Via Email. Why No Seychellois Chief Justice?

Dear Rising Tide - In Seychelles we have 3 branches of government. The executive, headed by a president who is currently Hon. James Michel (SPPF). The legislative, headed by a speaker who is currently Hon. Patrick Herminie (SPPF). The judiciary, headed by a chief justice, and this is where the similarities end! Why is it that this 'independent' branch has never had a sitting chief justice who is a Seychellois? At least under this SPPF led government. Rather the post has been offered to foreigners, who later after proving their worth, became naturalised citizens. This is for sure a most important part of our system of governance. Why is it then that it is not shown equal respect by this government?

Submitted - name withheld by request

Say What 'News'? Greece Says Seychelles Govt. Strong On Social Welfare

RT - There is news which one can use then there is 'news' which is used but which no one can use! In this posting where and when we observe such 'news' which is used but no one can use, we will post it right here! Our very first example of this type of 'news' recently appeared in the Seychelles Nation 27th May 2009 with the headline - "Greece says our government is strong on social welfare"!

Every now and then or rather daily, the goverment of the day, currently led by the SPPF, 'peppers' the main daily newspaper with news which is fashioned to portray it, the government, currently led by the SPPF, in better light.

Yet another glaring example is in this 'news' item. Read on:-


(Photo: New Ambassador Presents Credentials To President Michel.)
- The newly accredited Greek ambassador, Dimitri Michael Loundras, said yesterday Seychelles has a strong government that understands social welfare.

He also said Seychelles is doing well economically despite the economic reforms, which he believes are going “quite well”.

Mr Loundras made these comments after presenting his credentials to President James Michel at State House, becoming Greece’s eighth ambassador.

“You’ve had a very good and strong government all these years, which shows you understand the possibilities of welfare for the people,” he said.

“That’s a very good sign, and economically you are doing well even though the reforms are a bit difficult, but this is a temporary problem,” he said.

Mr Loundras’ discussions with the President centred on further improving relations between the two countries; he noted Seychelles and Greece have supported each other in international forums and will continue to do so.

There has already been collaboration through which Greece has offered scholarships, and this will carry on, he added. Also, the possibilities of Greek investment here and of more tourists from his islands discovering our many islands will be explored.

Ambassador Loundras also called on National Assembly speaker Dr Patrick Herminie, cabinet ministers and other senior government officials.
He replaces Palyabre Kokonas and will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Seychelles and Greece established diplomatic relations in November 1982.
Like Seychelles, Greece is facing economic difficulties, and the International Monetary Fund on Monday cut the country’s economic forecast, urging immediate spending cuts and advising the Mediterranean nation to collect more taxes to restore confidence. Its economy is expected to contract this year. SEYNAT

RT - Interesting to note that the 'IMF' recommends the government to collect more taxes as the economy contracts further? We wonder with a shrinking tax base who will the 'collect more taxes' fall upon? Rather is it not better to decrease the tax burden thereby encouraging businesses to expand, hiring more persons, who earn a salary, who then inturn spend, generating more revenue for government?

Quote Of The Week!

"A politician looks forward only to the next election. A statesman looks forward to the next generation"

RT - Which of the two best describes H.E.James Alix Michel,President of the Republic?

Food For Thought! Make Better Use Of Our Former Presidents

Many countries in much better standing than our own both financially and politically utilise their former leaders, prime minister, president, in extended roles once they have left their official duties.

Former Prime Minister Blair is enroute to becoming the 1st permanent EU President. Former President Clinton has just been named special envoy to Haiti. Former President Rawlings, as read here, represented the Government of Ghana to the swearing in of the new South African President.

Of course it is up to the former leader on how active he or she would like to be.

In Seychelles we are quite fortunate to have two former presidents and maybe a third at the next elections.

One of our former leaders while taking up political party responsibilties has chosen not to 'represent' country any further, while the other who has given up party politics, continues to 'represent'. 'privately', his country at many levels at every opportunity.

Seychelles today would best be served if our govenrment were to actively promote the idea of including our former leaders in an official capacity to support where needed the activities of our government.

Contributed . P. Pool.

Seychelles Oil Tankers In A Bad Patch

Extract from The Indian Ocean Newsletter 23/05/2009

RT - On the 18th of May 2009 we wrote this: "The same has occurred for the oil shipping business idling many oil tankers. Instead of sailing and delivering ships are being used as storage!" Enough said. Now read an extract from the 'Indian Ocean Newsletter'.

The crisis has been very bad for Seypec’s business of transporting oil products. But it still has to repay the loans it contracted to buy its five tankers.

The Seychelles Petroleum Company (Seypec) which manages the five double-hull tankers purchased in the last few years from Germany by the Seychelles government is going through a sticky patch. The company’s CEO, Guy Adam, admitted as much last week in an interview with pro-government magazine Isola Bella. He estimated that revenue from the business of transporting petroleum products by the five tankers of the company enabled merely “about breaking even now.” Demand for oil products is falling because of the global crisis and transport prices have fallen relative to the middle of last year. As a result, revenues from the rental of these tankers have dropped. So much so that according to information obtained by The Indian Ocean Newsletter, some of these vessels in Seychelles are now used for carrying other products, domestic oil or chemicals for example.

However, Seypec’s CEO expects that the activity of tankers will become more profitable next year when the International Maritime Organization (IMA) will begin to gradually withdraw from circulation single-hull tankers, an operation that will last five years. Adam hopes that with fewer boats in circulation, Seychelles tankers will increasingly be chartered. This is desirable because the government of the Seychelles, which bought each of these 40,000 tonne vessels for $ 50 million through loans from German banks, is indebted for their acquisition until 2018.

African Beat - French Investigate Assets Of A President

Politics 'African' Style - accused of ruling the country as their private property and trying to put themselves in prime position to succeed their father.


French authorities are to investigate the assets of the Gabonese President Omar Bongo, who is accused of misappropriating millions of dollars meant for public services.

Mr Bongo is one of three African leaders accused of embezzlement by the French arm of the anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International - also under investigation are Denis Sassou-Nguesso of Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea.

It is alleged that the volume of real estate owned by Mr Bongo's family in France could not have been purchased with official salaries alone. In recent weeks this has been followed by the freezing of Mr Bongo's bank accounts in France following bribery allegations.

Mr Bongo, who has temporarily stepped down from his post on health grounds while visiting Europe, has denied any wrongdoing.

But critics have long argued that Mr Bongo's stay in power has been as a consequence of a combination of violence and corruption.

The first tide of violence happened in the 1970s when several opposition members were killed. Then in 1990, the mysterious death of opposition leader Joseph Redjambe sparked riots that rocked the regime for days.

But it is money that is thought to be the ultimate weapon in the hands of the president and his family.

It is money that has helped to ensure peace, silence critics and fuel solid friendships abroad, notably in France, its former colonial power.

And over recent years it has become increasingly clear that, either as a result of intimidation or gifts, all Mr Bongo's political opponents have thrown in the towel.

Even Pierre Mamboundou, leader of the Union for the People of Gabon (UPG) - until recently considered Mr Bongo's most credible rival - has now joined the long list of former opponents turned quiet.

With a reputation as an uncompromising man and no stranger to exile and political imprisonment, Mr Mamboundou had fought and lost two presidential polls.

In 2006, however, he stopped his public criticisms of Mr Bongo. The former firebrand makes no secret that the president pledged to give him $21.5 million for the development of his constituency of Ndende.

The wealth of President Bongo may be a well-kept secret, but he is believed to be one of the world's richest men. His assets abroad may just be the tip of the iceberg, but they provide more than a clue to the extent of his fortune.

In 2007 a police investigation into real estate owned by the president and his family in France disclosed 33 properties in Paris and Nice worth an estimated $190 million. Source BBC Africa News

RT - The news item is eerily similar to what the people of Seychelles have witnessed for so many years following the demise of the Seychellois 1st Republic. Power breeds corruption and indeed 'unchecked' becomes so prevelant that the people are so overwhelmed by a thousand lies that the truth can no longer be seen even when it is painted before our very eyes! Since the re-establishment of multi-party by the regime of the then President of the Seychelles and current 'generalissimo' or party president of the ruling SPPF, Hon. Albert Rene,in 1992, opposition figures have struggled to establish a secure footing or 'counter balance' to the power of what is the 'Rene Revolution'.

Those returning leaders who had vision enough to foresee partisan politics causing greater 'losses' for the Seychellois democratic cause championed reconciliation early on, much to the chagrin of the ruling elites who simply ridiculed or scoffed at any idea of a 'reconciliation commission' or government of national unity. Why? Simply because all the dirty deeds of the regime since the fall of the Seychellois 1st Republic would risk exposure!

Too much power had been amassed for any real thought of unity. Those in the 'know' would continue to 'know' for us all for many years to come and continue to be our 'thinkers'.

Today the 22nd of May 2009 with yet another SPPF led government running the affairs of the Seychellois people the same remains the same, with a little window dressing here and there.

In the years since the return of 'democracy' to the Seychelles small steps have been taken to establish a sense of moral values, a respect for the rule of law and constitution and most importantly,accountability to the people, who remain above all in any democracy, the final authority over government. This has been made willingly by those brave patriotic Seychellois who stood up to be counted as a member of an alternate way of 'thinking'. The ruling 'elites' would attempt to disparage these citizens as being 'non sensical' this in itself being ridiculous if one is to consider that a return to 'multi-party' would mean that no longer would we the people accept any one 'Front's' view on things.

A great statesman one said, " we have a country with a government and not a government with a country"! Seychelles today remains a "government with a country", with a political party thinking that it has the right to continue its 'one party' mentality disguised slightly to make one think that it is 'operating' within the 'laws' of the land.

Omar Bango on other 'Big Men Of African' politics seem to think apparently that they can continue to operate freely within a 'democratic' setting without fear, amassing huge fortunes! Rather these leadership personalities would be best serve if they had used there influence to declare outright their 'onwership' of their country, creating a 'royal' title or the the like then be done with it!

The life span of these 'dictatorships' or 'absolute rule' regimes in recorded modern history is not one of longevity. They simply cannot co-exist for long with other established countries in other meaningful established poltical settings. Those which remain, become isolated and a pariah state.

Seychelles emerging from one party absolute rule has since wrapped itself with what is respectable within the international community. What is under this 'wrapping' the 'under belly' of the political beast in Seychelles is what is important however.

Seychelles today has in reality changed little. Another 'layer' has been added and the people continue to blinded by what is 'painted' before them.

"The Cabinet of Ministers, it seems, is hyper-sensitive to the issue of corruption and they tried to fool the people yet again by trying desperately to equate the 45% debt forgiveness by Paris Club as an endorsement that the government is not corrupt. Of course, this could not be further from the truth and this newspaper will not be silenced by lame threats of legal action designed to intimidate, bully and silence the only voice which is telling the people of Seychelles the truth. The truth will set us free and we will continue to tell our people the truth and let them judge for themselves why today our country is burdened and shamed with an external debt totaling 800 million dollars representing 170% of our GDP which the next generation will have to pay." Source Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly

Quote Of The Week!

"A lie heard a thousand times is easier to believe than the truth heard just once".

RT - If there is but one party in the Seychelles which is good at sowing the seeds of lies and calling it a mango for us to eat it is the SPPF!

African Beat! Ex Pres Briefs Head Of State On Recent SA Trip

President John Evans Atta Mills was on Friday briefed by Ex – President Jerry John Rawlings on the latter’s recent attendance at the inauguration of President Jacob Zuma in South Africa.

In a press release signed by Presidential Spokersperson Mahama Ayariga, ex –President Rawlings had expressed satisfaction with the new South African leader’s commitments to work with Ghana.

The former president indicated that South Africa is looking forward to forging mutually beneficial closer relations with Ghana in the areas of commerce, technology transfer, investment, tourism and agriculture.

President Mills thanked ex-President Rawlings for representing Ghana at the inauguration and assured him that there would be follow up measures to take advantage of the opportunities for mutually beneficial relations between Ghana and South Africa.

RT - We commend Ghana for using its resources and its former heads of state in such a responsible manner! In Seychelles we currently have two former presidents who perhaps can as well be put to better use then is currently the case. The Seychelles Government facing critical budget constraints rather saw it more fit to pay for our current president and his entourage to represent the Seychelles for the swearing in of the new South African president. How much did this trip cost the Seychelles taxpayer we wonder and would it not have been more prudent to send instead one of our former presidents in these trying times if it was so important to represent? Our president needs to spend more time on the homefront we think!

Exports Decline Idles Huge Fleet Of Cargo Ships

The worldwide economic crisis has dried up the demand for global trade to the extent that more than 750 large cargo vessels are now sitting idle in the waters off Singapore.
The huge flotilla of ships, some up to 300,000 tons, forms one of the largest fleets of vessels ever gathered as they sit at anchor waiting for work.
It's a maritime parallel to the hundreds of Boeing 737s, MD-80s and other passenger jets grounded at an "airplane graveyard" near Tucson, Ariz., due to the fallen demand for air travel.
Until recently the ships were engaged largely in handling exports from China and other nations the Far East. But China's exports plunged 22 percent in April compared to a year earlier, following a 17 percent drop in March, as American demand for Chinese consumer products has tailed off sharply.
The resulting oversupply of cargo-carrying capacity has forced a precipitous drop in the cost of shipping. The daily rate to charter a large bulk freighter for carrying iron ore, for instance, plunged from nearly $300,000 last summer to just $10,000 early this year, according to The New York Times.
And the cost of shipping a 40-foot steel container full of merchandise from southern China to northern Europe has fallen from $1,400 plus fuel charges a year ago to $150 early this year — which is less than the cost of providing the service.
Vessels have favored anchoring off Singapore, in the Strait of Malacca between the Malay Peninsula and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, because it has few storms, good ship repair teams, and proximity to Asian ports that might eventually have cargo to deliver, The Times reports.
But another 300 vessels are idle and anchored near Rotterdam in the Netherlands, and 150 ships are anchored in and around the Straits of Gibraltar.
"For trade to pick up, demand has to pick up," said Joshua Felman, assistant director of the Asia and Pacific division of the International Monetary Fund.
"It's very difficult to see that happening any time soon."

RT - The same has occurred for the oil shipping business idling many oil tankers. Instead of sailing and delivering ships are being used as storage!

Mr. Karl St.Ange Passes Away

President James Michel has sent a message of condolence to the family and friends of former government minister Karl St Ange, who died on Thursday, aged 89, on his home island of La Digue.

The President’s message reads:
“It is with profound sadness that I learn of the passing away of a former colleague minister and close friend, Karl St Ange of La Digue.

“We remember Karl as one of the brave men of our islands who strongly believed in an independent Seychelles. He was one of the leaders of the former Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP), at the forefront in our fight for nationhood.
“We are grateful to him and his family for the role he played in building our nation.

“As one of the first ministers in the Second Republic, Karl made a significant contribution to the policies that have brought a great deal of progress in the lives of our people.

“At this time of great loss, my family and I convey our deepest and heartfelt condolence to the St Ange family and friends. They are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of grieving.” SEYNAT

Question Begging To Be Asked!

Update: Eleven (11) more 'suspected' pirates of Somali origin are intercepted not too far from Marianne Island. Total 'suspected' pirates in Seychellois custody now stands at twenty (20). It is understood that the Seychelles Government privately has said that they would wish to exchange the suspected pirates for the Seychellois currently being held hostage by the Somali 'pirates'. Little progress in the meantime is being made with those 'suspects' in Seychellois custody and confirming their identity or what they were doing prior to being captured by the Spanish Navy. Next month with the change in the winds and season mother nature will come to the rescue of the Seychelles Coast Guard making it highly improbable that 'pirates' from the Somali coast will be able to operate on the seas so close to the Seychelles.

QUESTION BEGGING TO BE ASKED?

It is understood that the 'pirates' utilise many tactics on the open seas to target and later attack their victims. Is it not now possible to think that perhaps some of them ('pirates') are not in fact using remote islands within the Seychelles as 'bases' primarily for shelter as they make their way back to the Somali coast?