Rising Tide

Magazine 'AFAR' Real Life In Paradise!

2010-04-26T13:10:00.002-04:00

The tourism related magazine 'AFAR' in a recent release prominently covered the Seychelles Islands on its front cover and affording 10 pages to the other side of the paradise that is the Seychelles Islands.

Prominent among those being interviewed was Mr. Ralph Volcere, editor of Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly, who is as well the current political head of the New Democratic Party or NDP. The NDP was originally the Democratic Party or DP, which was founded by former President Mancham and former government minister and labour leader, David Joubert. The party briefly led the republic in a coalition in the 1970's.

The article in this current editon of AFAR covers the side of the Seychelles affected by a bad economy, corruption in government, and funds mismanaged.

Despite this however the article also points out to an underlying sense of positive optimism of the people despite the hardships!

Press Release - From State House - Victoria -Seychelles

2010-03-31T19:14:00.001-04:00

Please find below a press release.

Srdjana Janosevic

Press Secretary
Office of the President

P O Box 55, State House, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Tel: (248) 295706 Fax: (248) 225067
Mobile: (248)722410

Email: sjanosevic@statehouse.sc
sjanosevic@statehouse.gov.sc
sjanosevic80@hotmail.com

PRESS RELEASE
31.03.2010

ATTORNEY GENERAL BEGINS WORK TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW COMMITTEE

Following the presentation of the report on the review of the Constitution to the President by the Constitutional Review committee Chairman, Mr. Francis Chang-Sam earlier this year, the President has mandated the Attorney General to undertake the process of re-drafting of various laws that pre-date our Constitution as well as to begin the work needed to amend those sections of the Constitution that need updating.

The Attorney General, Mr. Ronny Govinden, has explained that a two-track approach will be followed. In the first instance there are a number of laws that need to be updated or clarified in the light of the provisions of the Constitution. Mr. Govinden explained that in many cases there was a general consensus on the need for this update and the AG’s office would submit the proposed amendments in due course for the consideration of the National Assembly over the course of the year 2010. In other cases, further debate at a national level may be required.

In the second instance many of the recommendations of the Committee concern the content of the Constitution itself. As the procedures for modification of the Constitution involve either a 2/3 majority in the Assembly or in some cases a referendum, there is a need to ensure that proposed changes undergo further consultation and discussion to ensure that proposals meet the will of the people.

The Office of the President will be making the report public on its website as of Thursday 1st April 2010 and will be inviting members of the public to make their suggestions and contributions in writing to the Attorney General.

The report can be consulted at www.statehouse.gov.sc and written submissions should be sent addressed to the Attorney General, National House, P.O Box 58, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.

The Attorney General will compile the different suggestions in the context of the report and propose a ‘document for discussion’ which can then be discussed at a wider level.

As part of the process, the Attorney general will undertake a national consultation exercise in 2011 on the basis of the ‘document for discussion’. This is in line with the recommendation of the report that the public at large be given more opportunity to comment on proposed changes and amendments.

The president has reiterated his thanks to the members of the Constitutional Review Committee for their diligence in producing the report which is a key means for strengthening the institutions of the Republic.

“The Constitution is the voice of our nation, and it is our responsibility as a nation to ensure that we uphold its principles in all that we do. The process of review is one which enhances our democratic values and allows the Seychellois people to participate in the shaping of the laws that govern us” the President added.

Our Man Of Many Hats! Too Much On His Plate?

2010-02-15T10:24:00.005-05:00

Even In Retirement This Former President Looms Large Over All!

Seychelles continues to be in CRISIS MODE! Even as this government reports imporvements and decrease of inflation. On the ground however the reality is different! If only our president would take some time to just listen to others!

James Michel - Leader of People's Party/ Parti LePep

James Michel - Minister of Foreign Affairs

James Michel - Minister of Defense

James Michel - Does He Run Internal Affairs Still?

James Michel - President of the Republic of Seychelles

Will you vote for him again when he runs again this time with Danny Faure as his VP?

Former President Gets 30 Years For His Role In Coup!

2010-02-13T18:00:00.003-05:00

Seychellois - History has recorded and noted the past events of our young republic. We all know the reasons evoked for the rape and pillage of our Constitution by our then prime minister, Albert Rene. According to his reasoning he came to the 'rescue' of the people saving us from an assured 'dictatorship' of President James Mancham! 'Playboy'! 'President for Life'! 'Corrupt Practices'! Were but some of the reasons that the prime minister told us were the justifications for the revolution brought on by patriots of the people's militia, removing Mancham and by popular demand, and annointing Rene caretaker president until the new regime could be 'legalised'! We all know that the reasons for the coup as dreamt up by none other than Albert Rene were false and nothing but lies! As a result of the 'Rene Revolution' Seychelles suffered loss of life! Citizens never to be seen again! False imprisonments! Exile! Forced acquisition of personal properties! And a move towards a socialist autocratic rule! Rene appointed himself defacto ruler via manipulated 'popular elections' and set about to rule the country with an iron fist! Nothing lasts forever and one day the truth will be officially recognised, and those who conspired with Rene will have to answer to the Republic and the people. No amount of titles or laws enacted by the regime of the SPUP/SPPF/PP will bar the truth from coming to the surface! Our true history will not be denied and the truth will be known and appreciated by all! - T.L. Laurence

Montevideo, Uruguay -- A court sentenced former Uruguayan President Juan Maria Bordaberry to 30 years in prison on Wednesday for the coup that consolidated his power in 1973 and for human rights violations.

Judge Mariana Mota convicted Bordaberry of violating the constitution, nine counts of "forced disappearance" and two counts of political homicide.

Bordaberry, 81, had already been under house arrest since 2007 for the killings of two opposition legislators in 1976.

Bordaberry assumed office in 1972 following an election that has since been questioned. In 1973, he backed a military coup that kept him in power, and dissolved congress and suspended the country's constitution. The military pushed him out in favor of another leader in 1976. Source CNN

Updates Shortly! 2010 Is An Integral Year For The Defeat Of The SPUP/SPPF/PP Ruling Party

2010-02-13T09:44:00.002-05:00

Yes Dear Seychellois! If ever there was a moment in time for a truly free and democratic Seychelles then 2010 must be the year! Behind the scenes events have been monitored and we note the drastic attempts of the ruling party of Albert Rene to 'reform' and 'redefine' itself as it gears up to once again hold on to the State House and government in the coming elections! To deny them this we must as Seychellois - no matter where we are or opposition party affiliation, we must unite on a common platform, a 'National Platform for Democracy' with the aim, singular aim, of unseating President Michel and his cohorts within the PP!

Stay tuned!

Much To Do! Change On Its Way.

2009-08-30T11:14:00.002-04:00

Greetings all! Seychellois both within our beloved country and without are growing more and more anxious as this year comes to a close. Indeed the ruling party the SPPF/PP is feeling the pinch. The president, James Michel, realises by now that he has taken on too much or eaten more than he can chew as the old saying goes.

He, James Michel, may be contemplating calling 'snap' elections for the presidency in the hopes that this will ensure an 'easy' victory for him and continued residency at State House.

Not so. This time around and unlike the last elections, more water has flowed under the bridge, with citizens fully appreciating that yes indeed, the SPPF led regime, is dispensible and can be replaced.

A growing under current of disenchanted folks from both sides of the political aisle are appreciating that yes they can influence and make significant changes without adhering to the set political structures currently in play.

Politics in Seychelles has grown old and stale under the watch of the SPPF/PP. Time for change indeed and it is coming!

Stay tuned! -T.L.Laurence

Telling Jokes About Presidents Just Got Riskier!

2009-07-22T11:39:00.004-04:00

(AJustSeychelles) From Our Latest Tweet on Twitter! The President of Pakistan is making it illegal to tells jokes about him! Should we start jokes on President Michel (PP) Of Seychelles? -less than 5 seconds ago from web

Question Begging To Be Asked? From 'SPPF' To 'PP'

2009-06-11T13:18:00.002-04:00

Question Begging To Be Asked?

Recently the SPPF changed its name dropping the letters, 'S, and 'F'. Is this a sleight of hand to 'pretend' or imply a 'change' in policy approach or is it an indication that the SPPF as well is going broke and can ill afford to maintain a 'S'eychelles 'F'ront?

Somali Pirate Update

2009-06-06T20:45:00.002-04:00

Somali pirates freed a Nigerian tugboat they seized 10 months ago, and the Dutch navy frigate De Zeven Provincien was escorting it to a safe harbor, the Dutch Defense Ministry said Saturday.

RT - We stil await an update from the Seychelles Government currently led by the Parti Lepep (formerly the SPPF). A few weeks ago the Seychelles Nation carried the headline that release of the Seychellois hostages held by Somali pirates was imminent!

Question Begging To Be Asked!

2009-06-02T10:33:00.002-04:00

Question Begging To Be Asked?

Can the Seychelles government, currently led by the ruling SPPF, update us as to where the negotiations stand as regards the safe return of all our Seychellois citizens, currently being held by so-called 'pirates' off of Somalia!

SPPF Congress - A party of change, for a changing country, and coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP), the

2009-06-02T10:24:00.005-04:00

Central committee members of the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front (SPPF), branch executive members and executive members of Lazenes SPPF and Women’s League will convene this afternoon for the party’s 24th National Congress.

The annual gathering, which will also be attended by several observers and party activists, will take place at the International Conference Centre.

This year’s congress is being held under the theme: A party of change, for a changing country, and coincides with the 45th anniversary of the Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP), the predecessor of the SPPF.

Other activities to mark the event include the wreath-laying ceremony at the Zonm Lib monument at 10am on June 5.
From 3pm on the same day, district branches will hold special ceremonies to thank all SPPF activists who have served on district committees. SEYNAT

(Photo: Secretary General of the ruling SPPF and President of the Republic with a Happy Child from Seychelles)

Other Headlines To Note!
* Our Children Are Happy And Living Well Says Report

Breaking News! But Nothing New Here!

2009-06-01T12:08:00.003-04:00

Victoria - Air Seychelles, the national carrier of the Republic, recently registered perhaps a record in airline aviation and that is carrying one (01) paying passenger, flying economy, on one of its Boeing 767 flights from Europe! This is a record which needs no further promotion by Air Seychelles but does lead one to ask, "how viable as a 'for profit' entity is Air Seychelles?" The government which owns the airline is out of money leading one to think that very soon very difficult decisions will have to be made.

Of other economic concern is the operations of the single largest employer in the country and that is Indian Ocean Tuna LTD. The ownership of this company is shared primarily between MW Brands and the government with some other minor shareholders.

On the 29th of May the IOT facility closed for its annual one month closure. The company normally uses the time to upgrade the facility, conduct training, and other renovations needed for a facility involved in food manufacturing.

In the past the IOT would normally choose the month of June as its primary 'shutdown' due to the country's 'heavy' holiday period!

Starting with celebrations for the 5th of June, the 'revolution' of the ruling party, leading into the 18th of June, the Seychelles' 'National' day, and ending with the 29th June, its independence day! Compared to the 5th June, Independence Day for the ruling party has always been lower key.

Several days of festivities, ten days plus of 'good times', has always meant that private businesses have tended to confirm leave for its staff for this month due to projected heavy absentisms and low productivity. A heavy cost and burden which the country still carries on the back of its citizens.

The IOT shutdown this year takes on a different 'air' about it this time as sales to Europe remain low while inventory backlog remains steady. Despite the best attempts by the company group to effectively 'manage' this, internally there are worries that the heavy debt load of the company cannot long be carried.

There are other concerns of course for the country as the government currently led by the ruling SPPF continues to talk of 'hope' and looking to the silver lining in the clouds and continues on its path of looking for change on the one hand while on the other, drawing a new line in the sand, looking for ways to continue it's grip of power on the tiny Republic.

Via Email. Why No Seychellois Chief Justice?

2009-05-28T17:28:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-27T17:14:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-05-26T18:15:00.002-04:00

"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

2009-05-26T09:09:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-26T08:06:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-23T09:02:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-22T19:50:00.002-04:00

"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

2009-05-19T14:02:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-18T14:29:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-10T06:35:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-05-05T07:47:00.003-04:00

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?

Seychelles Will Have To Prove They Are Pirates!

2009-04-29T15:20:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-28T10:32:00.001-04:00

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.

2009-04-28T08:11:00.004-04:00

(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!

2009-04-26T18:17:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-04-26T10:16:00.005-04:00

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.

2009-04-26T10:11:00.003-04:00

(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!

2009-04-24T11:17:00.004-04:00

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

2009-04-16T08:53:00.001-04:00

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

2009-04-14T15:16:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-04-10T16:37:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-10T16:04:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-04-09T20:47:00.002-04:00

"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?

2009-04-08T20:42:00.002-04:00

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!

2009-04-06T09:24:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-04T10:51:00.004-04:00

(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?

2009-04-03T08:11:00.002-04:00

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.

2009-04-02T09:26:00.002-04:00

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

2009-04-02T07:38:00.002-04:00

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?

Our Thought: Entrepreneurs In Seychelles Under SPPF!

2009-03-30T07:59:00.000-04:00

Photo: Seychellois Once Bound, Gagged & Subdued!

Our Thoughts! Dear Mr. President you choose to spend but a moment with the nation on your well managed television sittings addressing your observations and putting out 'new' ideas every now and then. This time it is about Seychellois being business minded and creating wealth and employment. We wonder Mr. President what you call someone who for the past 30 years has crawled and dragged his or her way to keep themselves afloat under the repressive SPUP and later SPPF policies? The fact that these businesses exist today despite their hardships proves one thinq quite clear! And that is no lectures are needed from you on the subject of 'entrepreneurial spirit'! 'Jj Spirit' can not carry nor convince anyone that all of a sudden we need to discover ourselves and start contributing! Rather Mr. President and despite your political party's attempts to subdue, then re-invent the 'Seychellois psyche', our spirit remains to contribute and grow! What we need is to be unshackled! Your pronouncements help in many ways indeed. Eyes wide open! T.L. Laurence

"President James Michel has repeated his call for Seychellois to be innovative and to develop their entrepreneurial spirit so as to earn their living and also create employment.

Mr Michel said he is confident this will become an important sector in the economy of Seychelles in future.

The President was speaking last night in his monthly television programme entitled En Moman Avek Prezidan, in which he talks about topics of national importance.

The theme of his interview this month was employment, in line with his recent announcement that creating jobs and consolidating existing work is one of his three main priorities – the other two being finding ways to bring down the cost of living and putting in place mechanisms to help the most vulnerable in our society cope with the hardships brought about by the economic reform programme.

Noting that creating jobs is no easy feat, Mr Michel said that apart from employment that comes through investment or through the support that businesses in the private sector get, we should seriously look at how Seychellois themselves can use their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to create their own businesses."

Seychelles' Bankrupt - SPPF Will Blame World Economy

2009-03-28T12:46:00.000-04:00

The Seychelles, the idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, is best known as an island paradise playground for celebrities, royalty and the ultra-wealthy. These days, it's better known for something else: bankruptcy.

The tiny country's debt burden may be tiny compared to Iceland, which needed a $2.1 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last fall, but the Seychelles' problems illustrate the degree to which the global economic crisis has leveled some economies altogether.

And because of its small size, with just 87,000 people, the Seychelles now has the unenviable stature of being perhaps the most indebted country in the world. Public and private debt totals $800 million - roughly the size of the country's entire economy.

Last year, as tourism and fishing revenue began slowing, the Seychelles defaulted on a $230 million, euro-denominated bond that had been arranged by Lehman Brothers before its own bankruptcy. The IMF came in in November with a two-year, $26 million rescue package, and the country has since taken a series of emergency steps: It laid off 12.5% of government workers (1,800 people), floated its currency (the Seychelles rupee, which has fallen from eight to the U.S. dollar to 16, effectively doubling the prices of imports), lifted foreign exchange controls and agreed to sell state assets.

The IMF has given a thumbs-up to the initial progress, but it warned that the economy would contract 9.5% this year. The government of Australia is sending tax experts to help overhaul the revenue collection system and audit local companies.
Now the Seychelles is negotiating with the governments of Britain, France and other Western countries including the U.S. - the so-called Paris Club - to reschedule $250 million in debt it owes them. It is asking for 50% of it to be forgiven - a rate it hopes its commercial creditors will then apply to its remaining $550 million outstanding.

"We borrowed more than we can repay," complains Ralph Volcere, the editor of Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly and a vocal government critic. "This was wholly irresponsible."

Heavily reliant on tourism, the Seychelles is desperately searching for ways to raise capital - at a time when tourism is forecast to drop precipitously this year. In early March, Seychelles Vice President Joseph Belmont told a meeting of local tourism industry business owners that the country has already seen a drop of 15% in visitor arrivals from the start of 2009; tourism revenue for the year, he said, could drop by some 25% more as a result of the global recession.

Seychelles officials have another idea though: to promote the country's longstanding virtue of being an off-shore business haven, with no corporate tax, no minimum capital requirements, only one shareholder or director required, and an annual licensing fee of just $100.

It also hopes to grow revenue from fishing licenses in its territorial waters, and on March 26 it will present a proposal to the United Nations to expand its exclusive rights to the surrounding seabed, potentially increasing prospects of revenue from underwater minerals, oil and gas.

And hopes for expanding tourism remain high. In addition to the usual roster of luxury-seeking royals and high-spending celebs, the middle-tier traveler is now being heartily courted, too. The government in early March announced an "Affordable Seychelles" campaign - what would have until recently been an oxymoron - with the motto: "Once-in-a-lifetime vacation at a once-in-a-lifetime price," based on lower prices caused by the halving in value of the currency.

Most hotels and meals in restaurants frequented by foreigners, however, remain priced in euros - like the new Four Seasons Seychelles, which opened its five-star resort, more than two years in the works, in February. Rates start at 1,000 euros ($1,345) per night, although current packages include stay-an-extra-day offers. Free-standing, multi-room houses with private swimming pools, billed as "Presidential" and "Royal" suites, are also available (from 4,500 euros, or $6,055).

The company claims it's seeing interest from travelers: "We have extremely strong demand; a lot of people are calling and asking for information," says General Manager Markus Iseli, surveying the property of 67 private, luxury villas perched on a hillside overlooking a stunning powdery-sand beach. But while normal luxury hotel occupancy averages 70-to-75%, he says he expects perhaps 30-to-35% occupancy this year.

"That's still good in a recession," Iseli says. "When you look around the world, everybody is suffering."

Contributed: - Sheridan Prasso

Bye Bye Payette! But Why Really?

2009-03-26T18:53:00.001-04:00

The Office of the President yesterday announced the retirement from public service of secretary of state Alain Butler-Payette, who had offered his resignation to President James Michel.

Mr Butler-Payette had served as secretary of state under President Michel since 2004. This followed a distinguished career in the diplomatic service during which he served as principal secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and also as an ambassador of Seychelles.

The President has accepted Mr Butler-Payette’s resignation with regret. Commending him for his 25 years of exemplary service to the government and people of Seychelles, he praised Mr Butler-Payette for his integrity, loyalty and commitment to the public service.

President Michel extended his best wishes to Mr Butler-Payette for success in his future undertakings.

In a statement, Mr Butler-Payette expressed his gratitude to the President and his office for the support and cooperation given him during his service to the government as he moves towards new challenges.

Mr Butler-Payette’s resignation takes effect immediately. (SEYNAT)

Letter From Monsieur Payette
----------------------------
Subject:
Retirement from government service

Date:
Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:47:44 +0400

From:
Alain Butler-Payette

Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I have today submitted my resignation as Secretary of State to President James Michel. He has graciously accepted it.

After twenty-five years in the public service, I feel that it is time to move on to other challenges.

As I leave office, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the President for his unfailing support and for the trust he has placed in me. Similarly, I wish to express to you all my grateful thanks for the support and cooperation you have afforded me throughout all the years we have worked together for the common cause and for the good of the nation.

Rest assured of my support in the challenging tasks which lie ahead.

Yours sincerely and with warmest regards,

Alain Butler-Payette

--------------------

RT - We made mention of his impending departure just a few days ago! Mr. Butler-Payette was a loyal supporter but unlike others within the SPPF, he was and is a professional who will be missed within government.

Air Seychelles Announces New Moscow Route. IATA Reports More Losses

2009-03-24T08:11:00.001-04:00

GENEVA (Reuters) – World airlines are set to lose $4.7 billion this year as a result of the global recession that has shrunk passenger and cargo demand, industry body IATA said.

The International Air Transport Association had estimated in December the industry would lose $2.5 billion in 2009.

"The state of the airline industry today is grim. Demand has deteriorated much more rapidly with the economic slowdown than could have been anticipated even a few months ago," Director-General Giovanni Bisignani said on Tuesday.

"The relief of lower fuel prices is overshadowed by falling demand and plummeting revenues. The industry is in intensive care."

IATA, which represents 230 airlines including British Airways (BAY.L), Cathay Pacific (0293.HK), United Airlines (UAUA.O), and Emirates (EMIRA.UL), also raised its estimate of international airline losses in 2008 to $8.5 billion, from its previous $8 billion estimate.

The Swiss-based body said its latest forecast was based on a view that the economy and air transport demand would hit bottom by mid-2009 and then start to recover.

RT - Patriots. We are gearing up! Stay tuned. Even as Dugasse and Butler- Payette steps aside this administration led by Michel is banking that it willbe able to coast to 2011. Government houses will be released to families in late 2010. Economic forecasts look to a global rebound in late 2009 and 2010. And the next elections in Seychelles? 2011? Who will claim credit? Will the people forget and allow to be 'cowed' again?

2009-03-20T20:04:00.000-04:00

All Seychellois workers on Coetivy will be taken on by the Island Development Company now it has been given the job of running the island, IDC chairman and managing director Glenny Savy said yesterday.
This follows the announcement this week that the government has handed over the management and maintenance of the island to the company.
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.
“With all the necessary infrastructure in place, development in many areas has followed,” said Mr Savy.
He said with some projects under way and others being finalised, he expects the company’s development activities to continue prospering over the coming three years.
Concerning the workers, he said some may be transferred to and from other islands to build IDC facilities, as Coetivy has its own way of operating.As for foreign workers, he said they have already left the island.
Mr Savy said for the time being no large-scale agricultural activities are planned as the government has not yet decided on the type of model development activity to be adopted.
He said the IDC has been asked to take over management of Coetivy because it has the experience and know-how in running outlying islands.
The company’s responsibilities will include managing the island with its group of workers, maintaining government infrastructure and ensuring the island is kept ready for any future development projects.
Mr Savy said the IDC will be there to help government or private businesses relaunch any development on the island.

The above is a story carried in the Seychelles Nation 20th March 2009, Friday edition. Once again this government controlled paper simply acts as a press liaison officer, repeating what is asked to be printed, and not actually reporting anything of real substance or value. There are many questions begging to be asked of Mr. Glenny Savy and once again this paper fails to deliver. We have a few points that we will follow up on shortly regarding IDC and Coetivy. Nothing new really but one never knows.

Seychelles Truth Accountability Reality

2009-03-20T10:25:00.000-04:00

http://www.starseychelles.blogspot.com/

Democracy Rising Or Sinking In Seychelles?

2009-03-20T10:14:00.001-04:00

Greetings all patriotic Seychellois. No matter your personal political stance we are all patriotic! Is it not time now however to come closer to the 'centre' as a people for the good of all? Yes it is indeed!

For many months now our primary website http://www.fdsseychelles.org/ has been locked off from public view. Why? The main reason was the continual 'hacking campaign' by those who would want to stop 'democracy from rising and shining' in Seychelles. The other was to acknowledge that now was the time to make improvements to the site.

Since the decision was made to lock off the site many, many things have happened causing some delays. Globally and of course back home. Events in Seychelles are twisting and turning daily and the people continue to be used, confused, and abused.

Is it not time now for us to come closer to the 'centre' as a people for the good of all?

Yes it is! Wi Inn Ler!