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Showing posts from June, 2014

Seychelles Independence Day June 29th‏

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Flag of the Seychelles 1976     SFP welcomes the decision by the Seychelles ruling party PL to remove  Zom Lib from Public Domain,remove National Day June 18th from the  calendar of National festivities annually.SFP encourages the ruling  party to make June 18th a normal work day in the national calendar.  As well as June 5th.    SFP fully supports the recognition of June 29th as the Seychelles National Day of Independence .   In line with this, SFP calls for full unfettered, undelayed reinstatement of the Seychelles National Flag of Independence on June 29th 1976.   Implementation of this national truth will go a long way in fostering  National Unity Correct historical inaccuracies born out of an attempt  to cover up the coup and related transgressions after June 5 th 1977.    

Breaking News

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  Seychelles President James Michel unveiled a statue to replace Zom Lib on  Independence Day June 29 th today. President Michel called the bronze statute a symbol of liberty, reciting the era of slavery, colonialism that led to Independence. Ironically the statute is designed by a sculpture name Tom Bowers, an Englishmen,cum fabrike citizen who has done numerous favors for  the communist party of Seychelles over the years.  Monument in North Korea.   Mr. Michel would have been more politically correct to have a Seychellois  artist sculpture do the honor of designing a statute of such important social consideration. Seychellois artist Steve Marie could have done this  job and bring with it Seychellois pride. Michel sought Independence, south Liberty according to his speech, but  fell short having his colonial master design his Independence Day statute. Mr. Michel, who advises you?

Trouble in Paradise as Seychelles Economy Shrinks

Sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear seas are no longer enough to guarantee growth for the Seychelles’s economy. Gross domestic product declined the most in four years, dropping 2.9 percent in the first quarter compared with the previous three months, as European tourists stayed away and tuna catches dropped. That was the first contraction in a year. A slow recovery in Europe is curbing tourism in the Indian Ocean island, which relies on visitors’ spending on luxury hotels, restaurants and beer for more than two-thirds of foreign income. Tourism makes up a quarter of the economy and employs 25 percent of the workforce in the nation of 90,000 people. “Tourism is a huge driver of the economy, for jobs, for foreign exchange, for growth,” Thea Fourie, senior economist for sub-Saharan Africa at risk-analysis company IHS Global Insight, said by phone from Pretoria , South Africa. “Although the European Union’s growth is somewhat better, it is still far from strong.” Accommodation a

Seychelles Economy Sees Steepest Slump in Four Years on Fishing

By Rene Vollgraaff Jun 27, 2014 12:12 PM GMT The Seychelles economy contracted at the steepest pace in four years as the fishing industry and beverage and tobacco manufacturing slumped. Gross domestic product fell 2.9 percent on a quarterly basis compared with 4.6 percent expansion in the three months earlier, the country’s National Bureau of Statistics said in e-mailed statement today. It marks the economy’s first contraction in a year. Fishing shrank 17.9 percent, while manufacturing of beverages and tobacco fell 14.7 percent. Food production rose 12.8 percent. Economic growth in the Indian Ocean island nation of 90,000 people is forecast to rise to 3.7 percent in 2014 and 3.8 percent next year, from 3.5 percent in 2013, according to the International Monetary Fund. Tuna fishing and processing accounts for almost 5 percent of GDP, 7 percent of jobs, and about 35 percents of exports, according to the World Bank. The trade gap narrowed to 1.54 billion rupees ($125.7 mil

Air Austral Sep 2014 Seychelles Service Reductions

Update at 0700GMT 26JUN14 Air Austral from 29AUG14 to 02OCT14 is temporary reducing Seychelles operation, as St. Denis de la Reunion – Mahe service being reduced from 2 to 1 weekly. Mondays service is cancelled during this period. UU421 RUN1920 – 2200SEZ 738 4 UU422 SEZ0955 – 1230RUN 738 5  http://airlineroute.net/2014/06/26/uu-sez-sep14/

Seychelles Tourism Down Badly Air Seychelles Continues To Rip Off Travelers

Sent from my iPad Begin forwarded message: From: Jenifer Abdulhafeez < oceanairtravel1@gmail.com > Date: June 25, 2014, 3:14:17 PM GMT+04:00 To: Danby < danby@ilesdespalmes.sc > Subject: Re: Flight There is but would be 2075 per person  On Wed, Jun 25, 2014 at 3:11 PM, Danby < danby@ilesdespalmes.sc > wrote: No chance  flight 9am ? Sent from my iPad On Jun 25, 2014, at 9:28 AM, Jenifer Abdulhafeez < oceanairtravel1@gmail.com > wrote: Good morning Mrs Gill Unfortunately we have only available price @ scr 1687 per person, the following flight is completely full for other timi  1.   HM 3095 V   TH26JUN  PRISEZ HK2   0930 0945   DHT  0                           2.   HM 3146 K   TH26JUN  SEZPRI HK2   1445 1500   DHT  0                      Jun 25, 2014 7:55 AM, "Danby" < danby@ilesdespalmes.sc > wrote: Dear Jennifer We will like to book 2 seats to go to Mahe Tuesday 26th at 9 am and back at 2.45pm Na

Seychelles tourism falls out from Ukraine, Russia conflict

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The military standoff between Russia and the Ukraine may have softened somewhat, but its effects are still rippling around the world. Tour companies in Seychelles, a popular destination for both Russians and Ukrainians say they’ve experienced a marked decline in the number of travellers coming from the region. The upsurge in geopolitical issues with economic ramifications are putting more pressure on countries like the Seychelles to diversify its tourism target markets. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Seychelles economy, accounting for 70% of GDP. Over 240 000 tourists visit the islands annually. Europe remains the country’s biggest market. "Without Europe we would be dead but when Europe went into economic difficulties we diversified very fast. (JC) Russia today is an important, very important market for Seychelles. they’ve not been affected with the crisis that is taking part but Ukraine was as important and there we’ve suffered," Seychelles Tourism Minist

Christopher Gill - Statement of Defence‏

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Human Trafficking 2014 - Seychelles Tier 2

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06/09/2014  Seychelles is a source country for Seychellois children subjected to sex trafficking and a destination country for foreign women subjected to sex trafficking. Seychellois girls and, according to some sources, boys are induced into prostitution — particularly on the main island of Mahe — by peers, family members, and pimps for exploitation in nightclubs, bars, guest houses, hotels, brothels, private homes, and on the street. Young drug addicts are also vulnerable to being forced into prostitution . Foreign tourists, sailors, and migrant workers contribute to the demand for commercial sex in Seychelles. During the reporting period, five Ukrainian women were recruited to Seychelles with promises of modeling jobs and subsequently subjected to forced prostitution in a private home; these women were later sent back to Ukraine by their traffickers, and allegedly replaced with other women. Some Indian, Bangladeshi , and Chinese migrant workers reportedly have e

Seychelles Political Scene-37 Years Of Trash

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Seychelles Seychelles Freedom in the World 2014 Overview:  During the year, the Seychelles government signed a bilateral trade agreement with the European Union (EU) and took steps to strengthen bilateral economic relations with China, including the signing of a mutual visa waiver agreement. Corruption and extensive drug trafficking continue to plague the archipelago. In 2011, the country modified its law to allow pirates captured anywhere in the world to be prosecuted in the Seychelles. In February 2013, the EU transferred nine Somali pirates to the Seychelles for prosecution. In October 2013, 11 Somali pirates arrested in 2012 by the Dutch navy were convicted by the Seychelles Supreme Court and sentenced to between 18 months and 16 years’ imprisonment. Somali pirates make up approximately 20 percent of the Seychelles’ prison population. Political Rights and Civil Liberties:  Political Rights: 25 / 40 [ Key ] A. Electoral Process: 8 / 12

James Michel Cancels National Day and Calls For National Unity

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President James Michel’s annual speech had little or no punch to it this year. No discussion of any real issue that really faces our Nation. Just a little glossing over , a bit like egg wash over baking flour, then you get shiny bread. But Mr. Michel said something important that he will be challenged and this challenge and how he handles himself will be set in stone for prosperity: National Unity. A tall order, but you must take him seriously. A Change of Heart? Is Michel undergoing a change of heart? After all he is famous for his “koze kouyon”, and insults to the his opponents in an age wherein his opponents have control of the digital media and he controls only antiquated SBC.  Our blogs are burning 1.5 million plus views collectively while Seychelles News Agency (SNA) are just trying to get off the ground. With TWITTER our numbers are going exponential. The impact of our blogs on James Michel international credibility is un matched and un challenged because we provide in

President James Michel Letting Praslin Community Down!

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Recently the Praslin business community met in a show of unity in open and frank dialogue over policies that are hurting the Praslin business community and the residents alike. After entering into a Reform Program with the IMF in 2008, Mr. Michel’s Administration failed to take into account the dynamics of the Praslin economy and his Administration implemented a VAT policy, that went from 7% to 10% to 12% to now an incredible 15% VAT on all goods. One Hundred Percent of the Praslin community relies on Tourism. Hotel workers, make hotelier a career for life. In most countries working tables and caring for travelers is a job people do for only a certain time in their life. On Praslin, waitresses and waiters, and bartenders, tend to do that job most of their lives. This group of Seychellois welcome service charge of 10% to bills, as a means of earning extra money. But with VAT at a whopping 15% service charge is not feasible. It makes the bill to clients too expensive, and we are ea

State House Sends Bad Image of Seychelles To Google and World Via Seychelles News Agency.

1. "49 year old Seychellois man found dead." http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/709/+year+old+Seychellois+man+found+dead%2C+says+Seychelles+police 2. "9 year old boy dies in fatal car accident on Praslin." http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/689/+year+old+boy+dies+in+fatal+car+accident+on+Praslin 3. "Two Seychellois get 10 year sentences for drug offences and $US 7,000 seized, says NDEA." http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/693/Two+Seychellois+get++year+sentences+for+drug+offences+and+++seized%2C+says+NDEA 4. "Fatal road accidents in mid-2014 surpass previous years total." http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/680/Seychelles+Police+Fatal+road+accidents+in+mid-+surpass+previous+years+total 5. "Seychelles Attorney General's office orders court inquiry into Robin Freminot's death." http://www.seychellesnewsagency.com/articles/660/Seychelles+Attorney+Generals+office+orders+court+inquir

Seychelles Communist Party Steal Torch of Freedom!

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At midnight, June 1st, 2014, the SPPF PL party thugs and leaders, under the guise of darkness, wearing red shirts and a few acting like legitimate businessmen wore black suits,  gathered, collected, without Commissioner of Police approval, to unveil the new garden ornament at Maison Du Peuple besides the garage and underground bunker of France Albert Rene, “The Butcher of Seychelles”, who once came to power by a coup on June 5th, 1977, and ushered in a generation of murders, disappearances, mayhem, exile of Seychellois, and failed central economy that has since resulted, in 8 years of International Monetary Fund (IMF) administration and counting. Indian National GOP Build PL Monument The statute of Torch of Freedom was propped on a  base filled with ordinary concrete, mixed and crafted by a bunch of Indian GOP workers under contract. There were no Seychellois who helped in the travesty. None. Hide It In Black Finally, it was draped in black cloth signifying death and at ni

IMF Executive Board Approves US$ 17.6 Million Extended Fund Facility Arrangement for Seychelles

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MAHE, Victoria, June 6, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday approved a three year SDR 11.445 million (about US$ 17.6 million, or 105 percent of Seychelles’ quota) arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for the Republic of Seychelles to support the authorities’ economic program. The approval enables the immediate disbursement of SDR 1.635 million (about US$ 2.5 million), while the remaining amount will be phased over the duration of the program, subject to semi-annual program reviews. The authorities’ EFF-supported program aims to reduce the high debt levels, improve external buffers and sustainability in the face of emergent balance of payments pressures, and strengthen the economy through sustained and inclusive growth. Following the Executive Board discussion on Seychelles, Mr. Naoyuki Shinohara, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said: “The authorities have undertaken

SHTA Elects New Chairman

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Colonialist writes Rene Book For Money

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President James Michel has launched the book entitled ‘Albert René – The Father of the Modern Seychelles’ at State House this morning. The first full length biography analyses Mr Rene’s early years, political awakening, and his struggle against colonialism, which was written by Dr. Kevin Shillington, a British historian. During the book launch, President Michel traced President Rene’s inspiration and his vision for a better life for the people of Seychelles where there is justice, freedom, fraternity and equality. “The foundation of the Seychelles People’s United Party by President France Albert René opened a new chapter in the history of Seychelles. It is thanks to him that Seychelles achieved independence. Under his leadership, the people of Seychelles gained freedom and respect. They recovered their dignity. Under the leadership of France  Albert René a new social order was established. An equitable one, providing for equal rights for all Seychellois, f

Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence 2014 for Iles Des Palmes Eco Resort of Praslin in the Seychelles

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Iles Des Palmes Eco Resort of Praslin in the Seychelles has been awarded the coveted Trip Advisor “Certificate of Excellence – 2014." The award is given to establishments that consistently deliver service and experience and meet their guests` expectations. The team is led by Christopher Gill, MD; Mrs. Danby Gill, GM; Marie Rose Lepathy, Front Desk Office; Betty Hetimier, Housekeeping, not pictured; and Darson Leerance, Grounds. Iles Des Palmes recently opened a National Heritage Treasure Trail to enrich visitors` experience while in Seychelles. The trail takes visitors back to the 17th century. A new bar and pool deck has opened this month with two pools. This will be followed by the opening of “Le Vasseur La Buse Restaurant" in June 2014 as this will remind visitors of findings from the National Heritage Trail on the property. Mr. Christopher Gill is part of the homegrown list of tourism establishments in the Seychelles. “We continue to encourage the

UAE Taking Over Planning of Seychelles!

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ABU DHABI: Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and the strategic direction of General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to enhance bilateral relations and collaboration between the UAE and Seychelles Governments, a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) visited the Seychelles for the first official meeting to discuss the preparation of the Seychelles Strategic Plan. Prior to this visit, an MOU was signed between the UPC and the Ministry of Land Use and Housing, in addition to a number of steering committee meetings and visits. The aim of these meetings was to determine the general scope and framework for the project, and the aspirations of the government and the people of the Seychelles that the plan will be required to respond to. The week-long visit kicked off the start of the 12-m