Seychelles Weekly

I flew into Mahe on the Saturday from Dubai. As usual, there was an abundance of seats to choose from on the Emirates Airbus, as the aircraft was less than half full. I could not help noticing the large contingent of Indian workers heading for Mahe. Four and a half hours later we approached Mahe. No matter how many times one flies into Mahe airspace, that view just takes your breadth away. read more

President Michel’s new government was announced this week, and the event of note was that, in a deft sleight-of-hand, the President pulled the information portfolio away from under Belmont’s grip. The department of information now falls under the President’s Office, a move which serves to confirm that Michel was back doing what he likes best: controlling what the people should read, see and hear. ..read more

Israel wants an expanded U.N. force to help monitor the Lebanese border to prevent Iran and Syria from replenishing Hezbollah's weapons --- European interior ministers explore a system of “positive profiling” of airline passengers ---Seychelles bid to rejoin Sothern African Development Community (SADC), Foreign Minister Patrick Pillay will tell leaders at Maseru, Lesotho, summit despite its US$ 2 million membership arrears with SADC. This latest move contradicts President Michel March 9 statement to Seychelles honorary consuls to concentrate only on Indian Ocean links --- Work starts on rebuilding bridge destroyed by tsunami nearly two years later. Construction is funded by international aid donors --- Latest figures show there are 63,027 mobile subscribers for 82,000 population --- Michel might increase GST sales tax up to 17% --- IMF document reveals Michel's intention to devalue the currency after the election --- Seychelles named world's best island destination --- Michel picks foreign-born to serve as ambassadors --- Is the military running the show in Seychelles? ---

MICHEL FINALLY IN A POSITION TO OPERATE UNDER HIS OWN MANDATE

Sir, One of the greatest displeasures of the Seychelles people with President James A. Michel’s first two years in office as President was his manifest inability to distance himself from the shadows of former President France A. René who had made it a point to remain the active President of the SPPF after handing the position of President of the Republic to Michel. read more

A BRAND NEW POLICE COMMISSIONER!

The public in general has welcomed the appointment by President James Michel of Major Gerard Waye-Hive as the new Commissioner of Police. This appointment brings with it fresh hope that finally our police force can be turned into a credible and professional force of which we can all be proud... read more

FOREX IN THE BANK – WHAT FOREX?

Many of those who were fooled by Michel’s announcement that he was going to lift foreign exchange controls soon may have taken him too much at face value. It seems they have been going to the banks in droves to get a little something to travel with. Alas, what Michel failed to tell them was forex inflows had been drying up at a furious pace... read more

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ECONOMIC POLICY?

One of the most striking omissions in President Michel’s administration is the lack of a Ministry of Economic Planning, for lack of a better name. At a time when the country is facing a severe economic crisis, this throws everything up in the air as what Michel intends to do about the redressing the economy. read more

As Election Day approached there were serious concerns – concerns which permeated among the foreign election observers too – whether the SPPF would accept and respect the results of the election if Wavel Ramkalawan were to win. Before leaving Seychelles on the day of the election, former President James Mancham was asked whether fear for his life was also a factor behind his departure. He admitted as much.. read more

he Seychelles government has agreed with the IMF that a major devaluation of the rupee must happen soon, according to the IMF Report on Seychelles. But, according to IMF officials it will not happen until after the elections, which they were told would be in September. read more

Woman arrested over voter bribery – says Nation

No, this headline was not here in Seychelles but in corruption infested Kenya – our next door neighbour during a series of bye-elections last month. Here in Seychelles the bribery was not so different although no one was arrested. Some people, who have no known formal connection with the ruling party have been seen handing out envelopes. read more