5enm edisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ in lanse

February 27, 2017, 10:22 pm

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Senkyenm edisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ ti lanse ofisyelman Vandredi swar atraver en spektak lanmizik, sanson ek poenm dan oditoryonm Liniversite Sesel, Anse Royale.

Sete bann zenn ki ti fer pli byen dan katriyenm edisyon sa konpetisyon lannen pase ki ti perform dan sa spektak devan lezot kanmarad zenn, enkli bann ki ti sorti Vilaz Prezidan, ki ti’n vin ranpli lasal pour ekout zot. Parmi ti annan Kelly Mathiot, duo Michelle Pool ek Angelo Adrienne ki ti venker dan kategori sanson 15 a 17-an lannen pase; Alisha Ernesta dan kategori 18 a 24-an e Christiana Alexis e Davis Finesse pour kategori 25 a 30-an. Christiana ti osi resevwar en kado avek son bann zanmi dan lasal. Ti osi annan partisipasyon bann zenn artis tel ki ‘GAZA Production’, ‘Malgas, ‘Richie B’, bann ‘stage name’ byen koni parmi bann zenn.

Konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ i organize par Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes (SNYC) pour bann zenn aze 15 a 35-an e atraver sa konpetisyon zot kapab montre ki mannyer Sesel i enspir zot atraver plizyer form lar tel parey lapoezi, lapentir, zistwar ek sanson.

Bann gannyan pou ganny pri larzan e sa ki’n fer pli byen pou osi benefisye avek voyaz artistik aletranze letan i posib.

Prezan kot spektak Vandredi swar ti Alvin Laurence, sef egzekitif SNYC, ek son depite Ghislaine Belmont.

“I pa ti en spektak long me en spektak kot nou’n retras enpe parkour bann ki’n fer pli byen, bann ki’n kit zot mark dan en fason spesyal lo ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’,” Myse Laurence ti dir ler i ti ofisyelman lans sa sekyenm edisyon.

Sa lannen dat limit pour bann zenn soumet zot travay i le 30 Zen 2017.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Seychelles’ President visits two leading hospitals in Sri Lanka, discusses collaboration

February 27, 2017, 11:17 pm

≫ Next: Seychellois musician Grace Barbé tours East Africa

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President Danny Faure Faure visited Hemas Hospital in Thalawatugodha and Lanka Hospitals in Colombo on Sunday. (State House)

The strong mutual respect and cooperation between Seychelles and Sri Lanka’s leading healthcare facilities has been further consolidated through the first working visit of President Danny Faure to two Sri Lankan hospitals, State House says.

Faure visited Hemas Hospital in Thalawatugodha and Lanka Hospitals in Colombo over the weekend and met with Seychellois patients undergoing treatment there.

The president “expressed his appreciation on behalf of the people of Seychelles to the Hemas Hospital Team, for the care given to all Seychellois who have received treatment at the hospital,” a statement from State House said.

During his visit to Hemas Hospital, the president received an overview of the hospital chain where its progress in healthcare and pharmaceutical industry was outlined. The hospital is recognized as one of the country’s leading hospitals driven by innovation and quality healthcare.

At the second healthcare facility, Lanka Hospital, one of Sri Lanka’s leading private healthcare institutions, Faure discussed with the management the potential areas of collaboration.

The President affirmed that such collaborations through Medical Tourism is highly beneficial to Seychelles and discussed possibilities of future areas of cooperation such as in the domain of palliative care,” said the statement.

The relationship between Lanka Hospital and Seychelles has been ongoing for a number of years. Faure gave his appreciation for the care and services offered to citizens of Seychelles.

“It is clear that in the past three years we have seen an increase in the number of Seychellois coming to Lanka Hospital. You are making a difference in terms of their quality of life and we are sincerely grateful,” said Faure.

After his visit to Sri Lanka, President Faure will pay a working visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Source : SeychellesNewsAgency

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Seychellois musician Grace Barbé tours East Africa

February 28, 2017, 9:05 pm

≫ Next: New book launch: ‘Beyond the Horizon’ chronicles love, suffering in Seychelles’ early years

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Grace Barbe is a Seychellois singer placing Seychelles on the map when she performs in various countries. (Nairobi Now)

Given the Seychelles’ tiny population and relative isolation from the mainland of Africa, it can be at times easily overlooked. However at this year’s Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the archipelago was placed firmly on the map when Seychellois musician and seasoned live performer Grace Barbé and her band took the stage.

Barbé had audiences from all over the region – and the rest of the world – dancing along to the vibe of her band’s enticingly unique style called ‘Afro-Kreol’, a colourful fusion of traditional Seychellois music with African percussion and reggae, pop, rock and Latin rhythms. The group of three were on a tour of several Eastern African events, including Afrikabisa, Bagamoyo, Tanzania on 29th January, the renowned Sauti Za Busara Festival, Zanzibar on the 9th of February and the Treehouse in Nairobi, Kenya on the 11th.

Grace Barbé, who was born on Mahe, the Seychelles’ main island, relocated with her family to Australia at the age of 16. For the past decade, she has been playing bass guitar and singing in English, Creole and French, with British musician Jamie Searle playing lead guitar and her sister, Joelle Barbé on the drums. The band released their debut Album Kreol Daughter in 2008, followed by a second album ‘Welele!’.

SNA caught up with Barbé to find out about the reception to her music as well as her experience of visiting the area.

SNA: What prompted this tour and why East Africa?

GB: We received an invitation to perform at the prestigious Sauti Za Busara Festival in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The first time we were invited a couple of years ago we could not make the festival but we were invited again and didn’t want to miss out this time. Sauti Za Busara is one of the biggest world music festivals in East Africa and so well regarded internationally. We couldn’t miss out on the opportunity of being introduced and exposed to that market on a global scale. This was our first ever East Africa tour.

SNA: What was the reception like for your band and your Afro-Kreol style of music?

GB: The reception has been absolutely amazing and very positive. One can not sit down to our music, you have to get up and shake your coconuts… and the people did! The audience as well as the media really embraced our style. I suppose the Afro-Kreol style was fresh and unique. We were all very proud to be representing Seychelles.

SNA: You had a lot of different activities planned – what was the highlight for you?

GB: The highlight was definitely Sauti Za Busara itself – an incredible festival, with so many African countries and artists coming together as well as delegates from around the world. It’s a great platform for all to connect, network and create new relationships and partnerships through music and culture. It is also a wonderful way to connect with other music promoters who are always searching for incredible emerging artists.

Nairobi was also a highlight. We spent no more than 24 hours in Nairobi, Kenya and performed for the Seychellois community as well as others outside of the community. It was incredible to see fellow Seychellois come out in full force to show their support. Everyone was curious and excited about the show, and it turned out to be a very successful night. A lot of people were saying they haven’t danced this much in a long time, especially to a Seychellois artist, as they don’t get that sort of show over there. This experience really made me realise the power of community when people come together and that night, they did!

SNA: Can you tell us more about your participation in the Sauti Za Barusa Fest in Zanzibar?

GB: We performed a 50-minute show on the opening night. During the set, I was able to talk about Seychelles, the culture, the language and the people. I talked about how women play an important role in shaping the family, community and society and how that needs to be embraced and respected. We come from a matriarchal society and we Seychellois women should feel empowered by the contribution we make to our society. My sister Joelle and myself were raised by a very strong and independent single mother and this has allowed us to follow our passion and to do it with strength, determination and a sense of pride. I talk about all this in between the songs while we are entertaining the crowd. I believe the performance should be educating as well as entertaining. That’s what we are representing and it works well.

My guitarist Jamie Searle, who is also our musical director and an integral member of the band from the UK, glues everything together. Jamie’s passion and contribution to African and Indian Ocean island music has allowed us to create this Afro-Kreol style on another level. With just three of us – drums, bass and guitar, we are able to produce a very powerful and distinctive sound. I also attended the music conference while there and did a lot of interviews with media from across Africa, as well as from Europe.

SNA: You did a few photoshoots in some picturesque locations – some with connections to the slave trade. Did you feel a special connection to be there?

GB: Very much so. I believe there is a deep connection between the Seychelles and East Africa because of the slave trade. This tour has opened my eyes and my heart. It has been a musical, cultural and spiritual experience. I felt connected to the land and interestingly, visiting Bagamoyo, which is a town about two hours drive out of Dar es Salaam, proved to be a heavy experience for me spiritually. There was still some sadness attached to the town of Bagamoyo, as if the effect of slavery was still lurking around. It was not scary though. This was a big contrast to Zanzibar which was full of life and very cosmopolitan. The water has passed under the bridge in Zanzibar while Bagamoyo is still recovering. Zanzibar is a beautiful touristic island. Bagamoyo is also so beautiful and being on the beach looking across the Indian Ocean thinking about the slaves being shipped across from that very beach was as if i had deja-vu. History passed by me. Maybe my ancestors were talking to me. Very interesting experience indeed.

SNA: What’s next for you and the band when you get back to Australia? Any news to share yet on your latest album?

GB: Back in Australia, we have a line up of shows coming up. We plan to get back in the studio to finish the next album which we hope to release towards the end of the year. Right now, we are still buzzing from the East Africa tour and the release of Afro-Sega (the Tony Allen Remix) and the animated video clip to go with it. Myself and Jamie are also working on a reggae project and band called Crucial Rockers from which we are hoping to have a release, whether it’s a single or an album at some point this year or early next year. This should keep us busy.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

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New book launch: ‘Beyond the Horizon’ chronicles love, suffering in Seychelles’ early years

February 28, 2017, 9:31 pm

≫ Next: Promoting Seychelles’ language and heritage through fashion

≪ Previous: Seychellois musician Grace Barbé tours East Africa

A tale of love, suffering and sadness coupled with the racial norms of the early settlers is chronicled in a new book written by a Seychellois author that was launched Tuesday at the mayor of Victoria’s office.

‘Beyond the Horizons’ was written by Robert Grandcourt, a resident of Praslin, the second-most populated island of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean.

The book — a work of fiction inspired by true events — weaves the tale of shipwrecks, kidnappings, heroism and injustice which happened among the palms of the Seychelles islands.

“To write the book, I have been inspired by the conversations of my mother and the washerwomen of Praslin relating the tales of their origins as they soaked, rubbed and rinsed the family clothes,” said Grandcourt.

Robert Grandcourt with a copy of his book ‘Beyond the Horizon’ top photo) and signing a copy of his work of work of fiction inspired by true events.(Patrick Joubert, Seychelles News Agency) Photo License: CC-BY

The author said that writing the book had been an eye-opening journey that gave him the opportunity to relive and share the joy, pain, motivation and survival strategies of the courageous men and women who ended up on the shore of Seychelles willingly or by force.

A close friend of Grandcourt, Roger Mancienne gave a short synopsis on the book. Mancienne said the story reflects the forced transposition and exile which our ancestors endured, while they continued to dream of a return to Africa, but at the same time gradually accepting the islands as their home.

“In this book, we can see Seychelles from the view of two women: one snatched from Africa to slavery and the other the daughter of a slave owner and privateer,” Mancienne said.

He added that “Without the knowledge of the past, which the book is about, a nation is like a tree without roots: one which does not live and does not bear fruit.”

The book’s cover showing a black male slave in chains embracing a white woman, an act that was not acceptable in those times, was drawn by a well-known artist in Seychelles, Michael Adams.

‘Beyond the Horizon’ can be purchased at Antigone bookshop in Victoria, the Seychelles’ capital, for $24 (Seychelles Rupees 325) and other bookshops across the islands.

Source : Seychelles News Agency

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Promoting Seychelles’ language and heritage through fashion

February 28, 2017, 10:06 pm

≫ Next: Lansman ofisyel progranm klib Mize Listwar Natirel

≪ Previous: New book launch: ‘Beyond the Horizon’ chronicles love, suffering in Seychelles’ early years

Seylingo, the fashion brand encompasses the Seychellois’ language, folklore, heritage and culture. (Seychelles News Agency)

Seychelles’ heritage is being promoted through a recently launched clothing collection that embraces two of the country’s native species – the giant tortoise and the coco de mer.

Called Seylingo, the fashion brand encompasses the Seychellois’ language, folklore, heritage and culture.

Ronny Julius, 28, hailing from Anse Aux Pins, in the east of Mahe, is the founder of the Seylingo clothing brand. Julius told SNA, “These two collections are related to our heritage. It is not enough to put a giant tortoise or coco de mer on a T-shirt and write Seychelles on it. ”

Julius said the launching of the first collection coincided with the Creole festival of 2015 under the theme “Mon idantite,” the Creole term for ‘My identity.’

The collection was named #FK2015 short for ‘Festival Kreol 2015’ and followed by the second collection called ‘awareness’. T-shirts were black, red and green with gold printing.

n the collection ‘Karapas’ there are designs of the carapace of the Seychelles’ giant tortoises and the ‘Lodosya’ collection has designs of the coco de mer. These are smart-casual collections and come in white, black and grey, colours that Julius said matches with whatever the buyer is wearing.

The cotton polo T-shirt are on sale at the Bedos clothes shop located in Unity House in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean. Orders of T-shirts can be made through Seylingo’s page on Facebook. Prices range from $22 to $33 (Seychelles Rupees 300 to 450).

The Seylingo T-Shirt collections are on sale at the Bedos clothes shop at Unity House in Victoria. (Seylingo) Photo License: CC-BY

The name Seylingo is a combination of two words – Seychelles and lingo, another word for language. Julius, who is a law student at the University of Seychelles, said the reason why he chose ‘lingo’ is that he wanted the brand to communicate to people.

“The idea behind Seylingo was to give Seychellois and tourists a brand that is unique, sold only locally. I noticed that most souvenirs outlets here in Seychelles are selling almost the same thing with Seychelles written on them,” said Julius.

The founder of Seylingo said that the cut and design of the T-shirts are done locally whereas a manufacturer overseas does the sewing and printing.

Founded in 2015, the concept behind the brand was to give value to the Creole language Julius told SNA.

“I don’t think that we should be afraid of exposing our identity from our language to our heritage. It is all part of who we are,” he said.

At the moment, there is no attire for children, a market that Julius describes as difficult, but it is part of his plans.

To promote his brand, Julius soon will be holding a ‘Selfie Competition’ on Seylingo’s Facebook page, with interesting prizes

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Lansman ofisyel progranm klib Mize Listwar Natirel

February 28, 2017, 10:17 pm

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Klib Mize Listwar Natirel in ofisyelman lans son progranm aktivite pour sa lannen.

Sa ti deroul dan en pti seremoni ki ti fer Sanmdi le 25 Fevriye 2017 dan prezans

bann etidyan serten lekol primer ek segonder, bann manm aktyel Klib Mize, ansennyan Wildlife Club e osi en group trwazyenm-az distrik Bel Air ek bann liders SNYC (Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes) ki travay avek lazenes dan distrik.

Letan i ti pe adres bann envite, Madanm Beryl Ondiek, direkter Mize Nasyonal, ti dir ki Mize Listwar Natirel in antre dan en nouvo fason travay kot Mize i devret al ver lakominote e ogmant plis vizibilite.

« Ledikasyon i en koponan tre enportan dan en mize, ki ede pour anrisir konnesans, respe e anplifye valer anver nou zenn zenerasyon vizavi prezervasyon nou leritaz natirel. Atraver sa ledikasyon i permet zenn war sans pour protez nou lanvironnman natirel e annan konpasyon pour bann diferan lespes vivan, » i ti dir.

« Bann partisipan in vin bann aksyonner nou lanvironnman e zot dan en pozisyon pour defann nou biodiversite ki vreman sansib, » i ti azoute.

I ti demann bann ki ti la prezan pour fer li zot devwar pour zot vin enn sa defanser nou leritaz natirel.

I ti demann bann zanfan prezan pour retourn dan lakour, dan lekol e dan lakominote avek rezon akoz nou bezwen respe e valoriz leritaz natirel nou pei.

I ti met lanfaz lo ‘Family Fun Day at the Museum’, ki en ativite ki mize pe entansifye lo la vi ki sa lannen Prezidan in deside pour lans en Minister Lafanmiy.

I pou le moman kot fanmiy i kapab vin bann aktivite ansanm tou le Sanmdi lafendimwan.

Direkter Mize in lans lapel avek tou sekter dan lasosyete pour travay ansanm pour kapab atenn tou sa lobzektif.

Madanm Nicole Barreau ki ansarz ledikasyon dan mize, ti prezant son progranm pour sa lannen, e osi tras lakonplisman ledikasyon mize pandan sa dernyen 5-an.

I ti fer resorti ki 2016 ti en lannen rikord an term lakantite zanfan ek ansennyan ki’n vizit mize.

Bann ki ti prezan ti osi kapab war aktivite ki’n deroule pandan 2016.

Madanm Barreau ti osi lans en lapel pour lakominote vin servi mize otan ki posib akoz i en landrwa kot zanfan konman adilt i aprann.

Apre prezantasyon ti annan lanrezistreman bann zanfan ki anvi zwenn Klib Mize.

Mize Listwar Natirel i kont lo partisipasyon tou sa ki ti prezan e osi son minister pour fer sa progranm en sikse pour lannen 2017.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Le cardinal Piat est venu prêcher le message de la miséricorde

February 28, 2017, 11:00 pm

≫ Next: Claude Pavard launches fourth book about Seychelles

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« Vivre la miséricorde est la mission de l’Eglise »

Le Cardinal Maurice Piat regagne l’Ile Maurice ce matin après une visite de cinq jours aux Seychelles.

Avant son départ, il a donné une ultime conférence sur la miséricorde, message sur lequel il a insisté pendant toutes les activités qui ont marqué les 125 ans du diocèse de Port Victoria, anniversaire qu’il a vécu en tant qu’invité d’honneur.

Qui aurait pensé remplir la Cathédrale de l’Immaculée Conception, sans messe ou autre célébration, mais juste le temps d’une conférence presque informelle après une longue journée de travail ou même d’école pour un bon nombre de jeunes qui étaient aussi présents ? Le Cardinal Piat l’a fait hier en fin de journée. Et le public, attiré par son sens de communication marquée par son langage simple, ses sujets accrocheurs et ses exemples en forme d’anecdotes marquantes n’a pas été déçu.

« Vivre la miséricorde est la mission de l’Eglise. La miséricorde est une nécessité pour qu’on puisse vivre ensemble », lui a-t-il dit, en reprenant le thème dont il a fait son cheval de bataille pendant son séjour aux Seychelles. Il a dit en être inspiré après que le pape François 1 a déclaré venu le temps de la miséricorde seulement à la fin de l’année consacrée à celle-ci. Il a expliqué le geste du souverain pontife par le fait que « la miséricorde est la révélation du fond du cœur qui a envoyé Jésus Christ sur terre, pardonner et donner de l’attention aux autres ».

Il a associé la venue du Christ aux paroles de Dieu dites à Moïse, quand il lui a demandé d’aller libérer le peuple d’Israël contre les Egyptiens :

« Je suis là avec vous », lui avait-il dit.

Le Cardinal Piat a fait remarquer que par ça Dieu a également conclu une nouvelle alliance avec nous : Que la loi n’est plus écrite dans les livres mais dans le cœur.

« La miséricorde nous permet donc de suivre le chemin que le Seigneur nous a montré. C’est la responsabilité du service pour les autres », a-t-il illustré.

Mais il a insisté que pour mettre en pratique cette mission, l’Eglise n’a non seulement besoin de l’expliquer, mais que l’on a aussi besoin de la vivre humblement en aidant les autres.

« La miséricorde est à la portée de nous tous, catholiques et non-catholiques, riches et pauvres. On n’a pas besoin de faire de grandes études pour la vivre et on peut tous le faire. Parce que, on a tous été créés à l’image de Dieu et il a planté en nous une semence qui peut porter beaucoup de fruits. Mais pour donner beaucoup de fruits, on doit chacun la cultiver dans son jardin », a enseigné le cardinal.

Il a continué la métaphore de la semence en illustrant qu’on peut vivre la miséricorde dans tous les domaines de notre vie ; domaines qu’il a comparés à cinq jardins : la famille, la paroisse, l’éducation, le travail et la politique.

Voici comment il a dit il faut « cultiver » dans chacun des « jardins » :

La famille : L’amour est un cadeau non-négociable et non-marchandable. On le donne et le reçoit gratuitement, sans besoin de donner d’autres formes de cadeaux en retour. La miséricorde a-t-il dit, commence dans la famille. Comme celle qui chaque dimanche après la messe visitait les malades à l’hôpital.

La paroisse : Le cardinal a ici cité Vacla Havel, l’écrivain tchécoslovaque devenu président de son pays, qui a dit que « ce n’est que par une vie meilleure que l’on peut créer un meilleur système ». Donc la seule solution a-t-il rajouté, c’est qu’il faut changer notre vie. Il a expliqué que quand le prêtre termine la messe par « allez dans la paix du Christ », il demande d’aller partager aux autres.

L’éducation : Le secret de l’éducation c’est d’aimer les enfants. Il a donné ici l’exemple d’un enfant que les parents ne voulaient pas envoyer à l’école. Invité par une enseignante pour rejoindre sa classe, il est par la suite devenu un des plus illustres hommes politiques mauriciens.

Le travail : Dans son travail ou dans son entreprise, « on doit faire du profit pour vivre, mais on ne doit pas vivre pour faire du profit ».

La politique : Un homme ou une femme politique doit se mettre au service du peuple et non pas chercher à s’enrichir.

« Ce qui rempli le cœur humain c’est quand il peut faire une contribution aux autres », a conclu le Cardinal Piat.

Pour montrer que le message a été bien enregistré, l’Evêque Denis Wiehe a enchaîné qu’il faut apprendre la miséricorde. Et que si on ne l’a pas vécue jusqu’à maintenant, c’est qu’on n’avait pas compris que c’est le cœur de notre foi.

Cette fois-ci, les fidèles présents ont montré qu’ils avaient bien saisi. Ils l’ont montré dans leurs réponses. Celles-ci ont fait appel à la paix, la réconciliation nationale et la justice; au retour de l’enseignement religieux dans les écoles, au retour et a l’admission des jeunes dans l’Eglise ; et enfin à un évêque seychellois pour le diocèse de Port Victoria.

« Ne vous pressez pas », leur a répondu le Cardinal Piat sur ce dernier point, « ça viendra ».

Surement, car celui qui peut faire plus grande preuve de miséricorde, c’est le Bon Dieu lui-même!

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Claude Pavard launches fourth book about Seychelles

February 28, 2017, 11:22 pm

≫ Next: An SNA review: Ahoy matey, let’s discover the pirate cove — Arrr!

≪ Previous: Le cardinal Piat est venu prêcher le message de la miséricorde

Seychelles has once again inspired well-known photographer and documentary film producer Claude Pavard to write another book. Entitled Seychelles Love Story, the new book was launched at the Eden Bleu Hotel last Friday.

Present at the launch were the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, chief executive of the Seychelles Tourism Board Sherin Francis and the deputy chief executive Jenifer Sinon as well as friends of Mr Pavard in Seychelles.

Other books published by Mr Pavard are Seychelles : A Bird’s Eye View, Seychelles from One Island to Another and The Seychelles Archipelago.

During the launch, those who were present were given an overview of how this new publication became a reality and Mr Pavard later signed copies of his book.

Seychelles Love Story depicts the true portrait of various aspects of life on the islands long ago and that are nowadays not too common. These include coconut and guano harvesting on the outer islands.

Mr Pavard said it has taken him around two years to work on the book and finally launch it. He added that the idea was portray what he has seen and experience in Seychelles during the last four decades.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Loustau-Lalanne said Seychelles Love Story retraces good souvenirs of our islands, and portrays the story of Aldabra in it.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne thanked Mr Pavard for his publications which do reveal the uniqueness and beauty of our archipelago.

Seychelles Love Story is already on sale in various bookshops across the country.

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An SNA review: Ahoy matey, let’s discover the pirate cove — Arrr!

March 1, 2017, 12:12 am

≫ Next: Seychelles to issue blue bonds worth $15 million to benefit fisheries industry

≪ Previous: Claude Pavard launches fourth book about Seychelles

Have you ever wanted to walk into a pirate’s secret lair and explore its hidden secrets? There is a place in Seychelles that could help you achieve this dream.

To get the pirate cave experience, one has to travel to the southwestern district of Baie Lazare. There are two wooden signs along the Anse Soleil road that will help you find the place. You will know when you are there.

The Pirate Cove, as it is called, towers high among the rocks above a cafeteria built in an uncommon architectural style. That is where I met with the creator and owner of the cove, Antonio Filippin. After being given a small tour of his workshop, gallery that is under construction and the artist house, Filippin, an Italian-born Seychellois, led me to the entrance of the cove. That is when he started telling his made-up pirate stories involving his grandfather, a witch and UFOs.

Filippin opened the door to the cove, revealing a narrow passageway between granite boulders, which were full of drawings and markings. Heading in, it took a few seconds to get accustomed to the dim environment. Walking past the pirate’s kitchen, the narrow corridor gave way to a spacious sitting/dining area. The table was full of wooden plates and utensils, and littered with the skulls and bones of animals. More skulls, as well as a bird, hung from the ceiling. Behind a skull-adorned wooden chair of the captain that headed the table was a fully operational shower that used collected rain water. Though the place had a spooky atmosphere to it, my inner child wanted to run and explore every corner. “Let’s discover more”, it screamed.

From there on, we went up a few ladders (at that instance, I was glad that I had worn jeans). They led to various pirate bedrooms each with either an Arabian, Russian or creole style. Knick-knacks were scattered in the rooms with more writings and drawing on the rock walls. Treasure chests full of golden coins, silver cups and jewelries completed the setting.

The last flight of stairs, tucked in a corner of the last room, led to the captain’s cabin. If you were to enter the cove from this end, you would never know if there are other rooms beyond, as the door is well hidden. The doorway through which we came into the cabin was full of shelves holding silver plates and other bric-a-bracs.

Visitors can leave their wish in a book on the captain’s desk.

The experience was comparable to walking into a scene from a pirate-story-book. I had drifted away into the words and world of 75-year-old Filippin.

The Pirate Cove extends over three floors and it took Filippin three years to build it. In my opinion, it is totally worth the entrance fee of $7 (Seychelles Rupees 100) per person that caters for a tour of the pirate cove and the artist house.

The artist house is the residence of Filippin and it is a work of art in itself. Just imagine the artist installed a waterfall in his house. It literally is so cool – the fountain, which uses collected rainwater, serves as Filippin’s air conditioner. Granite boulders that were originally on the land when he bought it have been integrated into the architecture.

Scattered all around the house are sculptures and carvings in wood that Filippin has done. The bed he sleeps on? You guessed it, it’s his own work. The man himself made the signs that I talked about at the start.

Filippin, who came to Seychelles in 1992, dreamt of putting up signs all over the main islands of Seychelles to provide direction to locals and visitors. Today, the artist carves on small scale at a fixed price of $223 (SCR3000). As his health doesn’t allow him to produce on an extensive scale, Filippin tends to spend more time helping others to sculpt and paint. Inspiration can even come from his soon-to-be-opened gallery.

Visitors and residents looking for a cool island experience should head to Baie Lazare to paint or carve their heart away, and pay a visit to the Pirate Cove and artist house. It’s totally worthwhile.

What: Experience a pirate lair in a small, cool cave, then carve or paint a small art project.

Where: Baie Lazare, Mahe. Follow the signs to the Pirate Cove.

How much: $7 (SCR 100) entry fee.

Worthwhile?: Yes!

Contact: 2 510 977

Source : Seychelles News Agency

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Seychelles to issue blue bonds worth $15 million to benefit fisheries industry

March 1, 2017, 8:50 pm

≫ Next: UNWTO elections being discredited by racist attacks and the belittling of the work by Taleb Rifai as Tourist Office Reunion Island Federation comes out for the Seychelles Candidate

≪ Previous: An SNA review: Ahoy matey, let’s discover the pirate cove — Arrr!

The visibility and support for the blue bond project at the Economist World Ocean Summit is evidence that blue economy and securing private investment are the way forward for Seychelles and Small islands Developing States (The Blue Economy Department)

The government of Seychelles plans to issue a blue bond valued at $15 million over 10 years with guarantees from the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility to support the transition to sustainable fisheries.

The Seychelles blue bond project, which was one of three projects selected to be presented at The Economist World Ocean Summit held in Bali from February 22 to February 24, has been awarded with the 2017 Ocean Innovation Challenge.

With tourism and fishing the main economic sectors, Seychelles’ large ocean provides most of the island nation’s jobs. Maximizing the full potential of Seychelles’ ocean territory is central to its blue economy agenda. Seychelles’ blue economy initiatives focus on economic diversification, food security and the protection and sustainable use of marine resources.

Bonds are financial instruments to raise public and private capital for specific activities which can generate a return on investment. Blue bonds often fund the development of sustainable fisheries.

The Seychelles archipelago in the western Indian Ocean has an exclusive economic zone covering 1.3 million square kilometres. The island nation’s economy depends heavily on tourism and fishing, two industries reliant on the Seychelles’ abundant ocean resources.

“The blue bond project, soon to be finalized, is the result of the work of many from the original vision and leadership of the Minister of Finance, to committed partners such as the World Bank Group and the Global Environment Facility and the financial advice of Prince Charles Charities International Sustainability Unit” said Rebecca Loustau-Lalanne, permanent secretary for the Blue Economy Department.

The proceeds of the blue bond will be used to as grants for fisheries management planning activities and as loans to encourage local public and private investment in activities consistent with sustainable fishing such as post-harvest value adding opportunities and jobs and the protection of ocean resources. The blue bond proceeds will be disbursed on a competitive basis through the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) and the Development Bank of Seychelles.

The blue bond proceeds will also complement other publicly funded sustainable fisheries projects and the implementation of Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), a commitment of the country’s debt swap for conservation and climate adaptation.

Source : SeychellesNewsAgency

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UNWTO elections being discredited by racist attacks and the belittling of the work by Taleb Rifai as Tourist Office Reunion Island Federation comes out for the Seychelles Candidate

March 1, 2017, 9:57 pm

≫ Next: Tourism students urged to “look and be smart”

≪ Previous: Seychelles to issue blue bonds worth $15 million to benefit fisheries industry

The UNWTO elections for the post of Secretary General is set for the 11 May in Madrid and the World of Tourism is taking note of the countries coming out as candidates. So far on the list has Zimbabwe, Georgia, Brazil, Korea and the Seychelles.

Every candidate is working in different ways to caster the votes of Member States sitting on the Executive Council of the UNWTO. Richard Quest of CNN in an interview with Taleb Rifai, the outgoing SG of the UNWTO spoke about the negative campaigning by some. Sadly for the UN in 2017 racism attacks have been a strategy used by one member state and a direct attack on the much loved Taleb Rifai’s work through an article published last week saying to “surrender the UNWTO Secretary-General-ship to yet another bureaucratic succession will be to condemn the Organisation to further peripheralisation and irrelevance within the global system”.

The tourism trade though continues to air their views and one by one coming out to echo support for a candidate or for another.

From the island of Reunion in the Indian Ocean a statement published this week by Azeddine Bouali, the President of the Tourist Office Reunion Island Federation openly states:-

“I know Alain St.Ange since many years as former Seychelles Tourism’ Minister. While being a strong partner of the Tourist Office’ Reunion Island Federation, I can say with confidence that he is one of the best tourism’ manager I have met over the years. His dedication and high standards in completing whatever was required to succeed was remarkable. Mr St.Ange is a very driven and hard-working person of whom I think highly. Considering his current interest, I strongly recommend Alain St.Ange for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

He knows the importance to ‘live with and from tourism’. He has excellent interpersonal skills and is an effective team member with great spirit. He is able to look tourism with one voice and has experience to lead an international organisation as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability. Overall, Alain’s enthusiasm, his remarkable ability to lead, his generosity, energy, high standards and dedication will make him an excellent Secretary General. Besides being a joy to work with, Alain St.Ange is a person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits, so I highly recommend him.

When the Seychelles candidate for the post of Secretary General was contacted by the press on the negativity surrounding the coming elections where he himself was targeted by racist attacks, the former Seychelles Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine simply said that he was concentrating on telling the world of tourism what he would do if elected Secretary General. “We do not speak about other candidates. The UN is a democratic body and we need to respect the rights of countries to be candidates. It is the world of tourism who needs to decide who they will elect. On the work by Taleb Rifai, the outgoing Secretary General of the UNWTO the Seychelles Candidate said that every Member State has recognised the good work done by Taleb Rifai and it is sad for anyone to try to belittle his achievements” Alain St.Ange of the Seychelles said.

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Tourism students urged to “look and be smart”

March 1, 2017, 10:11 pm

≫ Next: Konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ – Lansman i fer pli boner e kategori laz i diminyen

≪ Previous: UNWTO elections being discredited by racist attacks and the belittling of the work by Taleb Rifai as Tourist Office Reunion Island Federation comes out for the Seychelles Candidate

“When you are in this (tourism) academy, and learning, you have to look smart, be smart and you must always smile.”

This was the message of the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne when welcoming the new cohort of students at the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA), La Misere for the year 2017.

The students were accompanied by their parents.

In all 337 new students are to take on a two-year course in the various programmes of studies offered by STA. They are joining the more than 200 who are following further studies there.

The new students were welcomed and briefed on their responsibilities at the academy in a ceremony hosted by the minister himself; the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune; the principal of STA Flavien Joubert; chairman of the STA governing board John Stravens and other tourism and STA officials.

“Why have you chosen a career in tourism? I am sure there are many different replies. But I would like to explain the importance of tourism. It is a world and global industry, it is the most important industry economically, for the socio-development of any country engaged in tourism. In Seychelles as you all know, this industry is the pillar of our economy,” said Mr Loustau-Lalanne.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne told the students that his wish is for them, after completing their studies, to help the country improve on its service delivery because the industry will become more important in future.

“Your contribution will be very important to raise the standard of our tourism industry,” said Minister Loustau-Lalanne, urging the students to learn something new every day for their own empowerment.

He assured them of the government’s commitment through the Ministry of Tourism, to invest in the academy through infrastructure and manpower.

Mr Joubert informed the students of the strict element of discipline at the academy and of different channels in place at the STA for any issues or concerns they may have and urged them to make good use of these.

He cited examples like finance, uniforms, internship, allowance, lateness, discipline etc…

“This avenue works very well and can deal with any situation that may arise at the academy,” he advised the students.

As for Mr Stravens he had words of wisdom for the new cohort.

“The road may be hard sometimes but NEVER quit. Even though some may be faster in achieving the end result, never give up,” he told the students.

“Always aim at what you want. Just be slow and steady, at your own pace, and you will reach there,” he said.

The ceremony started off with prayers by Reverend Danny Elizabeth of the Anglican Church.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ – Lansman i fer pli boner e kategori laz i diminyen

March 1, 2017, 11:03 pm

≫ Next: Artist profile: Trevor Bristol: “If you truly believe that your dream will come true, the possibilities are endless”

≪ Previous: Tourism students urged to “look and be smart”

Konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’, ki en konpetisyon organize par Konsey Nasyonal Lazenes (SNYC) e ki donn bann zenn aze 15 a 30-an sans pour promouvwar zot talan artisitik dan diferean form lar parey lapentir, zistwar kourt, poenm ek sanson, ti ofisyelman lanse tar semenn pase avek en spektak mizikal dan oditoryonm Anse Royale.

Lansman pour sa enn konpetisyon in fer pli boner ki labitid pour donn artis plis letan pour prepar zot.

Lot sanzman sa lannen se ki pou annan 2 kategori laz olye trwa. E sa se 15-an a 21-an e 22-an a 30-an. Avan bann kategori ti 15 a 17-an; 18 a 24-an e 25 a 30-an. Pour lans sa konpetisyon sa lannen, plizyer partisipan ki ti ladan lannen pase ti anim sa sware.

Sef egzekitif SNYC, Alvin Laurence, i eksplike akoz sa bann sanzman:

“Sa lannen nou’n deside pour lans konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ bokou pli boner ki labitid akoz bann artis zot menm zot trouv zot avek sa konstrent letan, parey nou ti trouve lannen pase letan nou ti pe fer Festival Lazenes an Desanm. E sa lannen nou le fer ki tou travay in fini rantre aparti le 30 Zen pour ki i donn bann ziri ase letan travay lo la e finaliz li pour ki ler Festival Lazenes i arive tou bann travay i a la pour nou montre piblik,” i ti dir.

Msye Laurence ti dir ki sa a osi permet bann zenn ganny zot pri pandan sa festival. I ti fer kler ki sa konpetisyon i baze lo Sesel e ki tou proze i devret orizinal.

M.J.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Artist profile: Trevor Bristol: “If you truly believe that your dream will come true, the possibilities are endless”

March 1, 2017, 11:12 pm

≫ Next: Fidel Katolik i selebre ‘Mercredi des Cendres’, premye zour Karenm

≪ Previous: Konpetisyon ‘Sesel Enspir Mwan’ – Lansman i fer pli boner e kategori laz i diminyen

Every week the Entertainment page will try to bring you a short profile on a Seychellois artist, be it in the performing, visual or other forms of arts.

In our ninth profile, readers will learn more about the talented singer, Trevor Bristol.

Trevor started his career in 2013, with the hit song ‘Ne Pou Ou’ with his brother Rupert Dogley, in the group ‘Swagg Tunes’. Last year they released their first album entitled ‘Gete Ou Menm’.

Q: When did you start your career as a singer?

A: I started my career as a singer in 2013. From a very young age I heard many artists on the radio as well as performing live, so I decided to try and venture into the music industry.

Q: Will you consider yourself a singer or entertainer, to which of those two can you relate more?

A: I am a recording artist and performer. At first I was an entertainer but with time I managed to enhance my knowledge in the music industry, started writing my own songs. Today I consider myself a singer, but still have a long way to go.

Q: What’s your motto or belief you live by?

A: In lifeif you truly believe that your dream will become a reality, the possibilities are endless. When you try really hard, even though some people might pull you down, you will succeed in the end.

Q: How can you describe your kind of music in four words?

A: Up to date; upbeat; honourable; hip.

Q: You compose your own music and write your own lyrics; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favourite part about the process?

A: The inspiration comes from what’s happening in our own lives or the closest people around us. Each song usually is created so differently and that’s always exciting.

Q: So, what’s your favourite pastime when you aren’t writing/producing/playing etc?

A: In my spare time I like to do graphics, and have fun relaxing with my friends after a long week.

Q:. Who were your first musical influences that you can remember?

A: Since very young I was inspired by many local artists such as Elijah, Extra-Big, Champion, among others. Also I was motivated by other international artists like Chris Brown and Drake.

Q: Studio work or performing live, which of these do you prefer and why?

A: Ilove doing both. When you are performing live or recording a hit song, you are in that vibe and want to create something unique or entertain a crowd.

Compiled by U.J.

Source :Seychelles NATION

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Fidel Katolik i selebre ‘Mercredi des Cendres’, premye zour Karenm

March 1, 2017, 11:26 pm

≫ Next: Le Ministre Adam s’exprime sur les grands dossiers de la COI

≪ Previous: Artist profile: Trevor Bristol: “If you truly believe that your dream will come true, the possibilities are endless”

En gran lafoul krwayan larelizyon Katolik Romen ti ransanble dan Katedral Imakile Konsepsyon yer midi pour en lanmes ‘Mercredi des Cendres’ selebre par pret dyosez Victoria, Per David Alcindor.

Per Alcindor ti demann bann fidel pour konmans zot lamars ver Pak, ver larezireksyon Zezi ansanm, an fanmiy e konman en pep.

I ti rapel ban fidel si zot pe selebre karenm savedir ki Bondye i vin touzour anver nou e ki i pa zanmen kit nou. E ki ler nou lavi pe al ase byen nou devre dir mersi Bondye.

I ti osi enplor bann ki leker in vin dir parey granit (dan son prop mo) pour tourn zot leker an laser, en leker ki resevwar lezot.

Dan larelizyon Katolik ‘Mercredi des Cendres’ i reprezant premye zour karenm, en peryod 40 zour ki termin par la pasyon e larezireksyon Zezi Kri zour Pak. Sa zour bann pret larelizyon Katolik i tras en siny lakrwa lo fron sak fidel an dizan ‘konverti ou e krwar dan Levanzil’.

Karenm i osi en fason konkret pour bann katolik ini avek Zezi Kri, ki limenm pa ti manze pour karant zour dan dezer pour prepar son misyon – lanmor ek larezireksyon. I osi en lokazyon pour bann fidel apros pli pre avek Bondye.

Sa lannen en keksoz spesyal avek sa lanmes yer se ki i ti osi en lokazyon pour promouvwar latitid zero tolerans diskriminasyon kont bann dimoun ki’n afekte avek viris HIV oubyen maladi SIDA.

Dan son lapres Per Alcindor ti enplor tou dimoun pour sanz sa move regar akizan ki nou zet lo bann ki’n ganny afekte.

Bokou plakar avek desen papiyon an kouler avek mesaz ‘Zero Diskriminasyon’, ti’n kole partou lo miray dan katedral.

Reprezantan diferan lorganizasyon ki pe ed sa bann dimoun afekte tel ki HASO, ti osi prezan.

Bann staff STC prezan ti osi ganny mansyon spesyal alokazyon lanniverser 9an legzistans zot lakonpannyen. Zot ti menm ganny envite pour lir lektir.

“I enportan pour nou kretyen rasanble pour konmans sa karenm. I osi en moman pour nou restitye nou relasyon avek Bondye. ‘Mercredi des Cendres’ i en moman kot nou konmans nou lamars ver larezireksyon Zezi Kri, zour Pak. I enportan akoz Bondye i apel nou, i donn nou en leker e en lespri nouvo. I fer nou vin en nouvo dimoun. Alor peryod karenm i en rekonmansman,” Per Alcindor ti dir.

I ti osi envit bann kretyen pour fer penitans.

“Pran sa semen pour nou kontinyen swiv Zezi, pour nou osi ariv ver larezireksyon,” i ti dir.

Konsernan bann dimoun afekte avek labi sibstans ek viris HIV ouswa maladi SIDA, Per Alcindor ti enplor bann krwayan ki zot pa devret fer okenn diskriminasyon kont sa bann dimoun akoz zot pa la pour ziz personn. O kontrer, I ti dir, zot devre ed sa bann dimoun pour releve.

I ti mansyonn serten kalite regar ki serten antre nou i annan lo lezot ki’n tonbe.

“Nou regar i kapab dir en kantite keksoz menm si nou pa koze. Dan sa letan karenm annou annan en sanzman dan nou regar ver nou ser, frer ki’n tonbe,” Per Alcindor ti dir.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Le Ministre Adam s’exprime sur les grands dossiers de la COI

March 1, 2017, 11:31 pm

≫ Next: Seychelles and Sri Lanka to broaden cooperation in fisheries, legal affairs

≪ Previous: Fidel Katolik i selebre ‘Mercredi des Cendres’, premye zour Karenm

Représentant le Président Danny Faure à la 32ème session du Conseil des Ministres de la COI, à La Réunion, le Ministre de la Santé et des Affaires sociales, Jean-Paul Adam, a qualifié l’intégration et la coopération régionale de « facteur de stabilité nationale et régionale » essentiel également à la prévention des conflits dans et entre les pays.

Il a souligné la nécessité de mettre un accent particulier sur la réalisation de « notre programme paix et sécurité, et l’assistance en matière électorale ».

En ce qui concerne la Sécurité Maritime, le ministre seychellois a rappelé l’engagement des Seychelles auprès de la communauté internationale pour lutter contre « toutes les formes de menaces maritimes dans la région ».

« Nous comptons sur le soutien continu de l’Union Européenne pour la mise en place aux Seychelles du premier Centre opérationnel de coordination régionale, dans le cadre du programme MASE », a-t-il dit.

Le Ministre Adam s’est également exprimé sur les grands enjeux de l’heure notamment sur le changement climatique. Il a rappelé qu’à l’occasion de la COP 22, à Marrakech, le Président Danny Faure avait attiré l’attention sur ‘le coût de l’attentisme et le manquement à l’impératif d’affronter urgemment le changement climatique et avait, par la même occasion, invité la communauté internationale à faire « bénéficier les pays du Sud et particulièrement les petits Etats insulaires en développement, d’un soutien financier et technique urgent ». A cet égard, il a salué les efforts de la COI pour trouver les voies et moyens pour faciliter l’accès au Fonds Vert et a confirmé l’appui des Seychelles à cette démarche.

Il a souligné encore une fois la nécessité de la création d’une structure d’intervention contre le trafic de drogue auprès de la COI et s’est appesanti sur l’urgence de la concrétisation de cette structure pour mener à bien la lutte contre ce fléau qui préoccupe tous les états membres.

En ce qui concerne les grands chantiers de la COI comme la sécurité alimentaire, les énergies renouvelables, la santé publique, les Projets environnementaux et la connectivité, le Ministre Adam a estimé que « tout cela contribue énormément à la croissance des investissements dans nos iles ainsi qu’au développement pour un avenir plus vert », au profit de nos populations.

Enfin, le Ministre Adam a remercié la France/Réunion pour avoir accompli son mandat de président en exercice « avec application et sérieux ». Il a également transmis les meilleurs vœux de succès des Seychelles à la présidence de Maurice qui commence à la fin de cette 32ème session.

A rappeler que le Ministre Adam est accompagné à cette 32ème session du Conseil des Ministres par l’Officier permanent de liaison de la COI pour les Seychelles, M. Kenneth Racombo, et Mme Sandra Isnard, responsable technique national pour la COI.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Seychelles and Sri Lanka to broaden cooperation in fisheries, legal affairs

March 1, 2017, 11:38 pm

≫ Next: Seychelles and Sri Lanka – Bolstering relations in agriculture and maritime security

≪ Previous: Le Ministre Adam s’exprime sur les grands dossiers de la COI

President Danny Faure has held talks with the Minister for Fisheries of the Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka Mahinda Amaraweera.

The meeting was held as part of President Faure’s first working visit in Sri Lanka.

During the visit President Faure also held talks with the country’s Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya and Minister for Justice Wijayadasa Rajapakshe.

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Seychelles and Sri Lanka – Bolstering relations in agriculture and maritime security

March 1, 2017, 11:44 pm

≫ Next: President Faure in bilateral talks with Sri Lankan counterpart

≪ Previous: Seychelles and Sri Lanka to broaden cooperation in fisheries, legal affairs

Agriculture and maritime security were the focus of discussion when President Danny Faure met the Minister for Agriculture of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Duminda Dissanayake.

The meeting was held the presence of Seychelles’ Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Michael Benstrong, the consultant to the Sri Lankan minister, Dr S D G Jayawardena, who is also the chairman for the Sri Lankan Council for Agriculture Research Policy and the Director General of Agriculture, Dr Rohan Wijekoon.

“My visit here today is to consolidate the excellent ties we have between Seychelles and Sri Lanka and to take our relationship to the next level. We are seeking the assistance of your government to facilitate necessary exposure and exchanges for our Seychellois by sharing some of your best practices in the fields of agriculture,” said President Faure.

President Faure also discussed areas of cooperation for increased trade and commerce in agricultural products between Seychelles and Sri Lanka while also benefiting from Sri Lanka’s expertise in terms of border control and biosecurity.

On behalf of Sri Lanka, Minister Dissanayake pledged their support as a country and ministry to assist Seychelles by sharing their best practices and offered their commitment in ensuring Seychelles receives the necessary support.

At this juncture, Minister Benstrong will be extending his visit in Sri Lanka for further exploration of cooperation avenues and visit of key sites such as the airport and port for greater insights of the Sri Lankan quarantine system and biosecurity measures in place.

President Faure is currently on a working visit in Sri Lanka aimed towards enhancing relations between the two countries.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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President Faure in bilateral talks with Sri Lankan counterpart

March 1, 2017, 11:54 pm

≫ Next: Tourism ministry reveals list of hotel projects approved before moratorium

≪ Previous: Seychelles and Sri Lanka – Bolstering relations in agriculture and maritime security

On the final day of his working visit in Sri Lanka, President Danny Faure held bilateral talks with Maithripala Sirisena, President of Sri Lanka.

President Faure expressed satisfaction on the outcome of his visit and averred that the talks with the different ministers were highly successful.

He spoke of the need to build on the momentum in order to elevate the bilateral relationship to a new height.

He thanked Sri Lanka for the services being rendered by its professionals towards the development of Seychelles. In particular, he mentioned the teachers, doctors, legal and judicial personnel among others.

President Faure expressed the need to pursue and develop cooperation in the fields of tourism, agriculture and fisheries. In the agricultural sector, Seychelles will be learning from the knowhow of Sri Lanka as well as strive for increased trade and commerce in the context of the south-south cooperation.

At that juncture, the Minister for Fisheries and Agriculture Michael Benstrong will remain in Sri Lanka to pursue discussions with the relevant authorities particularly in the areas of quarantine and biosecurity.

The minister is also to discuss cooperation in the fisheries sector in particular aquaculture and to work on a framework regarding the purchase of fishing vessels by Seychellois investors.

The President stated that Seychelles wishes to enhance cooperation in the fields of judiciary and legal affairs. A new policy framework will be put in place to enhance legal cooperation.

On a very important note, the President sought the cooperation of Sri Lanka in the fight against the transnational drug problems which is affecting both countries and severely impacting on the economic and social development of our countries and the region.

On the medical side, President Faure stated his desire to expand cooperation in this sector. He noted the significant number of Seychellois seeking medical assistance in Sri Lankan hospitals including Hemas and Lanka.

On his side, President Sirisena expressed his wish to work and to pay greater attention to the relationship with Seychelles.

He also stated that as two neighbouring states in the Indian Ocean, with many similarities, there are so many things that could be done in order to enhance partnership between Seychelles and Sri Lanka.

He expressed his wish to support Seychelles in working together to achieve objectives for the common development of the two countries.

He fully supported President Faure on the urgent need to work together in order to eradicate the drug problems.

Both leaders are of the view that working closely together Seychelles and Sri Lanka can be a strong voice in the regional and international arena.

Finally, President Faure invited President Sirisena to Seychelles on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Sri Lanka in October 2018. President Sirisena graciously accepted the invitation.

Source : Seychelles NATION

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Tourism ministry reveals list of hotel projects approved before moratorium

March 2, 2017, 9:14 pm

≫ Next: Seychelles delegation head to Germany for annual ITB tourism trade fair

≪ Previous: President Faure in bilateral talks with Sri Lankan counterpart

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine has published the list of hotels which was approved before the moratorium on new large hotels in the country came into force. Members of the local media were presented with the list yesterday afternoon during a press conference held at the ministry’s headquarters, Espace building.

Speaking to members of the press was the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Maurice Loustau-Lalanne and present were the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune, and the director of standards and regulations Sinha Levkovic.

The moratorium on large hotel projects on Mahe and the inner islands was announced by former President James Michel in his address on the occasion of Seychelles’ National Day which falls on June 29, 2015.

Projects for which approval had already been granted, or for which a commitment had been made by the government were exempted. The moratorium is set to be enforced until the year 2020.

Minister Loustau-Lalanne said a number of governmental bodies were involved in the process of having these projects approved and thanked the Seychelles Investment Board, Seychelles Planning Authority and the secretariat of the Cabinet as well as the tourism ministry.

There are 18 large hotels projects on that list, which means those tourism establishments which are made up of 25 rooms or more. Twelve out of the 18 projects are on Mahe, two are on Praslin, and four others are on the outer islands namely Ile Platte, Silhouette, Ile Longue and Sainte Anne.

Speaking on the project on Ile Platte, Minister Loustau-Lalanne said construction started but has not been completed yet. He added that construction will restart and this is why the project is on this list.

On the proposed capacity of these hotel projects, Minister Loustau-Lalanne said there are those which have received definitive approval but there are a few that are still in the environmental impact assessment (EIA) stage.

He added that there are projects which have been approved since 2006, but since Seychelles went through the economic reforms in 2008, investors did not see it opportune to kick-start these projects.

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