PRESIDENT JAMES MICHEL ON MISS SEYCHELLES

The countdown for third Miss Seychelles... Another World 2014, the third type

of Miss Seychelles akin to the Third Republic will take place this Saturday at the newly opened Savoy Hotel. This pageant must be distinguished from the original Miss Seychelles that took place between 1968 and 1976; and 1992 to 1999. Between 2006 and 2008 a second type of Miss Seychelles took place called Miss Seychelles Islands.

The first Miss Seychelles was Marie-France Lablache in 1968 and last was Lynn Gobin in 1976 before independence. The history of the pageant closely mirrors our sad and past political history. The beauty pageant was subsequently banned after the coup d’état and during the one party state era and no contests took place between 1977 and 1991.

It must be therefore recalled that last year, for the first time since the re-introduction of Miss Seychelles...Another World beauty pageant, the winner was invited to State House to meet the head of State, James Michel. It must also be recalled that President James Michel in 1978, as Minister of Information and Public Administration called the Miss Seychelles James Mic hel on Miss Seychelles beauty pageant “degrading and that it does not conform with our way of life, our customs and traditions!” What changed in President Michel’s principles and thinking?

Flip Flopping President of Seychelles; James Michel

Or is he just a serial flip flopper in all policies and principles. From now on he should be called President Flip Flop because he is the same person who also said that tourism would destroy our country, the same person that said that the IMF is a monster and would bankrupt Seychelles, the person who did not believe in democracy, the same person who did not believe in free market, the same person who thought that ex President James Mancham was selling our land to Arabs, the same person who did not believe in private schools, the same person that banned football clubs. The list is endless and President James Alix Michel must be dizzy with all his 180 degree spins!

By A.Pierre

DENIAL OF PUBLIC BEACH ACCESS IN SEYCHELLES

Access to beaches by Seychellois remains an issue of contention in Seychelles. There have been continuous reports and complains by locals and tourists alike that they have been barred from accessing a portion of beach adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel and Resort at Baie Lazare since that portion of beach is heavily guarded. There have also been allegations that physical force has also been used in the recent past against those who made attempts to trod on the ‘forbidden’ portion of the beach.

 

Foreign Security Guard

On Friday 11th April 2014 a group of locals decided to find out the real truths behind the many allegations and complaints. Armed with cameras of all sorts and a determination of steel, they decided to walk the beach from Anse Gouvernment to witness what would develop. The group was indeed stopped after the Kempinski Resort by a foreign security guard who told them that the portion of beach is inaccessible because there was a VVIP function underway. Amid threats, the group did not budge and forged ahead under the watchful eyes of an army of security personnel. Suddenly half a dozen men hopped onto the beach. They were speaking Afrikaans and on being questioned, confirmed they were South Africans. They loitered and seemed at a lost on what to do about the situation as the group moved deeper into ‘forbidden territory’.

 Further ahead, a pontoon had been deployed right up to the high water mark effectively an intimidation to prevent people from crossing over to the more ‘secretive’ part of the beach. Security guards took their positions on the pontoon but the group would not be deterred; they crossed over to the portion of the beach where an army of beautiful local girls were seen passionately attending to few middle aged men under a thatched roof bungalow. On realizing that there was a crowd of unwelcomed locals on the beach witnessing their private show, the girls retreated out of view and all the stroking came to an abrupt end. Having achieved the aim of what was intended, the local pilgrims walked back for a well-deserved break; after all, it was a long walk with the early afternoon sun beating down heavily as the high tide swells was beating mercilessly against their bodies making movement difficult.

 

Pontoon laid across beach

 It was a worthwhile pilgrimage but a sad one. Seychelles has changed drastically over the last few years; movement for locals is more and more restricted. Swimmers and boat owners are also warned to keep their distance from that area of the beach. On that part of our territory, national laws are not adhered to. Construction is done right onto the beach and the planning regulations are not followed.

The group has decided to compile the recordings and post it on social network so that the world becomes aware on what is happening in paradise and how the rights of the people of Seychelles are being violated. More pilgrimages have been planned with the aim of sensitizing people on the need to stand their ground in their own country.

By A.Pierre

Seychelles Weekly kept out of IMF press conference

This is not the first time it has happened. They did it once before and we complained bitterly to the Ministry of Finance. This time around the Minister was scared to answer pertinent questions from this newspaper – so they made sure that the email to us was sent at the last hour. This goes to show that there is information they want to keep from the general public. One other Minister who is scared to answer questions from this newspaper is Joel Morgan – he makes sure that we are not invited to any of his ministry’s press conferences. This is what they call accountability – SHAME!!

Source: Seyweekly.com

NATIONAL RECONCILIATION IN SEYCHELLES IS A NECESSITY

Letter to Editor,

I have been following the national reconciliation debate very closely since the architect of the coup d`etat, Albert Rene, has thrust it at the forefront of the nations mind. Before I go on I would like to quote a colleague as it summed up my thinking at the time “it's an insult to the nation that persons who are the main reason for the need of reconciliation are the ones promoting it. It's like someone throwing garbage everywhere then complaining about the mess and asking everyone else to clean up.” However, upon a long reflection I now feel as someone affected, it is my duty as a citizen to meet them halfway so reconciliation can be given a chance.  Reconciliation is now very necessary but it cannot be on their terms and conditions as that will defeat the purpose.

Mancham is right in saying that it is easier said than done but what is he harking on about when he says we need to establish the truth concerning the coup d`etat? Everybody knows the truth; even Michel describes the truth on that treasonous day in his book.

So thus Rene is correct in that we need national reconciliation; in fact we needed it yesterday. Being a victim and an opposition that has been constantly victimised like many others I feel if there is National reconciliation, it has to be on my terms and my precondition, as examples from the pass has shown they may not be sincere and trusted. As I don’t want to be taken for a ride or made to look like a fool under these circumstances, preconditions I feel is the only way. The recent electoral reform promises and public order act shoot down is a reminder of that.  

They must be open and truthful about the past and after all these years of oppression it must be remembered that Rene and his clique have become extremely wealthy, with their loot now having been redirected into legitimate businesses not only in Seychelles but abroad. Today they still control many business activities of our islands. So with that in mind and as someone brilliantly articulated reconciliation cannot simply be the act of sitting around a table so that Rene can proclaim a limp and general sorry, then everyone goes home. This would be nothing but a cheap and fraudulent trick to protect his clan and cronies after he has gone. Reconciliation is vital for the wellbeing of our country and it can and must happen. It can lead to healing of our nation provided the process is sincere and fair to the victims. And it is all about the victims.

So therefore If Albert Rene really means what he says about reconciliation these must be the preconditions:

1) A National apology to broadcast live on TV to the families of those killed and disappeared.

2) The abolishment of June 5th celebrations and removal as a public holiday.

3) The removal of Zomn Lib.

4) The government must then pay full compensation to all families: whose land have been confiscated, businesses taken away, members of families killed, disappeared and forced into exiled and people who lost their jobs because of victimisation.

 5) Allow all Seychellois living abroad able to cast their vote.

6) The repealing of the unconstitutional new Public order act and deliverance into law of the electoral reform recommendations.

There are points that I probably have missed but I feel the ones mentioned are essential. And finally only then, will I be on the way to be reconciled.

Alexander Pierre

National Reconciliation on the back burner

The State of the Nation address has put paid to the ongoing debate on national reconciliation. The President didn’t even mention it once during his hour long speech. Instead the head of state made an emphatic call for national unity. Many would probably think that there is no difference between the two they could not be more wrong. President Michel just wants the nation to forgive and forget, without having to say sorry for past mistakes. This is a tall order indeed.

The President also stated that we need to bring in democratisation, which is the process of putting the country under the control of its citizens by allowing them to participate in government or decision-making processes in a free and equal way – he will do that by amending the Constitution and enacting new laws to do away with old legislation that is holding back our democracy. This statement is hollow in all sense of the word having just enacted the POA; a piece of legislation that has taken away our freedom.

The President spoke lengthily about the need for Seychellois to work to take jobs that are going to foreigners. All the evidence points in a different direction many foreigners are recruited to fill positions which have never been advertised locally. The recruitment is done overseas, solely. The Australians at Customs is a case in point. And the Irish in the security forces is another.

The President provided us with proof if it was ever needed that he has given up the fight against corruption. During his hour long speech the President failed to tackle this most destructive element in society. Corruption is now widespread in all sphere of government. The cost of living is up because of corruption, which is causing severe hardship in many households in the country. Parents are finding it hard to put food on the table for their children. The President has also made a call to restrict social security benefits to the needy. This is going to make life harder for many people, especially the genuinely needy.

We were told that we have over 400 million dollars (USD) in Central Bank reserve, which represent 4½ months of importation, not even a word on our external debt was said, which would have given the people a good idea of the real state of the nation.

The people were called upon to take personal responsibility for their lives and wellbeing. They were told that they need to work to pay for their own house and that they should not depend on government for everything. This is the same government that has misled the people into believing that they can depend on the ruling party to do everything for them from the cradle to the grave, philosophy. It is going to be hard to change the mindset of the people they have brainwashed for thirty seven long years.

 The head of state celebrated the fact that Seychelles is well rated by many international agencies. However, when it so happens that Seychelles is not rated favourably by an international agency, the President accused them of not knowing Seychelles and that they are sitting in offices far away and judging us. President Michel is prepared to take the good, but frustrated over our shortcomings.

The President rejoiced in his own glory and painted a picture that exist only in the minds of the Executive. The reality is totally different out there. The sooner we accept our true state of the nation it will be better for all of us. We can then start working on our weaknesses going forward together as one nation. Wishful thinking!

Undemocratic! Unconstitutional! Unlawful!

On Wednesday at State House Mohan Burhan was sworn in again as a Supreme Court Judge. The oath of office was taken before the President of the Republic in the presence of Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, the President of the Court of Appeal, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Attorney General and others holding senior offices in the country.

In 2008, Mohan Burhan returned to Seychelles and was appointed as an expatriate Judge of the Supreme Court for a period of five years. This contract came to an end in 2013 and Burhan stayed on to complete cases he had before him. We now know that he applied for naturalisation last year and was granted Seychellois citizenship in November, 2013. However, there was never any notice of this application in the Nation newspaper or in the Official Gazette as required by law.

The way that Mohan Burhan has been granted citizenship is with direct interference of the Executive in the Judiciary. It is a clear favour handed down to the Judge by the President in our opinion. It is not in the spirit of the Constitution and it is totally against democratic norms. This situation puts in jeopardy any matter before the Judge that the government might have an interest in, it places the other party at a disadvantage and justice cannot be administered under such presumptions.

 This is another case where the Executive has done what they want without respect for the laws of Seychelles. It is another matter that must be tested in the Constitutional Court. This newspaper is appealing for mass action against this appointment and the granting of citizenship to Mohan Burhan. We are already in discussion with legal experts to challenge the matter in a court of law.

Source: Seyweekly

The discredited Seychelles National Human Rights Commission is a national joke

Four members of the Seselwa United Party (SUP) were illegally arrested and detained by the police on 30th September 2013. Their fundamental rights had been violated. They forwarded a written grievance to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on the 7^th October 2013 seeking redress. A reply from the NHRC was received on 14th October 2013 in which they were informed that the case was being investigated and a report was due. Months later, no report is forthcoming.

 When it was queried, the four were informed that a letter had been sent to the Commissioner of Police and the NHRC was awaiting a reply. This is appalling and totally disgraceful. The NHRC has been dismantled for a fact. President James Michel has effectively done away with the NHRC and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean Paul Adam, has played the distasteful role of misguiding Mr. Kishore, the UN special rapporteur on Human Rights. These cowardly acts by the President and Minister Adam must be condemned in the strongest term possible. It is nothing short of national humiliation for our leaders to behave in this unsavoury manner.

 The NHRC is now a one man show; rather one woman show. The Ombudswoman, Dora Zatte, doubles up as the NHRC. She is a one person commission; a national disgrace. Rather than carrying out investigations as she is mandated to do both as Ombudsman and Chairperson of the NHRC, she decides to sit and do nothing. She has the power to summon anyone in this country and yet she is utterly uninterested. She has been plunked in the seat to cushion government waiting for the day she is appointed a judge. She is not ashamed; which is the greatest tragedy of it all.

There are announcements every month that she will be visiting Praslin and La Digue but she goes there only for fun. Seychellois have given up on the Ombudswoman and the NHRC but the SUP will live to see that the flamboyant and highly paid Dora Zatte does her job and that government appoints a credible NHRC.

Source: Seyweekly.com

Obama government calls for repeal of the Seychelles Public Order Act

Blue eyed boy, Minister Jean Paul Adam got much more than he bargained for. Following the release of the Human Rights Report by the US Department of State, the blue eyed minister was quick to dismiss every single word of it and publicly invited the US Department of State to come to Seychelles where they would have firsthand experience of our human rights situation. This bluff has been played several times and he has been successful in marshaling rapporteurs in government’s favour but the US would not be bluffed.

The US promptly responded by sending the second most official of the Department of State in Africa, Ambassador Robert Jackson. Ambassador Jackson did not come to assess the situation; he was clear in his mind what he had to do. He was here to inform the government of Seychelles on behalf of the government of the US that what they were doing was unacceptable. The POA (Public Order Act) must be amended or repealed, he stressed. His juniors must have been more forceful in the closed deliberations they had at State House. We keep wondering where James Michel was at the time while Danny Faure was in the firing line. Minister Adam must have stayed moot. What an embarrassment after so much hype about the country’s unblemished human rights record. The NHRC will do well to take note.

As the Americans bring the POA issue to White House, it is clear that the US government will not enter into any new programs with Michel’s government. With the economy in shambles and the debt repayment kicking in incrementally, Michel must be scratching his head real hard. Taken into account America’s influence worldwide, the IMF and World Bank assistance may well experience certain delays or may never even materialize into concrete actions.

 

2 Citizens illegally arrested and held in custody for peaceful sit down protest 

 Michel and his autocratic government have landed the country into a difficult situation. He has always blamed the opposition for campaigning against the interest of Seychelles but now everyone knows without a shadow of a doubt who is really putting the interest of the nation in jeopardy. His aggressive diplomacy has suffered a serious setback; he has himself to blame. Bluffing the international community has backfired. We hope Michel comes to his senses and repeals that law that is the POA as soon as practicable. He is leading this country towards international economic sanction and it is the people of Seychelles that will suffer.

Source: Seyweekly.com

Police brutality a national shame

Minister Jean Paul Adam should be ashamed to have gone on national television to denounce the recent Human Rights report issued by the US Department of State. With people still fuming over government’s rejection of the report which is a true and understated reflection of the human rights situation in the country, the police has committed one of the most atrocious crime against the citizens of Seychelles.

It was on Monday that Jean Paul David happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The police, more precisely the PSSW (Public Security Support Wing), raided the area where Jean Paul happened to be. Jean Paul recounts that shots were fired and people were running in all directions. He was caught and beaten up without any questions asked and left on the ground where he was picked up and transported to Seychelles Hospital. Jean Paul could not even speak until the following day as he had lost several teeth and his gum had to be stitched. One knee has been severely lacerated. On talking to our journalist, Jean Paul confirmed that he can identify his attackers though he does not know their names. At the time of going to press, he remained Police brutality a national shame hospitalized.

The Public Security Support Wing under the command of Assistant Superintendent Romano Songoire behaves like a terrorist organization; inflicting fears into the citizens rather than provide public security and support. In fact it deserves the name of Public Insecurity squad. They are known to ask no questions and take no prisoners. As the paramilitary force of the police, those undisciplined, trigger happy and ill clad hooligans fire more shots in public than the regular armed forces of the country; all against their fellow citizens. It is a national catastrophe.

As Minister for Internal Affairs, Joel Morgan has rid the force of the experienced officers and replaced them with novices simply because the former commanders of the force could talk some sense into him. Obedient Romano Songoire has no paramilitary training background and the service time required to command a force with such a delicate and crucial role to play in the maintenance of law and order. It is only a matter of time before the life of an innocent citizen is taken away by those thugs. Joel Morgan must conduct a public enquiry into the incident.

Source: Seyweekly.com

Seychelles National Human Rights Commission chairperson puts on unconvincing show

Following the swearing in of the new National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the chairperson, Miss Dora Zatte attempted to do some damage control to the battered and tattered image of the commission she heads. With a clear intent to avoid teething questions, only a select few journalists from the state media were present. Only one asked questions while all others played the role of passive onlookers.

It was clear from the outset that the chairperson of the NHRC was as dormant as the organization she heads citing resource constraints, mainly manpower, as the root of all the inactivity that has plagued the commission. The budget for this year does not show any increase in the budget allocation; a sad reflection on the low importance government attaches to the issue of human rights.

In a surprising move, the lady chairperson went on to heap praise on the government for an excellent human rights record and did not fail to rebuff the US government regarding its recent country report. She calls it US perception; the wrong approach to tackling human rights issues. As she stated herself, the NHRC is like a hospital without patients. She was on the verge of declaring that we do not need a human rights commission in Seychelles.

Contrary to what is known, the lady at the top wants the public to believe that the commission does not receive any complaints which is utter nonsense. She even went as far as contradicting herself by stating that she has the support of the public as the commission has helped many of them; what a contradiction!!!

While the commission has the power to get involved without a formal complaint being lodged, the case of the young man who made headlines after being mauled by police officers has failed to attract the attention of the commission. Maybe madam chair is of the opinion that the right of the victim has not been violated. As Ombudsperson, she has kept quiet over the whole incident. Where do citizens go to seek redress under those circumstances?

It is not to be forgotten that the four individuals who were arrested and detained in October last year are still awaiting the findings of the NHRC. Their grievances were forwarded to the commission that same month and reply from the commission has not been received as yet. Is the NHRC working for government or the victims?

Source: Seyweekly.com

Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam peeved with the US

Blue eyed boy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean Paul Adam is peeved at the US Department of State for its Human Rights Report 2013 on Seychelles. Minister Adam has been peeved several times over the last few months; in fact he has been angry at all reports that do not shed praises on government and his mentor, President James Michel. He has an air of infallibility about him and we suppose it is because he may well be of the opinion that the job he is doing was by birth his inheritance; a common ailment of the incumbent government. Young Adam has been fast in learning the ropes; he is now a master manipulator.

On behalf of government, he has invited rapporteurs to the Seychelles as a sign of government’s commitment to transparency; two of them have already visited Seychelles and given press conferences heaping diplomatic praise on government. Their itineraries are well taken care of by Adam’s ministry ending in a press conference and the usual cocktails before they board their flights out never to come back again. Seychelles remains business as usual; more repression and more cronyism as ministerial portfolios are handed over from father to son and business opportunities shared among friends.

Minister Adam has rejected outright the human right report of the US Department of State and has gone as far as requesting the population to read the report and assess for themselves knowing full well that a minority have access to or have the wherewithal to gain possession of the report. In the name of transparency, we challenge Jean Paul Adam to publish the report in the government’s newspaper so that the people of Seychelles will have the privilege of making their own assessments. We dare him!

We welcome the US State Department on Seychellois soil to confirm their report. However, Jean Paul Adam must allow the delegation to have unlimited access to the source of their enquiry. Will Jean Paul allow them to interview those who have been illegally detained, visit the living quarters of the Asian and Chinese workers, interview those who have not been paid for several months and be given an explanation on why the National Human Rights Commission has been disbanded?

The manipulative and deceptive tactics being used by a government more concerned with its image than fostering a democratic culture will lead nowhere; if the international community falls for the deception, the Seychellois people know the reality and retain the right to put a stop to it once and for all!!

Source: Seyweekly.com

Public Order Act should be amended, says American Ambassador Jackson

The Public Order Act should be either amended or repealed, United States of America ambassador Robert Jackson has said.

He was speaking to local journalists during a round-table session at the Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at the Sea (Reflecs 3) on Thursday 3rd April 2014 in morning. “First of all let me tell you that we have concerns about the Act, as the Act is very restrictive. We would like to see it amended. We think it’s a move in the wrong direction because these restrictions are not only anti-democratic but they also make it difficult for non-governmental organisations and even for international organisations to work with partners who are doing very valuable work,” said Ambassador Jackson, the principal deputy assistant officer of the Bureau of African Affairs in the US Department of State.

Also present during the round-table session to discuss the current foreign policy of the US and also to talk about the help the US is bringing to Seychelles were US ambassador to Seychelles Sharon Villarosa and political officer Maroof Ahmed.

Regarding the human rights report, Ambassador Jackson said: “We feel that the report is balanced and accurate. The criticism is unfounded but that does not mean that we are not open for dialogue with the government. I am prepared to defend it.”

Asked how the US has been engaging positively in Seychelles, the ambassador answered: “We are providing training for the police and recently I visited the Law Enforcement Academy in Botswana and soon we will be sending policemen from Seychelles there. After each training, there is a follow-up and those who take part are being asked to come back after some months for a proper follow-up.”

Source: Seyweekly.com

A crime against ordinary citizens

This is our first edition for 2014 and we have revisited the salary increment awarded to Constitutional Appointees, the Executives and the Legislators, in the budget for this year. We are of the view that this is a felony against the ordinary man/woman/child and the taxpayers in general. We have produced a chart above to provide our readers with the extent of the criminality against the ordinary citizen. This is clearly an abuse of power by the people who raise their hands to legislate their own salaries and that of their political masters. It is also a bigger crime by those who proposed the increment to the National Assembly – when they above everybody else know the true state of the economy.

 

 The people’s representatives in the National Assembly accepted what had been put before them by the Executives and gave their approval without any form of consultation with the people who had voted for them. In doing so the Members of the National Assembly broke a fundamental rule of democracy by acting unilaterally without seeking the opinion of the people (electorates) who will have to pay for the increment.

The local economy will not be able to sustain this increment in the long term and it will become a burden on society. The President, Minsters and MNAs are making sure that they are well taken care of when they finally retire. Currently, there are two former presidents, about ten former ministers and at least seventy-five former MNAs who will all partake in this increment. This is a burden on the economy it will put a lot of pressure on the wealth creation sector of the country. It is common knowledge that government does not generate revenue they fund their activities from money collected from the general public, workers and the business community through various taxes; income tax, VAT, trade tax, CSR to name a few.

A close look at the chart above will show you that the salary increment for the President, Ministers and Members of the National Assembly starts at 62.1% and reaches a high of 215.1%. This is in sharp contrast to what has been awarded to the ordinary workers, which starts at 10% and reaches a high of only 20%.

On top of the monthly salary increment the President, Ministers and MNAs will benefit further with an increment on their annual gratuity and end of term bonus. This is so because the yearly bonus is calculated on their salary for twelve month and 25% of that is paid to them as an end of year gratuity. Additionally to the monthly salary and the yearly gratuity they will also collect an end of term gratuity, which is 50% of their total salary over their term of office.

The President will collect an end of term gratuity of 2.8million rupees, the Vice President will get 2.2million rupees, ministers will be awarded 1.6million rupees, an MNA will pocket 936,450.00 rupees (0.9million).

All kinds of arguments have been put forward by government to justify the increment for the Constitutional appointees and the politicians. However, they have failed to convince public opinion that the self awarded increments are reasonable.

Source: Seyweekly

Deception unmasked, the true story behind the Seychelles electoral reform process

Following the boycott of the last parliamentary elections by the main opposition parties, politics in Seychelles had reached a stalemate. President James Michel, humiliated in the eyes of the international community after more than 30% of the electorate had spoilt their ballot papers, promised electoral reforms and vowed to modernise the laws in accordance with best practices. His dilemma was how to get the main opposition parties to participate in the process. He turned to his chief diplomat, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean Paul Adam who established informal contacts with the main opposition parties.

Foreign diplomats, namely the former French Ambassador Delacroix and British High Commissioner Forbes added their goodwill to the effort and engaged the political leaders. Initially, the informal meetings were held at the National Library building where several undertakings were given by Minister Jean Paul Adam on behalf of government. The undertakings were straightforward and simple. Parliamentary elections will be held once the reforms are complete and the commitment of government to the process would be total.

As a result of a series of meetings between the foreign diplomats, government and the political leaders, the Electoral Reform Commission (ERC) came into being and started deliberations at the National House. The Electoral Commission received the expert advice of Earl Simpson, the Commonwealth representative who assisted in drafting the recommendations. The first series of recommendations was the Public Assemblies Bill. At the end of the deliberations of the ERC, the Commonwealth representative, in an interview on SBC commented that the set of recommended laws were in accordance with international norms and should be implemented by government without amendment and in case of amendment, it should be returned to the ERC for further discussion.

The photo depicts President James Michel of Seychelles protesting and demonstrating during the Cable and Wireless strike in 1971. The question one must ask; would this type of protest and demonstration be able to take place under the new public order act today?

 All the recommendations received the unanimous approval of all political parties including Parti Lepep represented by Lawyer William Herminie, Mr. Simon Gill and Ralph Agrippine.

 The repealed Public Order Act assented to by the President has come as a blow to the Electoral Reform process; an affront to the international partners and all those who have given the best of themselves to provide Seychelles with the best laws. It is deception of the highest order.

Source: Seyweekly.com

Opposition Parties deplore the Public Order Act

In a press conference held at Arpent Vert recently, the leaders of the SUP (Seselwa United Party) and the SNP (Seychelles National Party) deplored the POA (Public Order Act) in its entirety. Mr. Ralph Volcere and Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan briefed the press on the main reasons they are disappointed at the new piece of legislation. The main objections covered were:

• Change in definitions in the new bill

• The powers given to the Minister of Internal Affairs over the Commissioner of Police

• The power of the Commissioner of Police to prevent an assembly

• The appointment of the Appeals Board by the President

• The new powers of search and confiscation given to the customs, police, NDEA and immigration officers

President James Michel afforded the right to assembly at the 1974 SPUP political rally

The leaders also noted the deception of James Michel as the new POA opposes all the recommendations proposed by the Electoral Reform Commission.

The two leaders will take a case to the Constitutional Court to challenge the constitutionality of the new Act.

Source: Seyweekly.com