La Digue land scandal revisited
Mr France Bonte without shadow of a doubt is a household
name in Seychelles. He is an accomplished Attorney at law with a sound legal
mind and a big reputation. For many years France Bonte has also been a Central Committee
member for the ruling Parti Lepep. France Bonte lives at La Misere where he has
his stately home. In the last few years he has been building an even bigger
house just next door.
THE WELL PUBLISHED LAND ALLOCATION POLICY OF THIS GOVERNMENT
IS ONE PIECE OF LAND PER PERSON OR IF YOU HAVE (PRIVATE) LAND ALREADY YOU
CANNOT GET GOVERNMENT LAND. Based on that principle Mr France Bonte would not
qualify for a piece of government land.
 |
| LD708 |
However, as far as Mr Bonte was concerned the policy is not
worth the paper it is written on. It was confirmed that the famous lawyer was indeed granted a plot of prime property out of the 40 plots allocated to
L`union estate company ltd for ONE Seychelles rupee. LD708 was transferred to France
Bonte on 28th January 1999 for SR250,000. It was money well invested
by the maestro. On the 21st September 2010, the said piece of
land(LD708) was sold to one Gregoire Payet for SR1.3 million rupees.This is like winning the
jackpot when one considered the price Bonte paid for the land originally.
This is another highly unethical transaction conducted by
people with connections for personal gains. It is the raping of the people and
country with the full backing of the government. When the scandal became
public; the Minister for Land Christian Lionnet never reacted – he remains
silent on the matter. Why? Does he also have something to hide? Many people saw his silence as highly
inappropriate under the circumstances. It must be noted that the land transfer
from government to L’Union Estate was conducted long before he became minister.
But, this was no excuse to stay muted on an issue which the whole population
wants an explanation. It is his responsibility and he is duty bound and accountable
to the people. His long silence will not make this problem go away.
 |
| The 40 plots of cake |
Christian Lionnet and his team of advisors will have to deal
with this problem because the people are looking for answers and he is the man
who has them. He assumed the role of minister willingly without needing much
encouragement. It is now time to deliver. This is what the people want from the
Minister responsible for land!! Or has he got something to hide himself??
