The Seychelles Hospitality & Tourism Association (SHTA) has reacted to the brutal murder of one of its Active Founding Members - Mary Anne Hodoul.
In a statement issued from the Association’s Secretariat the Chairman and the Executive Committee of the SHTA expressed sadness, disbelief and the shock felt by the Association’s Members on the news of the murder of Mary Anne Hodoul, a Hotel Owner and Manager and about the continued level of robberies and violence occuring in the country.
“The country will be held hostage to murderers, thieves and professional robbers if something is not done to restore Law & Order” said the SHTA in its Communique.
“The different representations made by the SHTA about robberies from Hotels and of our visitors on public beaches taking place on both Mahé & Praslin need to be heard and necessary action taken for our country’s reputation to be safeguarded. The recent murder of a Hotelier reconfirms our plea” said the Communique.
In a statement released to the press the (SCCI) said:
The perceptible and continued rise in the number of deaths in such tragic circumstances is alarming for a country the size of our own and a rapid response in required from the authorities to do everything in its capacity to bring the perpetrators to justice and reassure the community at large. These crimes bring fear and sense of insecurity to all the citizens of this country and to our visitors alike. They seriously affect both business operators and businesses alike and as a tourism destination that prides itself on the generosity and conviviality of its people, any crime of this nature tarnishes that reputation. Furthermore, this despicable crime, as with many others before it, will have an additional immeasurable impact on businesses and institutions.
The SCCI calls upon Government to work closely with all stakeholders, including the business community and all peace-loving citizens of the country to work towards a solution of the numerous factors that are contributing to this trend and resulting in such a basic disrespect for life.