Troukler

Troukler

This week we continue with our advice to President Michel as promised to our readers in last week’s Issue:

No. 4 – PRICE CONTROL – Do away with this joke of a system once and for all. It DOES NOT WORK and NEVER will and should be abolished immediately if this country is to move forward. Competition will set the prices, and believe me Mr. President, it has been proven in EVERY COUNTRY in the world that prices will fall the minute you abolish this archaic socialist pricing system.

No 5 – BANK (SAVINGS) INTEREST RATE – Can we at least get a decent interest for our money in the bank instead of NOTHING! Maybe then, we can start to think about saving a little for our old age.

No. 6 - DUTY ON CARS – Please reduce it so that the middle class can also buy a decent car with air bags! Why do we see all the foreigners driving around in BMWs? Because they get government concessions, exemptions and freebies which allow them to pay zero duty and zero GST while we poor Seychellois get burdened with incredibly high duty rates! Why can’t we Seychellois drive Porsches, Ferraris, or even Maseratis? Is it a sin to earn some money and enjoy a little luxury in one’s life?

No. 7 – GST – Remove the unfair GST system and replace it with a VAT system, which is based on consumption. Or at least remove GST on food products to begin with so that we can all eat a decent meal like normal human beings.

No. 8 – MAKE GOVERNMENT SMALLER – Mr. President, it is time to make Government smaller, not bigger. Reduce the number of people who work in Government, and the bureaucracy that is ingrained into this ineffective and inefficient system.

No. 9 – DEMILITARISE OUR COUNTRY – We are all still afraid of “your Government’s” armed forces. They do nothing for the people of Seychelles and are eating up valuable resources. I suggest you read the Seychelles Review. There is a great article written by a Marc Houareau that could form the basis for this process. Invite ex-President Mancham as the Head of the World Peace Movement to host a forum or form a committee to start this process. This “demilitarization” process could in fact earn you a Nobel Peace Prize as you will be the first President in Africa to do so.

No. 10 – BE BRAVE – All great leaders have to make critical decisions. Do so knowing that you will be bridging the gap between your people. Close down these ridiculous money-losing parastatals that have acted more like parasites over these past decades. Start with IDC and send Mr. Savy to early retirement. Follow up with a real sale of SMB’s assets! Appoint a REAL Tender Board! Deal with the Licensing Authority and simplify the process of getting a license! Challenge SFA and put someone at the head that can perform! Appoint a new Minister of Fisheries as it is one of our most important industry. Let VP Belmont perform his VP duties, and appoint a new Minister of Tourism who can also head our most important industry and do justice to Seychelles’ leading industry. Try and bring back British Airways, or at least speak to Richard Branson since Virgin will start flying to Mauritius soon. Ask the current Chief Justice to retire and appoint a true patriotic, professional, respected Seychellois in his place; not France Bonte please! Reform the Justice Department so that we have justice for all, regardless of our political affiliations. Stop building houses and flats. Instead, let the citizens help themselves by building their own home. Facilitate the process for them with cheap loans for the land and building materials. Let the person put some “sweat equity” in his own home and maybe he will appreciate it when he has finally built “his” house. Abolish business tax since most businesses do not pay any taxes anyhow. Develop a professional Health Care system (ask for assistance from Singapore). Fix our congested and outdated road system. Build a new mortuary and a new crematorium on Mahe. And finally, beautify Seychelles. Instead of traffic wardens, how about “rubbish wardens” who will ensure fines for culprits throwing their rubbish everywhere! So be brave Mr. President, and if you really want to work for all Seychellois, I hope that you will heed some of my well-intended advice above.

For the love of OUR country!