(Picture : Captain Grandcourt with Hon. Ramkalawan)

Seychelles has marked two weeks of tragic incidents which have seen the deaths of a number of our citizens. Their deaths have touched a large number of people personally but the whole nation joins in mourning the victims of these tragedies.

LDS extends its condolences and sympathy to all the families, relatives and friends who have borne these calamities. 

We remember the two young children, Alizee Payet and Liam Leon who lost their lives in the boat accident when returning to Praslin from La Digue after the August 15th celebrations.

Another tragedy that has touched Praslin deeply is the death of Captain Pierre Grandcourt (pictured), a well-respected professional. He lost his life while on a mission to assist a vessel in distress. Captain Grandcourt has always been devoted in service to his country, including in politics. He was part of the leadership of the opposition party SNP and has been a candidate for English River in the National Assembly elections.

In the incident involving a vessel operated by IDC on Coetivy, four men are believed dead although their bodies have not been found so far. They are three Seychellois, Darren Morel, Nigel Fanchette and Norcy Serret and also one Sri Lankan national, AV Prematilka. 

Apart from these accidents, families are also mourning the deaths of others from different incidents in recent days which have been reported as a motor cycle accident, a suicide, an alleged drug overdose, a victim of violence in prison and one in yet unknown circumstances. 

These deaths in our small country are a burden on our hearts and minds and we join together in solidarity to share the pain.

We pray that they all the departed rest in peace and that the families find courage to face the pain of losing their loved ones. 

Picture : MNAs with Seychellois students in Botswana

Four members of the National Assembly of Seychelles attended the 49th Conference of the Commonwelath Parliamentary Association held in Botswana from August 13th to 22nd, 2018. 

The conference was held under the theme “Role of African Parliaments in Development of National and Regional Security”. The theme and the subjects discussed related closely to the work of the Seychelles National Assembly.

In his opening address, the Vice-President of Botswana laid the argument that an effective parliament was an essential element for democracy and good governance in a country. A strong parliament offered the country greater capability in delivering on the expectations of its people in several areas such as employment, food security, health, education and a bright future for youth, and protection of the environment, he said. 

Among the subjects on the agenda of the Conference were combating human trafficking, climate change and its effects on agricultural production, food security and sustainability. These subjects were reflected in the resolutions adopted by the Conference.

The Seychelles delegation was led by Hon. Gervais Henrie and included Hon. Wavel Woodcock, Hon. Wilbert Herminie and Clerk Jutta Alexis. 

The Assembly delegation also visited with Seychellois students at the University of Botswana, following courses in Education.

Picture: PUC generating station at Roche Caiman

The recent increase in tariffs by the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) will be examined in the National Assembly. 

Opposition Leader Wavel Ramkalawan has said that he will ask for a review of the tariffs in a motion as soon as the Assembly reconvenes next month. 

LDS has objected to the tariff increases on the grounds that it means a further increase of the cost of living.  It has called for a performance  audit of PUC to determine if operating costs are fully justified and a review of its investment policies to look at alternative means. 

There has been widespread public objection to the tariff increases which affect electricity, water and sewage rates for domestic users. PUC has said the increases are necessary to meet investment needs. 

Bringing down the cost of living is a major battle cry for the Opposition LDS. It has already raised several issues such as the business practices of the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) another major state enterprise which impacts on the cost of living.

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LDS officials and  members gathered under the theme  ‘From Assembly Majority to Government’, for the annual party convention held  at the International Conference Centre, Victoria, on Sunday August 5th, 2018.

“It is a moment in histroy” LDS Party Leader Roger Mancienne declared to the packed audience. 

The theme was both a guide to the party’s work in the time ahead and and an inspiration for what it aimed to achieve, he said.

Other party leaders who addressed the Convention on the theme were Alexia Amesbury, Philippe Boullé and Wavel Ramkalawan, who delivered the keynote address. 

The Convention also heard several presentations from members and officials which were recommendations for the party program in the National Assembly and for Government. Among the contributors were Micehl Roucou, Kelly Samynadin, Ahmed Afif and Rosie Bistoquet. 

Among the subjects which received attention were national unity, the aspirations of young people, finanacial responsibility and fighting corruprion, and ending the scourge of drugs. Members also made several contributions in the form of proposals or questions from the floor. 

These subjects were summed up in a series of recommendations which were presented by Gervis henrie and adopted by the Convention. 

The meeting also fulfilled administrative tasks required by the law and the party Constitution. In that regard, Executive Officer Clifford Mondon presented a report on the activities of the Party for the year 2917 while Treasurer Roy Fonseka presented the party accounts for that same year. 

The annual gathering is an obligatory activity for all political parties but is also an important moment to rally support and motivate members.