RALPH VOLCERE'S WEEK
WHO AND WHAT IS CORVINA?
Corvina is by all account the most powerful company in
When a board of directors decide to appoint a fellow director, the main consideration is what new skills, influence or contact the new director can bring to the board. As a group, Corvina must have assessed the potential of each Director and concluded that they would bring added value in one form or another to the group. In principle there is nothing wrong with that.
The list of some of their business interests (see box) is to do with the fact that three of the people appointed to the new economic council (NEPC) were also Directors of the group and another one is in fact a major shareholder. Three of those four people are still in powerful public posts and to observers that constitute a major conflict of interest as the decisions they make in public life has a direct bearing on their private investments. Three of them are also closely linked to Albert Rene. In the past, strict laws have been relaxed to facilitate new business ventures favouring Corvina.
We can all remember that not too long ago, the whole country was up in arms about plans to build a hotel at Port Launay which is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Government previously ignored all other representations to develop the site and the public thought they were mad. Now we know why: the decision was made simply because Corvina was going to be the sole beneficiary.
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NOW we have the Chairman and other directors of CORVINA directly influencing economic policies. We are indeed entitled to ask if their advice will be primarily to the benefit of the country or to the benefit of their shareholders.
The names of certain directors have been listed (see box) to show the big contradiction and cartel that is the National Economic Planning Council (NEPC) and the links and connections Corvina have with highly placed individuals both in NEPC and the Government in general, which gives them the control with which they drive forward their personal agendas relegating all other business personalities in the country to mere Mickey Mouse in the murky world of “a heart for every Seychellois.”
The front man in this powerful club is Mr. Guy Adam, the Chairman of Corvina, a close confidant of Mr. Rene, along with Glenny Savy, former son in-law of Mr. Rene the older brother of Capt David Savy a member of the newly created council. It is claimed that Guy Adam and David Savy represent the public sector on NEPC. This is extremely difficult and very hard to swallow and to come to terms with as both gentlemen are extensively involved in the private sector.
Aboo Aumeeruddy is none other than a former Central Bank governor and financial advisor to former President Rene. Anna Butler-Payet has very close links to President Michel in the form of husband Alan Butler-Payet the all powerful Secretary of State. Suffice to say they will protect their own interests and that of their associates and family. This is the hard reality facing the 53% who placed their trust in Michel and Belmont for another five years. It is becoming obvious that Michel has surrounded himself with the same privileged characters who wielded power over the last Administration. Observers are saying that the composition of NEPC will help Corvina, their associates, family and friends in extending their tentacles further into the private sector taking almost total control of our lives and the economy of this country. Now we know exactly what SPPF meant by their slogan, “A heart for every Seychellois.” The hearts are of differing sizes depending on whom you are or who you know.
And now that Mukesh is out there in the private arena with the influence that he can muster what chance do mere mortals have? My only hope it seems would be to make sure the Opposition is well represented in the Nation Assembly at the next legislative election.
Below are some of the many interests of Corvina.
Alphonse Resort Development Ltd
Associate company of Corvina
Activity: Luxury hotel on
Chairman: Glenny Savy
Director: Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Corvina Hotel Investment Company Ltd
Associate company of Corvina
Activity: Major promoter and investor in new hotel to be built at Port Launay
Director: Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Island Resort Management Company Ltd
Associate company of Corvina
Stated objectives: To manage hotels on the outer islands of
Chairman: Glenny Savy
Director: Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Le Refuge du Pecheur Ltd
Associate company of Corvina
Activity: The holding company for Lemuria resort on Praslin
Chairman: Guy Adam
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Glenny Savy, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
7° South Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Travel Agency. Tour Operator, Asset Management co.
Directors: Anna- Butler Payet, Guy Adam, Adrian Skerrett, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Air Bookings Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: GSA for
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Gerard Adam and others
Bunson Travel Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: IATA agent providing ticketing to all airlines operating in
Directors: Anna Butlet Payet, Aboo Aumeeruddy, Guy Adam and others
Mercinvest Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Hotel investments vehicle
Directors: Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Mervina Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Hotel investments vehicle
Directors: Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy, Glenny Savy and others
Mahe Shipping Company Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Ship chandling, International Courier Agents
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Glenny Savy, Aboo Aumeeruddy, Guy Adam, Gerard Adam, Adrian Skerrett
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Joint venture between Corvina and Seychelles Government for land reclamation
Directors: Guy Adam, Francis Chang- Leng, Adrian Skerrett, Aboo Aumeeruddy
Land Marime Ltd
Associate company of Corvina
Activity: Provides stevedores to Port Victoria and also the main player in the cement business
Directors: Glenny Savy, Gerard Adam, Maurice Lousteau- Lalanne
International Pharmaceuticals (
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Contracted to the Government to supply pharmaceutical products to the Ministry of Health
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Tropical Island Building Systems Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Construction of timber homes and hotels
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Glenny Savy, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
H. Savy Insurance Company Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: The only totally private insurance company in
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Aboo Aumeeruddy, Adrian Skerrett and others
Corvina Management Services Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Management Company to the Corvina group
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Glenny Savy, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
United Bank International Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Licensed to carry out banking activities
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, Guy Adam, Aboo Aumeeruddy and others
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Manages private housing and properties, Investment vehicle.
Directors: Aboo Aumeeruddy, Adrian Skerrett and others
Papyrus Management Company Ltd
Subsidiary of Corvina
Activity: Manages private housing and properties, Investment vehicle.
Directors: Jean Weeling-Lee, and others
Corvina Investments Company Ltd is their main holding company, the vehicle by which they hold interests in many companies of which a few others are also listed here: Societe Seychelloise de Navigation Ltd - Silhouette Cruises Ltd - Presafe Services Ltd. Mahe Investment Ltd - McKenzie (Seychelles) Ltd - Liquid Air (Seychelles) Ltd - Indian Ocean Marine Ltd - Kingsgate Investment Ltd - La Domaine Ltd.
MORE CORRUPTION THAN WE CAN DEAL WITH
Following an article in this publication last week entitled ‘Allegation of Corruption in the Civil Service’ we have had more phone calls than we can deal with from members of the public with stories of their own about corruption and arbitrary decisions taken by the Department of Internal Affairs, decisions inconsistent with the Immigration Rules and Regulations. The persons at the centre of these storms are highly placed individuals in the Department of Internal Affairs. Their recommendations and comments are not worthy of their status in government or in society.
We have been given several accounts and documents which show a serious lack of consideration by the system and indeed this Government. We have even received official documents direct from their offices given to us by people in government who despise the ongoing victimisation practises of this Government. These documents involved members of the public whose permission we shall seek before we print because we do not want to jeopardise future dealings they might have with the Immigration Department.
President Michel in his capacity as the Minister responsible for the Department of Internal Affairs must see to it that proper procedures, as laid down in the Immigration Act, are respected and adhered to by personnel within the Department. And that immigration cases are dealt with according to the law not at the whims and fancy of officials. Political consideration should never be part of the decision making process.
The criteria according to Immigration Rules should be the standard by which applications are judged. The identity of applicants should only be secondary in approving their requests; the friends and political colours of applicants cannot and should not impair their chances of being granted citizenship or an extension to their permits. Finally members of the public should not be expected to pay any fees in addition to the official requirements. The President must strive to make Corruption become a thing of the past.