Felicite Island aka "Zil Pasyon" Deal Exposed

Felicite Island aka “Zil Pasyon” Deal Exposed

Felicite Island (now Zil Pasyon) 

Felicite Island is situated just off the coast of La Digue and is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Early in his political career, that beauty captivated the imagination of France Albert Rene, dictator of Seychelles from June 5^th, 1977 until he handed over power to his cohort James Michel in November 2004.

France Albert Rene - Dictator 

The island is situated only twenty-five (25) miles from the main island of Mahé.

The Acquisition of a Jewel

On July 19^th 1983, Government of Seychelles acquired Felicite Island (now called “Zil Pasyon”) under the Land Acquisition Act of 1977 from Mrs. Marie Emilie Alix Cauvin, Mr. Jean Francois Cauvin, and Miss Marie-Helene Cauvin. This acquisition is transcribed in Volume 70 No. 164. But I must point out, it is very hard to get a copy for reasons unknown to me. It is unclear what compensation if any was paid.  

Beach at Felicite 

The Dictator makes a Move to hide The Jewel

Five (5) years later, according to Transcription Volume 76, No. 110 April 7^th, 1988, Registration Volume B32, No. 2081, Repertory Vol. 43, No. 453, an agreement was made on July 13, 1987, before Annette Moulinie ( Georges, Former SNP-Vice Presidential Candidate) Notary, France Albert Rene, Commander in Chief, acting in his capacity for and on behalf of the Government of Seychelles sold Felicite Island, to L’Union Estate Company for Seychelles Rupees One only (Sr. 1.00).

One begs to ask if Rene signed this agreement as Commander in Chief, if it is legal in the first place.

Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty was free. No valuations for the Island took place.

Sleep on the Island For A Few More Years

Everything went quiet from 1988-1991 months before multi party elections and transition was announced.

July 25^th, 1991, L’Union Estate Company (Ltd.) leased to Gregoire Management  Company PTY. Limited, the entire island of Felicite Island that comprises over 188.186 Hectares of land for consideration of another Seychelles Rupee Sr. 1.00 for Seventy (70) Years. The Sr. 1.00 was to be paid in cash, no checks accepted upon signature of the parties.

Rent for leased Felicite Island was set at Seychelles Rupees Eight Thousand per month (Sr. 8,000) fixed for a period of Seventy (70) years. There was no increase in rent during any period of the lease term. The duty paid on the Lease was Sr. 9,600.00 only. The representative of L’Union Estate that consented to the transaction was Francoise Scroff. Madam Scroff was also special assistant and Principal Secretary to F. A Rene at different times. No record of a Board Resolution to make this material transfer of assets is recorded. Under company laws the transaction would be void-able.

Addendum to Transfer of Lease 27^th April, 1995

September 13^th, 2006, an Addendum to Lease replaced Gregoire Management as the lessee of Felicite Island, with Gregoire Payet in his personal capacity. All other terms were to remain the same.

L’Union Estate Company Sell Back Remainder To Government

July 18^th, 2007, Francoise Shroff, representing L’Union Estate Company, sells the remainder lease of Felicite Island, for Sr. 1.00. Veronique Herminie, the wife of the Speaker of the National Assembly, did the honors to receive back, the remainder of Felicite Island on behalf of the Government of Seychelles. Stamp Duty was free and no property valuation was made. The government of Seychelles appeared to be getting a very good deal at Seychelles Rupee One (Sr. 1.00) for Felicite Island. But don’t hold your breath on good fortune for Government of Seychelles, when it comes to land and SPPF, you may choke to death.

Veronique Herminie

“One Month Later”, The Jewel Island finds its “Owner” 

In a Land Registration Act Lease, dated 3^rd, June 2008, Francis Savy, step son of ex- Commander in Chief F.A. Rene, takes a 99 year lease on Felicite Island commencing on  17^th August 2007 (BACK DATED).

http://www.zilpasyon.com/pg/en/the-residences/

The Consideration For The Jewel Island

Nothing on signature.  Free. But within 30 days of signature, a premium of USD 50,000.00. That is about the cost of a Suzuki jeep with taxes in Seychelles or a little more than a Ford pickup truck full options.

The annual rent for the Island is set at USD 175,000.00 or 2% of the gross annual turnover of a hotel. This ambiguous rent fee if based on the first figure, is per month USD 13,000.00. This sum is substantially below market value prices. No valuation has apparently taken place to set the rent. Nor is there any rent increment, beyond the ambiguous 2% gross turn over figure, which is not ascertainable.

People of Seychelles, we must have PASYON, to overcome the corruption which sells our patrimony through Cronyism.

Francis Savy - Albert Rene's Stepson 

Mr. Francis Savy must give back Felicite Island aka “Zil Pasyon” to the People of Seychelles. He should not have taken it in the first place. We call on James Michel, to tell Mr. Savy to give back the Lease of Felicite Island, AKA Zil Pasyon or else!

SESEL POU SESELWA!

May God Bless All Freedom Loving Seychellois!