The former Managing Director of SMB and erstwhile presidential Advisor Mukesh Valabhji continues to enjoy privileges generally reserved to high officials of the government, even though he no longer works for the government in any capacity. Mr Valabhji and his family was listed on a Ministry of Foreign Affairs roster list of the persons making use of the VIP lounge at Seychelles International Airport on August 14th.
According to the list, a copy of which has been obtained by this newspaper, Mr Valabhji, his wife Laura and daughter Larissa were listed to use the VIP lounge. His status was described as “former Managing Director of SMB”. Since there has been only one former managing director of SMB it is difficult to judge whether all former managing directors of this institution would have enjoyed the privilege of VIP lounge whenever they travelled.
The other VIPs listed to use the lounge on that day were:
Dr Patrick Herminie – Speaker of the National Assembly;
Mrs Natani Marray & Miss Veronica Marray – wife and daughter respectively of Anglican Bishop Santos Marray;
Mr Joseph Nourice – CEO Seychelles Investment Bureau;
Ambassador Ronald Jumeau-
The British High Commission.
Some citizens, it seems, are more equal than others.