Seychelles Will Have To Prove They Are Pirates!

Indian high commissioner Asit Kumar Nag called on President Michel yesterday to talk about further cooperation in anti-piracy efforts. He commended the various forces involved in the arrest of the pirates.

During an interview with the high commissioner, three senior Indian naval officers said the Seychelles Coast Guard has items they believe show the suspects could be pirates.

“The skiffs had no fishing gear on them, they were so far from Somalia, had a lot of fuel with them and even grapnels used to board ships.

Furthermore, the grapnels had cloth material wrapped around them so they don’t make a noise when they are thrown on to a ship that the pirates may want to attack,” they said.
Source (SEYNAT)

RT - For consideration. What now will happen with these suspected pirates? And to whom will these 'suspected' pirates be returned to? Perhaps we can ask the Americans to house them at Guantanamo? Or perhaps send them to Kenya?

Update: Seychelles CoastGuard Says It Arrests Pirates

By RUKMINI CALLIMACHI, Associated Press Writer Rukmini Callimachi, Associated Press Writer – 57 mins ago

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Seychelles Coast Guard said Tuesday it had arrested nine suspected pirates believed to be behind the weekend attempt to hijack a luxury cruise liner carrying an estimated 1,000 tourists in the Indian Ocean.

A coast guard statement said the nine arrived in a port of the Seychelles islands on Tuesday and were being held in a local jail. They were thought to have participated in the attempted hijacking of the MSC Melody, which was attacked Saturday 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) north of the Seychelles.

The Melody, carrying about 1,000 passengers and 500 crew, was en route from Durban, South Africa to Genoa, Italy, on a 22-day luxury cruise when pirates in skiffs opened fire late Saturday. The cruise ship's security detail returned fire, startling the pirates, who gave up and turned around.

When the Melody made a distress call, the Seychelles Coast Guard says it sent out an aircraft that spent five hours photographing the pirates' skiff and marking its position, before passing it on to a Spanish frigate that was in the area. The Spanish Ministry of Defense said in a statement that the Spanish navy tracked the skiff and apprehended the suspects. They were then turned over to the Seychelles Coast Guard.

Spanish Navy Captures Suspected Pirates. Hands Them To Seychelles.

(Photo: SPS (F83) Numancia entering Venice, Italy)

MADRID (AFP) — A Spanish warship has intercepted a skiff carrying nine suspected Somali pirates believed to have attacked an Italian cruise ship at the weekend, the defence ministry said Monday.

The Numancia frigate "intercepted a skiff with nine occupants who could be connected to the hijacking attempt of the Italian cruise ship which was eventually repelled by the boat," it said in a statement.

The cruise liner Melody, carrying more than 1,500 people, was attacked on Saturday but Israeli security guards on board the ship responded to the pirates' gunfire and were able to repel them.

After the hijacking attempt The Numancia, along with patrol planes from France and the Seychelles and an Indian navy ship, launched a high-seas hunt for the assailants.
During the search, the naval mission found "two small boats with nine suspects on board very close to the scene of the attack against the cruise," the Spanish defence ministry said.

The suspects abandoned one the boats and were later caught in the skiff. The Spanish navy handed over the suspects to a Seychelles ship since they were captured in the island nation's waters in the Indian Ocean.

A commander of the pirates who attacked the cruise ship described the bandits' attempt to seize the boat in an interview with AFP earlier Monday.
"Unfortunately, for technical reasons, we could not seize the ship," Mohamed Muse told AFP by phone from the pirate lair of Eyl, in the northern Somali breakaway state of Puntland.

"We were aware that hijacking such a big ship would have been a new landmark in piracy off the coast of Somalia but unfortunately they used good tactics and we were not able to board," he said.

Clear Points Made! Stop Playing Games With Unity!

Point 1: The very existence of this committee acknowledges the fact that the Government recognizes that there is a problem of division in the country. A problem which must be cured if we are to face the present period of economic difficulties as a united nation.

Point 2: Question which must be first determined is what lies behind the division within the Nation?

Point 3: Division came about upon the emergence of popular politics and the birth of partisan politics at the time when the Constitutional advancement of the country, then a British colony, was an issue.

Point 4: The result of the aggressiveness of bi-partisan politics saw a nation that was almost half and half divided, prevailing in an atmosphere of polarization and tension as we approached independence.

Point 5: For this reason, DP and SPUP, constituted a coalition government to lead the country to independence and beyond in an atmosphere of fraternal harmony.

Point 6: There is no doubt that the coalition period was characterized by positive inward investments and a cool down of inter-party hostilities. We saw political leaders of all political persuasions socializing together in a fraternal atmosphere with the result of the emergence of a high level of harmony among the grassroots of all political persuasions.

Point 7: Unfortunately Mr. F.A Rene, motivated by personal ambition and a hunger for power, engineered a coup d’etat on 5th June 1977 for which he ultimately acknowledged credit .

Point 8: Following the coup, history records that the legal constitution of Seychelles to which Mr. Rene had sworn allegiance, was dictatorially abrogated. Instead we saw the emergence of a one party state and talk of ‘La Revolution’.

Point 9: Could this coup d’etat be in any way justified or was it an act of utter treason?

Point 10: It must be recognized that any attempt to resolve this question through bi-partisan debate and discussions, on the prevailing atmosphere of manipulation, has the potential of creating more division and more bitterness within our society.

Point 11: Should the President of the Republic, therefore, appoint a ‘Truth and Justice Commission’ headed by some international statesmen to resolve the issues? (After all, the President only recently appointed a judge from Ireland to investigate the case of an assault on the Leader of Opposition and another member of the National Assembly within the precinct of the National Assembly in the aftermath of the last Presidential elections.)

Point 12: Or, in the alternative, should not the President commit himself heart and soul to the process of National Reconciliation in a manner which will leave a question of the coup d’etat to be a matter for debate and discussion by history?

Point 13: If the President is to go along the route of National Reconciliation, then he must demonstrate his commitment to it be following early concrete actions – (i) The dismantling of ‘Zonm Lib’ and the end of the policy of laying flowers to its memory every 5th June.

In the same spirit as above, new names should be given to (i) Revolution Avenue (ii) 5th June Avenue and (iii) Francis Rachel Street.

N.B.: There are many who believe that in the spirit of grandeur d’esprit, Zonm Lib should be replaced by a statue of the late Gerard Hoareau, who was assassinated in London in cold blood, and who is regarded today as a silent national hero. Since this may not be politically acceptable, as a gesture of compromise, ‘Zonm Lib’ should be replaced by a monument in honour of National Unity and renaming the place where ‘Zonm Lib’ stands today to “La Place de la Reconciliation Nationale.”

One should also consider a commitment to the President of the Republic that if he succeeds to bring forth a Government of National Unity’ then considerations would be given to naming the place where ‘Zonm Lib’ stands today, “La Place du President James Michel.”

Point 14: What revolution?

The so called Rene Revolution should be accepted to have backfired resulting into a lot of prejudices against the well being of the people of Seychelles. Those who wish to argue otherwise should tell us where is NYS? Where is SMB? Where is the Young Pioneers? Where is the militia? Where is the Hotel ownership by government? Where is the Youth League? Where is farming cooperatives? History records the fact that the revolution has been an abysmal failure and has caused thousands of Seychellois to seek political refugee status in other countries.

With respect to housing projects for those who did not have a house, this may appear as a ‘gift’ which resulted from the so-called revolution. This would have been laudable if the cost of these projects had been met by money coming to the State as a result of a successful economic policy. But at the moment we know that all these projects were the result of excessive and reckless borrowing, sometimes tinted with corruption, to the extent that the country is now bankrupt and has been obliged to engage the IMF.

Point 15: Engaging the IMF in practice would mean that the people have a lot of bitter pills to swallow and that in view of the fragility of our economy that all people of Seychelles should “Koste Ansanm” as one nation. If this is to materialize, it is incumbent that all our political players should work together with not only their minds, but also with their hearts and soul to put into place on an urgent basis a ‘Government of National Unity’.

Point 16: Any political player who is not ready to work within the framework would show that he or she is more interested in individual power and glory rather than the well being of the nation. When we see what is going on today in nearby Kenya and Madagascar, we are bound to accept the fact that the moment has come for a ‘Government of National Unity’ in our beloved Seychelles.

This is the only way ahead if we want to face the future in an atmosphere of fraternal social cohesion and enduring political stability.

N.B. The above were key points made and elaborated upon by Founding President James R. Mancham on Friday 24th April 2009 in an address he delivered to the “Koste Seselwa” committee to an invitation he had received to address them at their meeting on the aforesaid date at State House under the chairmanship of Vice President Joseph Belmont duly appointed by the Head of State, President James Alix Michel.

Rising Tide received a copy via email which was sent to all interested Seychellois. Our copy was forwarded to us from one of those contacts.

Former President Slams Michel Adminstration!

Victoria-Seychelles. Former President James R. Mancham has issued a statement highlighting his strongly worded address which he recently gave at State House to the 'Koste Seselwa' Committee. "The statement shows clearly that the former president is quite critical of the continued attempts of the SPPF led government to 'play' at unity," commented one political insider.

More details of the 'release' from the office of the former president will follow.

Pirate Update! Cruise Ship Thwarts Pirates.

(MV Explorer and 10 Seychellois Still Held Hostage!)
The captain of an Italian cruise ship foiled an attack by pirates off the coast of Somalia on Saturday by ordering his security crew to fire back, Italy's ANSA news agency reported.

Six armed pirates in a speedboat attacked the ship, which had about 1,500 people onboard, ANSA said. They fled after the security crew fired back.

The cruise ship Melody, which is owned by an Italian company, was on its way back to Italy after a cruise, ANSA said.

No one was injured in the attack about 180 miles north of the Seychelles.

Meanwhile along with the French aircraft an Indian naval vessel is now in Seychelles waters for another 7 days in an assistance effort with the SPDF.

Not As I Do!

Asked whether this added responsibility will not put pressure on the company’s financial resources now the government is no longer giving financial support, Mr Savy said this is not the case.

In an interview with 'Nation', he said over the years the company has been involved in various development programmes, especially in the field of tourism, on several islands and these have allowed it to sustain its activities.

He said these programmes have been made possible through long-term government investments such as airstrips, transport and communication facilities and other infrastructure.

The above was in an interview held with the IDC boss, Mr. Glenny Savy and in regards to the closing of the 'prawns' project on the island of Coetivy. The once grand scheme of former head of SMB,former President Albert Rene, who is still leader of the SPPF.

Coetivy the dream of Mr. Rene and championed by Mr. G. Savy.

Today as the country sits bankrupt we are told that IDC will effectively manage what is now a dead island, and that is Coetivy.

Our 'Image of the Moment' shows clearly how IDC 'managed' the people's money. A luxury guest house for senior officials to stay at when visiting the island. Located not that far from an ex-SPDF military camp, this house was equipped with a stand alone generator, water storage, fully airconditioned, televisions, fully equipped modern kitchen, bedrooms, large living room with modern furniture, and of course on the beach.

This part of the island was not visited by the workers but rather those well connected within government.

We see clearly how well IDC has managed our money!

Seychelles: annulation de 45% de la dette

Le Club de Paris, groupe informel de pays créanciers, a annoncé aujourd'hui l'annulation de 45% de la dette des Seychelles qui s'élevait à 163 millions de dollars (215 millions d'euros) à la fin 2008.

"Les représentants des pays créanciers, conscients de la situation exceptionnelle de la République des Seychelles et de ses capacités limitées de remboursement (...) ont recommandé à leurs gouvernements de mettre en oeuvre le traitement exceptionnel accordant un montant total d'annulation nominale de dette de 45%", a indiqué le Club de Paris dans un communiqué.

Les pays du Club de Paris ont également convenu "de différer" une partie des paiements dus dans les prochaines années au titre des "intérêts moratoires", est-il indiqué.

Lourdement endetté, le petit pays de l'Océan indien avait obtenu en novembre dernier un prêt de 26 millions de dollars du Fonds monétaire international (FMI) pour faire face aux conséquences de la crise financière.

Fin 2008, la dette publique extérieure des Seychelles était d'environ 760 millions de dollars.

Source: Le Figaro - fr (afp)

La Main Dans La Main Contre La Piraterie

Les eaux Seychelloises sont désormais sous haute surveillance. Un Falcon 50 de la Marine Française est depuis hier dans le pays pour épauler dans la protection contre toute intrusion de pirates dans notre Zone Economique Exclusive.


L’envoi de cet avion répond à l’appel du Président Michel aux pays amis
afin d’aider les Seychelles à lutter contre les pirates qui détiennent en ce moment deux bateaux battant pavillon seychellois et leurs équipages.
La présence de cet avion traduit aussi les excellentes relations que les Seychelles et la France entretiennent depuis toujours.

Le Falcon 50 est l’avion idéal pour les missions de surveillance.
Il est spécialement équipé en effet pour les missions de transport et de :
• surveillance du trafic maritime et des pêches
• protection de l'environnement maritime;

• respect des lois et traités
• surveillance des aides à la navigation et
• contrôle d'activités scientifiques.

News Flash! Senior Police Officers Out.

Victoria, Mahe - Senior Officers within the Seychelles Police have been relieved of their office. As we understand it, three officers have been dismissed among them Mr. Mousbe. Sources not wishing to be named have said that drug smuggling is a very serious issue and concern within the Michel Government. "He fears that rogue elements may undermine his authority so the clamp down is more out of necessity then any real concern for the ills that drugs inflicts on the Seychellois society", was a comment from one official. Stay tuned as more heads roll.

Photo Op! Will He Fly In To The Rescue

10 Seychellois hostages have now joined some 200 hundred other foreign hostages being held by Somali pirates! A 2million dollar ransom is being asked for the release of the American captain recently captured. What is the ransom that is being asked for the release of our citizens? When will the mighty SPPF machine act and what can the SPDF do? - Contributed (disgusted citizen)

Quote For The Week.

"Today we must live on our own resources, not on polemics and slogans. Today we must face the truth and the realities and not be manipulators of divisive propaganda." From part of a letter written to the editor of the Seychelles Nation by James R. Mancham, former President, Republic of Seychelles.

Millions Spent For Property In Seychelles! Where Is It?

Protected Paradise?
By Belinda Archer


The Seychelles is one of those tropical paradise destinations that attracts wealthy holidaymakers and ultrahoneymooners. Located in the Indian Ocean, 1,000 miles off Africa’s east coast, this otherworldly archipelago of 115 islands – some made of low-lying coral and reef atolls, others of ancient granite – offers textbook ­white powder sand, aqua waters and a balmy climate with temperatures rarely lower than 24ºC nor higher than 32ºC. It is more remote and rugged than Mauritius or the Maldives, yet it has regular flight connections direct to the capital of Mahé from Dubai (four hours away) and the UK (10 hours). It also sits in a time zone between Asia and Europe with working hours that overlap with those of major financial centres.
The presidential villa of Banyan Tree Resort

Not surprisingly, property on the islands has long been coveted by foreign househunters. But the market has only opened up in the past four years, following a legislative change that allows non-locals to buy into new, high-end developments. This is designed to promote the right kind of new construction and ensure that locals – who tend to live in two- to three-bedroom traditional wooden or contemporary concrete houses on the main islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue – are not priced out of the market.

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Mountain anticipation - Feb-14Oyster town catches the weekending wave - Feb-14Changing Chelsea - Feb-07Swiss secrets - Jan-31The good life - Jan-31‘It’s another world’ - Jan-24As a result, a host of new residential resorts is springing up. The first to launch, in early 2006, was Eden Island, a high-density development on a man-made island beside Mahé, followed by the Banyan Tree Residences on Mahé. Last April Dubai-based Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI) announced it was opening up a group of 23 Raffles-branded residences and estates on Praslin alongside a soon-to-be-constructed Raffles Resort and, in May, Four Seasons Private Residences launched an upscale collection of 28 individual villas on the south-west side of Mahé at Petit Anse. The Per Aquum group has also revealed plans for a project called Zil Pasyon on its own private island, Félicité, with 28 ultra-sleek hilltop residences.

“The Seychelles is regarded as the most beautiful group of islands in the world, it is not too accessible and it is a new marketplace for real estate, so there is a long way to go for appreciation, as well as huge rental potential,” says David Sparrow, director of sales for the Zil Pasyon development. “There will never be that much supply but demand will continue to grow.”

There is one catch, however. The new homes on the island are only affordable for the seriously wealthy. “We are aimed at people with such significant wealth and such diverse portfolios that they are not so affected by the global credit crunch,” says James Davies at Hamptons International, the agency handling sales for the Four Seasons. “A lot of them are worth as much as $50m and many are significantly wealthier than that.”

Indeed, even as recession grips most world economies, Seychelles developers and agents think their market could remain strong. And perhaps it’s true. Within 10 days of the Four Seasons project announcement, 15 villas sold for an estimated combined total of $150m. Buyers are international and have backgrounds from hedge funds to publishing. The starting price for the remaining villas is $7m (prices are routinely quoted in dollars) and each sits on a plot of up to two hectares, with infinity pools, gardens, steam showers and Bose entertainment systems.

Zil Pasyon, which is Creole for “isle of passion”, targets a similar buyer. Entry prices start at $3.8m for a 612 sq metre, three-bedroom property and the villas have plunge pools, 90in plasma televisions, “castle” entries with drawbridges and moats, plus exclusive access by private helicopter. “Our market is the ultra-high-net-worth individual – people looking for utmost privacy and services with a combination of raw nature and architectural design,” says Tania Horoupian, marketing manager.

The Raffles development is slightly less stratospherically priced at $2.8m- $5.8m for three- to five-bedroom villas of 325 sq metres to 550 sq metres, with private infinity pools and big ocean-view verandas. The Banyan Tree Residences are in the same category, with one- and two-bedroom hill and beach villas costing from $1.5m to $2.9m, though a second phase of larger, more expensive properties is set to go on sale soon. So far, 50 per cent of the first group has sold to Asian, Middle Eastern and north European buyers, “most of which tend to be between 45 and 55, affluent businessmen and -women and semi-retired couples,” says Robert Green at Cluttons, which is marketing the project. “The majority have families and own more than one holiday home already.”

Properties on Eden Island are meanwhile the most affordable on the islands. A marina development of 450 apartments, maisons and villas, designed to exploit the Seychelles’ world-class snorkelling and yachting offerings, it offers owners their own moorings as well as electric vehicles to get around, with prices starting at about $400,000 for a one-bedroom unit. Half of buyers have been South African, followed by the French and British, Russians and Italians.

Brad Berry at KHI spells out the appeal of the Seychelles. “It is an exclusive sanctuary that is totally untrampled. It is not busy, there are perfect beaches and it [has been] a quite unbranded place [with] no big international real estate or retail brands.”

There are financial reasons to buy, too. Acquisition of a property enables the owner to establish an off-shore entity and residency is immediate. There are no capital gains or inheritance taxes and the islands’ economy is also stable, allowing for a safe, laid-back living environment.

And, in spite of all the construction, the Seychelles government seems keen to protect its biggest asset. Its 2001 Vision 21 mission statement set stringent guidelines on construction and environmental protection and there are conservation laws designed to keep each island’s ecosystem in its unspoiled state, with 50 per cent of land set aside as protected reserve, including two Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) World Heritage sites – Praslin’s prehistoric Vallée de Mai, a sort of Jurassic park for plants, and Aldabra, one of the the largest raised coral atolls on earth.

Residents, such as Alex Hurren, 32, who bought a three-bedroom flat in Eden Island for $530,000 in May 2007, feel understandably blessed to own a little piece of this particular paradise. “The Seychelles is an amazing destination with an ideal climate,” he says. “It is perfect for all sorts of activities, from island-hopping to golf and fishing.”

Nigel Guenier, 70, a retired yachtie with a penthouse in the same development, agrees. “It is gorgeous, it has very little crime, the beaches are second-to-none, it is like the West Indies without the hurricanes [and it] is the best place in the world for sailing.”

If you have more than half a million dollars to spend on a second home, you could own there too.

More Pirates Attacks As SeyGov Promises To Do All In Its Power!

This time it is the Taiwanese ship MV Win Far 161 which was seized near an island in the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, diplomats have said. It is the second attack in the Seychelles within a week!

Diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

The hijacking of the Taiwanese ship is the latest in a series of attacks in the Indian Ocean. Analysts say the pirates have moved many of their operations out of the Gulf of Aden, which is heavily patrolled by naval warships from countries as diverse as China, the United States, France and India. Instead, they are attacking off the east African coast, targeting ships coming out of the Mozambican channel.

The multimillion-dollar ransoms are a rare source of cash in Somalia.

Meanwhile in Seychelles the government reassured the families of the Seychellois hostages taken from the 'Indian Ocean Explorer' a few days ago, that the government is doing all that it can within its powers so as to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.

"If the government is powerless to protect our waters, how is it possible for them, the government, to motivate a return of the crew from the pirates?" commented one member of the National Assembly, claiming anonymity as he was not authorised by his party to comment.

Currently President Michel (SPPF) is in Japan and at the top of President's agenda during the visit will be discussions on efforts being undertaken to make the Indian Ocean safe from piracy, following recent attacks believed to originate from Somalia.

"The Seychelles Government in this regard, responding to piracy off of Somalia has done little and failed to protect the interests of the Seychellois people. They did not anticipate this problem really, even after a well respected person raised the matter and approaching government last year offering suggestions and advice. Only lip service was given. Now as a result fishing fleets are reconsidering doing business here, tourists are seeing that pirates are within our waters, and all this comes when we are in a deep financial hole," commented an observer within the security field.

Meanwhile the group formed by Mr. Chang - Sam continues to grow. 'Seychellois United Against Somali Pirates' is a non-partisan group united to support Seychelles from all over the world! This is a worthy cause indeed.

Seychellois Standing Up! T.L. Laurence

(Photo: SPDF Ordered To Aldabra Group To Guard Against Pirates)

Of course the major scare now is the recent intrusion by Somali pirates into Seychelles waters. Perhaps for some time now these criminals have been setting their sights further away as naval forces converged off of their own coast making it more difficult for them to hijack passing ships. If this be the case should not our own government have taken more steps to take into account all possibilities? It looks as if if they, our government, has dropped the ball on this one.

That they are now reacting is a small positive step. One wonders though at the benefit of stationing soldiers on the outlying islands, unless they are as well equipped with the means to give chase? Or report back suspected pirates.

Another reaction is the creation of a new group on a social network site called 'Seychellois Against Somalian Pirates' 'United We Stand'! Created by Mr.Alain Chang - Sam, the group now has about 78 supporters, standing with Seychelles.

This is a positive show of support for our country during these difficult times no matter a person's political affiliation. At this moment we are all Seychellois and we must stand up, show our support, and demand that our government respond pro-actively to this incident so that our citizens, and property be returned safe and unharmed.

T.L. Laurence

Question Begging To Be Asked?

Question Begging To Be Asked?

Now that Monsieur Butler-Payette is gone from State House what next for Monsieur Adam?

World Media Reports On Pirates In Seychelles.

Update:- Media houses around the world in very important markets for our islands are now reporting that pirate activities are now moving into the Seychelles Islands following seizure of the 'Indian Ocean Explorer' a few days ago. 7 Seychellois crew are being held by Somali pirates. Local authorities in Seychelles report that they are safe despite the fact that they have no way of knowing at this time. The SPDF has been ordered to deploy soldiers to the Aldabra group of islands.

Reality Check

REALITY CHECK!

IMF Praises Seychelles: - Used to be that the 'Seychelles Nation' was in the habit of announcing large donations or loans to the Seychelles in the tens of millions. We were used to 60 million, 150 million etc all dollar denominated. Further a 'talking head' minister would appear on the TV and tell the ordinary folks out there how great the Seychelles was under the SPPF and all this money would lead the nation to great prosperity! This was reinforced by a 'po fler' in the National Assembly and at the same time berating the opposition for daring to raise doubt. Now it is all quite clear! We were never in good shape and we as a country sank many years ago! Today when we are praised we are handed the sum of 1.3 million only! How the mighty have fallen and have been left to grovel in the sand. Thank you SPPF!

Authorities Slow To Respond To Pirates - Early last year a private citizen in the security field approached the government raising concerns to the possibility that the Somalia 'situation' - pirate seizurs, might soon impact the Seychelles. In response the government did nothing choosing instead to pay lip service. Today it is quite clear that the vision that this gentlman had was in fact quite correct. Somali pirates have captured a Seychelles flagged ship, in Seychelles waters, causing great concern among the victims of the families, both foreign and local,and our tourism industry. We are now told that Seychellois soldiers will be sent to the outer islands to deter further piracy acts. Too little too late! ( Imagine how the families are feeling now? And the government led by the SPPF has the audacity to say that the Seychellois crew aboard the diving vessel Indian Explorer, are safe as the take a little trip surrounded by pirates to Somalia! Really this is SAFE?)

Seychelles Going Down - Tuna fishing vessels are slowly relocating to other ports - pirates are venturing into our waters - tourism arrivals are down - hotel occupancy is down - what else is down?