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After the inter-ministerial cross-sector held on Praslin

After the inter-ministerial cross-sector held on Praslin

Responding to the Praslin business community for an inter-ministerial cross-sector to be held on Praslin regularly to address problems facing the Praslin business community, the Government of Seychelles sent the Vice President (designated as the Minister of Inner Islands) to handle this request, and touch base in 3 hour-long meetings at Raffles Hotel Conference Room in Anse Boudin, Praslin.

VICE PRESIDENT WASTES NO TIME

The Vice President wasted no time and no small talk with the business community. It was a frank business setting, with all key issues open on the table to brief him on his new portfolio in detail that only the Praslinoise would have the stomach to digest.


WORLD BANK CHAIN ANALYSIS REPORT MAY 2016

The first key topic of discussion was the World Bank Chain Analysis Report filed by three World Bank experts on Vertical Integration in May, 2016. This report focuses on how to best insure that each tourism dollar is distributed to as much of the cross-sections of society as possible, and not bottleneck with 2 or 3 megalodon operators.

The World Bank has been cited numerous times, saying that it is imperative that tourism revenue is spread across a wide cross-section of the business community, and not confined to only a few accounts. This reduces risk for the macro-economic picture of any country, insures political and social stability, guarantees prosperity for a people, and increases the overall national yield.

This report was promised by the Minister of Finance, Jean Paul Adam, but has been shelved due to work pressures, of course, and changing ministries abruptly.

PRASLIN FISHERMAN ASSOCIATION SPEAKS OUT!

The Praslin Fishermen Association’s long-time standing Chairman, Mr. Darrel Green, expressed discontent on a number of issues that affect the Praslin fishing industry. These include: (1) lack of adequate ice production; (2) the ice plant does not bag ice, hence it does not store ice beyond the 150-kilo capacity; (3) demand is for 5,000 kilos of ice stock; (4) there are 1,000 kilos of production per day; (4) there are inadequate moorings, and harassment by the NDEA of fishermen, combined with disrespect; and (5) there is a need for modern fish processing centers, as hotels source fish on Mahe, which is unacceptable when an adequate quality and supply exists on Praslin. Generally, the points highlighted were address by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Benstrong, who has committed himself to address these issues along with numerous others highlighted.


BOAT CHARTER ADDRESSES VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF TOURISM

Adrian Uzice, a boat charter operator, addressed numerous issues of inadequate business available for 126 boats licensed on Praslin. A detailed presentation was made, and the Vice President promised his energy and commitment to see what must be done to change this situation. In support, the Minister of Tourism, Alain St. Ange, who for many years has been working with the tourism trade, and remains highly regarded, in spite of efforts of some of his former SNP [Seychelles National Party] friends, insists that he be run through the mill, when he has more serious matters to attend to, such as making sure: tourists keep coming to Seychelles, flights keep increasing, and the country’s presence is made across the world on a shoestring budget.

Anyone that attacks St. Ange without serious cause, does not care if the people of Seychelles eat. So long as his attackers eat and have access to their private swimming pools behind the church, they are happy. People of Seychelles ask who is helping us, and who is sinking us? There will be a united answer on this.

OTHER MATTERS

The Vice President was kind and cordial to all those present. He offered lunch, and everyone had time for a meal together as civilized people, where further issues faced were discussed along with the way forward.

Jokes were not made over serious issues, teasing was not done to each other, and nobody felt they had to laugh like a hyena by covering their faces into their arm pits as some do, no names mentioned.

The agenda was well served, and Praslin now has the focus it needs with the expectation that this momentum will pick up, partly due to the energetic and engaging humble Vice President.

Once under way, it is expected that the the economic potential of Praslin will be unleashed and Praslinoise will be on their way to a better life, which is so deserved, since they are the highest per capita island, in spite of all the setbacks. Just imagine, where Praslin would be today, if the people had been encouraged to move forward, instead of advised to stay backwards and silent.

Sesel Pou Seselwa! [For Seychelles!]

All in favor say, “Yea!”

The “Yeas” have it!


PHOTO: Christopher Gill, guest author

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