THE SPPF ARE PARANOID INGRATES

If there was any doubt that the SPPF, SPUP, JJ or whatever they are calling themselves today are paranoid ingrates, the short story I am about to tell should remove all doubt.

About 4 years ago my older brother Francis was considering moving part time to his home here in Seychelles. Francis loves Seychelles and wanted to return and contribute to his country’s advancement and development. He purchased and packed a container full of household goods and shipped it to Seychelles. When the goods arrived at the Port, he appeared to claim his container. Present were at least 30 armed personnel from the Army, State House, State Security and various other agencies. I was present as well. We were both told that there was to be a personal search of every item in the container.

Several SPPF goons then went through the container. Even to the extent of unscrewing air conditioners and dismantling water heaters. Every item was so thoroughly searched and dismantled that when they were done, numerous screws and bolts lay on the ground – the SPPF goons can’t do anything right, not even remove screws and put them back where they took them out.

All the furniture and other items in the container, including some very valuable couches, were strewn out on the tarmac while rain pored down on the items. Again the SPPF goons can’t do anything right. You would think they would have a cheap piece of plastic on hand to cover items they have out in the open just in case of this kind of rain shower. While every Seychellois knows there are frequent rain showers in Seychelles, and therefore a piece of plastic is essential when you don’t have a proper warehouse to conduct these searches, nevertheless, the SPPF goon’s could not figure out this basic point and make basic preparations. So all my brother’s hard earned personal items were drenched out on the tarmac and some of which were ruined. Not even an apology was forthcoming from the goon squad. My brother was already considered guilty in their eyes and destroying his property was just punishment for his crimes they thought.

Both my brother and I were at a loss as to what was going on. We just assumed this is one more miserable method of victimization by the SPPF, retaliating against me for bringing their sordid corruption and incompetence to the disinfecting sunshine of daylight before the people of Seychelles.

After this ordeal, both my brother and I thought the matter was finally laid to rest. Well it wasn’t. We went for a lunch burger at the Berjaya and to unwind and relax – only to be surrounded by a cadre of SPPF armed goons. Obviously these goons were sent to frighten and to intimidate us. But we assumed this was further evidence of SPPF’s effort to victimize me for airing my views. So, we ignored the goons and finished our lunch.

I then received a call from the head goon and was told that my brother’s container would have to be searched once more. I protested. The head good informed me that there were arms in the container. I said if there were arms you would have found it since you pulled everything in the container apart with dozens of men.

Despite my protests the container was searched again without my brother’s consent. He had two valuable drums he had acquired in Mindanao and were about 2.5 meters in height. The covers on both drums were shredded to bits – nothing inside. Again we thought this was the end of this matter. It was not. The SPPF, despite two thorough searches of the container, insisted that there must be invisible arms in the container they, with their limited abilities, could not find – but they were there, they insisted. So it was again searched a third time. Still no arms. No doubt the SPPF goons must have concluded, by now, that my brother had invented a cloaking devise similar to the ones the Romulans use on the science fiction movie Star Track to cloak his weapons, making them invisible to the limited vision of the SPPF goons.

Needless to say with this level of harassment my brother decided to postpone his plans to live in his own country.

Recently, my brother’s father Peter Gill passed away. For those who do not remember, Peter Gill was a founding member of the Executive Committee of the SPUP. He financed some of the SPUP’s first activities that allowed them to become an established political movement. Albert Rene, the coup leader, dictator and architect of Tanzanian massacres of Seychellois, was given his first decent suit to wear to represent Seychelles at the OAU by Peter Gill, when he was seeking independence for Seychelles. Peter Gill for years paid for the printing of the People newspaper – the main newspaper for the SPUP and now the SPPF or whatever they’re called.

After all this, the SPPF ran him out of Seychelles and confiscated his businesses. They did this because Peter Gill spoke the truth to the SPUP and told them they were betraying the ideals of the party. He told them that he did not invest his hard earned money and his time in the party to see the leaders turn into corrupt murderous criminals who have used the State for their personal benefit and abused the people. We all know what happens to people who challenge SPPF corruption, incompetence, violence and abuse of power – they are imprisoned, harassed, murdered or run out of their own country.

So, Peter Gill lived and died in exile away from his beloved Seychelles. Vowing to return and live in Seychelles only after the SPPF traitors were no longer in power. However, on his death bed, his dying request was for him to be cremated and to have his ashes scattered in Seychelles.

By now you are wondering what does Peter Gill’s death have to do with invisible arms. Well my brother made the promise to bring Peter Gill’s ashes to Seychelles and plans on doing so this December.

A confidential patriot, the same reliable patriot who notified me of the SPPF scheme to plant drugs in my car, recently informed me that the SPPF still considers my brother a “threat” due to the Romulan cloaked invisible arms, and that it would be best if he did not come to Seychelles – even if it is for the purpose of scattering the ashes of an SPUP founding member. I was told the SPPF intend to inflict harm on my brother. This is another classic example of SPPF “Goonsmanship” that they perfected from their communist instructors.

If the SPPF has evidence that a Seychellois has committed an offense against the State they should bring it before the Courts, where the evidence must be publicly presented and reviewed. But since their evidence is invisible they must resort to tactics of intimidation. This is a fundamental problem we as a people must once and for all resolve. We must remove the SPPF from power and establish true democracy and the rule of law in our country.

Never again should our government intimidate and harass its citizens on the basis of rumours and suppositions. We are citizens entitled to be respected under the law by our government. We as a people must make the SPPF respect our right to be free from intimidation and to be ruled by laws and not their whims, rumors and paranoia. All Seychellois must have the right to pursue their happiness and enjoy their liberty without fear of arbitrary violence from their government. We must make this ideal a reality for our country. We must throw the bums out in the coming election.

May God Bless Seychelles and All Freedom Loving Seychellois! Christopher Gill

The Painful Transition from Communism to Socialism to Capitalism in Seychelles

Now that the world has finally rejected the utopian ideals of Marxism, there are only two relic nations that are clinging on to this ideology purely for the preservation of their ‘dynasty’; Cuba and North Korea. Since the unification of Europe the adoption of capitalism has been the modus operandi of failed communist states. Those with resources like China have been able to adopt a model based on totalitarian principles, while others have scrambled to find a way to adapt or be replaced by new blood.

In the case of Seychelles, there is a bit of both. The old guard wants to cling on to power at all cost under the banner of democracy / unity / solidarity, while they know full well that they are the ones responsible for the financial mess that their utopian experiment has caused this nation. So the never give up at all costs mentality is the pain being inflicted on the Seychellois people.

Desperation

James Michel’s government has a daunting task indeed. Whilst Alibaba and his forty thieves have pillaged our country for three decades leaving a massive hole of $ 2.4 billion, he has called the IMF to the rescue. This rescue package is a painful one. No more largesse, no more welfare state and it is an about turn to capitalism ‘a la Chinese’ minus the resources. Hard core communists masked as capitalists but with empty pockets – begging the whole world to help keep us afloat. While they try to change their mindset and ‘metamorfoz’ into a Parti Lepep, they want the Seychellois to believe that they are the champions of democracy, the best economists of our lifetime and all the crap that they can throw at us with every given second on the state media. The irony is that they have a bunch of Eastern bloc / Cuban educated, politically indoctrinated stalwarts leading this transition! Since the announcement of the IMF bailout plan last year, the likes of Danny Faure and Marie-Louise Potter have been leading the bastion with their sweet talk to entangle the population even further while they desperately fight for their own self preservation. Remember, and not surprising, they are both Cuban trained!

Time to pay the price

The people now have to pay the price. No more free lunches. They have to pay their way in life as this is the capitalist way, the IMF way. Will it be the Lepep Way? In this painful transition, they are cunning enough to bring in legislations that they can manipulate around election time or once they get voted back into power. So for them, the transition is only cosmetic, to soften the blow and prepare for the next ride to a new mandate. The vicious cycle will never end as there is too much at stake for Parti Lepep. Sooner or later they will have to ‘rann kont lepep’! The name change of the SPPF is already an indication that they are trying to wash their hands from their tainted past.

Implosion on the way

However, a party cannot transform itself from one extreme to another without some form of implosion. What is keeping the party together today is just a façade of unity among the ranks. Things are already starting to fall apart and the musical chairs in Michel’s government are set to continue. Once the old man goes, the break up into different factions is inevitable. They committed treason in 1977 and they will soon be fighting amongst themselves as we mere mortals slave away through the morass.

Our only hope is to have a unified / united country that goes beyond political lines. We need capable people with competence irrespective of their political colours to take the lead and leave the divisive attitudes and politics of the ruling party to the dustbin of history. Michel (and no other member of the Parti Lepep for that matter) can unite this country as they have all been part of or adhered to the treason on 1977. His ‘Koste Seselwa’ theme of this year has seen more division not only in the opposition but also within his own camp.

So what next?

Perhaps next year he will call it ‘Unity Year’ and the year after ‘L’annee de l’unite’… Unity will not be achieved if we do not live by proper values, sincerity, respect for the rule of law. Liberte, egalite, fraternite. We need to be united again as brothers and sisters for the one cause of saving our country from the brink of this precipice. It is only then that we can move forward. We need a transition from a government that has been too long in power and tainted by too many acts of evil. We owe this to our children. Let’s all unite to make this change and usher in a new era of hope, justice, fraternity and prosperity for the People of Seychelles.

The Future of Seychelles

In the end, our people must be united in its effort to remove the SPPF or Parti Lepep from power. A communist turned socialist turned capitalist overnight party cannot implement democracy. They do not know what true democracy really is. The failed regime who has brought our people so much misery cannot and will never implement successful policies of real change. Remember that it is Albert, Michel, Faure, Potter and all the other SPPF stalwarts who have bankrupted Seychelles. So how does anyone expect them to make us successful all of a sudden?

Albert is enjoying his retirement and his wife and kids are rich beyond our wildest dreams. Michel has stashed plenty away and with large pensions awaiting him, he will never have to worry about his next meal while he vacations in five star hotels. Mukesh is surrounded by Gurka guards, and one wonders if he sleeps at night while he worries about his millions stashed in offshore accounts. ChangLeng roams the streets as if he has done nothing wrong. Meanwhile, a few old ladies who have been given a few hundred rupees to carry the dimly lit SPPF torch that is running out of batteries go door to door to see if they can still rally a few votes! Meanwhile, Joel Morgan (Minis Lapire) is on TV every night telling us that he is dealing with Somali pirates when they are attacking boats only 60 miles from Mahé.

A failure is born every minute in life. Each individual Seychellois must make sure they are not one of those failures. Drop SPPF, drop Party Lepep and drop all those failed ideas, failed men and women who have led us into this abyss. History will not remember them kindly. After all, do not expect a man who cannot read and write to lead us into a new era of success!

Contributed by a Freedom Fighter who prefers brain-power to gun-powder.

The Seychelles Column - Seychelles Central Bank Governor & His Funny Laws

Governor of Central Bank of Seychelles Hits The Road With His Funny Law

The Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles Mr. Pierre Laporte has placed his credibility on the line with a highly dubious and vexatious legislation aptly named “The Foreign Exchange Control Act”.

While the law does not restrict possession of hard currency, it targets the tourism trade and other wealth earners and forces these local institutions to price all their services in Seychelles Rupees. This ridiculous law states that only banks and money changers licensed under law can change money for profit.

Which side of the Saturn moon did Mr. Laporte get this brainless concept from? Lest he forgets, the Seychellois people are simply worn out from the constant interference of Government in their daily lives and messing with their businesses and livelihood. They are still reeling from the bad monetary policies of President Albert Rene, Finance Minister cum President James Michel, Financial Guru cum advisor Mukesh Valabhji with his MERP program (more like the SMURF cartoon) and of course the total mismanagement of our Central Bank by former CBS Governor Francis ChangLeng. Not to forget the Lehman Brothers bond fiasco and the disappearance of $2.4 billion from our economy, plus a bankrupt Government and previous foreign exchange control laws that totally destroyed our economy while creating a rampant black market system.

Dinner served a la Central Bank

We all know that hotels and businesses change money systematically the world over. But not so in Seychelles according to Mr. Laporte’s law. Do not change money systematically or continuously he says!

In defence of his pet legislation, which in public he defends like a lifetime partner, Mr. Laporte together with his Central Bank staffers are on a road trip to tell the Public how things will operate in the future under his monetary kingdom.

On Mahé, he was successful at dishing it out. A few protests here are there, but timid cries from a trade and a public that have been battered for 32 years! The poor Mahé citizens ate what was served to them on Mr. Laporte’s tin platter, fearing for their livelihood let alone their licences which could be rescinded at any time.

Encouraged by his success on Mahé, the CBS Governor made his way to Praslin to meet with trade partners and business players from Praslin and La Digue, two islands that are key to tourism earnings. Only twenty-five (25) people turned up for what should have been over 500 businesses. Not to be dissuaded by the low turn out which should have been a sign of protest, Mr. Laporte proceeded to spell out his grandiose plan.

He was to be in for the dead surprise to learn that on Praslin and La Digue, we take our business seriously and officials are not welcome to come dish out rubbish for us to consume. I hope you found the Praslin Express quick enough!

Next time come prepared, Mr. Governor. Enjoy the title while you still have a new car and bonus for doing nothing to save Seychelles in 2009.

People of Seychelles, Francis Chang Leng may have bankrupted Seychelles, but if Mr. Laporte does not smarten up fast, we will stay bankrupt indefinitely. You do not have to be an economist to know that.

If you need help Mr. Laporte, I will along with the business community oblige for the sake of saving Seychelles.

Mr. Laporte thinks Seychelles has 0% Inflation

According to Mr. Laporte, Seychelles has 0% Inflation and he hails this as a great success of his policy. He is wrong!

Inflation is reported in Reuters at 29.8% still the second highest in Africa, only second to failed state Zimbabwe. Last year, before you intervened in the market to save the skin off your back, and bought up hard currency, it was 78.4%. This is not a sign of success Mr. Laporte. It is a sign of failure.

Who said that? Christopher Gill! Learn to respect that name when you hear it Mr. Laporte. It is a little like “Rose a Mere”. You hate the taste, but it is actually good for you!

Mr. Laporte Thinks The Paris Club Forgave 45% of Our Debts

According to Mr. Laporte, the Paris Club forgave 45% of Seychelles debts. Again, he is wrong!

The Paris Club forgave only 22% of our debts of the 45% proposed. The remaining 23% is to be written off in Two-Three year increments, only under the condition that Seychelles adheres to the IMF recommended program it has implemented. In Kreol, this means “Kapot Ek Las”!

Mr. Laporte Is Not familiar with the IMF Report on Seychelles

This poor chap engulfed in an air of self pity, did not know that the IMF said in its last Seychelles Country Report in May 2009, “…that the Seychelles debt burden will remain UNSUSTAINABLE as it is beyond 2027”.

People of Seychelles, this is not the fisherman fixing a bamboo fish trap aka “kazie”. We are talking about the knowledge of the Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles, who happens to manage our economic affairs. A man entrusted by the Government of Seychelles with our economic future and the viability of all our investments. Even poor JJ is touting him as “our best man”. Lord help us if this is true!

Has made the Seychelles Rupee Stronger than the Euro for Six (6) Months

Mr. Laporte has done what no Global Country Central Banker I know of has been able to do in 2009: make their national currency stronger than the Euro.

Today, as I write this column, the Euro is trading at Euro 1.0 = US$ 1.4979.

In Seychelles, Mr. Laporte’s Central Banking dancing has brought the Euro from Euro 1.0 – Seychelles Rupee 23.00 late last year to Euro 1.0- Seychelles Rupees 13.00, sometimes even dipping to SR 12. Incredible! Magic? A Herculean feat indeed?

The Euro is weak in Seychelles only. It is strong the world over. The Seychelles Rupee is strong in Seychelles only. And weak the world over.

Now, Mr. Laporte wants to legislate confidence in the Seychelles Rupee, force us to accept it, force visitors to use it, so that the commercial banks can steal the real value between Mr. Laporte’s variables of mental error and financial mismanagement of our monetary system.

Mr. Laporte Is Not Sure If We Are In An Economic Depression

I have seen clown shows before, but this one beats them all. Mr. Laporte said to us on Praslin that he did not know if we were in an Economic Depression. He says he has to wait for IMF to come and tell us. Seriously?

What kind of economist is that? We need IMF to tell us that we are in an economic depression? Well, maybe with his high salary and bonus, together with the complicity of other Government officials with high salaries who can afford first class tickets, caviar and champagne, the Governor does not feel the pinch and does not know that our people are suffering, hungry, poor and seriously disgusted with this Government’s policies. And maybe he does not know that Seychelles is in a serious economic depression with businesses struggling to stay alive while CBS does nothing to control the commercial banks who are fleecing the populace with their exorbitant fees and high interest rates! Maybe he did not pay for his brand new Government car in order to understand that even a “rich” person in Seychelles cannot afford a new car these days due to the ridiculously high taxes. For the price of a Ferrari car overseas, one gets a small Kia or Honda in Seychelles! Maybe he does not know that the cost of fuel at the pumps does not reflect the true global prices and this is killing our economy, putting boat charter prices and sea-based excursions out of reach of most tourists, and making even a pickup truck delivery of a load of cement blocks unaffordable to most. Maybe he goes overseas often enough to buy all his luxury goods tax-free while most Seychellois struggle to put a piece of “Karang” onto their children’s plates at night. Maybe Mr. Laporte eats too often at hotel restaurants instead of driving around Victoria at night to see the underage girls prostituting themselves in search of SR 50 for a take-away, or to see young people rummaging through rubbish bins in broad daylight in search of a few plastic bottles to sell at the next Indian shop in order to buy a can of tuna or a loaf of bread.

Yes Mr. Laporte, in case you did not know, I am telling you now that Seychelles is indeed in an economic depression. You don’t need Mr. Paul Mathieu of IMF to tell you that. I just did!

Mr. Laporte Attacked Me For Being Smarter Than Him

Many other people commented and questioned Mr. Laporte’s intent behind his programs. In the end, he asked that we be patient and he will consider whether to extend his transition period under legislation, or scrap his ludicrous law altogether.

The Public also placed great pressure on Mr. Laporte to stop treating international companies like Four Seasons with special rights of passage while local businesspersons and investors have to bear the brunt of Mr. Laporte’s failing laws.

The People of Seychelles must hold Mr. Laporte to task on this key point.

For some reason, he found it appropriate, as a Central Banker, to question my political affiliation and used name calling antics to attack me. At one point he referred to me as a “big capitalist”. What kind of Central Banker calls people “capitalist”? Not only is this unprofessional, but any free-thinking person who believes in free-enterprise and who owns a business is a “capitalist”. Since Mr. Laporte should still be playing with spin tops in our school playground instead of running our economy, I wish to enlighten him about the words “capitalism” and “capitalist” as quoted by Wikipedia:

“Capitalism is an economic and social system in which the means of production (also known as capital) are privately controlled; labour, goods and capital are traded in a market; profits are distributed to owners or invested in new technologies and industries; and wages are paid to labour.”

“Capitalist”:

The word capitalist was first used by Arthur Young in his 1792 work Travels 1787–89; undertaken with a view of ascertaining the cultivation, etc. of the kingdom of France in the sense of one who owns capital, and was more precisely defined by Karl Marx in Das Kapital as one who owned working capital including machinery and made money by letting others work on those machines. Being a capitalist in this original sense does not necessarily mean that one supports capitalism.

It is a person who owns or controls the means for producing wealth, deriving their livelihood from profits off the labour expended by employees.

The term capitalist has more recently come to refer to someone who supports capitalism or a free market ideology.

Throughout 20th century, the term capitalist country was used in the Soviet Union and aligned countries to denote advanced free-market western economies. These included the United States, Canada, Israel, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and all European countries outside the Warsaw Pact except Yugoslavia. The term could occasionally be interpreted more widely to include developing countries outside the USSR's sphere of influence.

So there you have it Mr. Laporte. Think of hard working Seychellois in the tourism trade who wake up everyday and go to work to create wealth not only for themselves, but also for others through job creation. All within a free-market framework instead of a big-Government controlled environment full of useless bureaucrats and political party lackeys!

What about legislation for the local Commercial Banks?

With commercial bankers, he has refrained from implementing proper legislation to deal with over charges and high interest, and has elected instead to pussy foot with the financial cartel in Seychelles. Instead he picks on the earners of national wealth. An idiot of an act indeed!

Get serious man. If we are giving you a bonus for destroying the Seychelles economy in your 12 month tenure, the least you can do is to take on a more serious attitude. After all, your enabling legislation does not entitle you to a SCR 1 Million bonus each Christmas while the rest of Seychelles suffocates. It violates the Central Bank Act, because the money comes from Government, and it compromises your INDEPENDENCE, under law.

Crossing the floor

Mr. Laporte attacked me senselessly for “crossing the floor”, which of course has nothing to do with monetary policy. But for the record, I told him I crossed the floor because France Albert Rene was sending men from State House to my house at night with guns and scaring the hell out of my family and me. Nothing to ridicule Mr. Governor! At least by the time you left Praslin, you were not laughing anymore, although no one had a gun to your head!

In a future article, I will focus on how to fix the problem Mr. Laporte has created. Meanwhile, I look forward with anticipation to the future decision the CBS Governor will take in regards to this nonsensical foreign exchange law. Hopefully he has listened carefully to the people and the tourism trade and will make the correct decision. After all, a departure from the erroneous ways of his CBS predecessors would be welcomed by all Seychellois capitalists!

May God Bless Seychelles And All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

Judiciary Needs Money

The time to put our heads in the sand has past. Today, we face a critical situation in the Judiciary, one of three branches of Government in our democracy. The members are appointed by the Executive Branch and are not elected. Recruitment is done overseas, when locally judges can be selected. Staff are civil servants. Some judges enjoy contract arrangements.

A Little Background

Under Chief Justice Allear, a Mauritian national, this branch of government had collapsed for years, but the staff remained silent or at least not vocal enough to stop the collapse. Allear ruled in an autocratic manner like most chief justices do, but the traditional is to serve justice, not ones pocket. Allear’s office was always lined with a bench and the amount of citizens that sat on it made the court look as if it was a social welfare money packet collection center.

Upon the departure of Allear, Bernadin Renaud, a Justice, took over as Chief Justice Interim. Justice Renaud is no stranger to Seychelles. He presided over the Constitutional Commission, and was Ombudsman for a number of years, a post that was created at the suggestion of Mr. Mancham, but in all likelihood, a post that fit Renauds’ public persona.

As Interim Chief Justice, Renaud promised to clear up the backlog of cases and get on with the work of the day. He did not present any grand plans and held a seminar with Court staff to keep the plug on the tub so to speak, hoping the Michel Administration would make him a permanent Chief Justice.

However, Renaud’s court decisions were frowned upon by some SPPF and now Parti LePep (LP) hierarchy. They opted to bring in a Judge from Uganda who has promised to sort out the courts and appoint Seychellois magistrates to vacant seats on the bench. We must welcome the new Chief Justice at this time, not because we agree with the appointment, as we do not even know the man, but because, we need some serious help. Any help if it is on offer in good faith to secure a court worthy of a modern society. After all, we used to have an exemplary British Court system in place that was destroyed by no other than former President Rene and his SPUP/SPPF party.

Crisis Sets in After Collapse

Most recently a number of magistrates resigned prompting an immediate crisis to emerge in the Judiciary Branch of government. Without Magistrates, criminal cases cannot proceed. That means the 300 accused and alleged criminals remain out on bail, another daunting task for prosecution by the Attorney General’s office that is short of lawyers needed to prosecute criminals.

Consequently, the Public must deal with these shady elements on a daily basis as the system has failed not the accused so much as the innocent, Seychellois citizens, whom expect reasonably, that the government of the day will protect them. If crime increases, you will know why it does.

If the Attorney General cannot adequately prosecute, the Magistrates courts cannot expeditiously put culprits and accused on trial in reasonable time. The Judiciary cannot transcribe proceedings of courts, and the waiting time currently for that is 3 years for a case back log. We are in deep trouble.

Vote The Money For The Courts

The Judiciary needs an immediate large cash injection in the numbers we have not seen before in our history. They need automated transcribers that are cheap on the electronics market. That is the easy part. But salaries are too low for staff. They immediately require at least 100% increase in salary for civil service staffers. Judges from magistrates up to the Justices in the Supreme Court of Seychelles need an increase of at least 50% to bring their package in line with the standard set by Government for the new Chief Justice.

This salary package must be retroactive, to back pay the staff of the courts that have made great sacrifice to keep this branch of government going while it has collapsed and failed them as professionals.

Intentional Neglect

The financial neglect of the Judiciary is not a haphazard event. It has been systematic, year after year. Somehow, one gets the feeling that Albert Rene and James Michel wanted the Judiciary to fail. Only they know why. But of course, total control has been in the Executive branch since the Coup D’Etat in 1977, instead of leaving the Judiciary as an independent branch. The Government has shown no political will to fund the Judiciary adequately and employ competent capable judges in sufficient numbers in order that justice is served and seen to be served.

Failure To Act Now

The misfiring of justice has deterred serious investments in our country. It continues to kill investments, curtail FDI and dwindle down the offshore business sector. In fact, this industry which was advocated by Mr. Paul Chow during the early days of the multi-party system, is now undergoing more abuse than ever and its image has been tarnished by the Financial Investigation Unit (FIU) which seems to have its own agenda and has no comprehension of our laws. Mr. Chow gave SPPF a viable business option and created a third pillar of our economy. Now SPPF-LP has severely damaged the offshore business. Too much greed is a bad thing, even offshore.

The offshore sector with a failing Judiciary will attract more shady businesses and crooks while it will scare off legitimate investors. This phenomenon will adversely affect our bottom line, that is, how much money Seychelles can earn and whether or not it can remove itself from the economic depression doldrums. A failing judiciary will mean a failing society. It will mean our people will get poorer and poorer each year while this branch of government is left to die a slow death as initially intended.

The Final Word

The Judiciary does not have months or years to act. The Executive Branch does not have weeks or days to delay funding. Priority funds must be made available to the Judiciary in order that it can clean its house, and set this critical branch of government on the right track. Surely the Justice Department is more important than a new District Administration building or Jj Spirit funds to win votes. If we can afford boats for the NDEA, if we can afford high-salaried Irish and Australian expatriates, if we can pay hundreds of millions to the French for managing PUC, if we can disburse millions to the Army to fund the anti-piracy project only to let pirates go free, if we can pay millions every year in bonus schemes to politicians and ministers, if we can allow our Ministers and Principal Secretaries and other Government officials to fly in First and Business Class, if we can pay our Central Bank management millions in annual bonuses, then SURELY we can afford to fund our Judiciary branch of Government.

After all, we can all agree, it has been on the wrong track of administration of justice for far too long. Thirty-two years is simply too long. And that is 32 years too late. The real citizens of Seychelles (LEPEP) are watching and waiting to judge by your actions!

May God Bless Seychelles And All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

UAV (Drones) FLY OUT OF SEYCHELLES

The first United States Air Force Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV aka drone) took off from the Seychelles International Airport this morning. Hopefully, their surveillance capabilities will be a boost in the effort against piracy in the Indian Ocean, given that these Somalian degenerates have started roaming the seas again now that the calm season is upon us.

It is sad however that these UAVs are not armed! While shipping is being disrupted by these vagabonds, shipping and insurance rates are increasing and the costs are being passed on to the consumer. Meanwhile, millions are being spent by the Navies of Europe, India, China, Seychelles, Russia, United States and other countries, and yet no one is willing to use force and blow these pirates out of the water. Even when they are fired upon! Wake up world and let us get our sanity back. Criminals, pirates and terrorists are all the same, and they should be dealt with accordingly!

Welcome UAVs. Welcome USA. We welcome the US troops back to our shores! May the memories of the June 1977 Coup D'Etat and the lack of a response from then President Jimmy Carter remain but a sad memory! But be aware that Rene and Michel are still communists at heart, and Fidel Castro is still their old buddy. Rene and Michel used to chant "Yankee Go Home" during their revolutionary days. Today, they chant "IMF and US Dollars"! But they are yet to apologize to the people of Seychelles for their act of treason committed on the 5th of June 1977. They have not apologized for the killing of innocent Seychellois during their 32 reigning years of terror, and for the corruption and the millions they have stolen from our country which have led us into bankruptcy. So be aware USA that you are dealing with criminals. The two communist killer wolves are cloaked in sheep's clothing, and both have blood on their hands.

Seychelles Comedy - State House Anytime Now

PART 1 - EMPOWERMENT & REFORMS – THE NEW PARTI LEPEP REVOLUTION

The second wave of the SPPF-Parti Lepep revolution is based around their own survival. In 1977 they wanted to create a model socialist /communist society but this cannot be sustainable in this day and age of globalisation, IMF bailouts and other hardships that this old generation of politicians have to lie their way through their umpteenth political mandate to ensure their survival. The buzz word is empowerment and reforms – the biggest smokescreen to hide behind all their incapacities. Danny Boy has been summoned to State House to discuss the way forward...

JenPa: Good Morning Sir! The Minister of Finance is at hand to discuss all the rush of bills that are being put forward to the assembly for ratification that will absolve our government of any responsibilities with regards to the hardships of the open, liberalized economy that we have ushered in. You will recall that he did a fabulous job at one of the district meetings to diffuse the bomb about the missing $2.5 billion. A true orator and champion of language manipulation!

Mr. President: Good morning JP. Hello Danny, please make yourself comfortable and give me a briefing on how things are moving along. We need brave people like you with persuasive and authoritative demeanour to push all these reforms through. Government needs to come clean in all this as we do not want to be losing any votes along the way. The district meetings are already doing a lot of damage on the ground and the damage control is costing us a bomb.

Danny Boy: Good Morning Mr. President. I have been labouring the whole week to put this scheme of privatising the government services from cleaners, security, maintenance etc. We have taken this out of our realm and now the onus will be on the new cooperatives and agencies that will see to it that these services operate autonomously, without government interference. So if things do not work out, then we deflect the blame onto someone else.

Mr. President: Smart thinking my man. This is why I think that you have a great chance of taking over the VP seat. I gather that you have met with these sections of society to reassure them that things will run smoothly. I am glad to note that you are also on the same wavelength as I am and getting all of them to look at this as a form of empowerment. As our reforms take place, the empowerment process is inevitable. This is a smart way to get them to think for themselves and not depend on the state anymore.

Danny Boy: Sir but there is a lot of uneasiness and apprehension that this might be as catastrophic as the home carer system. But at least when things get sour on that front, we will not be held responsible. Empowerment is the key. They will have to take their own responsibility. No one will be able to point the finger to our government anymore as they did in the home carer fiasco. On the liberalization front, we are dismantling everything and our people will have all the choice in the world. We are in a global economy and cannot escape the trappings of this beast. We can no longer throw a lifeline at our small local industries. They will have to sink or swim. My feeling is that they will sink faster than we thought. This is what they wanted and this is what they will get. We have amassed a huge reserve of foreign exchange and this will go towards all the imports of our crazed society bent on consuming everything that is foreign.

Mr. President: Great my man! That’s a very well thought out plan. Our government must be leaner and this is one of the best ways to trim the fat. So whatever happens to this excess fat we do not care as long as we have to fulfil our mandate of slimming down this government. The IMF reforms seem to be going according to plan but we now have a major problem on our hands with too much forex and too few rupees. What will be the next move?

Danny Boy: Sir, we will have to get the banks to relax on their tight monetary policy. There are no more rupees in circulation to stimulate growth. You see all this baffles me as I studied my economics principles based on an isolated peso in Cuba. All these floatation of currencies is a real rush of blood to the head for me. I am trying my best, with the help of my huge team of advisors to get the message across.

President: Even with the IMF policies in place, it will take years before we get out of this economic mess. How are we going to go on like this now that we are making so many commitments including the Indian Ocean Island Games, even if top businessmen L’Amie Joe and Hoareau are on board to help us raise the funds? This is why I am engaging in this Constructive Economic Diplomacy with our best friends in the gulf region. We need to get them to pour some money into this economy as just the IMF program will not suffice.

Danny Boy: I can understand your frustration Sir. But it is also time for us to revamp our team so that we can show a renewed vigour. The word out there is that we are becoming more of a pantomime than a serious government. Our efforts are not coordinated and we are all looking at a hapless bunch at the controls but with no proper plan of where we are heading. We are creating a lot more bureaucracy with these commissions which do not even have a mandate. The rotation of the same heads should be discontinued if we are to remain credible. We need upward mobility, not sideways shifting. Look at you and I, we are true embodiments of such upward mobility. It is a new mindset that needs to be adopted Sir.

President: Not to worry. Danny. You have shown all the courage and determination of a true militant. I will soon put this house to order and reward those that I feel have the will power and commitment to stay on. Look at Pat, he decided to cop out and I am sure that a lot of others will be deciding on early retirement next year.

Danny Boy: Indeed Sir. We need to empower those that have shown their unwavering commitment. Look at Joel, he has been working tirelessly night and day. He is our master negotiator and I think that he will do well as the next minister of Finance with his sleek negotiation skills. We should soon retire old Joe who has totally lost interest. He has served long enough like Pat I suppose. I will make a better VP that’s for sure. We can then get rid of this Jj thing and make it more a JD team. It rings better. Think of Jack Daniels Sir! Vintage!!

President: Indeed Danny! You have high aspirations and I like this kind of mentality. We cannot give up the fight. There is a lot more to come. My recent visit to Ras Al Khaimah will be bringing in loads of cash and investment possibilities and I am sure this will be a tremendous boost for our economy and our quest to become one of the key energy players in the future. Watch out for the ceramic tiles and the ‘Black Marlin’. The future looks bright Danny so do not despair. I have prepared the survival of this party beyond several generations. When I am done, you’ll take over, when you are done, we’ll have others like JP to take over. Parti Lepep spans across generations and like I mentioned when I took over the most prestigious office in the land, it is like our granite of our islands. It has been there for millions of years and will remain here forever. This is why we are now called Parti-Lepep...

JenPa who had been sneaking behind the door to overhear the conversation muses to himself. Hmm... I am in the right camp after all. With Danny becoming the next VP, I can aspire to become the new Minister of Foreign Affairs and we can still continue on these famous trips together with the President to far distant places to spread our message of active, engaging democracy. ‘ Nou pe debrouye pou Sesel!’ The future looks bright indeed...

PART 2 - THE STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION OF GOVERNMENT

The President has requested a second summit with Danny boy to get an update on the progress of the works going on the National Assembly to transform this government. The wheels of reform are now well oiled and spinning frantically to meet up with all the deadlines. So the leaders believe that nothing will stop the ‘Lepep’ government in its quest for a lifetime mandate to govern. We are ushering in a new era of total control under the label of democracy... until all hell breaks loose.

JenPa: Good Morning Sir! The Minister of Finance has just returned from the conference in Istanbul and has some favourable updates that will give added momentum to this government as we bring further proof to our people that we are on the right track.

Mr. President: Good morning JP. Now that the district meetings are over, we need to come up with a proper strategy to subdue all these complaints. The list has grown too long and the technocrats have to start moving. We have already lost a lot of votes and we will be unable to buy them back this time around. Our people are suffering JP and I hope that Danny has the right solutions.

Danny Boy: Good Morning Mr. President. I bring you warm greetings from our close partners at the IMF / World Bank summit. Our reforms have been well received and we are on the right track.

Mr. President: Great! I can see that my young team which most people call inexperienced are doing well. With JP, we are running an efficient State House and I can see that with your young team you seem to be doing a fine job at the Ministry of Finance. The 2010 budget will be up soon and I hope that you can cope with this entire work load.

Danny Boy: Not to worry Mr. President we are taking it well into our stride. The cosmetic changes that we envisaged has now been before the assembly and approved. We have a new departure with more accountability for the parastatals with new boards. It shows that we are doing something but as usual we will exempt the untouchables under the guise that we need to protect the institutional memories of these companies. In this way, we absolve ourselves. This is what I call fine tuning Sir. Little empires can remain under this cover and we do not have to make any explanations.

Mr. President: You seem to have become a master at this Danny. You did take a lot of coaching from the old mentor of Barbarons! Indeed I also see on the new boards that we are going ahead with appointing some new princesses such as the assembly’s big man’s wife. All in all we are a big happy family...

Danny Boy: Talking about family Sir, I am glad to see that little brother will be back to head foreign affairs under your guidance. This will help us immensely as active diplomacy is the key to get these reforms sorted out. Brothers in arms!

President: Indeed we need all our combatants back by our side. The district meetings have proved to us that we have not delivered as a government and we have an uphill battle to gain political ground. Soon I will get Ronny back so that he can start walking the districts instead of the streets of New York. I am thinking of giving more world exposure to our younger generation in these overseas postings. What do you think JP?

JenPa: It will be the best motivational tool for our youth Sir. I propose that we do this on a rotation basis as I would love to gain some experience at the UN as well. This will no doubt mould me into taking over at Foreign Affairs when you deem fit.

Danny Boy: Let’s focus back on the work at hand here locally. Our reforms are more fundamental Mr. President. We have now dismantled the monopoly of the SMB / STC. With Mukesh gone and the old man out of the picture, no one seemed to have noticed that our dear institution of consumer protection is buried and gone. Can you imagine that I was once the chairman of such an institution? I will have to erase this off my resume.

President: Ha ha ha! How times have changed! But we are now in a new era of liberalization my boy. No more ‘Ser Sang’. Just let everything loose. Soon we will have to tie our trousers with ‘lakord bannan’. When Casino comes in, we will finally put an end to all the little Indians.

Danny Boy: I did my best to put it across to the assembly that with this new law we will have no more of these unscrupulous cartels that control the monopolies. I love taking swipes at things that we created ourselves. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment. It is better to undo something that you have done wrong yourself than to let somebody else do it and take pride in it.

President: Oil Danny! We need to find oil. This is the key for us to keep control. We have embarked on empowerment schemes, dismantling the controlled economy and pretty soon we will have no more power over our people and they will be deciding on out fate. Oil is the key. Then we become like the UAE and we share it amongst our people and win all of them back one by one. We can then have all our tankers come home with their bellies full of oil and gas to distribute to our people freely.

The dream is not over yet! They do have too much to lose and therefore have to think of a cling on to power at all cost strategy. Perhaps another government reshuffle and a snap election next year to install some new blood and raise their profile? But credibility is the key word. As long as the same faces are around, the end is nigh... But JenPa is content that despite the implosion within the government, he is riding the crest of a wave, with his recent appointment to the Air Seychelles board… now he can fly in Pearl Class with the rest of the Government elite. Boy, it pays to be an Adam!

A Grand Exercise in Deception

The District consultative meetings of President Michel

Now that the curtain has fallen on the comedy in 25 acts to cover the districts, where President James Michel of Seychelles and his ‘team’ were facing the ‘people’ to speak about the future of our country, it is time to assess what has really come out of these meetings.

We all know that this was carefully orchestrated with the huge help of Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) to get Michel and his government to gauge the political support that they currently hold in the districts after the decision to embark on the IMF program. As he tried to reassure the public in all the districts that the reforms were on the right track, he could not escape the various criticisms being dished out left, right and centre about the failings of his government since he has assumed power. So instead of focusing on talking about the future of the country, Michel and his team were confronted about the inefficiencies of his government in all sectors. The message coming out was very clear. The SPPF and now Lepep Party has failed the people for the past 3 decades. The present needs to be fixed fast before he can get any support in the future.

Michel calls it a grand exercise in democracy. How ironic when people are denied their democratic rights under the constitution (freedom of association etc…) and then he decides that meeting with a handful of mostly his own supporters in the districts constitutes democracy. It would be best to call it a grand exercise in deception as the sole purpose of these meetings was to deceive the people into believing that everything was fine, the economy was doing well under the reforms, currency was stabilizing, we need to unite etc…

Unfortunately, for those who have been following the SPPF throughout their history in power, it has always been about lies, deception and ‘bat latet’. The reforms that we have embarked on will take us more than 15 years before we see any light at the end of the tunnel. But not even a year on, Michel chooses to distort the facts by claiming that we are already there! And according to him, we will be out of this in no time. Many will remember when he came out after his first election to declare that ‘nou lekonomi y solid’. We were very far from the truth. While behind the scenes, the pillaging and siphoning off of funds were going on to reward the architects of the revolution; the people were being deceived into believing that all was well. Today, Rene, Mukesh, Sarah, Ramadoss, Savy brothers, Leopold Payet, and many others are living the lives of millionaires while the people of Seychelles return to poverty not known since the British days.

Michel was somehow voted in with another mandate (after spending millions of funds including our own social security reserves) and he declared arrogantly that he did not need the opposition to run the country. ‘Kile lopozisyon, les Jj travay!’ Now that the situation has turned on its head, Michel is out to deceive again. He wants unity; he is calling on every Tom, Dick and Francis to ‘Koste’ so that we can chart the course of a new Seychelles. He now needs everyone on board as it is in the interest of his own political survival. Michel cannot be trusted. He will manipulate any situation to his own advantage and has a total lack of sincerity. Who can trust a man who helped Rene gain power via a violent coup d’etat and then declared that his hands are clean? Who can trust a man who helped Rene and his cohorts to rob the country of billions of dollars while he was Minister of Finance? Who can trust a man who let Francis ChangLeng, the Central Bank of Seychelles Governor, steal millions from the State coffers?

Michel has now realized that things ‘on the ground’ are far worse than he feared. His closing address at the Bel Ombre meeting (which by the way was a gross abuse of state funded television air time) seemed like a desperate rallying call to all his dwindling middle leadership and supporters to double their efforts and reach out to the Lepep that they have lost touch with since his last election. The economic reforms are already the writing on the wall for the demise of Michel and his clan. A president who does not have much to do than to listen to problems in respective districts shows how much work he has on his agenda! He is perhaps slowly realizing how much he has lost touch with his people and how inefficient his government has become. As he tries to turn to the people to guide his leadership, he is confronted with problems, problems and more problems. From rubbish bins to basic lighting in districts, to an inefficient bus service and district administrators that work for their own pockets. Is this the future?

Another exercise to visit the districts soon? I don’t think so. He will be better off receiving dignitaries by the loads and try to look presidential… while waiting on the leader of the opposition to come along for tea so that he can weave his web of deception and try to come out as the leader who can unite the people of Seychelles.

James Michel lacks the intelligence, vision and integrity to take this country beyond party politics towards a healthy recovery for the benefit of our future generations. He is part of the stock that violated the constitution in 1977 and cannot preach democracy on a moral high ground. His grand exercise will always remain one of DECEPTION as he was part of the group that dismantled democracy in our country and replaced it with inefficiency, an impotent judiciary, and three decades of misery for its citizens. UNITY is beyond him and his legacy will always be one of a “deceptive thief in the night”.

Life's no beach for Sir James

By Fred Khumalo: Somewhat serious, somewhat fun

The founding president of Seychelles has not been lazing on an island since leaving office.

Fred Khumalo: What do presidents do once their terms in office have expired or, in the case of the despotic amongst their ranks, they have been deposed?

ON A MISSION: Sir James Mancham, left, would like the US to take a diplomatic interest in the scenic and, in his view, strategic island archipelago in the Indian Ocean and not allow China to dominate this tourist paradise

'We basically had a smiling, guitar-playing Seychellois under every palm tree. But when René took over, it was an AK47-wielding fighter under every palm tree'

In the latter case they usually flee to benign climes such as the south of France - a convenient hideaway which is within easy reach of Switzerland, where many of them would have stashed their ill-gotten riches while in office.

Others, in healthy democracies, start eponymous foundations that are not only protecting their legacy, but are also institutions whose raison d'être is to seek ways to further deepen democracy.

Here the names of Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Gerald Ford and others come to mind.

Sir James Mancham belongs to this club of former presidents.

But unlike the other former presidents he is neither lazing on the balmy beaches of France nor going around the world selling his own brand and interpretation of democracy under the aegis of an eponymous foundation.

In case you haven't heard of him - chances are you haven't as very little is known about his country - Sir James is the founding president of the Seychelles, an archipelago of 110 islands off the African coast in the Indian Ocean.

He led his native country to independence in 1976, and was in turn deposed by Marxists less than a year later, with the help of Tanzanian fighters.

Attempts to put him back into power - fuelled, it was reported, by the old South African government and spearheaded by the mercenary Mike Hoare - failed in 1978.

He then spent 15 years in exile.

"During my tenure, I actively sold our country as a tourist destination of choice," he told me during a recent interview when he was in South Africa promoting his latest book, Seychelles Global Citizen: The Autobiography of the Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles.

To sell his country he embarked on what came to be called "smiling PR" where the Seychellois were encouraged to extend a benevolent hand towards visitors to their islands.

"We basically had a smiling, guitar-playing Seychellois under every palm tree," he said, pausing enough to deliver the punch line: "But when René took over, it was an AK47-wielding fighter under every palm tree."

France-Albert René was the new president of the Marxist regime who deposed Mancham.

Almost 30 years later, Mancham is back to selling his country to the international community, not only as a tourist destination now but focusing on its strategic importance to the world's superpowers.

The islands are famous for natural beauty, and are the playing ground of the rich and famous. But very little is known of the region's politics and strategic importance in the world - and Mancham is on a mission to right that wrong.

During a conversation I had with him, in the book itself, and in a piece he has since written in the Washington Times, he is at pains to suggest - what, to me, comes across as a plea - that the bigger powers recolonise his country.

The fact that the Chinese have moved in gives him hope, but as an avowed anti-communist he wonders aloud why the US does not have diplomatic relations with his country, as evidenced by the fact that there is no US embassy in the Seychelles.

But you have to sympathise with and understand this intelligent man: in these days of piracy a country with a population of about 85000, a negligible army and a government still clinging to ill-defined Marxist economic theories has to be worried.

More importantly, in the newspaper piece that I referred to, he pointed out: "The growing competition for power and influence in the Indian Ocean, the world's primary energy and trade seaway, has certainly put the Seychelles at the centre of superpower rivalry, not unlike the position held by another island resort in the '50s more familiar to Americans than our nation - Cuba."

He continued: "While on the 'military basis' both the US and China could consider the situation 'balanced', the Chinese appear to be winning diplomatically.

"The Chinese are operating with full ambassadorial presence and are extremely active in day-to-day people-to-people diplomacy."

How I so wish that, even in retirement, or imposed repose as I call it, our African presidents would channel their energies towards building their countries rather than supping on sour grapes.

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

Mr. Seychelles Governor Sends Smoke Signals To Sell in Rupees Your Investments

The Seychelles Governor of the Central Bank has been at it again. This time, he has brought the financial markets and economy of Seychelles to a lop-sided position that would make Humpty-Dumpty look like a Playgirl centre fold. As the Seychelles Rupee is now stronger than a Euro in real terms and it is also beating the US Dollar to death week after week, month after month, investors must read the smoke signal Mr. Governor is sending, or be consumed in the campfire next year when we must start to service our debts and finance elections.

Strong Rupee Means Sell In Rupees

The strong Seychelles Rupee with prospects of convertibility on the horizon mean individual Seychellois who have held properties in the past waiting for Euro or US Dollar sales, can now sell in Seychelles Rupee and convert the transaction at the bank, and have their investment repatriated overseas to Australia, if that is where they are going.

All indications point to Australia, where they have discovered natural gas rivalling Qatar ‘s holdings. The time to cut your loses under LP is now, or stick it out for change.

If you stick it out for change, you cannot just do business and stay quiet, you will have to become a molecule in the fuel for change. I have chosen to be a molecule for change. SPPF and LP have devalued my holdings just by being around and not giving Seychellois with strong economic potential a fair chance when placed in the market with select foreigners that have had to grace their entry with a little here and a little there.

But like many Seychellois, I live off salted fish and fresh grilled mackerel with great pleasure and satisfaction. A little lentils is considered a luxury, since the lentils boat is always stuck in Dar es Salaam.

From Down Under to the Equator

Over 30,000 Seychellois reside in Australia. What effort has LP made to ask them and the other Seychellois overseas to return to Seychelles in a meaningful way? They could easily replace your 9,400 GOP workers and meet the demand for another 10,000 in time. Even if they come here 6 months per year to contribute to the Country it would be a great benefit. Instead, it was announced with great fanfare last night on TV that the Australian High Commissioner (Ms. Cathy Johnstone) is providing us with a technical advisor (Dr. Bryn Battersby) from its own treasury down-under. I assume the Australian Treasury is doing very well indeed. And of course our own Finance Minister Faure was at a loss for words for this grateful contribution since our own Ministry of Finance is in great need of western-trained experts as all we have are Cuban-trained ones from the Rene and Michel’s era. Of course, a few million Aussie dollars would have been better for our economy, but then, beggars cannot be choosers. How ironic that our own countrymen are leaving our shores for Australia, and here we have Australians flocking to our shores in search of greener pastures? I wonder if it’s the lucrative expatriate salaries that are attracting tax men, financial advisors, customs officers from down-under to our shores. Some say it’s our beautiful local girls too, but our smart ones are still emigrating to Australia as I write while the remainder are turning to prostitution and drugs!

Seychellois who stay benefit

Seychellois that have the courage to remain behind and take the blows that will be delivered by Mr. Laporte for the duration of his contract and if renewed, will benefit from this freak event in the markets (Seychelles Rupee gaining on Euro). They will be able to borrow Seychelles Rupees from banks and convert the Seychelles Rupees to an asset that will maintain hard currency values over the long term as the non-sustainability of the Seychelles external debt takes hold of our financial jugular veins. Property will be safe only after the financial and political storm settles.

Build Local Industry

In these ever turbulent times, investors staying in Seychelles permanently may want to consider investing in local industry. I know one gentleman producing coconut oil and he is doing very well. The retail side of this business is highly profitable if the product is sold as an exclusive tanning product.

Another friend is investing in vanilla plantation. He has brought in 3 ton trucks, excavators and will employ Malagasy personnel to plant and maintain the vanilla plants. Incubation period for this venture is 3 years. After, he expects huge profits that will rival returns of 5 star hotels. All is not lost. But you will have to put your back into whatever you do and you will have to watch your back if LP is around. They smell success from over the mountains and they rush in to penalize it and eventually destroy it. Vanilla is a little like diamonds. You can carry your asset out of the country or place it in a few boxes and ship it as luggage. Enough boxes, you can use the money from the sales to buy a house and start a business elsewhere if things go really bad in Seychelles. Mango farm in Australia anyone?

The days of picking Euros off the beach are over. Now under Mr Governor’s economic financial guidance, Euros are worth less than they were 6 months ago: about 40% less. Incredible. Who else could defy World trends? Perhaps Mr. ChangLeng who is enjoying the fruits of retirement and living like a King while we toil to pay his pension.

Rupees Valuable Hence Local Crime Increases

As Seychelles Rupee gain great value, crime that has the objective of securing Seychelles Rupees will increase. This will affect ill-prepared residents. Since the Black Market is no longer on the beaches, drug addicts no longer have an avenue in which to obtain money quickly. They will now resort to attacks and burglaries to meet demands of a habit. Local law enforcement must be aware of this development.

Mr. Laporte must know what impact the great imbalances will have on a society not prepared to cope with such unpredictability in the money markets created by himself.

After all, if you did not know, in a society, especially small ones like Seychelles, everything happens to be connected and inter-related.

Yes, somehow… what is concocted in those leatherette chairs in the CBS glass building, does have a profound impact on people’s lives, be it good or bad. Unfortunately, so far, it has been bad, and our international credit rating proves it.

May God Bless Seychelles and All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Comedy - State House Anytime Now

Situation at State House has been growing restless. The President has been frustrated over Patrick Pillay’s resignation, and cocktail accusations of corruption. After getting nothing out of the African Union, and being placed next to Mugabe, and the SADC group wants Seychelles to remove trades tax to allow goods to freely flow, Mr. President feels burnt in Africa. He wants the fame and fan fare that Mancham enjoys, breakfast with the Press Club in DC, lunch with the Washington Post , meetings with top US people and leaders.

JenPa: Good morning Mr. President, as you have placed yourself as Foreign Minister and you have left me out of the picture by moving Barry Faure in as Principal Secretary, what role do you envision for my smart self sir?

Mr. President: Ah JP, do not take it too badly. I am not sending you packing my boy, you will always carry my bags. So every time I travel, you will have a 5 star room right next door to me. Every time we arrive in Abu Dhabi and we are received in an Oldsmobile Delta 88 stretch limo, you will be there next to me. I need you to write letters for me. Like that nasty little letter you wrote Mathew Servina a few weeks ago.

JenPa: Yes of course Sir, I understand. You need the light to shine on you a bit, to prop your self up and look statesmanlike....or like Mancham our First President.

Mr. President: Yes you are dead on JP, I need to look like a statesman with qualifications of course, which is why I demanded that I be named Chancellor of the University of Seychelles. Now I don’t have to earn a degree, I can of course just give myself one. As I give myself the University of Seychelles degree, I will automatically get a University of London Degree like Philippe Boulle. There, I have outsmarted, even the smartest on the Seychelles Bar! How do you like that JP?

JenPa: What about this Gill who is also a lawyer? He seems to always outsmart us. He now does a blog with other smart people, and they send it out to thousands of people each week. They work off googles engine and puff Mr. President, an opposition in cyberspace and it cost them nothing. Not a penny to attack you and our grand party Lepep, and they even draw funny cartoons of Sosis and the old Barbaron Master.

Mr. President: Well JP my smart SOS, there is irony in everything. In fact, it was the blog cartoon of me going to the moon that made me want to finally take the big leap into Foreign Affairs. I want to be where it’s happening like Mancham. Along the way, I will have you by my side.

JenPa: What if Ramkalawan takes the Country?

Mr. President: Don’t worry JP, you are young indeed. You are a better swimmer than survivor. In this game, it is about survival, in luxury of course. Look my friend, do you not attend these district meetings, we have too many gutters to clean, to keep them clean, too many bins to empty, to keep them emptied, too many passengers and not enough buses, too many seats on Air Seychelles to fill, too many students to school and train to educate, too many people to keep healthy. We are finished JP, I feel sorry for you and your generation. Your lives, and all LP Youth will be hell. Ton Albert and me have skimmed all the fat and sucked all the milk that can be sucked. The only thing left now is 18000 drug addict and alcoholics, and ladies asking for better pay, better housing, better buses, better MNA, better Ministers, and yes, a better President. Our university has more titles than degree courses offered. We have taken over polytechnic like Gill said we should instead of building a university on reclaimed land with speed boat access like Dr. Rolph (in two weeks) proposed. We are going fast my boy. Our only hope is the deep blue skies of Foreign Affairs with a little help from Mancham if I can get it.

JenPa: So you mean we will travel until we die, Sir?

Mr. President: Only if we are lucky JP!

JenPa: Oh goodie, I don’t have to write to Mathew Servina, and I don’t have to meet people from the Districts. I can live on Facebook. Yeep Yeep!

Mr. President: Your glass is not full yet JP!

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

Mr. Governor Takes Us On Deep Dive Down

The Seychelles Governor of the Central Bank Mr. Pierre Laporte has been pre-occupied with making hotel establishments display Seychelles Rupee pricing. He has been vigorously implementing legislation, sending out published notices in the Nation newspaper, to direct the earners of hard currency how to participate in the economy. He even gave us a deadline.

Mr. Laporte’s attempt to legislate confidence in the Seychelles Rupee, also has a stiff cash penalty and term of imprisonment for non-compliance. That should get everyone to shake in their boots.

He could not have chosen a worse time to threaten the Public and the Tourism Trade with prison sentences, when the Judiciary has only one (1) magistrate, after six(6) resigned for want of better pay. An average drug charge can take ten (10) years to get to trial these days, according to those in the know. It will get worse if Finance does not come up with a lot of money fast.

Euro Strong on the World Market, but Weak In Seychelles Only

Under Mr. Laporte’s “hocus-pocus” central banking, the Euro is weak in Seychelles, and getting weaker everyday. Currently in the world, the Euro is enjoying an all time high against the Pound Sterling, against the US Dollar and against almost every other convertible currency on Earth.

In Seychelles, the Euro has lost over 40% of its value since Pierre Laporte started to implement his “hocus-pocus” banking polices. Since devaluation of the Seychelles Rupee last year, the Seychelles Rupee traded as high as 22.00 – 1.00 Euro. Now, it is trading as low as 13.00 – 1.0 Euro. Remarkable success for a country whose GDP is (minus) -25% for the same period. We are truly living in “Another World”!

How does Mr. Laporte pull off such miracles with the system? Divine intervention maybe?

Seychelles Not Paying Debt

A small part of the answer is that Seychelles is not paying its unsustainable debts. It has a moratorium on all its debts bilateral, multilateral, commercial, until January 2011. At that time, we will have to pay debts. It will be very painful for about Fifteen (15) years. Mr. Laporte has built up 2 months reserve of about $100 Million, which will be used in part to service debts. The President says it is for rice in emergencies. Well, we are in an emergency now and it is not for rice, try Seychelles Rupees. The people have none.

But the answer is more complicated than that.

Pierre Laporte’s Plan was focused on Inflation Primarily

The reason why we are in an economic grave hole, is that Pierre Laporte’s prognosis for our economic woes focused primarily on inflation fighting by empowering the Seychelles Rupee. He has been successful at that. Initially, after devaluation last year, Reuters reported Inflation in Seychelles reached 78%. Most recently, as the Seychelles Rupee built up muscle, inflation now stands at 31%, but still second highest in Africa. To get an idea how bad the Seychelles has been managed, we are second only to Zimbabwe. Frightful thought indeed.

Now he has proposed to buy up Euros and US Dollars from commercial banks to stabilize the rates. Of course, this a great way for Central Bank of Seychelles to buy foreign currency on the cheap seeing the Seychellois people have no rupees left to buy currency from the commercial banks, let alone rupees to buy food. All this is good and normal, but it is not enough. I hope Mr. Laporte will not be travelling over the next 60 days.

What He Did Not Do

What Pierre Laporte did not do while he sat in his leather chair at the Central Bank and plot the countries recovery is establish an early program to ensure that liquidity in the market was preserved to foster economic stimuli and activity. He ignored that and admits in the Sunday evening news, he was relying on the “good morals of bankers to do the right thing”.

Since when do central bankers rely on the good morals of bankers to run the economy? For that matter, the good morals of anyone? Did Mr. Laporte rely on the good morals of the Tourism Trade to establish confidence in the Seychelles Rupee? No, he legislated it, however improper it was. But why is Mr. Laporte treating the biggest profit centres in Seychelles, the banks ,like a club of toddlers who need a baby sitter?

What Mr. Laporte has not done, and he better do it fast, is establish a global banking standard in Seychelles instead of letting the commercial banks run amok like they are currently doing at the detriment of the Seychellois business community. Banks, lest we forget, are those little institutions that are in the business of earning money at small amounts at a time in the form of reasonable interests rates, and reasonable commissions, for money related transactions that make the economy of a country run efficiently and hence allow it to prosper and grow.

Banks must not be in the LOAN-SHARKING business, or in the business of charging exaggerated fees and interest, that go beyond what is acceptable trade practice in the industry. Not just in Seychelles, but in the entire World. After all, banks in Seychelles enjoy a sort of cartel. Hence, they cannot be the standard of proper banking business practice. And let us not forget that the Seychelles Government also operates 3 banks in Nouvobanq, Development Bank of Seychelles and the Seychelles Savings Bank!

Exxagerated Commissions or Simply Robbing The Seychellois Customer?

Where in the world does a bank buy a British Pound for SR 15.05, and then turn around and sell it at SR 19.25 rupees, making a SR 4.20 gain or 28% profit in less than a minute? Where in the world does a bank sell a US Dollar for SR 9.30 and then turn around and sell the same for SR 11.98, making a SR 2.68 profit or a 29% profit?

But tell us where in the world, other than Seychelles, can a bank send a wire transfer of Euro 100,000 and make a profit of SR 311,350? Yes, Mr. Laporte, that is THREE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY SEYCHELLES RUPEES profit, plus of course additional wire transfer fees to boot? That amount is more than what most Seychelles businesses make as a net profit in an entire year!

And while Mr. Laporte wants to put local hoteliers in jail for not following Central Bank’s par rates, the commercial banks are free to gouge their customers to financial oblivion! And Mr. Laporte has even suggested that if hotels don’t like it, they can apply to become an official money changer through a Bureau De Change. Pity the small guest houses and small hotels that will now be burdened with another license fee and running a bureau de change in order to satisfy their guests who simply want to pay their bills!

So, it is now up to Mr. Laporte to set the parameters for the commercial banks in Seychelles. That is his job. If he needs help, I volunteer my knowledge, free of charge, to get it right. Seychelles cannot afford to stay indefinitely on the wrong track. If we do, even Mr. Laporte will want a seat on Tiger Airways flight from Singapore to Perth, Australia.

What Is Wrong With Our System

Interest rates are not controlled or subjected to any controls. Banks and for that matter, any one with a license, can charge any interest rate they choose. Interest rates can mercilessly be compounded monthly under Seychelles laws or lack thereof.

This is a medieval business practice found in the days of King Arthur, the Patriarch of the Kingdom of England. If we are a civilized society, banks must come to the table all trimmed out and proper.

We must set limits to prime rates of interest and additional interest charged for risk analysis. Banks must then start working within those margins. After all that is what banks do. This will encourage them to lend more and spread their lending and business base; as opposed to restrict their lending base to 1.PUC, 2.Seybrew, 3. SEPEC, 4. Cable and Wireless, 5. SPTC.

The wider the base for loans is spread, the more penetration and impact money will have in the economy. It will be a critical tool to remove us from this stagflation status we are now living under.

But banks must direct capital to solid partners as well, and not toss their reserves to every one and anyone that has an idea, albeit a bad one.

As money circulates, and properties are placed as mortgages in real terms, then citizens will become active participants in the economy in a meaningful way. And more responsible citizens too.

Government must allow properties to be marketable to enrich its citizens. This means it will have to get rid of the “Gardette Law”, “no construction at or above 50 meter topography”, found on Praslin and La Digue. This type of policy is a disincentive towards economic prosperity. If we are to watch every fruit bat pass by as an economic principle, then SPPF-LP must say so. Then we will judge who is the fruit bat, or sick-bat!

I remember the quote in a meeting not so long ago where one smart intelligent businessman was explaining to an idiot about the fundamentals of business (without having to steal from his neighbour that is): “You cannot promote growth and restrict it at the same time”. The idiot of course answered: “Yes We Can”! Maybe he was an Obama groupie!

Why Spread The Access To Loans

Because that is what banks are suppose to do. Make money available and not hoard it. Banks must make reasonable profits from involving others, and this fosters greater stability. When banks restrict access to funds unreasonably, banks in turn foster greater instability themselves. In fact, they will be in a big way, responsible for high risk they assess to borrowers when they say Seychelles is a high risk lending jurisdiction, hence the 10%-15% clip above what should be charged for lending fees.

Now that we are in a stagflation-depression, our Rupee is mighty again, hotels are cutting costs, freezing hiring, unemployment will rise, occupancy rates will drop further, total receivables will drop further than -25% as Seychelles will structurally get more expensive then any 5 star investor ever imagined, to the point that goods in warehouses will rot, the public will suffer greatly. I ask Mr. Laporte and the LP, wake up and seek a second opinion my friends, for you have made a royal mess of an ordinary communist mess.

I suggest you provide the business community a few seats on your board Mr. Laporte. Then make the Central Bank Governor present bi-annual plans to the board. Once approved, implement. If a crisis arises, call for an emergency meeting and resolve the matter. But do get a bit more serious over the affairs of our economy because we are now in a truly royal mess.

That means we are in a royal communist mess......nothing moderate about that, huh!

May God Bless Seychelles and All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

BOOK REVIEW: A man for all regions - By Lelei Lelaulu

SEYCHELLES GLOBAL CITIZEN: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SEYCHELLES

By James R. Mancham

Paragon House, $24.95, 352 pages

Reviewed by Lelei Lelaulu

Generally, after distinguished careers, internationally recognized political leaders from the developing world descend gently into well-deserved rest from the strobe lights of the politico-paparazzi. Sir James R. Mancham, K.B.E., is an intriguing exception. His helmsmanship of the Republic of Seychelles, a tiny group of islands off the African coast in the Indian Ocean, was rudely shortened by a violent coup that ended democracy on the tiny island nation.

Undeterred by the brutality of the Tanzanian-supported coup on his isolated archipelago, Mr. Mancham, traveling in other regions, plied his "smiling philosophy" of dignifying the views of political opponents, gaining the respect of leaders in the nongovernment firmament.

In his accounts of negotiations to gain independence from London, Mr. Mancham details a litany of encounters with duplicitous British officials who could have populated a lesser John le Carre novel of bungling and betrayal by the guardians of the Establishment.

Mr. Mancham, who originally pushed for integration with Britain, soon realized colonizers could not be relied on and were even downright deceitful dealing with their charges. He writes, "[T]he word 'colonialism' had become synonymous with oppression, injustice and brutal exploitation."

Even when the Union Jack was lowered for the last time in the capital Victoria during the independence celebrations in June 1976, the first Seychellois president looked out to the harbor at warships assembled to respect the new nation from India, Australia and Iran. He rued that there was "not a single name from that never-ending list which constituted the Falkland Islands invasion armada."

Educated in London and Paris by parents of Chinese-French extraction who wanted their bright son to be "a man of letters and culture," Mr. Mancham did return as a Middle Temple-anointed barrister, but he used his legal training to enter the political arena with calls to repeal laws such as one protecting the "almost feudal privileges of the island's planters which made it an offence for an ordinary Seychellois citizen to be in possession of a coconut without a written permit."

It was also at the time when nationalist fervor in Africa had been excited by British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan's "winds of change" speech committing London to the dismantling of its empire as quickly as possible. Mr. Mancham wryly suggests decolonization was Whitehall's way of preparing the United Kingdom for entry to the European Union.

However, the colonial practice of divide and rule, the denuding of resources and the dumping of territories accelerated as spent colonies were ejected from the chilly bosom of Whitehall. And, without adequate training and appropriate aid, former colonies descended into civil strife and dictatorships.

Looking across the English Channel didn't help, as Mr. Mancham was subjected to the perfidy of a Paris trying to wrench cultural dominance from the English, who vanquished them in battles for control of the islands in the 19th century. In fact, it's a wonder Mr. Mancham didn't swoon into the welcoming arms of the Soviets after his subjection to the double-dealing of Paris and London.

When you grow up in a colony, it is hard to think of any Big Power initiative that was based on altruism. Indeed, when London and Washington acceded to Mr. Mancham's push for an international airport, it was clear the oil-consuming West needed an "unsinkable aircraft carrier" like the powerful U.S. base in neighboring Diego Garcia to monitor and protect the oil lanes. So, the Seychelles got an airport big enough to land military aircraft, and the airliners bearing high-end tourists and their tourism dollars.

Mr. Mancham noted the base was moved to Diego Garcia instead of another preferred island because of a small colony of booby birds. There were, however, no displayed qualms when the native human inhabitants of Diego Garcia were removed to make way for the fortress.

After the start of his forced exile, Mr. Mancham started to really play on the international stage. At the Universal Peace Federation, he was thrust into the international limelight in New York alongside the likes of former Prime Minister Edward Heath, former Secretary of State Alexander Haig and other luminaries. He joined the Interreligious and International Federation for World Peace, which placed him in the company of religious leaders of diverse faiths and regions.

His wanderlust contributed to his political ouster, and the coup leaders used his many absences as excuses for toppling Mr. Mancham, but through his exposure to other lands, he was also able to see that without aid from the colonial governments, the best way to generate income was through their citizens' desire to travel to faraway islands.

Ignoring the colonial masters, he went to the people. Recognizing tourism as the largest voluntary transfer of resources from the colonizers to their ex-colonies in history, it was only a matter of time before British and French tourists were taking and leaving in the Seychelles more money than their governments gave in aid.

So, yes, Mr. Mancham had a taste for the sweet, fast life, trotting the globe in style, watering with the jet set, but he also almost singlehandedly lured the high-spending glitterati of the early 1970s to the Seychelles. And, as we know, where celebrities go, so go the paparazzi, whose pictures of half-naked celebs and royals relaxing on beaches beamed around the world - priceless branding gifts for unknown destinations.

It wasn't long before the seductive charms of the Indian Ocean island nation of some 85,000 souls was drawing 75,000 tourists a year to the airport that Mr. Mancham built. He put the Seychelles on the world tourism map at its richest layer where well-healed elites stay longer and spend more money.

Mr. Mancham is the father of his country, and with his superb PR skills, he transformed an obscure backwater into a destination synonymous with the good life. Because of that, he bequeathed to the Seychelles tourism-generated income far beyond what even the most benevolent former colonizer could have offered. And he did so by energetically and skillfully being a man for his nation in all regions.

Lelei LeLaulu writes on the linkages between development, climate change, conservation and food security for the Development Executive Group.

US Ambassador Needed - By Sir James Mancham

Printed in the Washington Times - 23rd September 2009

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/23/us-ambassador-needed/

By Sir James Mancham

No country is small if it is surrounded by the sea. If you need to ask someone why that statement is true, I suggest you ring up the director of national defense of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen. Qian Lihua. On Sept. 1, he visited the Republic of Seychelles, an archipelago of some 110 islands scattered in the western part of the Indian Ocean. He arrived at the head of a high-level military delegation to sign an agreement of military cooperation.

"The Chinese Ministry of Defense and the Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF) have since 2004 been working together to develop and build cooperation between our two forces," he said. "We have laid a good foundation for the future development of our bilateral and military to military relations."

Or you could ask Stuttgart-based commander of the U.S. African Command, Gen. William E. Ward. A few days after Seychelles signed the military agreement with China, the United States rushed him to Seychelles to assure the nation's leaders that the United States is committed to "a partnership toward the common objective of peace and security in the region and around the world."

No American ambassador was present at that meeting, because unlike China, Russia, India, the United Kingdom, France and even Cuba, the United States does not maintain an embassy in Seychelles. So instead, a military general was sent to mollify us while the Chinese strengthen their relationship with the leaders of Seychelles.

Of course, as the founding president of the Republic of Seychelles, deposed by Marxist rebels in 1977 and forced into exile for 15 years, I knew the strategic and global importance of the islands that have now become a vacation paradise for wealthy visitors from around the world -- many of them American celebrities and movie stars. After the end of the Cold War, I was allowed to return home and did so in the spirit of national reconciliation with a view to bring unity in the country and to work for world peace. Now, I am in the United States this week to pose the question: How can the United States say, in one breath, that its relationship with Seychelles is important, but not important enough to maintain an embassy and full diplomatic status?

The Seychelles has always been a sleeping strategic giant. In fact, during the Napoleonic War, the British and the French for many years fought over the islands until the Treaty of Paris of 1814 recognized that the Seychelles had become British.

After the Falkland Islands war, the late U.S. Adm. Robert J. Hanks of the Institute of Strategic Studies here in Washington came up with a report of limited circulation. Adm. Hanks said that were it not for the fact that the United Kingdom controlled the island of Ascension, Britain never would have been able to recover the Falklands because the friends of the United Kingdom were also friends of Argentina. Furthermore, Adm. Hanks was of the opinion that strategically located islands had the potential of being regarded as "unsinkable aircraft carriers."

The growing competition for power and influence in the Indian Ocean, the world's primary energy and trade seaway, has certainly put the Seychelles at the center of superpower rivalry, not unlike the position held by another island resort in the 1950s more familiar to Americans than our nation -- Cuba.

The signing of a military collaboration agreement in peacetime or in the fight against piracy is one thing, but how such an agreement becomes effective in a moment of crisis and confrontation is certainly a matter for serious concern and conjecture.

While on the "military basis" both the United States and China could consider the situation "balanced," the Chinese appear to be winning diplomatically. The Chinese are operating with full ambassadorial presence and are extremely active in day-to-day people-to-people diplomacy.

Sadly, at the end of the Cold War, after Seychelles had hosted a U.S. tracking and spying station on its main island of Mahe for more than 25 years, the United States withdrew its ambassador from Seychelles on the grounds that the State Department had to make budgetary savings in order to find the necessary funding for new embassies it was opening in Eastern Europe.

By acting in this manner, the United States sent the unfortunate signal that its presence in Seychelles was purely motivated by its perceived "national interest" rather than respect for the sovereignty of the Republic of Seychelles and the pride of the Seychelles people. For this reason, when Chinese President Hu Jintao made an official visit to Seychelles some months ago, he was very much applauded when he told the people that China will not be a "fair weather friend."

This provokes me to ask: What weather conditions need to be in place for the United States to reopen its embassy and play its own role of people-to-people diplomacy?

Sir James Mancham, K.B.E., is the founding president of the Republic of Seychelles.

Seychelles Cartoon - The Curse

"The Curse"

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

Central Bank Governor Introduces “Wobble-Nomics” To Seychelles

Our mild mannered Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles (CBS) Mr. Pierre Laporte has been grappling with his new legislation to require that local establishments publish rates in Seychelles Rupees and when converting currency, they must use a median rate that the CBS issues from time to time. What about our commissions? What about our risks of taking fake notes? What about our profits? What if we have to buy and sell to complete multiple transactions? Are you really serious and have you not heard of letting the market find its own balance?

Here Comes “Wobble –Nomics”

In the meantime, the President of Seychelles, also the new Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, has taken to the districts throughout Seychelles to meet with hard core supporters in “tet a tet” meetings that are meant to discuss the future of Seychelles. But instead, complaints about coconut grass growing to light post tops, lack of street lights, drugs in schools, gutters over flowing with rubbish, prostitution and lack of public buses occupy the President’s time with the people. The future of Seychelles is indeed bright with so many great ideas emanating from these smart, propped-up Lepep supporters!

One of the key points the President relies on to show his programmes, (the IMF Plan) is working is the ever powerful Seychelles Rupee that has gained over 20% in value against major world currencies like the United States Dollar and the European Market Euro of course.

Poor US Dollar is now USD 1.00 = SCR 11.62, lower than the last figures to come from the Black Market. One mighty Euro trades only at SCR 16.62. President Michel says that is a success and it will curb inflation and reduce the cost of living for us poor Seychellois.

CBS Governor Pierre Laporte and George Thande (an embedded Nation newspaper journalist) tell us that inflation in Seychelles has gone from 78% to 31%. President Michel back in the Districts argues to the old ladies and pension-aged men that the cost of living is coming down and that everything is fine, to stay the course, to have courage, to back his Lepep party reforms and to continue supporting his Jj spirit. According to the Emperor, all is well in the land of the Emperor without clothes!

Meanwhile, and in my opinion, Governor Pierre Laporte’s stance is a little like acting like he is a muscle man economist when he looks in the glass of the Central Bank building before entering the office for a days work. Nothing could be further from the truth or this perception.

In fact, they are all relying on the “wobble-nomics” Pierre Laporte has brought to the Central Bank to fake a little more success. Why wobble? Because Mr. Laporte’s move to increase Treasury Bill’s interest to 32% soaked up most of the Seychelles Rupees in the system. While the Seychelles Rupee is strong against the USD and Euro, our receivables as a country are down – 20% and our GDP is – 10 % according to IMF. How can your currency gain when your economy is in free fall and no jobs are being created? Big question but here is the answer. What he has done is a little like a body builder taking steroids to build muscle. Steroids is cheating and the cheating comes back to destroy a bodybuilder’s health, even reducing the size of you know what!

Black Market Wobbles Back from No Supply High Demand to High Supply No Demand

The Governor of Central Bank has created a dangerous situation. Now that traders have over stocked goods in warehouses on a convertible Seychelles Rupee at the banks, these goods are too expensive to unload to the consumer who has a contracted supply of Seychelles Rupees. There is no new money and FDI coming into the system. Tourism is -20% according to Mr. Loustau-Lalanne of the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), and tourism spending is lower than previous years.

In the past, traders purchased hard currency on the black market and passed the cost on to consumers. Now, they purchase currency from banks at high rates including excessive bank commissions and do exactly the same; that is to pass the cost on to consumers. This time around, the goods stay with the Traders. Why? Because there are Reserves in hard currency, but there are no Seychelles Rupees out and about town. No one trusts the Seychelles Rupee enough to convert hard currency held in accounts beyond what they must. The only winner is the commercial banks who are making those large commissions that were previously being made by the “Black Marketers”!

With Mr. Laporte’s policies in place, we have wobbled along from a Black Market where there was no hard currency at the banks, to where now there is hard currency, but demand is stifled, activity brought to a grinding halt, while banks also charge exorbitant rates and commissions. Why?

Because Mr. Laporte let the banks do what they want including charge high commissions, while at the same time, he spends all his time and energy trying to legislate confidence in the Seychelles Rupee instead of legislating a favourable business environment to allow the Seychelles Rupee a fair chance in due course, to acquire its credentials.

He Dare Scare The Goose

Mr. Laporte’s legislation to impose confidence in the Seychelles Rupee has done nothing more than frighten the Tourism Industry players into freezing many future developments in Seychelles for fear of instability at the ships helm. Many are now putting properties up for sale to cut losses. Enough is enough. Where is Emirates, Qatari Diar, Beachcomber and many others with their promises of billions of dollars of investments? Where are the new jobs and new businesses? Are businesses expanding or contracting? No jobs, no new businesses mean less taxes collected by the Government. That is called a contracting economy!

With that said, Seychelles has had enough of freak show central bankers. Central Bank policy must be set by a Board made up of Trade, Government, capable, sensible, economics –finance expertise. A Central Bank Governor must not remain independent and in isolation any more, but must become answerable to a bona fide Board. And please Mr. Michel, not one of those boards like Air Seychelles with the same old faces or puppets of the master!

Bonuses from the Minister of Finance for doing a good job at royally screwing up our economy each year must come to an end. Golden Parachutes must be packed and stacked once and for all. Finally, Central Bankers and their staff must become accountable and face criminal charges when found guilty of manipulating the system for their personal gain or the gain of their masters. This must be retroactive to include former Governors not because it is right, but because we need the money that has gone missing. Sadly, ex-CBS Governor Mr. Aboo Aumeeruddy has recently suffered a stroke in his home country of Mauritius, and of course the last controversial CBS Governor Francis ChangLeng is now enjoying his large exit cheque and a fat monthly pension paid for by Seychellois taxpapers! How ironic that we reward those who fail us!

Now that the goose has been scared to a fright, the industry freezes the conversion of hard currency as much as possible and holds. As the rates Mr. Laporte dishes out become unfavourable and compound the cost of doing business in Seychelles by 20% -30% overnight, be warned, wobble-nomics will always blow up in your face, Mr. Governor. And the Black Market very soon will pay you a visit… in fact, it has already returned as consumers are getting tired of being ripped off by exorbitant bank rates and commissions! A free market indeed!

Today, the Black Market lurks behind the closed doors of the commercial banks. Supply of goods rots and expires in warehouses because the people cannot afford what Mr. Laporte has done. Our old people beg Mr. President to bring down the cost of living and he has nothing much to say. Prices in the shops are up, fuel prices are up, PUC rates are up. And yet, prices according to Mr. Michel is down. But then, maybe the containers of goods and freebies that come in for the elite, the army, the connected and the upper echelon of Seychelles are not taxed and are delivered straight to the homes like always.

So while our moderate communist leaders continue to speak with forked tongues and continue to deceive the masses with their promises, the people weep tears of pain and continue their daily struggle to feed their children, to find a job and to pay their bills.

So here is to our strong Seychelles Rupee SPUP....SPPF....now “MODERATE” Lepep....all failures as usual, despite the name changes.

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!

Seychelles Cartoon

Jj off to the Moon

Seychelles Comedy - State House Anytime Now

HANDOUTS FROM THE CHINESE, LITTLE EMPIRES & THE REVOLUTION

The relentless begging continues as The President of Seychelles plays all his diplomatic cards to scrape a few bucks here and there under the banner of protecting our vulnerability from the pirates. After the Americans and the Arabs, he now woos the Chinese. More slush funds to wield the big stick on his people when we get closer to election time. Meanwhile, he has decided that there should never be any little empires in his government. James Napoleon Michel he is and will remain!

JenPa: Good Morning Sir! We have the top Chinese military officials visiting today and they have agreed to grant us close to one Million US Dollars. This is great as it will be added to the defence kitty and no one will complain. Such grants go a long way towards our own personal security as this is the time where we need it the most.

Mr. President: So the Opposition cannot accuse us of using the Seychelles Army budget as slush funds. We can use the money to reward the loyalty of those protecting us. Our security detail has more than doubled since I assumed the presidency and we need to pay for this – especially in these dire economic times. We do not want an army rebellion like we had in Madagascar on our hands. We will have a major problem if the people start taking to the streets. Right now, it seems that our strategy of hearing them out in the districts is working and we are giving them ample airtime on SBC. Even if it is a small group, it can influence the rest. And Onezime is now my man at SBC.

JenPa: Indeed Sir. We are pursuing a similar strategy as the Chinese. We encourage all foreigners to invest in Seychelles to bring in the wealth, distribute this among the preferred clan and hand out a few services and basic housing to the population. This is Capitalism a la Communist style. When we have a revolt on our hands we do not condone such attitudes and we keep everyone in line. They are really clever these Chinese. They give us 2 buildings for the pillars of our Constitution and provide the Executive with the stick to keep total control.

Mr. President: This is the strategy my boy. I learned this well from the old man from Barbarons. You let the country run into a bit of chaos, then you take a tough approach towards everything and you annihilate the opposition in the process. Everything is done for a reason. I am an old fox at this. While the drones and Atalanta forces watch over us and help us out of this IMF economic mess, we secure ourselves, I call early elections based on the premise that things are getting better and I’m in for my third term. Now that we have started cleaning up with the NDEA, things are getting a little clearer. Cannot catch the bigger fish yet as they are a vital part of our funding for all our election campaigns.

JenPa: Clever thinking boss! By this time, I will hopefully be able to take over old Pat’s seat and run a fine diplomatic institute that will make us proud. I will surely include you on some of the key trips of course. With the Jj Spirit foundation having taken root, I can ride on this tide to succeed you in this humble abode of the State House.

Mr. President: Yes, I had to retire some of these old dead heads and reshuffle some others. This is a great way to show that we are moving ahead and making progress even though it is the same old inefficient bunch that we are tossing around. It gives a semblance that we are working even though it is only marking time! We do not have any new people to appoint in these key positions. So the excuse is that in order to eliminate complacency and to stop them from building little empires, we shuffle them around. Incidentally, there are a few such as cowboy Maurice and Fat IDC Boy who will soon ride into the sunset. Or perhaps retirement will be the most appropriate word.

JenPa: It is a good idea Sir. But real little empires are still there for us all to see. Some of them like Mukesh have disappeared behind empires such as Intelvision and hotels, Ramadoss has got so much on his plate that he cannot chew anymore. Gros Sosis is nowhere to be found and left us with the massive hole that IMF is trying to fill. The list is endless. Too many emperors, too little subjects Sir! Or shall I say too many Chiefs and a lot of Indians!!

Mr. President: Yeah. And then there is the eternal problem of the infamous Savy brothers that will be with us until the old man goes to meet his Creator. Little Francis took a few years at STMA and came out with a massive empire that even I do not know where it starts and where it ends. Our own Air Force Captain David has made our national airline his own property and big boy Glenny is the main island man and thinks he owns our whole EEZ while he sells our islands and island villas to South Africans and Mauritians. I believe that he was the target of the Somali pirates. That would have warranted a big fat ransom indeed.

JenPa: We also need to start rotating the ministers around or bring in some fresh blood. Our people are tired of seeing the same old faces on their TV screen every night singing the same old tunes. Joel got himself entangled in the PUC saga and Danny tried his best to cover the holes that Joel made after the Perseverance fiasco. Blaming Barclays Bank Seychelles was not too clever. Do you think this reflects well on your administration Mr. President? These guys are a bunch of clowns when it comes to handling some simple explanations to the media. Even our little Serbian press secretary does a better job with her lovely accented Creole. Despite the fact that the new media commission is a load of baloney, she managed to sweeten it out. I’ve told her to continue wearing those low-cut dresses when she’s on TV as our people will not focus on what she is saying.

Mr. President: Smart boy JP. She is definitely a good asset for us and we should use her a lot more. From now on, she will be doing all the press interviews that I do not feel comfortable about. It is a good cover. I can take on all the stuff that brings me the credit so that I can get my ratings up. Incidentally, we now have a much tighter grip on the media situation. No more of this Face a Face Jacqueline comedy which was threatening to let the cat amongst the pigeons. Onezime has been the key element in our strategy at SBC and he has been duly rewarded. He will keep the lid tightly shut and will continue to ask only questions that make us look good.

JenPa: I fully support the view that young people have to be given the chance to shine. This is what the Jj Spirit mantle is all about. As long as the old heads are around, we will not make much headway. Remember that this regime has been around for far too long Sir. There are some long serving members who need to shed their dead weight. Politics is about new ideas, new visions. I am grateful that you have recognised this and have made a case for empowerment.

Mr. President: I love this word “empowerment”. It shows that we are becoming more democratic doesn’t it? How do you empower people? Well you give them power right? If you give them power they might topple you one day. So the empowerment has to come from within. We provide our people with the resources for them to empower themselves.

JenPa: Indeed Sir. This empowerment comes at the right time. We will soon have our own university and our people will be able to grab these opportunities to follow your vision for a better tomorrow. By the time you are ready to hand over the reins of power, you will be respected as the man who empowered the Seychellois people after so many years of absolute power and control.

Mr. President: Now don’t you try to get too funny JP. We did this coup d’etat for a cause. Look at where we are today. Back then, we did not want Mancham to be laying the foundations of what this modern Seychelles is today. He was going all out to broker deals with the rich and famous but today, I can go down in history as the one who accomplished this dream.

JenPa exits the President’s office and shakes his head as he realises that all this has come a little too little too late! The Seychelles Empire has been divided and shared amongst the emperors, princes, maharajahs and princesses, and now whatever is left is being auctioned off to the Sheiks and other fat cats who have finally woken up and found their own little piece of Paradise. The poor Seychellois who believed in the famous struggle and “la revolution” will now have to contend with a mean little job at the beck and call of an emperor...

Seychelles Comedy - State House Anytime Now

YANKEES, PLEASE COME BACK HOME!

Finally we have a God sent African American President in the White House and he is starting to take a closer look at Africa and give a chance for his brothers to shine but at the same time advance the grand scheme of the USA to keep tabs on those Communist regimes like China who want to rule the world...and countries like Seychelles!

JenPa: Good Morning Sir! The high level delegation from the African Command Centre will be here within the hour and we need to ensure that we can get the best bargain out of the deal that they will be proposing to us. You have well noted that Mrs. Clinton has been doing her fair share of diplomacy on the African continent lately, although she did not stop in Seychelles.

Mr. President: Indeed JP. The time is ripe for Seychelles to strike a lucrative deal with the Americans and we need all the dollars we can get. I do not think they will remember me and the old gang who shouted ‘Yankees Go Home’ back in the 70’s. That was another era of course. Now we are calling them back because our safety is at stake and the only ones who can protect us are the Americans with their sophisticated machinery and firepower.

JenPa: Plus they have a vested interest in the whole region with the war in Afghanistan spreading down into Somalia and Yemen. Al Qaeda is closer to our doorsteps than we know. Can you imagine them taking our islands over? They will be closer to Diego Garcia and we can have an all out war in the region.

Mr. President: This is my philosophy of active diplomacy. Seychelles has to be friends to all. Just like wise old Jimmy said: “Friends to all, enemies to none”. It would probably have pleased Obama more if I had managed to get a Kenyan Chief Justice but at least we have a Ugandan. We are now using our influence with the Chinese to rebuild all our state institutions such as the Seychelles Parliament building and soon the Seychelles Judiciary building.

JenPa: Yeah, and now we are assured of a big US military presence with sophisticated hardware to watch over us in the counter terrorism age. That’s pretty clever Sir. I was told that during the days of the US Tracking Station Base at La Misere, several young Seychellois ladies were wooed by the Yankees and made it to the land of the free. Perhaps we can have the same effect now that a new wave of these hardy boys will be coming to town.

Mr. President: JP, we just cannot give them back the Tracking Station site as you know full well that we have given this to the Sheikh for one rupee. In fact, my strategy is to have the US presence here to keep our waters safer so that the big spenders from the Gulf can still enjoy our country as their playground and hopefully bring in the promised money to bail us out. I will suggest they take a few of the IDC hangars at the airport to run their operation.

JenPa: Sir, we can also propose a base on Ile Perseverance and get them to finish the construction of the dilapidated houses. In fact, they are also in search of a similar base such as Guantanamo to ship out the Al Qaeda prisoners, so they can use that to good effect and maybe pay us some more millions. By the way, I noticed that you did not invite our decorated Brigadier to attend the meeting?

Mr. President: Come on JP. That could have been a bit of an embarrassment don’t you think? His military knowledge is limited to AK-47s and building flats. I can see him asking the Commander a stupid question like “What is a DRONE”?

JenPa: Sir we need to be careful with those drones. They are highly sophisticated equipment that can turn against us as well. It has some sophisticated spying gear and flies remotely. We can use it to good effect and cut back on our spies that we place in all corners of Victoria. It can check on everything around the country. You can even get them to install a command centre right here at State House to check on every household. A perfect way to see if the activists are doing their jobs at campaigning for the next elections.

Mr. President: Great idea JP. Then we would have total control. If the Americans wants us to ease off on the freedom of the press by having more radios, TVs and independent newspapers, we can give in as we will not be monitoring every single household in this country. They can read and listen to what they want but we will have the ‘Big Brother’ power over them. Even at the elections the drones will be able to tell us where the people will be voting.

JenPa: We can now also spy on all the opposition leaders and see what they are up to. But can you imagine the sophisticated equipment we could have bought for all these years Sir. Now with the IMF telling us that we still have these $2.4 billion outstanding, we can also probably buy some of that sophisticated weaponry for our own use. If worse comes to the worse, at least we will know what to do. Cause once we have the Americans here, Obama’s desire for a flourishing democracy will prevail.

Mr. President: Indeed we have invested billions in this army of ours and we have nothing to show for except an old Topaz from India and one Chinese made surveillance aircraft. You see, if I did not engage in my active diplomacy we would still be in the age of 1977. JP, don’t you get it? The old Chief of Barbarons simply wants the Army here to protect his millions.

JenPa: Sir, we are back in the early days of the cold war. So we need to play our cards right. In the early days it was the Russians versus the USA for ideological influence and today it is the USA versus China for economic influence and of course the Middle-East oil supply. The Americans are hard working and intelligent and we need to provide them with all they require. This will be the key to our survival.

Mr. President: We will also finally get our nation to enjoy McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and JP, you and your good bossom buddy Ken can have all the best beers such as BUDWEISER! Ah, I can hear the cars coming up State House Avenue. Let us welcome those Yanks with open arms.

JenPa exits the President’s office with a smile on his face, thinking about all the young American hunks that will soon be on our beaches and in our nightclubs. Hmmm hmmmm! The President stares outside the window, wishing he was young again and wearing a US Marines uniform. Ah, just think of how the women would flock to me… And I would flash those dollar bills around… my my my, how the tides have turned… I think I am finally seeing the light and becoming a true Capitalist like Albert, Mukesh, Glenny and little Francis.

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

SPUP SPPF LE PEP SEEK HELP!

The SPUP/SPPF/Le Pep Party faced with the invasion of pirates from Somalia this year have used most of their diplomatic energy to seek find secure assistance from foreign nations to protect Seychelles territorial integrity.

Parade of Desperation

In a desperate move, President Michel sought aid of distant Japan when the first hostages were taken. He then sought the assistance of the French Embassy and France has embedded French marines with weapons on board the tuna boats that fish off the Somalia coast and the Seychelles. The French marines participated in the National Day June 18th parade and demonstrated their ability to march along side the Seychellois Coast Guard platoon. Unfortunately, President Michel going through the lowest support to date, had few people turn out for the parade except for the children of the enlisted watching on and some government officials.

We Must Welcome The AUV's

Most recently, the United States have rang in with support to place unmanned aerial vehicles in the line up to fight the pirates that threaten the safe passage of ships through and about the Gulf of Aden. The United States are sending 75 men to prepare the ground operations for the AUV drones which will be based in Seychelles, a highly strategic area to fight off pirates in the region. This represents the USA first military involvement in Africa since the debacle in Somalia under the Clinton administration days. Because lives are not placed in arms way, this effort is likely to prove very successful.

Say Thank You, SPPF Communists!

We must be grateful to the United States dealing Seychelles this favour and assistance in our hour of need. After all, this is the same United States that was practically kicked out of Seychelles by France Albert Rene, and James Michel himself, as they opted for Communist ideology and the close ties maintained with Communist Cuba, North Korea, USSR and China.

Yankee Save Our Communist Ass (Donkey)!

The Seychelles Government has been a regular at sound off calls internationally when it was time to do a little USA bashing. In the 1960's and 1970's the popular call led by Albert Rene and James Michel, was "Yankee Go Home"! Today they are calling, "Yankee save our Communist Ass (donkey)"!

Without the United States of America coming to our aid in our hour of need, Seychelles could be faced with an invasion of 2000 pirates when the Southeast Monsoon subsides. This is a reality that forced the Michel Administration to seek help from the United States of America.

USA Drones Will Save Tourism in Seychelles

The reality check for us is that if the United States would not have volunteered a fleet of drones to monitor Seychelles waters, our Tourism Industry would be all but sent to the intensive care unit (ICU) by the end of the year 2009 in spite of all the excellent work Mr. Alain St.Ange and Mr. Louis D' Offay's team are doing to clean up the morass left by SPPF after years of inertia. Our most important industry today still does not have a dedicated Minister under the SPPF! Same goes for the fishing sector which has been left to rot like an old “poisson sale”, along with the corruption and mismanagement that have dragged this sector into oblivion!

USA Drones Will Save The Fishing Industry in Seychelles

The French and Spanish Tuna fleet would leave Seychelles and make for fishing in safer waters and land their catch in safer ports. Our economy would all be done in. Poverty and crime would consume us as we head for the Failed States Club of Africa.

Now, with the material and significant United States intervention, Seychelles has a fighting chance to climb out of the doldrums of economic depression and debt unsustainability created by Michel himself and all his Communist free wheeling, which led him to believe that Seychelles could borrow money around the World and not ever have to repay it. SPPF Communist leader Albert Rene and stepson Glenny Savy were no better at managing the economy let alone the fishing sector.

I Warned SPUP,SPPF Before!

I wrote in numerous articles in the past that the Government of Seychelles must cut its military budget and allow/invite international forces to protect Seychelles territorial integrity through mutual assistance agreements. This idea was shunned upon and the SPPF People rag, tagged me as an extremist and non nationalist. Now what has happen is the same people have run to seek external assistance.

National Pride on a stomach full of food is fundamentally different from National Pride on a stomach full of air you Communists! As your communist stomachs came face to face with the reality of a stomach full of air, you went on your knees and came to your senses.

How much time and money have you wasted over the years SPUP, SPPF, PL? Even the Indian Navy sounded off in the National Day Parade and delivered Topaz again after another engine rebuild and a paint job you could not even afford. Seychelles should encourage more interaction with the Indian Navy, but this time do not shun India while you make a run with the begging bowl to China. Respect India for her might, presence and success as a Nation, as we respect China. Even when China does not respect us, for example, by building our National Assembly (Legislative Branch of Government) and Judiciary Building, both democratic houses of debate and law, when China has no democracy and is still a one party Communist state.

Most recently, the Military Budget ballooned from SCR. 82 Million to SCR.225Million for 2009. The excuse was for fuel consumption of patrol boats. But now this expenditure has lapsed and the United States will foot the bill to patrol Seychelles waters.

Now SPUP SPPF PL, why don't you reduce this budget and save the People of Seychelles some badly needed cash? Or perhaps it is your undeclared intention to use that money to fund the theft of another election? Or will the SPDF be using the funds to build new flats, or importing some containers of fridges, flat-screen TVs, washing machines and building materials?

Audit The Army and Coast Guard - Set Up Hotline For Abuse

I call on the Leader of The Opposition, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan, to cause the establishment of proper procurement procedures within the Seychelles People's Defense Forces (SPDF).

I also call on the Leader of The Opposition, Mr. Ramkalawan, to not take SPUP SPPF LP words to be of much value, hence call for a audit of all funds given to the military, because it has been alleged and not denied or proved otherwise, that the military budget is nothing but a slush fund for the few, as many as two. It is not acceptable either for a military force to be writing “return to drawer” cheques in town.

Finally I ask the Leader of The Opposition to have the National Assmebly set-up a hotline to register information of abuse of funding and state resources. Push SPUP back in the holes of corruption and criminality that gave birth to them.

Welcome back Yankees, welcome back to your senses SPUP,SPPF, LP, but when it comes to the People's money, there is no compromise SPUP,SPPF,LP.

Audit the Defense Forces and let us find out who really owns all those big houses and apartments and businesses. Surely those measly Armed Forces salaries could not make some servicemen millionaires overnight!

Now that the Yankees are back SPUP, SPPF, LP, make sure no one lays their blood laden hand on me for my writing......I may have to contact my Congressman in Washington DC and he may have the drones sent back to Las Vegas.... and taxpayers money in USA will not be used to protect a bunch of corrupt Communists! Just remember Obama’s recent speech in Ghana. The world is now watching.

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois and Our Beloved Seychelles!

Press Release from President James R. Mancham - Seychelles

PRESS RELEASE FROM GLACIS-SUR-MER - SEYCHELLES

It is announced from Glacis-sur-Mer that Former President James R. Mancham yesterday 27^th August launched his autobiography “Seychelles Global Citizen” at a special reception at Labourdonnais Hotel in Port Louis, Mauritius. The reception was attended by several leading personalities representing politics, diplomacy, civil society, business community and representatives of the media in Mauritius.

Mr Mancham said that as a global citizen he is organizing to launch his book in various world capitals – Pretoria, London, Washington DC and Berlin over the next few weeks with a launching in Seychelles planned for Saturday 12^th September when his wife, writing under a professional name of Catherine Olsen will also launch her new novel “Sweet Seduction and the Third Mermaid” which is an intriguing fiction story evolving and revolving within Seychelles.

The Former President said that he had chosen to do the first launching in Mauritius because he was sure that within Mauritius democratic environment, his autobiography would attract a high level of media attention. This has in fact proved to be the case. Last night MBC TV news carried considerable coverage in their Creole, French, Hindi and English program whilst several national radio networks have broadcast several interviews. This morning Friday 28^th Le Matinal which is today’s Mauritius most popular morning paper carries a full half page article under the bold title of “Sir James Mancham, l’autobiographie d’une vie…”

Following the launching ceremony Former President Mancham discussed world affairs with the Mauritius Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Arvind Boolell and later met with Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Navin Ramgoolam at his office in Port Louis. In his capacity as a special advisor to the Board of Directors of the Institute of Cultural Diplomacy in Berlin, Former President Mancham invited Prime Minister Ramgoolam to deliver a keynote address in Berlin in November 2009 on the occasion of the 20^th anniversary of the breakdown of the Berlin Wall.

Last night Mr Mancham was a special guest of the South African Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles H.E Dumi Madumane Matabanet at a special dinner he was hosting on the occasion of the annual meeting of the Mauritius Writers Association.

This morning (Friday 28^th) Mr Mancham visited the Apollo Bramwell Hospital, a multi-million US dollar project which was recently opened and brought to this part of the world most modern and sophisticated medical facilities in the world today. The project was built under the directorship of Dr. Miodrag Todorovic who was for several years a leading surgeon in Seychelles. Mr Mancham was welcomed on his arrival at the hospital by Mr Bertrand Rassool (a former Seychelles High Commissioner in London) who is actually Vice-President of the British American Investment Group which substantially financed the hospital project besides being one of the leading business concerns in Mauritius and Southern Africa.

This evening Former President Mancham will be the guest of the Chinese Business Chamber on the occasion of their President Dinner 2009 which will be held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Mauritius Sir Anerood Jugnauth.

Mr Mancham is expected back in Seychelles from Mauritius on Saturday.

28^th August 2009

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

IMF says it is up to the People of Seychelles to find out about the missing US$ 2.4 Billion

During the IMF and Ministry Finance of Seychelles press conference, it was easy to miss a critical point that has a material bearing on all our lives, if one was not playing close attention.

The casual switching of languages on the part of the Minister of Finance made the interview more dubious.

When a domestic rodent is cornered on one side of your kitchen, it will usually try to scamper about and make for another corner, hoping you will think it is in the first corner, hence trick you into his survival.

Brief History of Missing $2.4 Billion

The missing $2.4 Billion has had a dubious history itself. Here are some notes for the Fake History author Shillington.

When this figure was announced in closed public meetings by the IMF last year, the SPPF tried to bury the figure and hide it from the Public. I wrote numerous articles on this missing US$2.4 Billion.

The Weekly and the Regar wrote numerous articles as well. Businessmen in our community went into a state of shock when they tried to count that money, as they wondered how on God’s earth, could Seychelles produce so much revenue and not have it banked into our economy. Some businessmen thought they were the richest in Seychelles, only to then come to understand, they had been outsmarted by some heavy weights of world standard.

As word spread throughout the land from the airport, to the taxi stand, to the pig style and chicken farms down to the beaches on La Digue and the bakka clubs in the hills of North and South Mahé, that this money ($2.4 Billion) was in fact missing in our system, everyone placed the blame on the shoulders of SPPF and the ruling elite. After all , the money simply vanished under their watch.

Minister Danny Faure led the parade to defend this malfeasance. President Michel took refuge behind the gates of State House, but prepared for a march on it, as he increased security there by installing Chinese CCTV cameras, that we paid Pound Sterling for, but they do not always seem to be able to work. He added more special forces to the State House gates as well. But most of all, he was banking on poor leadership in the Opposition camp to protect him.

Division in the Opposition breeds his survival in spite of being inept.

Minister Danny Faure took the battle to defend and stamp out the missing $2.4 Billion to the National Assembly. It was a moment that being trained and educated in Political Science in Cuba would pay off for him, as he egg beat the SNP brains into believing that the money belonged to offshore companies that were registered in Seychelles. The silver-tongued Minister Faure came out of the mess as a SPPF superstar.

SNP was either paid to shut up or they were in fact intellectually numbed by our Minister of Finance. Faure has the ability to hypnotize the Opposition in the National Assembly. It is a tool he will rely on to try and become President. The sooner, the better, for him at least.

The SNP said little in reply and the battle was taken to the press by Weekly and Nouveau Seychelles Weekly, and also via the popular internet blog STAR (Seychelles Truth Accountability Reality).

Leo the Turtle would stick his head out once in a while and mention the missing $2.4 Billion but never took the issue as critical.

When President Michel was confronted with the issue in a district meeting at Pointe Larue, he deferred the question and ordered Minister Faure, to dish out the explanation once and for all.

Faure ran over his off-shore company story that started to look like a Jack and Jill nursery rhyme. Faure would say that money $2.4 Billion exist and the IMF did in fact mention it. He says it represents money registered from clearing houses in Switzerland but the money belongs to offshore companies.

No subsequent questions were permitted and that is why perhaps the brain power of the nation does not attend these public fiascos. They remind us of the Bay of Pigs, and represent a complete slaughter of SPPF and it is ugly for a sitting President to live through. It does nothing to maintain respect for the structures of State. Ministers, Principal Secretary’s, Director Generals, Yes-Men, SPPF District Administrators and JJ Pioneers; all piled into the district halls with body guards and Police, taking up all the available seats possible. The charade is all theirs, and the play would make Shakespeare turn in his grave.

Wake Up To Missing $2.4 Billion

People of Seychelles, we must wake up to this missing $2.4 Billion. This money represents the money that was stolen from us over the many years of corruption in Seychelles, under the leadership of France Albert Rene and James Michel. Why do I say that? Simple. Read on. Next paragraph, please!

People of Seychelles, not once, did Minister Danny Faure or James Alix Michel, as caretakers of our benevolent interest, which is vested with all encumbrances, and multilateral obligations, externally, and all subsequent domestic obligations since June 5^th 1977, call for a forensic audit of this missing $2.4 Billion from our banking system and accounts. Not once have they said, they will look into it, investigate, trace the funds, to determine the point of origin and conclude if these funds were not derived from corrupt practice in government, parastatal entities or protected business interests that operate under the colour of state protection.

In fact, in one National Assembly meeting, wherein the SNP were tempted to ask about the missing $2.4 Billion (thank you Honorable Ferrari as you are sometimes a light in a dark tunnel), the Minister of Finance, trained in Cuba, told us, “ in the next IMF-meeting in May, I will take it upon myself to publically ask Mr. Mathieu to clear up this matter once and for all and we can bury it”.

The May consultations came and left, and Mr. Faure did not publically bring up the subject to Mr. Mathieu. As usual, a promise buried in the sand. Ostrich steak anyone?

The IMF have now re-confirmed that this missing $2.4 Billion does indeed exist. IMF says that it originates from Citizens of Seychelles. But they also said, “it was up to the People of Seychelles themselves to do something about it”. Mr. Mathieu said that it is not IMF mandate to handle this matter. This is a very diplomatic way of saying throw the buggers in jail if you have the courage to do so. If not, the IMF will continue to deal with whoever is in power since its mandate is to deal with the failed state, and not with political parties let alone the country’s non-existant judiciary or the ineffective Police and Criminal Investigation Departments of Seychelles.

The Missing $2.4 Billion Issue Says One Thing Critical

It shows that the leading Opposition party (SNP) does not have all the answers, and it shows clearly why we must all work together to rid Seychelles of the SPPF scourge. It we do not, then the scourge will remain and the culprits who stole our country’s money will continue to enjoy their ill-gotten gains (or “aki” as Michel continues to echo in all his boring speeches).

It shows that a little light burning bright can provide sufficient light in a dark room.

Why? Because I was the person who sent hundreds of emails out announcing the money was missing from our accounts, when everyone else remained silent and some stood in disbelief and even became overcome by fear. As I sent out hundreds of emails in Seychelles and the world over, the news spread like a wild fire. SPPF would be cornered indefinitely on this issue, and no matter what deals are cut to keep the issue silent, it will always roar! Give Back The Missing $2.4 Billion SPPF!

The issue also shows how the internet is changing how we deal with issues. As Bloomberg sounded in and Reuters looked on, Forbes magazine tuned in, and Seychelles mismanagement by SPPF became common knowledge the world over. Perhaps that is why they changed their names. I wonder what they will be called next year? How about the “Ghost Party” so that they can disappear into thin air?

A Solemn Appeal To Our Leadership

Having said that, it is for the sake of our Country, that I today, publically ask Honourable Wavel Ramkalawan, the Leader of The Opposition, to act now and to present a plan for a united opposition to remove SPPF from power. When we take our country back through peaceful means at the ballot box, we can go after the $2.4 Billion, recover it or what’s left of it, pay off our debts, and start rebuilding a successful nation that we can all be proud off. The alternative is to live another 3 decades of failure under a corrupt SPPF regime who since the 5^th June 1977, the saddest day in our short history, have pilfered and ruined our beautiful nation while destroying every democratic institution we had in the country.

History will remember us, but only if we take the time to create it. The seeds of destruction was planted by Albert Rene and James Michel, and have grown out of control just like the creepers that are taking over our once beautiful forests. Let us dig those roots out and start planting the news seeds of democracy today. For we never have the time we think we have.... as we go about our human ways!

SPPF, give back the missing US$ 2.4 Billion. The World is watching, and the citizens of Seychelles are already restless and watching your every move. Trust me when I say history will soon catch up with you!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois and Our Beloved Seychelles!

The Seychelles Column - By Christopher Gill

The Mess Takes On A New Dimension

Since James Michel has taken over the presidency from France Albert Rene, we have seen a lot dancing about the issues facing Seychelles. It’s time to double check the double steps in this communist inspired dance routine. Elections will be coming soon and we do not want to miss a step. We also do not want the Opposition to start believing they are in a state of emotional depression when they should not be. At this time, the Opposition needs to focus and focus hard, on a successful transition.

The Back Drop Prop

You will recall the early days of 2006, when Francis ChangLeng then Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles, would dominate our TV screens and SBC would allow him to say what he pleased to manipulate the Public’s impression of what our economic situation was really like. Mr. ChangLeng defended the strong Seychelles Rupee, he said our debts were sustainable, and told us to hand in all our hard currency and furthermore, Government had everything under control.

One domino friend said he ran State House and Michel took orders from him. Michel dare not touch him, for he is untouchable.

When President Michel came back from visiting the Pope at the Vatican, he announced to us that he was happy to say all our debts had been paid. Only soon after, we learned that he had in fact taken out more loans in the form of risky bonds which later his own Government would default upon in 2008. Mr. Chang Leng of course was behind the BOND Loans in conspiracy with defunct Lehman Brothers financial house. The Bonds were unsustainable, and anyone with half a wit could tell you that.

The Blame Game Man

At the peak of the fuel crisis as oil soared to US$ 147 per barrel, President Michel blamed those high prices for the downward economic trend Seychelles had taken. Today, as the price of oil has dropped by more then 100%, he now blames the world financial crisis for our woes.

Another excuse for an ongoing problem, without ever addressing the real problems of corruption and mismanagement in the Seychelles economy.

It is important to highlight these points, because we now see a pattern being developed under the Michel Administration. It is in fact an administration that has not performed its obligations to its people, nor to its creditors. In the end, as the Michel Administration fails in its mandate, the Nation as well as the people suffer.

Instead of accepting responsibility, the Michel Administration has been engulfed in a full time effort of passing the begging bowl as if a person was being buried but funds were lacking to purchase a coffin.

We are under IMF management. All key controls have been removed from the Administration. No real plan is in place. When international organizations arrive to our shores and seek accountability, the Administration acts as if it is helpless and does not know what it is doing. They ask for advisors and assistance. To round off the stage act. They pocket the assistance, and send the advisors home sooner than later, before they find out too much.

Drop The Plan, Now No Plan

The Strategy 2017 has been dropped and no one says anything about it anymore. This was Michel Administration plan to double our GDP in 10 years and make all Seychellois rich. In the plan there were dreams of US$ 4 Billion FDI, oil exploration, with discovery any day, opportunities were everywhere for every Seychellois. Now with no plan, there is no GDP, Seychellois are not rich except for the few, the rich gets richer, the poor gets poorer, our children, brothers and sisters are falling victim to hard drugs, left unfettered for 32 years. Today, over 10,000 addicts and soon-to-be-addicts walk our streets and fill our prisons. Prostitution is rife in the streets of Victoria as young girls sell their bodies to pay for their next heroin fix. A massive indication of failure on part of the Michel Administration. Six (6) addict patients are in rehab at Mont Royale when we need facilities for 6000 patients.

Reach High While You Drop

To hide this grave failure, Michel Administration under advice of his young wise Secretary of State, Jean Paul Adam, has reached high for the skies while they drop to the deep abyss like dead weight. Here are the charades one by one.

University of Seychelles

All is not lost. An idealistic non-starter up and going like the Seychelles University concept, which we now know is long distance courses applied locally through University of Seychelles network. With Cable and Wireless charges for downloading, and a slow unreliable internet connectivity, it remains to be seen how this program will pan out. Additional shortfalls include course limitations and professorial pool. Money will always be a problem, in a country that has a worse credit rating in the world. There is no such thing as a cheap education. The cheaper it is in the short term, the more expensive it becomes in the long run. Seychelles has already been put on notice through the Commonwealth of milling degree operations in existence in Seychelles. Ask Minister Sham-Laye. The Commonwealth cornered him on that little detail in a conference. He had little to say.

Realistically, a university to serve Seychelles micro population will be difficult to maintain. After all there are university systems in the world that have the same amount of students or more, than our entire population. For example, University of California system, which ranks amongst the best in the world is one such institution. Why not just send our students there SPUP Parti Lepep? They might get too smart for the system I suppose! Or I guess Cuba, North Korea, USSR and China are now out of the question!

Young Leaders Program

Another non starter in the background has been the Young Leaders Program. This program takes people with a university degree and trains them to be leaders. That is an oxymoron in and of itself.

If you can earn a university degree, you are already on your way to achieving leadership qualities. The remaining ingredients are integrity, fortitude, courage, determination, resilience and of course, you cannot be a “Yes Man” or “Yes Woman” to be a leader. If you have integrity, you would not join a program that psycho-analyzes you as a pre-condition to entry. You would think you would be assessed prior to graduation to see if you are in fact a “leader”. Theory is all good and well, but reality and the practical tests of life will not be replaced by it. You need both to excel, and you need both in a real way, not served in a glass box for one (1) year while big brother SPUP looks over your shoulders.

No wonder everything you have tried to do or tie together over the years have resulted in catastrophic social failure. Now you even have to change your name to LePep to go on existing. Does not take a University Degree or a Young Leader to figure that out!

Don’t Forget The Talent Show and Certificate

To keep the non leaders occupied and entertained, the Michel Administration came up with the Jj Spirit Foundation talent show contest. By the Foundation staging a talent show, it closed off talent from the opposition to participate. No one said anything about that. It is sad. What is even more sad, is that Michel did profess to be the “President for all Seychellois” after returning to office, but his talent show was born out of a political foundation which supports himself. If anything, this exercise only suffocates talent in the country. It is pitiful indeed, especially when participants are handed a certificate of participation in this purely political event. And with Jj Foundation forms on the reception desks of all Ministries in the country, I guess Michel still does not understand the Constitution and separation of powers. Public buildings does not belong to you Mr. Michel. It belongs to the people of Seychelles to serve the public. Putting your Jj foundation papers in Government offices is illegal and can only be seen as “CHEAP AND DIRTY POLITICS”!

What About The Depression of 2009

As the blame game has played itself out, JJ Spirit has given us some little projects to occupy our minds with, our economy went into a state of DEPRESSION according to IMF by registering below minus 10% performance in early 2009.

Michel did not go on SBC to announce this to the people of Seychelles to declare we must now call on all countrymen to rise, sacrifice to help Seychelles through this difficult time. He remained silent on the DEPRESSION status.

Instead, he called on us to help with the REFORM, whatever that is. I only recall the word REFORM coming up after we went officially BANKRUPT, as declared overseas, and never accepted by SPUP, SPPF, Parti Lepip, so he is still unclear about this reform program.

Perhaps he is referring to the IMF Reform, or giving Chang Leng a fat pension and retirement golden parachute (millions of rupees as a parting gift) and not prosecuting him. This is his reform, but we are still Bankrupt and our debts are still unsustainable until 2022 at best according to not me, but the IMF. Meanwhile Chang Leng has gone quiet and not a word from Attorney General, Michel let alone the Police Department. Reminds me of Mukesh going into retirement with not much as a parting speech to remind us of the FIASCOS called SMB, MERP, Coetivy Prawn Farm, Orchid Farm and all the other farms and programs from the great architect firm called “Rene, Valabhji and Michel Bankruptcy Limited”!

There Is Progress In The Depression

There is progress in this period of economic depression in Seychelles. All is not lost. Recently, Paul Mathieu of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced that the IMF programs in Seychelles were beginning to show signs of success, albeit painful. He adjusted the projected growth this year to be -9% instead of -11%. He commended this as a great success, and highlighted this improvement on the successes of the Tourism Industry.

Ironically, the Tourism Industry has just been given a free hand to run itself without the Michel Administration interfering in it. A standard that is worldwide in modern open economies, but took Seychelles the time it takes to build a world, by man, to accomplish. Imagine how far we would be today if we were on the right track 32 years ago and left on it?

Now that the Tourism Industry is on the right track, perhaps, Michel and his cohorts will consider getting the rest of Seychelles on the right track. After all, 32 years on the wrong track can take you down a long and dirty road, you know.....it can bankrupt you as well. But apart from organizing activities like Jj Foundation and talent contests to distract us, my advice is for them to step aside and just let the country run itself or at least have the decency to retire and enjoy their “aki” that they have acquired over the past 32 years in power. After all, it seems that the country runs better without SPPF-LePep interference. Surely the 32 years of being on the wrong track is proof enough!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois and Our Beloved Seychelles!

United States back in Seychelles - Beware of old Communists!

USA BACK IN SEYCHELLES – BUT BEWARE OF TWO OLD COMMUNISTS!

James Michel, the President of Seychelles who came into power with a Kalashnikov (aka AK47) assault rifle in hand, has now endorsed the setting up of a mini-base in Seychelles for US troops to carry out air surveillance with P-3 Orion aircrafts as well as “unmanned aerial vehicles” (DRONES) to patrol the Western Indian Ocean.

According to the US Commander of the US Africa Command General William Ward, this move is to “enhance Seychelles maritime safety and security” and to work in joint efforts with the Seychelles to “counter the threat of piracy in the Indian Ocean and the region”. After President Bill Clinton foolishly abandoned Somalia nearly 2 decades ago, it sure took the USA long enough to decide that it was time to play Big Brother once again in this part of the world. Nevertheless, I guess this is a welcome sign and shows that Obama is committed to “saving” his African brothers and to bring some semblance of peace to the region.

But while the people of Seychelles will rejoice that the Americans are back to our shores, one cannot believe the irony behind this strategic move. Let history recall that this is the same James Alix Michel, who together with ex-Seychelles President Albert Rene, overthrew the legally elected pro-USA Government of James Mancham in a bloody coup in 1977, and sided with communist regimes of the former Soviet Union (USSR), North Korea and Cuba during the Cold War era. This is the same pre-facelift James Alix Michel who carried slogans of “Yankees Go Home” and marched in the streets of Victoria shouting that the Americans who were stationed at the Seychelles US Tracking Station should leave Seychelles.

Quite a turn around for a Communist lover turned Capitalist who now wears Armani suits and Gucci shoes! Maybe Michel now understands the true value of the US Dollar, having amassed a small fortune himself during 32 years in power. Just like his predecessor Albert Rene who now owns millions in properties in Seychelles, Australia and elsewhere, let alone all their cronies who have helped the illegal SPPF party remain in power during 32 years of terror in those once peaceful islands.

As a patriotic Seychellois, I would warn the USA to be vigilant and to be extremely careful of the Michel Government. Just remember that Michel loves the Chinese more than the USA. Leopards do not change their spots and this Michel SPPF-aka LEPEP Government is still controlled by the nearly senile bitter old communist dictator Albert Rene. These two have never believed in true democracy for their people, and have used terror to manipulate and keep their population at bay. Thousands have fled their country in fear of their lives. These 2 monsters do not believe in freedom of the press. They do not believe in freedom of expression. They control the state media and continue to manipulate the news for their own benefits. Voter fraud is synonymous with their regime and they have lorded over the country and ruled with fear and intimidation for over 3 decades. They cannot relinquish power because if another party ever wins the Presidential election, they will be tried not only for treason, but for corruption and the disappearance of billions of dollars from the state coffers, as well as the death and disappearance of many Seychelles citizens who were brutally murdered under their watch. The people of Seychelles still live in terror today and victimization is still the order of the day under this oppressive SPPF-Lepep regime.

President Obama has called for African leaders to stop oppressing their people and to stop stealing state assets and abusing their power. Therefore, I would ask the US State Department to pay careful attention and stop being blind to the injustices of our country. The veil must be lifted and there should no longer be double standards on the part of the Americans. While US interests in the region is important, so are the wishes of the Seychellois people who by the way are extremely pro-American and would love nothing more than to see the end of the Rene and Michel regime. So I would ask the US State Department to look closely under the covers, and to realize that well over US$ 2 BILLION have been siphoned off by Rene, Michel and their SPPF cohorts during their 30 plus reign of terror and pilfering. And do not forget the state properties that have been acquired illegally and handed over to themselves and their accomplices.

James Michel, Albert Rene and their SPPF party will never be true friends of the United States. They will only play the game now because they have pilfered and let Seychelles into bankruptcy while filling their own foreign bank accounts. Now that IMF has been called in, the begging bowl has come out and all of a sudden, Michel and Albert are the two biggest proponents of democracy and good governance.

We the people of Seychelles are not fooled by these two Castro lovers, and the shame they have brought onto our country will go down in the annals of our short modern history which they continue to try and rewrite so that it portrays them in good light. But history does not lie and let this be a warning to the Americans. Keep those two old leopards on a short lease just in case they try to bite the hand that feeds them! And while their hands are tied, press them for democratic reforms. Ask them to allow new radio stations without exorbitant licenses, and ask them to ban the one-sided state media which they use on a daily basis to brainwash the people of Seychelles.

In summary, force them to repent and pay for their sins of 32 years and for telling you (the Yankees) to go home! At the same time, make sure that the Chinese and Indian intelligence agencies are not listening to your “Yankee” covert conversations! Because in the end, they will always be two despotic, communist tyrants!

Seychelles Cooking Competition Cartoon

Jj Seychelles Cooking Competion - Open only to members of the Jj Foundation and Brainless SPPF-LEPEP Chefs!

The Youth of The Nation

As a Young Seychellois I have been guilty of enjoying a gently hedonistic and perpetually relaxed mentality. Two traits which are amply manifested on a daily basis in the home country and unequivocally define a true Seychellois!

However, in recent months, I have become curious of the true definition of a Seychellois. That is to ask, ‘What and why is the Republic of Seychelles as it is today?’

My curiosity led me through a long, but always entertaining, read of our history from the speculative snippets of the 18th century up to modern day Seychelles. The voyage was riddled with myriad emotional reactions on my part.

Intrigue from the tales of piracy and treasure;

Comedic splendor from Queau de Quincy’ stylish diplomacy;

Pride at our resistance to the British authority which attempted to mould our identity to their liking and ideals;

Contempt for the said authority;

Insulted at the fact that foreign African states meddled in our struggle for independence.

One striking observation made was the constant praise and wonderment of various authors through the years, at the Spirit of the Seychellois people.

Ever resourceful, always smiling and eternally ready to sate their carnal desires!

Having said this; what has happened? I look around and I can only assume that the Seychellois’ heart has hardened…

Resourcefulness has been replaced by dole hand-outs such as ‘means-testing’. A smile is rare. The carnal desires are now sated under Independence House for a price.

It is interesting to note that these historical accounts stop after 1976. Still, I realized that a massive gap in my own history existed in my mind, for the period shortly after WWI to 1976. From 1977 onward, any young Seychellois can regurgitate the events of the Coup d’Etat, mercenaries, mutiny and Mancham’s return along with multi-party elections.

A more sinister question now poses itself; “Vae Victis?”

Why is it that we are not taught about the bombing of Seychelles Club? Or the bombings preceding the arrival of the Queen?

Why are we not told of the role played by the OAU, whilst SDP and SPUP were still fledgling parties?

Why are we not told of the actions of politicians of the time and their role in our history? Why do we not learn about the works of Mr. David Joubert and obviously, Mr. James Mancham?

It seems that most of our history is whatever the present politicians claim on television, during their relatively well publicized retirement!

Make no mistake, I am not in support or disapproval of any political party, past or present. I am simply a citizen with a message to his fellow citizens;

“Let us lift the dark pall of ignorance off our eyes. Let us find out what really happened in our modern history. Let us learn from it; more importantly let us fix our Nation.

One need not read history books to see the situation is dire. In fact, one need not even be in the Seychelles to realize this since international media agencies have been releasing grim reports in print and audio-visual format.

Much noise is made about missing funds, misappropriated funds, victimization, explosively increasing costs of living, the scourge of hard drugs to mention a few.

Yet, it seems these are all symptoms and not the actual ‘pathogen’.

The fact is;

Seychelles has no food security. With rising international demand for food, this is frightening at the very least.

Reckless and ill-conceived government control on the market and industry has caused a Black Market to flourish. At the very least this represents money which could have been taxed and re-circulated through the system.

A lack of education, in general, about the value of work, industry and entrepreneurship. Also, the lack of support for small business in terms of commercial, economic and financial expertise. This is crucial for a nation which has essentially not yet reached its ‘Industrial Revolution’.

A crippling trade deficit which has always existed since the time of the French colonists still exists today! Why has our ‘modern’ government of the past 40 odd years still not solved this issue?

As I pen these few words, I cannot but feel that Seychelles has, for the better part of the past 40 years, stagnated; somehow ‘arrested in development’. Hardy as ever, the Seychellois simply adapted.

Perhaps this ability to quietly make-do has been mistaken as political apathy of the electorate, by the leaders of Seychelles. I think not. I believe that Seychelles has been severely disappointed and let down by her leaders, both in power and in opposition. The power wielders go about their business with little or no regard on poor, sub-par, outdated policies and the widespread personal poverty which is clearly emerging among the people. The opposition first appeared with childish, angry rhetoric for change. It seems that 18 years down the line, no-one is bothered to even question the government anymore or even present a willing, alternate Presidential Candidate.

Shame and disappointment, I say.

But Man can often shine the best of Humanity when the night is darkest. This is why I implore you, my brethren, look at each other in the eye and discuss amongst yourselves; ‘What do WE want?

More empty government promises? The only thing we can count on there is cheap beer every five years!

More of these weak, fickle politicians who contradict themselves in useless, irrelevant rhetoric, in government and the opposition?

Rest assured Seychellois, the 21st Century has knocked on our door and our leaders have failed to open. Instead, they slap band-aid solutions on obsolete systems and policies which should by all rights be discarded and re-worked to better suit our situation today.

At least give us Hope! Donn nou en lespwar!

A Nation without hope for a future is in fact a Failed State. In modern times we have seen this in Somalia and Afghanistan.

Is that hat we want for Our Nation? To become a hotbed and breeding ground for obscenely wealthy rogues, criminals, pirates and terrorists?

As ludicrous as it may sound, the regions of the world today which play host to these undesirable elements initially collapsed economically, socially and at least partially, administratively.

The vacuum created by unsatisfied needs and wants quickly attract these ‘malfaiteurs’ to a People who have no choice but to passively submit, if for nothing more than a meager sustenance.

This cannot be allowed in the Seychelles. As I have previously said, the 21st Century has arrived. The Winds of Change are galing! There is no more Cold War. Communism and Capitalism are hollow labels of a by-gone era. Globalisation has arrived. The various countries of the World wish to unite in peace and properity.

Even in Iran where the government takes a hard-line stand which is unreflective of its own People’s opinion, the Voice of the People can be heard thanks to technology and modern facilities; internationally at that!

Let us take an example from these valiant people, my friends! Our leaders no longer reflect us. Truth be told, they are only there since there appears to be no-one else to replace them.

Earlier on, I had mentioned the famous ‘happy-go-lucky’ attitudes of the Seychellois. Unfortunately, today seems to be the day where we must break this pattern. We need to start assimilating our younger, fresher generation into politics as a People, give them the support they need to make the right choices for the future.

It is time for the youth which has not known the old vitriol of the 1977 events and thereafter, to start standing up and up pave the way for Seychelles.

If nothing else they will at least be saving themselves…

So I implore you, let us seek to know ourselves, let us seek to educate ourselves, seek solutions to the problems we notice around us.

For it is clear, no-one else will.

A Nation is like a machine which is made up of many parts working in unison. The State Authority is like the mechanic-in-charge, carrying the charge of maintaining this wonderful machine.

It seems that the Chief has gone for a rather long tea-break! The other potential chiefs are too scared to mention the poor performance of the suffering contraption. Thus it is time for the parts to say; ‘Enough!’, and cease to function in protest.

If change will not be given to us then we must take it…

Maybe then the Chief will awaken from his siesta. When the machine is on the verge of exploding!

A friend recently explained the benefits of a liberalized platform for commerce using the example of taxis operating as companies as well as sole traders. The benefits would be for everyone.

Large scale competition helps lower prices and competes with the Black Market.

Current sole-traders can open large to medium scale operations to generate personal wealth.

Consumers have a real choice.

Employment created since it is no longer one-car, one-employee.

Finally, large scale business relationships can be forged within the private sector which would boost the cash flowing through our economy.

I have come to conclusion that surely someone must have realized this by now. Yet, nothing is done regardless of the obvious benefits to taxi operators and the general public. None of the political flock has truly pursued this idea.

Well then; we must.

Further on the topic of the transportation industry, the government has allowed a ‘micro-boom’ in the car hire business. The growth in it surged as cars became expensive to own ‘full-time’. The market for it rapidly super-saturated and today, many who invested now see their precious savings vaporize.

Clearly, the Seychellois wants to do business. Help him then, our Fearless Leaders!

The problems do not stop at mere mismanagement. Lack of opportune stimuli from the State is a deafening silence.

Why does the government not propose projects, invite tender from local business and foster support for the best tenders? Fostering support does not necessarily mean throwing money at the projects thus placing them in the debt of the Public sector. Support can be given in terms of favorable loan conditions to would-be entrepreneurs, who tangibly demonstrate the ability or the will to procure the ability, to effectively and successfully run a commercial enterprise.

This not only stimulates interest for the Public to engage in economic activity, but also increases the likelihood of success of the ventures. Hence, good and productive debt is created rather than economic poison. Any banker will tell you; “Protect your investment.”

Our People are our investment. Their best protection is education, young or old.