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

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

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!

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

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!

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?

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?