HAPPY NEW YEAR WISHES FROM LDS LEADERS

The Leader of the Opposition Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan and the Chairman of Linyon Demokratik Seselwa, Mr Roger Mancienne, together with other leaders of LDS, present their most heartfelt wishes to everyone in Seychelles for a joyous celebration of the New Year. They express sincere wishes for a happy and prosperous year in 2017.

2016 has been a remarkable year for Seychelles. It is one in which the people of Seychelles have shown a positive spirit to contribute their ideas and efforts towards building a better country. We believe that Seychelles has taken a great step forward towards unity and solidarity.

On behalf of LDS, we take the opportunity to thank everyone for their hard work in taking care of their families and in their contribution to the nation as a whole. We commend especially all those who work to serve others selflessly.

We look to the future with great hope that we will continue to progress as a nation. Even today, we do not know all the challenges that lie before us in 2017 but we can be confident that if we work hard and with a positive spirit we will be able to overcome these challenges.

On behalf of all the LDS Members of the National Assembly and our District Representatives, we extend the best wishes to everyone for a joyous celebration of New Year’s Day with their families and friends.

We hope that each and everyone will enjoy good health, prosperity and happiness in 2017.

Happy New Year.

December 30, 2016

LINYON DEMOKRATIK SESELWA

IMMINENT DISASTER

Prominent businessman, Marc Houareau, voices out on social media against the 13^th month salary about to be forced on the private sector by the Government.

“If this bill passes, both PL and LDS will be responsible for many jobs that will be lost in Seychelles.

 

There is an air of entitlement in this country that needs to go away but it continues to linger because of politicians whose judgments are blinded by trying to win votes. Most do not understand how businesses operate, let alone the difficulties of doing business in Seychelles today. Competition is global today, and margins are being eroded year after year. Adding another unnecessary cost burden instead of addressing the minimum wage issue to alleviate poverty in the country is a huge mistake. This is not the way forward to ensure future employment and to grow our tax base. This political expediency bill will simply kill jobs in the country and wages will be frozen for many workers. Adding 8-plus percent to a company's operating cost can only cause prices to escalate as many will have to increase their prices in order to afford this new expense, and the customer/consumer will feel the pinch even more.

Lest we forget, former President Rene also dropped a similar bombshell many years back with his 5-year tenure compensation package which until today, remains a huge burden to most private companies in the country as it became an overnight, unplanned liability on their balance sheet. Now add the highest business tax (30%) in the region, VAT, CSR, and other increasing operating costs, and it does not paint a rosy picture for private sector growth in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the Government continues to expand and overspend, continues to compete with the private sector, and has doubled its budget in 5 years to the tune of SR 7.9 billion. And let us not forget our local and foreign debt of some SR 10 billion which seems to be forgotten by many in Government. But who knows, maybe just before the next election, our smart politicians will come back to the Assembly to propose a 14th month salary as by then, the voters would need a new incentive.”

Source: Facebook

PRESS RELEASE

REPORT ON MEETING OF LDS LEADERS WITH PRESIDENT AT STATE HOUSE

The third meeting of LDS leaders with the President was held today at State House. The following is a brief report on items covered.

1. Suspension of Ministers connected to cases under investigation

LDS called for the suspension of two ministers who have been connected to cases which require investigation.

One is the case of Minister Charles Bastienne who has been alleged to have received payment from a Nepali businessman in respect of recruitment of Nepali security guards, reported in the media this week. LDS is submitting this case to the Anti-Corruption Commission.

The other is in connection with a seizure of heroine on Praslin reported on SBC in which a link to Minister Mitcy Larue has been reported. This involves a police investigation. LDS believes that Mrs. Larue cannot continue as minister with oversight on police matters while this case is ongoing.

2. Investigation of DBS Loan schemes

LDS called for an investigation into loan schemes operated by Development Bank of Seychelles to check allegations of abuse and improper management.

3. Progress on issues raised in previous meetings.

The meeting reviewed the progress made on several issues of concern raised in previous meeting. Among the items covered:

i. Proposals for Reforms : The drafts for a Freedom of Information Bill and a new Seychelles Human Rights Commission Bill were presented and will now be taken up by the National Assembly. Progress is being made on several Constitutional and amendments which will be part of a package of reforms which to be brought to the Assembly by March next year. These will apply to Electoral Commission, Constitutional Appointments Authority, SBC , anti-Corruption Commission and several others.

ii. CSR Tax : The list of recipients of the CSR Tax will be revised for next year so that politically affiliated organisations (e.g. Jj Spirit Foundation) will not be eligible.

iii. Replacement of Mayor of Victoria : The Members of the National Assembly whose districts fall within Victoria will name a candidate for Mayor for appointment by the President until a new system for election of the Mayor is put in place together with district council elections in 2018.

iv. Cost of living and doing business : The mandate of the STC will be reviewed to direct it to the core goal of anchoring prices of commodities.

The Minister for Finance has taken up discussions with the telecommunications companies to reduce costs of services. Opening up the local market to other companies is being considered.

v. District Administration : Instructions have been issued to district administrators that district facilities should be open to all. MNAs will be entitled to use facilities for any function serving their constituents, such as meetings. without any charge. A reasonable fee will be charged for use by other parties.

4. Matters brought to the attention of LDS by the President.

i. Offices for MNAs . A programme of setting up offices for MNAs will begin next year. The order in which needs are addressed will be decided by leaders in the Assembly.

ii. Pensions for MNAs. A new Pension Scheme for MNAs will be presented to the National Assembly for consideration. They will be eligible for pensions at age 60 after serving one term or at age 55 after serving three full terms.

iii. 2017 Budget : The 2017 Budget will address measures to reduce the cost of living and to ensure inclusiveness in economic growth. A property tax for foreign owned properties will be introduced.

Roger Mancienne December 02, 2016

Chairman, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa