tremendous potential for driving passenger growth and stimulating the tourism economy of our islands.”

In addition to capturing point-to-point traffic flows, the Düsseldorf flight schedule has been carefully timed to give international travellers seamless connections over Seychelles to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, Mauritius and Johannesburg.

Mr Kinnear said that Air Seychelles will further strengthen its presence in Europe by developing its Paris service and codeshare network. 

“To maximise aircraft utilisation of our wide-body fleet, we are going to deploy an A330 on an additional fourth weekly frequency to Paris, which combined with Düsseldorf, will provide an unprecedented 3,048 return seats between Seychelles and Europe each week.

“We have developed strong codeshare partnerships with airberlin, Alitalia, Air Serbia, Etihad Airways and Air France, widening our reach to over 35 cities in Europe, and will continue to strengthen our relationships in the months to come.” 

In addition to flying to Europe, the Airbus A330 will be used to increase capacity on the airline’s five-per-week regional services to Johannesburg, Mauritius and Mumbai which are currently operated on a narrow-body A320.

The introduction of a second wide body A330 will facilitate the upgrading of capacity on South Africa’s largest city Johannesburg on Thursdays and Saturdays, Mumbai on Saturdays and Mauritius on Sundays, increasing the combined seat capacity on these routes by 23 per cent. 

This development will allow Air Seychelles to allocate an Airbus A320 to launch flights to Durban, the second point served by Air Seychelles in South Africa, offering 14,171 seats to and from Seychelles each year as well as quick connections over Seychelles to Düsseldorf and Mumbai. 

Mr Kinnear said: “South Africa has strong trade, people and diplomatic ties to Seychelles that we can develop in the future with the establishment of a Durban service.”