Seychelles Anse Lazio Public Hearing on Future

The Seychelles Planning Authority, headed by Chairman Hughes Adam, CEO Joseph Francois, Master of Officiate Patrick Nancy, held a meeting with the landowners of Anse Lazio and the Public of Praslin, to deliberate the future of Anse Lazio, " Most Beautiful Beach in The World", the last diamond, in the Crown Jewels of the Seychelles, as hotelier and Chairman Emeritus SHTA, Louis Doffay underlined for all present.

Talma Case Shakes Status Quo

The meeting was held as soon as practicable after the landmark property rights case of Talma et al, was rendered judgment by the Supreme Court, in a judgment written by Chief Justice Mathilda Twomey, which is quite possibly the best judgment she has ever written. The government of Seychelles rightfully decided NOT to appeal the judgment, and accepted the rulings as new " case law", reaffirming, strengthening property rights enshrined in the Seychelles Constitution, promulgated in 1993.

Since the Judgment, the Minister of Lands Christian Lionnet has been removed as Minister, Planning CEO, Gerard Hoarau has been sacked, replaced with amenable personality.


Article 26 Right To Property
Seychelles property rights are very strong, and protect the individuals rights rights of ownership, use, enjoyment. At no point in Seychelles history have property rights been so clear, strong and coherent.

Article 27 Right of Equal Protection
This section of the Constitution protects against discrimination of the state against the individual. It is designed after the Equal Protection Clause of the 14 th amendment of the USA Constitution, intended to stamp out discriminatory practice, arising from political nature, which has been prevalent in Seychelles past.

Have Your Say
The Planning Authority will meet with the landowners to have their say on the future of Anse Lazio. The Public is encouraged to also contribute their ideas and opinions on this important subject. In the end, it is aspired by all stakeholders, including a aspiring rasta fruit salesman that a balanced solution to a complex issue will be resolved in the near future.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Dubai Airport To Build New Seychelles International Airport

Recently, it was announced from Dubai, that Dubai Airports was to build the new Seychelles International Airport. In Seychelles, the matter was pretty much silent.
Consequently, the LDS Opposition called in the new Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mr. Alain St. Ange, to reply to questions on the veracity of this agreement. St. Ange seemed to be playing catch up on the question.

Welcome Dubai Airports To Seychelles

The announcement of Dubai Airports Seychelles project should be welcome by Seychelles. It is a Golden Opportunity,that will cement Seychelles Tourism Industry, with a serious partner who has earned the reputation as delivering " The Best International Airport Experience in The World". Dubai leads the world in airport technology, and know how. Dubai has become the envy of the United States in airport infrastructure, to the point that Donald Trump, President elect has said UAE has run circles around America in this field.

Negotiate A Solid Lease
Seychelles should negotiate a serious lease with Dubai International. This should include, new terminals, double run ways, deadline for non performance, guaranteed lease payments, heavy penalties for delayed construction, and preferential rates for Air Seychelles, reserved duty free shop space for local business, and other concessions .
The lease should be for 25 years. Thereafter, the airport shall be handed over to Seychelles government, or lease renegotiated. The deal is a no brainer and all parties should support it. Why?

We Are Bankrupt
We are bankrupt, that is why we should all support this project. Seychelles does not have the money needed $400 Million to build a new airport. Mauritius had the PRC build their new airport, and Mauritius is booming today, while we are falling behind, bickering, over nonsense, and allowing half witted politicians make a call, without considering the consequences of the call. If we do not make a serious deal on the international airport now, we will condemn another generation of Seychellois to poverty, who will join the 49% already listed there, under the GENIE INDEX.

Take Revenues Out of The Hands of The Corrupt
Another advantage of a lease agreement with Dubai Airports, is we will remove once and for all the corrupted elements of the good old boys, scamming revenues and opportunities, for themselves, at the expense of the Nation. Targets need to be set that the Lessee will have to meet, give guarantees. It's a no brainer.

If Dubai does not build the airport, our other option is a refurbishment financed by New Dehli.........but do not expect a new roof, just some fresh paint.

Sesel Pou Seselwa!

Fidel Castro Dies....Faure Thinks He Is Still Alive!

It is with profound sadness that I have learnt of the passing away of dear El Comandante, Fidel Castro, great historical figure beloved by the Cuban people and millions across the world.

I am deeply grateful for the very special affection that he had for Seychelles. Under his guidance, Cuba played a pivotal role towards our efforts for development.

On behalf of the people and government of Seychelles, and on my own behalf, I send to you and the Cuban people, our sincerest condolences.

Great men do not die. They live on in the hearts, minds and work of the many that they have inspired.

With Fraternal Regards,

Danny Faure

President of the Republic of Seychelles"

Honorable Woodcock Moves In Right Spirit!

Wavel Joseph Woodcock November 18 at 4:21pm Meeting with the Executive arm of the Government at the Grand Anse Praslin District Administration:  In the spirit of transparency and accountability and for the purpose of public Knowledge I wish to inform the people of Praslin of the highlights of my meeting with the President, Vice President, Designated Ministers, the DA and other stakeholders regarding projects, capitals projects and development plans for the progression of our district Grand Anse Praslin.  The meeting started with presentation of the DA’s plans of action for the district. The DA and I have met twice to discuss matters concerning Grand Anse Praslin district and its residents:  We met on Friday prior to the meeting on Saturday and went through the plan of action, especially for major projects forecasted for 2017. The DA took into consideration my inputs and I am happy that many of my concerns and proposals and that of the residents of Praslin has been included in the plan of action.  In the spirit of National Unity, equality and working together, I Wavel Woodcock the MNA for Grand Anse Praslin are willing to work with the executive and every inhabitant of Grand Anse Praslin irrelevant of their political affiliation and religion. We are one people, one Nation and we should be able and willing to work together for the betterment of Seychelles.  The DA presented the plan of action, which I endorsed and validated and added emphasis on pertinent issues and other concerns not included in the plan of Action.  Highlights of Plan of Action presented by the DA including capital projects that will be catered for by other Ministries and Agencies (with my Emphasis added).  1. Surfacing of Grand Anse Praslin Road by SLTA.  I also emphasize on the urgency of resurfacing all Praslin roads, especially the Consolation road.  Members of the public also spoke of the need to enlarge the Consolation road as it is a danger to motorists.  2. Streetlights (ongoing project) by PUC AND SLTA  3. Drainage project; first phase of the drainage project will begin at Roche Corbizeau and the ex-teachers estate Amitie which will eventually progress to other-sub district.  4. To resolve the ice and bait scarcity at Grand Anse Praslin, an SME’s project to install an ice plant solar container to assist fisherman/fishing community with ice and bait will begin early next year.  5. Construction of a Modern Day Care Center next to STC retail Central Grand Anse.  6. There is a redevelopment plan for Grand Anse Central District which include a Marina which I believe will help boost the economy of Grand Anse Praslin(GAP).  I have often spoke about refurbishing the Grand Anse Praslin Jetty and building a Marina. Such project will be well received by the inhabitants of GAP.  7. The DA spoke about unity. That the district population and community must come together and be more engaged in the daily life and to take ownership of their community and district in general  8. He also spoke about the need for consultation with the community. Encouraging discussion with other stakeholders including local businesses.  I also emphasize in my presentation the need for the inhabitant of Praslin to have access to information. Land and house applicants should have access to information and their personal files, especially in regards to their status and availability of houses.  I also requested that the MNA should also have access to housing and land bank files and must be involve in the decision making process in the allocation of houses and lands.  Ministers and other Government Agencies must consult with the General public and District Administration before starting any capital Project that will directly affect the community.  In my intervention and presentation in the meeting I also emphasized and added a few key points not included in the DA’s.  1. Building a Centre for the disabled. For recreational activities, business activities and capacity building. A plot of land has been allocated at Marie-Jeanne Estate for the project  I also spoke about placement for the disabled-work placement, the government should facilitate.  Concession for the disabled travelling to Mahe on boats and plane fares.  The President gave an executive order to do the same at the meeting.  2. Water Sports- Equipment’s, canoes, boats, kayaks and other assets are in deplorable conditions. In fact water sport is becoming an endangered species in Grand Anse Praslin.  The National Sport council and Ministry in concern must look into this.  3. Basketball court needs lighting (floodlight) and a cover (roof) to enable athletes to practice and match to take place during rainfalls.  4. I also spoke about reopening and maintaining the ‘La Pleine Hollandaise’ road (trail) being used by both residents and tourist. The road is not being maintained and is now overrun by bushes. On several occasion tourist have been attacked on the road.  In case of emergency this road can be an alternative route and access point between the two districts.  5. I also spoke about setting up a Praslin development fund which will be run by an impartial board.  A percentage of the money collected by SIF, other nature reserves and islands in the Praslin’s perimeters must should go into a trust fund, managed by a Praslin development board.  The money will be used for projects, even capital projects as deemed fit by the board. The money will also come in handy in times of emergency, crisis or natural disasters.  6. I also spoke about redistribution of wealth, especially the monopoly and oligopoly that few businesses are enjoying in the local market without the government regulating them.  I spoke on vertical integration and how many businesses are being affected.  Other key points raised by members of the public.  1. Allocation of Ile Eve lands. Praslin residents are complaining that mainly foreigners and businesses from Mahe are benefitting from the land at the expense of the Praslinois people.  2. Not enough money is being allocated for the development of youth and youth activities on Praslin.  3. Access to Anse Georgette which is being denied. Something must be done about this. All should have access to all our beaches.  Other matters I’ve discussed with the DA .  1. Erosion of the Grand Anse Praslin costal region. What studies have been undertaken and what is being done about the issue.  2. Housing project, affirmed by the Minsiter in the National Assembly that a self-financing schemes project will begin next year at the ex-police estate Central Grand Anse Praslin.  If I have omitted or missed anything those present at the meeting please feel free to comment or make any contributions or additions.  All other inputs are welcomed.