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Thursday, 10 January 2008 |
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Seychelles News |
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State of The Nation Address |
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DISKOUR PREZIDAN JAMES A MICHEL LO LETA LANASYON MARDI 20 MARS 2007
Myse Spiker, Onorab Manm Lasanble Nasyonal,Ser frer ek ser Seselwa, Ekselans,
I en loner ek en privilez pour mwan, pour delivre avek sa Lasanble mon Ladres Leta Lanasyon pour lannen 2007, an linny avek lartik 65 Konstitisyon Repiblik Sesel.
Dan mon ladres ozordi mon ti a kontan partaz avek zot progre ki nou’n akonpli e defi ki devan nou koman en nasyon. I en lokazyon pour mwan koz lo travay ki nou’n konmanse, bann ki pa ankor fini e, osi tre enportan, koz lo vizyon e plan mon gouvernman pour sa nouvo Sesel ki nou tou nou aspire.
I osi en moman pour nou regard ansanm sa ki nou’n akonplir e kwa ki nou kapab fer pour ki Sesel i kontinyen prospere, pour ki i kontinyen fer son perse lo lasenn enternasyonal e pour ki stabilite sosyal, ekonomik e politik i kontinyen kondisyonn desizyon e aksyon envestiser Seselwa e etranze.
Portre Sesel 2007 se enn ki montre en nouvo Sesel avek en nouvo vizyon ki pe leve, en Sesel ki determinen plis ki zanmen pour kontinyen promouvwar dinnyite e lafyerte en pep ki’n travay dir, ki’n sakrifye pour ariv kot i ete ozordi.
Ozordi sa ki nou granparan ti reve lontan i’n vin en realite pour zot zanfan e, dan plizyer laspe, en model pour sa ki en pti leta zil i kapab akonpli.
Sesel ozordi in vin en zistwar sikse. Zet en regar otour nou. Si vreman nou onet avek nou lekor nou kapab konstate ki i annan bokou pou dir lo sikse Sesel. Me i pa sifi pour nou konstat nou sikse; nou bezwen sirtou mentenir e anbelir li a tou pri. Nou pa merit zanmen oubliye kot nou ti ete , kot nou’n arive e ki fodre fer pour ariv pli lwen ankor.
Nou nouvo vizyon i ranpli avek loportinite. I reprezant en meyer lavenir pour tou. Lamazorite Seselwa ozordi i regard pli lwen ki zot bezwen-de-baz.
Ozordi nou koz lo plis konfor pour nou fanmir, plis byenet, plis fasilite e plis loportinite pour kree larises.
I byen annan lanbisyon, me nou bezwen osi pran kont ki nou pou realiz nou bann laspirasyon selman si nou en pep solider, ki travay konman en lekip e se dan sa fason ki nou kapab partaz fri nou travay. Nou bezwen mazinen ki ler nou dan en sitiasyon eze nou pa oubliy kot nou sorti. Nou bezwen gard nou valer moral e spirityel koman en pep. Nou bezwen donn en koudmen pour ed nou frer ek ser, ki mwen fortinen ki nou, pour zot osi avanse. Nou bezwen fyer sa ki nou ete. Lanmour pour nou pei i lakle son sikse.
Set atraver sa refleksyon ki monn swazir sa tenm ‘Ansanm, pour lanmour Sesel’, pour sa lannen. Se nou ki konstrir nou pei, se nou ki determinn son sikse. Atraver sa tenm, mon oule ralye tou kous lasosyete dan en lespri patriotik, latolerans, konpasyon, respe e linite. Annou konmans par nou menm, nou lakour, nou vwazinaz, nou kominote, nou travay...
Sikse sa nouvo Sesel i depann lo nou kontribisyon kolektif. Dan tou sa ki nou fer, fodre nou fer li pour lanmour Sesel.
Anseki konsern mwan, se mon rol ek mon devwar, osi byen ki devwar mon gouvernman, pour enterpret lavolonte ek lanbisyon lepep e tradwir sa nouvo rev Seselwa dan realite.
Dan nou refleksyon nou bezwen realis, nou konnen ki nou pa pou zanmen annan tou sa ki nou anvi. Donk nou rev, nou vizyon, nou lanbisyon, e finalman nou stratezi i bezwen baze lo nou realite.
Anmezir ki mon koz lo nou Sesel ozordi, mon pou osi koz lo sa Sesel demen.
Sa nouvo Sesel
Nou pe koz sa ki nouvo, akoz nou pe progres dan en fason ki kapab konpletman transform nou pei. Tou transformasyon i kapab anmenn benefis me osi difikilte. Me, avek nouvo defi, en pei i bezwen pare pour transformen dan en fason kot tou dimoun i benefisye.
Dan lepase nou’n temwanny plizyer transformasyon tel ki sa labaz sosyal e politik ki ti ganny etabli apre 1977 pou benefisye lapopilasyon Seselwa an antye ziska ozordi. Nou ti oule en vre laliberte pour Seselwa, nou ti oule ki tou Seselwa i ganny menm sans, e nou ti kree fondasyon pour en sosyete zis e an armoni.
Ti annan en transformasyon lo nivo politik letan nou ti antre dan en sistenm miltiparti an 1992.
Nou tou nou lib pour annan en diferan lopinyon lo lafason ki sa bann transformasyon i’n ganny fer. Me ansanm, nou’n kapab fer sa bann transformasyon marse akoz zot ti neseser.
Pour nou avanse, nou bezwen regard ver lavenir. Nou bezwen kler lo nou bi e lo nou obzektif koman en pei.
En lot transformasyon remarkab i deza an rout. Sa transformasyon pour met plis pouvwar ekonomik dan lanmen Seselwa. I en transformasyon anbisye e enn ki bezwen partisipasyon tou dimoun. I osi enn ki sovgard nou bann aki.
Enn bann stratezi kle se pou double nou GDP, setadir larises global nou pei dan lespas 10 an. Sa i vedir fer nou pei e nou popilasyon vin de fwa pli prosper a en ritm ki nou pann zanmen konnen oparavan dan nou pti pei. Pour le moman nou GDP par tet dabitan i anviron US$ 8,722. Nou annan sa abilite pour nou double sa sif. Nou annan sa kapasite. Pli enportan, nou annan sa volonte.
Gouvernman pou zwe sa rol fasilitater e met zouti a dispozisyon tou dimoun. I pou vin en fasilitater pour kree larises nou pei.
Sa krwasans anbisye ki nou pe vize i pou ganny akonpannyen par 5 prensip ki pe gid nou plan dan tou sekter:
Lekonomi an zeneral
Ser, fer ek ser Seselwa,
Dan plizyer ladres ki monn fer resaman, mon’n met lanfaz lo sa gran kouran ekonomik ki pe anmenn sikse dan nou pei. Monn donn statistik lo lenvestisman, lo lanplwa eks.
Me pli enportan ki tou sa bann statistik se ki nou viv nou sikse. Letan nou pase dan nou distrik nou war bann nouvo lakaz pe monte, bann nouvo biznes pe kree, bann nouvo transpor lo semen. Letan nou fer letour Mahe dan Dimans, nou war bann fanmir pe anmize antre zot, pe selebre sa fri zot travay. Letan nou get otour nou nou pe war bann sinny prosperite partou.
Nou lekonomi pe montre tou bann sinny en lekonomi ki an plen esor. To kwrasans pe kontinnyen montre sinny ankourazan, sorti 3.3 % an 2005 pou ariv 7.6% an 2006 e en previzyon plis ki 5% an 2007 e 2008 dapre lestimasyon konservater. Menm FMI in fer en analiz tre pozitiv lo sa nivo krwasans ki nou pe ekspetkte.
Liberalizasyon deviz
Liberalizasyon deviz etranzer i en eleman fondamantal dan sa prose reform ki ti ganny inisye an Oktob 2006.
I pou permet ogmantasyon krwasans ekonomik amezir ki bann biznes i ganny plis akse avek bann resours finansyel. Nou lekonomi in benefisye konsiderableman par bann polisi liberalizasyon ki nou’n met anplas depi sa dernyen 2 an. Nou war plis konfyans par bann lenvestiser, plis envestisman direk etranze pe antre, e i annan plis krwasans dan lendistri tourizm ek lapes. Tou sa bann devlopman in kontribye pour ogmant lakantite deviz ki’n antre dan pei.
Nou ekspekte ki lakantite deviz ki antre dan pei pou kontinnyen ogmante amezir ki nouvo lenvestisman dan tourizm ek lapes ensi ki dan lezot aktivite ekonomik i pran lefe. Lakantite deviz ki’n antre dan pei dan konteks leksportasyon marsandiz oubyen servis in ogmant par 20% ant 2005 ek 2006. Lakantite deviz ki’n antre lye avek lenvestisman in osi ogmante par plis ki SR400 milyon lo sa menm peryod ki reprezant en logmantasyon preski 50%.
Restriktirasyon det
Kredibilite Sesel ti konfirmen lannen pase ler nou ti reisi mobiliz en bond 200 milyon dolar avek en ‘rating’ pozitif lo marse finansyel enternasyonal.
Gouvernman i’n etabli en stratezi kler pour sa prosen 10-an konsernan det eksteryer e domestik. Nou pe sible en rediksyon konsiderab nou det pour li ariv zis 60% nou GDP. Me an menm tan nou pe fer sir ki sa stratezi pa pe enteromp nou progranm redresman ekonomik a-kourterm. Nou pe realiz sa a-traver en polisi fiscal for kot tou sirplis i al ver ranboursman det e kwasans ekonomik. Atraver sa loperasyon “bond” lannen pase, Gouverman i’n klersi en parti sibstansyel son bann aryere, sitrou anver Labank Afriken pour Devlopman, Labank Mondyal, Labank Eropeen pour Lenvestisman e bann krediter Klib Paris. Nou det pe kontinnyen ganny klersi ofireamezir ki lenvestisman direk etranze (FDI) i rantre dan pei. Nou pe kontinnyen negosiasyon ek nou bann krediter enternasyonal e en kantite progre i’n ganny fer dan sa domenn. Nou’n osi fer progre enportan ansaki konsern nou det domestik. Gouvernman pe kontinnyen redwir son bann pre a-kour term e bann pre ki ser pour ki plis resours finansyel i ganny met a-dispozisyon sekter prive. Sitiasyon bidzeter pou kontinnyen amelyore avek nou progranm redresman ekonomik; konsekaman nesesite pour Gouvernman prete pour redwir konsiderabman.
Partaz larises dan nou lekonomi
Nou pe bouz dan en direksyon ki fer nou lekonomi deplizanpli konpetitiv lo lasenn enternasyonal, me dan en fason ki permet nou viv dan dinnyite. Pa tou pei ki pe kapab fer sa.
Bann reform ki nou’n antreprann, ensi ki sa nivo lenvestisman enpresyonan, i’n permet sa devlopman rapid. Plizyer antreprener pe sezi bann loportinite e sa i pozitiv pour nou lekonomi. Me, malgre sa bann devlopman pozitif, mon tre konsyan ki pa tou Seselwa ki pe kapab, pour lemoman, benefisye plennman ek bann reform ki nou’n fer. Mon tre konsyan sityasyon nou bann frer ki pe travay dir pou asir en bon lavi pour zot menm e zot zanfan, me ki lo pli ba ran saler.
Gouvernman i’n fer plizyer zefor pou amelyor sityasyon par bann ogmantasyon saler travayer sekter piblik, par rediksyon dan kou sekirite sosyal pour anplwayer, par bann rediksyon dan kou lozman, dan kou transpor, dan kou gaz ki nou servi dan lakwizin e lezot mezir ankor.
Mon konstate, malerezman, ki, dan laplipar deka, nou prop mezir ek zefor pa’n ganny akonpannyen par sekter prive. Saler pa’n progres bokou, e dan plizyer ka, pa’n progres ditou. Mon pa kapab fors sekter prive ogmant saler zot travayer.
Toutfwa, mon lans en lapel ek bann anplwayer prive pour zot pas ek zot travayer en parti bann benefis ek konsesyon ki Gouvernman in donn zot.
Nou stratezi a-lon term i met sa potansyel pou kree larises dan lanmen tou Seselwa. Nou bezwen maksimiz loportinite pour tou Seselwa. Nou bezwen annan sa motivasyon pou tou manm nou popilasyon kapab travay, servi zot talan, zot konpetans, pou ganny pli bon rekonpans pou zot envestisman personel. Sa i bezwen sa standar pour nou sosyete e se par sa bann valer ki standar lavi tou dimoun pou amelyore.
Me nou konnen ki pa tou dimoun ki kapab benefisye par sa loportinite lo sa menm vites. An mezir ki nou lekonomi i grandi nou bezwen asire ki personn pa ganny kit deryer, ki tou dimoun i ganny sa sans pou progrese, pour prospere. Mon Gouvernman in asiste dan plizyer fason dan lepase, me mon realize ki nou bezwen annan en fason pli efikas e sistematik pou nou fer li a lavenir.
Okour sa lannen, nou pou met serten mekanizm anplas ki pou donn bann travayer avek saler pli ba sa sipor ki zot bezwen.
Sa mezir i ava ankouraz bann dimoun pou rod en lanplwa, reste dan lanplwa e fer seving. Sa mezir, ki konsern travayer sekter piblik koman sekter prive, pou ganny met anplas prensipalman atraver bann reform dan sistenm taks.
Lotorite Reveni
Dan plizyer landrwa dan lemonn en lotorite spesyal ki santralize i ranmas reveni pour Gouvernman. Isi Sesel nou annan en ‘Office of Tax’ zeneral anba Minister Finans. Nou pou restriktir li pou fer li vin en ‘Revenue Authority’ avek pouvwar pour kolekte tou reveni, enkli bann peyman lanrezistreman, laysens, eks. Sa pou permet en ‘one-stop shop’ ki pou benefisye Gouvernman ensi ki sekter prive kot i konsern lefikasite.
Sa lotorite pou permet Gouvernman itiliz son reveni dan en fason pli efikas e ed bann ki dan bezwen pli rapidman e pli byen.
En bon lanvironnman pour biznes
Dan son pozisyonnman koman en fasilitater pour biznes, Gouvernman pour kontinnyen son prosesis liberalizasyon. Apartir Zanvye sa lannen tou biznes ki fer mwens ki SR 250,000 profi par an pa bezwen pey taks biznes. Anplis ki sa nou bezwen pran mezir pou ogmant partisipasyon biznes Seselwa dan nou lekonomi. Kod Lenvestisman i fer serten previzyon pou rezerv serten kalite biznes pour Seselwa selman e nou pou revwar ankor sa lalis pou enkli ankor lezot aktivite ki nou pe war Seselwa pe antre ladan e ki zot kapab antre ladan dan le fitir. Sa pou enkli bann biznes tel ki lazans vwayaz, bann aktivite spor lo delo, sant plonze, bato ‘charter’, pti lotel, internet e lezot ankor.
Sa linisyativ pou donn loportinite bokou Seselwa antre dan nouvo biznes e benefisye ankor plis larises ki pe ganny kree dan pei.
Pour fasilit bann diferan biznes pou servi plennman sa loportinite nou pou osi regard bann opsyon kot i konsern akse avek kapital ki pou permet zot lans lantrepriz dinamik e fyab.
Nou anvi ki tou biznes Seselwa i partisip dan sa nouvo Sesel, dan sa bann loportinite ki pe emerze. Parfwa osi fodre ki bann gran loperater i mazin byen ki mannyer zot osi zot kapab ede dan partaz gato. En legzanp se bann lotel ki annan zot bis pou transport zot travayer, me ki osi ganny servi pou transport kliyan e avek rezilta drayver taksi perdi biznes. In ler pou nou tou annan en konsyans sosyal! Lotorite konsernen pou pran mezir neseser pou aret sa pratik.
Pandan lannen 2006 gouvernman a traver SEnPA in fer bokou pou devlop e promouvwar bann pti biznes swa par proze ‘cottage industries’ oubyen lezot linisyativ. I bon note ki 70% ‘cottage industries’ pe ganny zere aktyelman par bann madanm.
Sitiasyon bann pti biznes i tre ankourazan e ankor enn fwa i demontre langazman mon gouvernman pou pa kit sa ki pti deryer. Avek sa bann devlopman e logmantasyon dan lakantite dimoun ki anvi lans zot dan zot prop pti biznes, gouvernman i vwar li neseser pou amenaz plis bann sit pti lantrepriz avek latelye ki pou ganny lwe a en pri tre rezonab. Sa lannen nou pou ouver de nouvo sit: enn Providence avek 12 latelye, e lot Port-Glaud avek 6 latelye. Travay pe al komanse byento lo trwa lezot sit – enn lo Zil Eve Praslin, enn La Digue e enn Anse Royale. An menm tan de lezot sit ki egsziste konmela pou ganny re-amenaze e modernize – enn Plaisance e lot Anse Boileau. I osi ennan plan pour ki SEnPA i konstrir ankor plis sa bann proze dan bann diferan distrik.
Tourizm
Nou lendistri tourizm pe grandi dan en fason regilye e soutenab dan sa dernyen detrwa lannen. An 2006 nou’n war plis ki 140,000 viziter dan nou pti pei, ki reprezant en rikord. Tourizm i’n kontribye 57% reveni an deviz an 2006. Depi 2001 ziska 2005 nou’n war en logmantasyon 6% an myayenn dan depans ki ganny fer par sak touris.
Nou konpannyen eryen nasyonal, Air Seychelles, i’n reisi afront avek sikse tou bann defi, e i’n afis en performans remarkab pour lannen 2006. I en partener privilezye nou lendistri touristik, e Gouvernmen pou kontinnyen donn li tou sipor ki i merite. Toutfwa, Air Seychelles i konsyan son bann kontrent – notaman o-nivo lekipman – e i pe fer zefor serye pour li ogmant son kapasite ziska ki i akerir nouvo avyon an 2010.
Pour ki nou lendistri tourizm i kontinnyen devlope, nou bezwen sirmont serten difikilte ek defi dan sa prosen dizan. Nou kapab konstate, par egzanp, ki lanplwa dan sa sekter i touzour pa ase atiran pour bokou travayer Seselwa. En letid ki nou’n fer resaman in montre ki travayer dan sa sekter i ganny 10% mwens saler ki mwayenn nasyonal. Gouvernman pa satisfe ek sa. Se pour sa rezon ki Biro Tourizm (STB) ek Lasosiasyon Lotel ek Tourizm (SHTA) in propoz en nouvo kad servis pour sekter lotelri ek restorasyon. Sa i fer provizyon pour ki tou travayer i ganny en konpansayon ekitab e ki kondisyon travay dan bann diferan letablisman touristik i ganny iniformize. Mon ti a swete ki leres sekter i adopte sa memn lapros.
Nou vizyon amelyorasyon nou performans dan sekter tourism i artikile otour trwa pwen prensipal:
1) Partisipasyon e partenarya Nou pou devlop en kad ki pou asir lentere Seselwa kot i konsern partisipasyon dan proze lenvestisman, partisipasyon sekter prive dan tou laspe sa lendistri e elarzi nou kapasite lo nivo zesyon. Lekol formasyon tourizm i santral dan sa prose. Travay i ankour an parternarya avek lendistri tourizm pour donn sa lekol en nouvo striktir, en nouvo souf dan son loperasyon ki pou permet li benefisye leksperyans e konesans bann pli gran loperater dan sa lendistri. Dan sa konteks, SHTTC pou ganny plase anba responsabilite STB. Dan sa nouvo dinamik, SHTTC pou benefisye avek kapasite pour donn plis formasyon e pou entegre son bann etidyan dan lendistri tourizm a tou nivo. Sa lekol pou ganny afilye avek bann lenstitisyon o nivo aletranze e pou lev nivo zeneral servis tourizm dan pei.
2) Amelyorasyon nou prodwi Nou prodwi Seselwa pou kapab ofer ankor plis destinasyon, ankor plis diversifikasyon e plis distenksyon. Noun anvi anmenn sa nouvo dimansyon dan nou prodwi kot plis zil i vin aksesib pour tourizm, kot plis aktivite i ganny promouvwar e ki par laswit i permet partaz plis larises. 3) Refokalizasyon nou prodwi Nou bezwen atir nouvo kliyan, enteres bann nouvo marse avek sa ki nou annan pou ofer. Pou fer sa, nou pou bezwen regard akse a nou teritwar par nouvo konpannyen aeryen.
Lapes
Dan sekter lapes osi nou bezwen ogmant partisipasyon Seselwa. Nou deza annan apepre 4,600 Seselwa ki pe ganny zot lavi an koneksyon ek sa lendistri.
Nou’n kontinnyelman war valer nou leksportasyon ogmante dan bann dernyen lannen. Nou reveni an deviz ki sorti dan sa sekter ti ariv SR 1.3 milyar an 2006, en logmantasyon 6.1% lo 2005.
Lamazorite nou leksportasyon ti ver Lerop. An 2007, enn bann pli gran defi ki nou bezwen konfronte se lafen sa sistenm tarif preferansyel ki bann pei ACP parey Sesel pe benefisye. Savedir ki pou annan ankor plis konpetisyon pour nou leksportasyon ton.
Nou stratezi pour lapes i pran an kont alor en nesesite pour ogmant nou abilite pour azout valer lo nou prodwi lapes, ranforsi nou konpetitivite e ogmant partisipasyon lokal dan sa sekter kle. En lot eleman enportan sa stratezi se formasyon e dan sa konteks nou annan lentasyon revwar striktir e fonksyonnman lekol maritim.
Nou partnerya avek MW Brands dan konteks IOT i reflekte sa lanbisyon. Prosennman sa lizin pe fer previzyon pour ogmant konsiderableman son prodiksyon e osi anmenn nouvo kalite prodwi lo marse ki pou diversifye nou leksportasyon. Nou plan stratezik pou por pe anmenn en kantite lentere e avek bann partener enterese nou pou fer demars pou etabli en fasilite ‘dry dock’ ki pou permet nou ganny plis reveni par bato letan zot dan Por Victoria.
Nou pou osi ofer nou bann peser artizanal plis loportinite pour ogmant zot benefis par en amelyorasyon dan kapasite pour fer ‘processing’ pwason fre swa pour leksportasyon oubyen pour lendistri tourizm.
Gouvernman pou anmenn plizyer sipor pour sa lendistri sirtou an prenan kont sityasyon kot i konsern leksportasyon ver Lerop. Plizyer ‘incentives’ pour ganny met an plas dan en fason ekitab e konpetitiv pour tou.
Kapasite SFA pou osi ganny ranforsi pour pran an kont sityasyon stok diferan lespes pwason e fer sir ki lafason ki zot eksplwatasyon i fer dan en fason soutenab e i anmenn en bon reveni pour peser.
Marse Finansyel
Sekter ‘offshore’ in deza demontre son potansyel pour devlopmen nou pei. Nou pe war ankor plis loportinite dan kad zeneral bann marse finansyel. Krwasans dan nou sekter tourizm ek lapes pour permet nou met an mars plizyer linisyativ ki pour atir kapital sorti partou dan lemonn.
Nou pe al elarzi bann servis ki deza an operasyon. Bann nouvo servis ki pou ganny ofer i enkli ‘mutual funds’, bann konpannyen avek laysens spesyal, en labours, e nouvo prodwi e servis dan sekter lasirans.
Sekter Petrol
An 2006 nou sekter petrolye i’n pran ankor plizyer gran pa ver en lendistri ki pou anmenn bokou larises dan Sesel. Eksplorasyon avanse pe kontinnyen dan nou zón ekzlisiv; lenformasyon ki’n ganny ramase i demontre sa portre zeolozik ki neseser pour leksplwatasyon delwil.
Sa potansyel i la, me en resours pa vo narnyen si ou napa sa kapasite pou zer li dan en fason efikas. Mon fyer ki nou konpannyen petrol, SEPEC, in deza montre son kapasite pou vin en akter kle dan devlopman nou pei. Son “turnover” in triple dan en lespas 10 an sorti SCR 428.3 milyon an 1997 pou ariv plis ki SCR 1.6 milyar an 2006.
Nou progranm tennker pe kontinnyen progrese e pe anmenn gran benefis pour nou pei. Aktyelman, 46 zenn Seselwa pe fer monte nou paviyon abor “Seychelles Pride”, “Seychelles Pioneer” ek “Seychelles Progress” dan bann diferan por atraver lemonn. Formasyon tou sa bann zenn in ganny asire an grann parti par Gouvernman Sesel ek SEPEC.
Nou katriyenm bato, “Seychelles Prelude” pou ganny delivre an Desanm 2007, e “Seychelles Patriot”, senkyenm batiman nou laflot, pou ganny delivre an Mars 2008.
Dan sa prosen 10 an, anplis ki nou potansyel pou dekouver delwil, Gouvernman an kolaborasyon avek SEPEC pou kontinnyen devlop plizyer enfrastriktir pou optimiz nou potansyel dan sa sekter, enkli bann servis stokaz, soutaz, distribisyon petrol dan larezyon e re-eksportasyon partou dan lemonn.
Servis Piblik
Dan sa nouvo Sesel ki nou pe anvizaze, lafason ki nou konsevwar servis piblik i bezwen sanze.
Laplipar fonksyonner i devoue anver zot travay. Me, en bon nonm parmi zot i kree bokou fristrasyon pour zot konsitwayen.
Zot pa pe delivre sa servis oubyen donn sa solisyon ki piblik i ekspekte. Larealite se ki i annan ki napa lanmour pour son travay. I annan osi bann ki anmenn politik dan zot travay. Tousala i ekivalan a en mank profesyonalizm, en mank etik.
Dan serten lezot ka en move performans i lye avek serten kontrent dan travay. Parfwa formasyon ki sa bann fonksyonner i’n gannyen pa sifizan. Parfwa sa resours ki a son dispozisyon pa sifizan. Nou osi annan parfwa kot sa lekspektasyon piblik i depas sa ki rezonab.
Dan tou sa bann ka, en meyer servis i kapab ganny promouvwar par en sistenm ‘monitoring’ pli desantralize. Plizyer minister pour benefisye par letablisman bann ‘policy monitoring cells’ ki pou kapab anmenn bann desizyon pli obzektif kot i konsern fonksyonnman nou bann servis kle.
Formasyon e, kot i neseser, re-formasyon, i santral dan refokalizasyon servis piblik ki pou ganny antreprann.
Dan sa konteks, Gouvernman pe kontinnyen repozisyonn son lekor koman en fasilitater pour biznes. Dan bann mwan ki pe vini, Gouvernman pour refokaliz plizyer son bann departman dan en fason radikal. Tou lazans ki enplike dan regilasyon e servis fasilitasyon pour biznes pour ganny regroupe ansanm.
Lafors Defans
Nou Lafors Defans i la pou protez nou souvrennte e nou lentegrite teritoryal. I a lavangard proteksyon nou bann resours natirel kont bann ki kapab esey benefisye ilegalman lo nou labondans natirel.
Anplis ki sa, mon ti a kontan soulinny lenportans rol Lafors Defans dan lentersepsyon bann prodwri – sirtou drog – dan nou delo teritoryal e lo nou bann zil elwaynen.
Nouvo striktir pour Lafors Defans ki pe ganny finalize i rekonnet sa rol santral ki nou bann solda pe zwe dan nou devlopman nasyonal. Plizyer zenn in form en karyer avek bokou posibilite e nou pou kontinnyen met tou resours neseser a zot disposizyon pour zot kapab servi zot patri avek devouman, lafyerte ek kouraz. Sa lannen nou pou ganny de nouvo avyon pour ogmant nou kapasite sirveyans. Nou’n osi sinny lagreman par egzanp avek Lafrans pour benefisye avek resours siplemanter pou sirvey nou zόn ekonomik e formasyon.
Lalwa ek Lord
Lape, sekirite e respe pour lalwa e lord i primordyal pou fer nou pei avanse.
Bann aktivite ki fer an deor en kad legal – ki swa strayk ou demonstrasyon – i en menas pour lord piblik. Zot kree konsternasyon e konfizyon parmi popilasyon. Koman zot konnen, mon’n ordonn en lanket dan levennman le 3 Oktob 2006. Mon’n konfye sa lanket ek en ziz Irlande. I isi Sesel aktyelman pour fer son lanket. Mon ava asim mon responsabilite ler i remet mwan son rapor.
An paralel ek sa lanket, sa komite ki mon’n etabli lo lord ek lalwa dan pei i’n fer en bon travay pou revwar serten lalwa ki egziste e promouvwar en lespri respe pour lalwa. Zot bann rekomandasyon pou fer prosennman. Sa komite in osi byen montre ki plizyer partner avek pwenn-vi diferan i kapab met lide ansanm pour promouvwar en prosesis ki bon pour tou Seselwa.
Anseki konsern sekirite sitwayen, Lapolis i konsyan serten son febles ek defayans. I pe pran bann mezir pour amelyor son performans, pour li vin pli efikas, pour li gann plis respe nou konsitwayen. Nou servis Lapolis pe osi pran plizyer pa an avan pour amelyor son prezans dan nou kominote e donn sa servis ki neseser pour sekirite tou Seselwa. Lafors Lapolis i’n adopte son plan stratezik pour sa prosen 5-an e i pe enplimant li. Sa plan i enplik, ant-ot, en restriktirasyon dan lekel i met bokou lanfaz lo devlopman resours imen e formasyon pour bann polisye a diferan nivo. Sa plan i osi prevwar lentrodiksyon en nouvo progranm “Konstab Spesyal” dan kominote, kot serten zabitan – apre ki zot in resewvar en formasyon spesyal – i a kapab vin bann polisye “part-time”. Nou tou nou bezwen travay avek Lapolis pour anmenn nou pei devan.
Zidisyer
Msye Spiker,
Mon pa kapab koz lo lalwa ek lord san tous lo Zidisyer. Mon annan bokou respe pour sa lenstitisyon venerab ki form enn sa trwa pilye Larepiblik ek nou demokrasi. Me, mon partaz fristrasyon pep Seselwa devan lourder ek lanter dispansayon lazistis dan nou pei. Lalwa e lord dan nou pei i depann lo en servis Zidisyer ki ekitab, e ki servi lalwa e lepep dan en fason rapid e efikas. Tou Seselwa i responsab devan lalwa. Tou ziz e tou avoka i responsab devan sa menm lalwa. Nou kwar ki tou ziz i devret servi sa lalwa pou anmenn lazistis dan en fason nob e ki osi permet tou dimoun pour annan zot reprezantasyon legal dan en fason dinny. Nou konnen ki i annan en kantite kes ki ankor pe espere pour ganny zize. Ziz i bezwen fer zot mye pou asire ki tou kes i ganny trete dan en letan rezonab.
Anmenmtan, mon fer en lapel ek pep Seselwa pour nou pa melanz respe lalwa avek lopinnyon politik. Tou dimoun i responsab devan lalwa. Kot i annan problenm, nou Konstitisyon i fer previzyon pour bann lenstitisyon ki annan konpetans pour asire ki lalwa nou pei i ganny swiv e aplike.
Lo sa pwen mon kwar mon devre osi soulinny nesesite pour edik nou bann zenn lo lenportans nou lalwa siprenm. Gouvernman pou antreprann distribisyon nou Konstisyon avek nou bann zenn tre prosennman dan bi sansibiliz zot lo lalwa nou patri.
Transpor
Nou transpor piblik pe ofer en servis ki a en pri konvenab pour tou Seselwa. Me nou bezwen kontinnyen travay pour anmenn sa bann servis dan plis destinasyon e dan en fason pli regilye.
Pour amelyor nou rezo transpor nou pe konsider posibilite permet operater endividyel ki enterese pou ofer en servis ki pou konplemant servis ofer par SPTC. SPTC in osi fini plas komann pour 60 nouvo bis diferan kapasite pou deservi Mahé ek Praslin.
En nouvo plan sirkilasyon ki pou benefisye sirtou rezyon Victoria pou ganny met an plas prosennman. Nou pou konstri en pon spesyal atraver ‘yacht basin’ ki pour permet transpor travers ant Semen Bois de Rose ek English River. Sa travay pou komanse avan lafen lannen.
Parey mon’n dir, en kantite veikil pe antre dan pei. An 2006, plis ki 1,300 veikil in ganny enporte; sa i reprezant plis ki 100 veikil ekstra par mwan e en mwayenn preski 4 nouvo veikil lo nou semen par zour! Sa nouvo plan sirkilasyon i pran ankont sa gran logmantasyon.
Delo ek Elektrisite
Provizyon delo ek elektrisite i a labaz lenfrastriktir pour nou devlopman sosyo-ekonomik. Nou’n reisi pandan sa bann dernyen lannen gard sa bann servis a en pri abordab, menm si pri karbiran in monte partou dan lemonn. Nou rekonnet lenportans pour asire ki tou Seselwa i ganny akse avek delo trete e elektrisite a en pri akseptab. Nou plan pour sa prosen 10 an i pran sa an kont.
Nou pou enstal nouvo zenerater lo Mahé ek Praslin pou fer fas ek nouvo devlopman tel ki proze lakaz e nouvo biznes. Nou pou ogmant kapasite distribisyon dan Sid ek Was Mahé par lenstalasyon en nouvo lalinny 33,000 Volt. Nou pou osi ogmant kapasite kab soumaren ki pe deservi La Digue aktyelman.
Pour delo, nou pe met anplas en rezo distribisyon ki pou asire ki nou resours delo i ganny servi dan en fason pli efikas. Dan sa prosen 10-an, nou pou bezwen konstri nouvo kapasite stokaz avek tou teknolozi neseser pour kapab transfer delo dan bann diferan rezervwar ki nou annan.
Konstriksyon
Fas a bann nouvo devlopman, nou bezwen plis materyo konstriksyon. Plis konpannyen ek kontrakter i bezwen antreprann loperasyon dan sa sekter. Bann konpannyen aktyel pa kapab ranpli demann ki egziste, e sa i met nou retar dan nou devlopman. Avek bann nouvo konstriksyon lotel ki’n progranmen ensi ki demann pour lakaz, nou kapab war ki sa sekter pe progres tre byen.
Gouvernman pou travay avek sekter prive pou asire ki nou kapab fer fas avek sa defi e asire ki otan endidividi ki enplike dan sa sekter i benefisye, e osi ouver posibilite pour nouvo operater.
Lanvironnman
Labote e frazilite nou lanvironnman i en eleman kle dan sa nouvo Sesel e, dan en sans, i form sa fondasyon, ansanm avek nou pep, lo ki nou devret konstri nou nouvo stratezi.
Apepre 50 poursan later Sesel i ganny prezerve koman rezerv natirel. Avek son 2 sit patrimywann mondyial i enn parmi bann pti pei o monn ki ganny servi konman en model dan proteksyon lanvironman.
Ozordi Sesel pe benefisye plis ki 12 milyon USD avek Global Environment Facility pour sa prosen 10an. Sa i reprezant pli gro donasyon ki nou’n deza resevwar dan domenn lanvironman. I osi en rekonans nou bon zesyon lanvironnman.
Lo nivo enternasyonal, Sesel pe kontinyen mentenir son leadership lo gouvernans e diplomasi dan laspe lanvironman.
Ledikasyon lo lanvironman i tre enportan a en tre zenn-az. Nou bezwen ankouraz nou bann zanfan ek nou lazenes pour pran en pli gran lentere dan lanvironman, osi byen dan son konteks mondyal ki lokal.
Lagrikiltir
Lagrikiltir i reste en laspe fondamantal nou sosyete menm si ofir e amezir nou lekonomi pe vin deplizanpli fokalize lo servis.
Bann diferan ‘incentives’ ki nou’n ofer bann fermye in ed zot pou fer fas ek konkirans logmantasyon lenportasyon prodwri agrikol.
Nou stratezi pou lagrikiltir an zeneral se pou mentenir nou sekirite alimanter e donn posibilite bann fermye e agrikilter, otan ki posib, pou azout valer avek zot prodwi.
Fermye e agrikilter pe kontinnyen ofer Seselwa bann prodwi kalite. Nou tou nou konnen ki nou prodwi lokal i annan sa gou spesyal. Nou konnen ki lesor ki nou pe war dan tourizm pou anmenn en kantite demann pou bann prodwi lokal e lakominote agrikol pou partisip plennman dan sa kreasyon larises dan sa prosen 10 an.
Telekominikasyon ek Teknolozi Lenformasyon
Sesel i parmi bann pei ki annan en lenfrastriktir telekominikasyon pli modern o-monn.
Aktyelman 80% nou popilasyon i abonnen avek sistenm telefonn mobil. Nou osi pe fer gran progre lo kote teknolozi internet avek bann demars pour finaliz akse internet broadband atraver ADSL, WI-Fi hotspots e “voice over internet protocol”.
Nou bi evantyelman se pour fer ki internet Wi-Fi i aksesib partou dan ban zil prensipal Sesel. Victoria i deza parsyelman Wi-Fi. En lot proze pou komanse prosennman pou fer Praslin ek La Digue annan menm konektivite.
Nou pli gran defi se touzour pour met anplas en kab ‘fibre optic’ soumaren ki pou permet nou konekte internet e annan en sistenm telekominikasyon dan en fason pli rapid e permet devlopman nouvo biznes dan sa domenn.
Sa proze i enn tre larz e ki pou bezwen en partenarya ant Gouvernman e sekter prive. En letid spesifik lo sa size pe komanse byento.
Myse Spiker,
Mon oule aprezan abord sekter sosyal.
I annan bokou pei ki ris, me pa tou ki ris ki annan en bon kalite lavi.
Sa meyer kalite lavi ki nou pe promouvwar i vedir ki malgre ki Gouvernman pe repozisyonn li koman en fasilitater, i pou touzour annan en rol kle pou zwe kot i konsern lozman, lasante nou pep, e ledikasyon pour nou zanfan.
Lozman
Ozordi 76% fanmiy i proprieter zot prop lakaz. An plis ki sa, mon Gouvernman i’n deza komans travay pou konstri plis ki 5,000 lakaz avan 2011. Nou lo bon semen pou akonpli sa lobzektif. An dotmo, tou dimoun ki ti’n fer demann avan le 18 Zen 2006 e ki dan bezwen pou ganny asiste.
Bann diferan ‘scheme’ ki’n ganny met anplas pou permet dimoun kapab vin propriyeter zot prop lakaz in byen progrese. Bann ‘discount’ ki’n ganny ofer in redwi sa kou lakaz pour bokou fanmir, me nou’n osi fer li dan en fason responsab ki vedir ki Gouvernman i’n kapab re-envesti larzan dan son bann progrannm.
En politik soutenab pour konstriksyon lakaz i osi enplik plis partisipasyon sekter prive e endividi an partenarya avek Gouvernman. Avek logmantasyon dan larises nou pei, bann proze lakaz pou vin ankor pli viyab koman en lenvestisman a-lon term. Gouvernman pou reste sa partner kle pou asire ki kou lozman i reste abordab pou bann fanmiy ki dan bezwen. Gouvernman pou osi, kot fodre, anmenn sa sipor neseser pour bann fanmiy ki napa sa mwayen pou konstri, aste, oubyen mentenir zot lakaz. Nou ‘Special Housing Scheme’ pe aktyelman asiste plis ki 800 fanmiy ki dan difikilte.
Nou pou mentenir sa ‘scheme’ pour bann fanmiy ki dan bezwen e pou asire ki dan nou sosyete nou toultan annan sa lespri solidarite kot nou pa kit personn deryer.
An 2006, Gouvernman i’n met a dispozisyon manm piblik 70 proze landbank. Pour nou kapab soutenir nou developman sosyo-ekonomik 1,100 arpan later in ganny konble pandan sa 15 an. Sa bann landrwa pe ozordi deservi bann housing estates, bann lenfrastriktir lendistri e osi pti biznes.
Ledikasyon e Resours Imen
Nou resours imen i nou resours pli presye. Nou’n envesti en kantite dan devlopman sa resours. Dan dernyen senk an nou’n war 564 zenn profesyonel retournen sorti letid e nou’n anvoy ankor 661 fer letid avanse dan sa menm peryod. Me nou bezwen devlop sa resours ankor plis e servi li dan en fason pli efikas.
Touzour dan domenn training, plis ki 40 administrater lekol i’n kalifye avek en MBA dan “Educational Leadership”, en progranm inisye par Minister Ledikasyon an partenarya avek Liniversite Lincoln e Liniversite Warwick a partir sa lannen. Sa bann profesyonal pe aprezan desarz zot responsabilite dan nou bann lekol. Mon profit sa lokazyon pour felisit zot e swet bonn sans bann ki’n fek konmans zot letid.
Devlopman nou lekonomi pou anmenn en kantite loportinite dan sekter servis e nou bezwen devlop plis nou kapasite management dan sa konteks. Nou pou form bann parternaya stratezik avek sekter prive e osi ranforsi nou lyen avek lenstistisyon a-letranze pou asire ki nou kapab donn sa formasyon e, kot neser, sa-reformasyon en linny avek devlopman nou lekonomi.
Anseki konsern bann lekol, nou pou antreprann renovasyon e konstriksyon plizyer lekol. Mon aplodi demars Minister Ledikasyon pou donn bann lekol plis lotonomi pou redwir birokrasi e pou promot sa lyen konplemantarite ki egziste ant nou bann lekol e nou kominote.
Nou merit rekonnet travay dir nou bann ansennyan e ozordi mon profite pour felisit zot pour zot devouman e travay dir. Byento, tou ansennyan Seselwa dan lekol gouvernman pou kapab benefisye anba en progranm spesyal kot zot pou kapab aste zot prop ordinater ki Gouvernman pou sibvansyonnen.
Paralelman nou pou ranforsi kapasite akse a teknolozi lenformasyon pour tou lekol sekonder e pos-sekonder. Anseki konsern lekol primer nou pou ekip zot tou avek mwayen neseser pou asire ki tou nou zanfan i ganny akse avek teknolozi lenformasyon a en tre zenn az.
Menm si nou kapab konstate ki rezilta nou bann zanfan dan bann legzanmen enternasyonal i kontinyen amelyore, nou bezwen ranforsi nou zefor pour elimin bann eleman negatif e inakseptab dan nou bann lekol.
La mon pe fer referans avek bann difikilte ki bann anseynan i fer fas avek tou lezour. Nou kapab annan pli zoli lekol e ansenyen pli kalifye, me si nou annan problenm disiplin, sa lanvironman pa pou ankouraz laprantisaz ek prodiktivite .
Minister Ledikasyon i annan en gran defi devan li e i bezwen siport lasosyete an antye. I bezwen develop bann stratezi pour enkilke dan bann zanfan ki zot drwa i mars egalman avek zot responsabilite.
En zanfan pa kapab mank respe pour son ansenyan ou menm pour son kanmarad lo preteks son drwa. Nou bezwen edik nou zanfan ki zot drwa i fini kot drwa en lot endividi i konmanse.
I osi tris pour konstate ki drog, lalkol, lansentman anba laz, ‘bullying’, vyolans e lezot konportman anti-sosyal i’n enfiltre dan nou bann lekol. Bann ansenyan tousel pa pou kapab fer fas avek tousala. Mon lans en lapel avek tou paran ek lorganizasyon konsernen, espesyalman lafors lapolis, pou zwenn ansanm e ralye pour konbat sa bann fleo ki detri nou zanfan. I’n plis ki ler pour nou tou anbark lo en kanpanny agresiv.
Annou donn en koudmen nou bann ansenyan pour zot kapab delivre pli byen. Annou ed sa zanfan ki’n vin viktim sa adilt iresponsab, sa adilt perver, ki pe abiz linosans sa zanfan. Lapolis, Departman Zafer Sosyal, NCC, CARE, bann Legliz, responsab distrik, lakonminote an zeneral, zot tou zot merit pe donn en koudmen nou bann ansenyan.
Nou bann lekol i dezyenm lakour nou bann zanfan. Annou fer zot en landrwa ideal pour laprantisaz ek formasyon.
Lasante
Gouvernman i’n envesti enormeman dan servis Lasante pour li donn en meyer swen, en meyer servis a nou sitwayen. Nou’n akonpli bokou; e nou lakonplisman i’n ganny rekonet mondyalman. Dapre Lorganizasyon Mondyal pour Lasante, statistik i montre ki nou annan pli bon servis lasante dan larezyon. Me, nou pankor ariv a sa nivo lekselans ki nou ti a swete. I annan bokou defayans dan nou sistenm. I reste nou ankor bokou pou fer pour nou ariv la kot nou anvi arive.
Mon konstate ki lagrann mazorite personel dan servis Lasante se bann dimoun devoue, bann vre profesyonnel ki travay dir, ki sakrifye zot lekor pour zot pasyan. Me, mon osi konstate – avek regre - ki i annan osi serten eleman non selman negatif me osi destriktif ki pe met baton dan nou larou. Mon pa pou kapab kontinny toler sa. Mon pa pou toler mank profesyonalizm dan Minister Lasante. Mon pa pou tolere ki nou les politik enterfer dan sa servis primordyal.
Mon pa pou tolere ki nou zwe avek lasante dimoun pour nenport ki rezon. Mon donn lepep Seselwa garanti ki sa bann move konportman, sa bann latitid negatif pou arete.
Dan sa perspektiv, mon annan lentansyon reform radikalman sistenm ladministrasyon lasante. Mon lentansyon se pou (i) ranfors bann swen primer e prevantativ o-nivo kominoter, (ii) ranfors bann swen medikal sekonder o-nivo lopital Victoria, e (iii) ankouraz devlopman swen medikal tersyer lokalman avek partisipasyon sekter prive.
Enn sa bann reform i konsern redefinisyon rol e repozisyonnman Minister Lasante. Mon kwar fermeman ki i devret enplik li plis dan swen kominoter. Mon kwar egalman ki i devret enplik li plis dan formilasyon polisi e mwens dan zesyon lopital Victoria. Mon osi kwar ki i devre zwe plis sa rol “fasilitater” pour en partenarya dinamik ant Gouvernman ek sekter prive dan dispansasyon swen medikal o-nivo a nou sitwayen. Bann reform ki mon pou fer pou tenir kont sa bann eleman osi ki byen dot. Mon oule osi sezi sa lokazyon pou rapel nou ki nou annan en devwar sakre, en lobligasyon pou protez nou lasante. Bondye i’n donn nou lasante. Annou pa abim li. Annou evit bann stil lavi ki konpromet leta nou lasante. Annou evit labi bann sibstans ki detri nou ek nou fanmiy.
Nou bezwen egalman responsabiliz nou lekor. Gouvernman i depans bokou lo lasante. 19% poursan son bidze i ganny konsakre a lasante. Annou apresye tou sa bann fasilite ki ganny met a nou dizposisyon gratwitman: konsiltasyon, medikaman, tretman lokal e a-letranze eks. Annou itiliz avek konsyans sa bann fasilite ek swen. Annou evit gaspiyaz ek labi.
Lanplwa
Sityasyon aktyel konsernan lanplwa i tre pozitiv. Avek mwens ki 3% somaz nou lekonomi pe montre ki nou kapab donn loportinite laplipar nou popilasyon pour partaz dan sa prosperite ki nou pe kree.
Tou Seselwa i bezwen servi loportinite ki a nou porte pou nou ogmant nou prodiktivite.
Plizyer defi i egziste. Serten dimoun pe fer louvraz pour lekel zot pann neseserman ganny byen forme. Nou osi annan en birokrasi lour.
Nou pou travay avek sekter prive pour ki a-lavenir nou pei i kapab kree lanplwa a en ritm ki pou asire ki tou Seselwa i kapab ganny en louvraz stab e ki anmenn en saler konvenab pour li e son fanmir.
Nou bezwen annan bann travayer ki polivalan e ki kapab adapte zot avek bann nouvo egzizans nou lekonomi. En bon progrannm formasyon e devlopman resours imen pou fer sa posib.
I kler ki bokou i’n ganny fer tou resamenm pour donn bann travayer en pli bon lanvironman pour prodwir e delivre.
Nou demars pa fini la. Minister Lanplwa i annan plan pour etablir en “younit prodiktivite” ki annan pour bi amelyor bann polisi pour pran an kont prodiktivite dan bann landrwa travay e osi vwar bann nouvo linisiatif pour ankouraz prodiktivite e pli bon performans.
Nou osi annan lide etabli en “Labour tribunal” ki annan pour bi rezourd bann problenm anplwayer e anploye dan en fason pli zis, efikas, rapid e modern.
Gouvernman pou osi travay pou entrodwir lezislasyon pou ed bann travayer ki’n ganny aksidan oubyen maladi dan kad zot travay ganny konpansasyon ki zot merite san nesesite fer demann avek Sekirite Sosyal e ‘means testing scheme’.
Lalit kont bann fleo sosyal
Msye Spiker,
Labi drog, konsomasyon eksesif lalkol, vyolans domestik i parmi bann fleo ki nou bezwen fer fas avek konman en nasyon. Tousala pa zis bann problenm sosyal ki afekte en endividi ouswa en fanmir, me annefe zot bann problenm ki afekte nou developman sosyal e met an risk nou sekirite e prosperite konman en nasyon.
Lafanmir
Lafanmir i fondasyon nenport ki sosyete. Souvann fwa nou ganny bann ka kot paran pa kapab fer fas avek serten difikiklte e zot tant pour depan lo leta pour sipor.
I annan tro bokou zanfan ki dan bann lenstitisyon akoz pa neseserman ki zot paran i’n mor me akoz zot bann orfelen sosyal. Zot i’n ganny swa neglize swa abize par zot paran.
Koman nou tou non konnen, sa premye 7-an dan lavi en zanfan i en staz krisyal kot i aprann pli vit, e kot labaz son bann valer moral, sosyal e spirityel i ganny forme. Alors, annou pran nou responsabilite koman paran e osi ansennyan pou fer sir ki nou donn nou zanfan en bon fondasyon, en bon komansman dan lavi, pour ki demen zot vin bon etidyan e adilt responsab.
Gouvernman pe kontinny son demars pour ki proteksyon zanfan i reste en priorite. ‘The Half way Home’, pou byento vi’n an operasyon pou donn bann zanfan siport terapi pour zot kapab ganny reentegre avek zot fanmir.
Nou pe osi etablir en tribinal lafanmir lo en baz plen tan pour amelyor servis ki nou ofer. Paralelman, nou pe fer provizyon pour ki en sou-sekretaryat tribinal lafanmir i ganny etabli lo Praslin pour deservi lakominote Praslin ek La Digue.
An menm tan, nou pe akord en latansyon partikilye bann nouvo linisiatif pour elimin vyolans domestik dan nou sosyete. Sa pou enkli lenplimantasyon Lalwa kont Vyolans Domestik e en stratezi nasyonal lo vyolans domestik ki Minister Zafer Sosyal pe finalize. Labi sibstans
Konsomasyon drog ek lalkol i’n ogmante dan en fason alarmant pandan sa bann dernyen lannen. I aras ou leker ler ou war en zanfan Mont Royal, oubyen en zenn fiy ou en zenn onm ki eran dan lari aswar akoz drog ou lalkol. Nou bezwen ranforsi tou nou zefor pour konbat sa move stil lavi a tou nivo. Sa i enkli prevansyon, tretman, e reabilitasyon.
Ankor enn fwa mon oule fer resourti ki sa lalit pa zis en zafer gouvernman. Nou tou nou annan en devwar e responsabilite anver nou zanfan pour protez zot kont labi drog e lalkol.
Lar, Kiltir ek Spor
Nou annan en tradisyon kreol ris, vivan, avek bokou kouler.
Se nou kiltir kreol seselwa ki donn nou nou lidantite, ki anrisi kalite nou lavi e ki fer bokou dimoun dan lemonn anvi partaz nou lavi zil.
Diferan artis Seselwa in deza prouv zot lekor lo lasenn enternasyonal, dan domenn lanmizik, ladans, lapentir eks. Atraver zot nou kiltir pe reyonnen otour lemonn. Nou’n etabli plizyer mekanizm pour ed zot dan bann dernyen lannen, e nou pe komans war en lendistri kiltirel ki pe leve, ki pe zwe son rol osi dan nou lekonomi. Nou annan en vre potansyel pou devlop ankor nou tourizm kiltirel.
Dan menm lalinny, nou lenvestisman dan lenfrastriktir sportif dan plizyer disiplin e nou labote natirel i en atou konsiderab pour komans devlop tourizm sportif.
Nou fyer letan nou atlet i fer monte nou paviyon e letan nou artis i emervey lemonn ek zot talan. Nou salye zot lakonplisman.
Devlopman Kominoter ek Lazenes
Msye Spiker,
Tou devlopman i komans dan kominote e nou pa bezwen pli gran motivasyon ki sa dezir pou kree en meyer lavenir pour nou bann zanfan.
Nou kominote i fer lafors nou nasyon.
En lapros parsipativ dan nou kominote pou ganny promouvwar. Tou manm en distrik i kapab anmenn en kontribisyon dan son lavi kominoter. Devlopman progranm pour kominote, konstriksyon lenfrastriktir ensi ki lafason servis i ganny delivre pou baze lo en lespri konsiltasyon, konsansis e travay an ekip.
Otan ki posib, diferan servis pou ganny desantrilize dan distrik. Bann diferan progranm Gouvernman pou vin pli pre avek lepep. Tou departman e minister Gouvernman pou travay an etrwat kolaborasyon avek kominote pou amelyor sa servis ki ganny delivre. Nou osi ekspekte ki plis progranm pou ganny monte direkteman dan leker nou kominote avek sipor Gouvernman kot i fodre. Nou osi ankouraz sekter prive pou envestir dan progranm e enfrastriktir dan nou distrik dan en fason ki tou i benefisye.
Nou anvi en kominote vibran e aktif kot nou bann zenn i kontinnyen ganny akse ek tou loportinite posib pou zot lepanouisman. En kominote kot i annan sa bon lantant ant nou bann dimoun aze, nou bann zenn e nou zanfan. Napa pli gran lazwa ki war en zenn pe maksimiz sa bann loportinite ki a son dispozisyon.
Trwazyenm Az Mon Gouvernman i’n touzour atas gran lenportans avek nou bann sitwayen aze, pa selman atraver sipor sosyal e finansyel, me osi atraver sa 26 klib Asosyasyon Trwazyenm Az dan bann distrik. Nou lot bi se pour konstrir en Mezon Trwazyenm Az ki pou ganny servi konman en fasilite nasyonal.
Mon osi kontan ki Lasanble Nasyonal pour byento konsider lamannman lalwa ‘Public Sector Special Pension’. Bi sa reform se pou permet sa bann ansyen travayer servis piblik ki ti pran zot retret avan le 1er Zanvye 2005 pour ganny sa pansyon spesyal
Konklizyon
Ser frer e ser Seselwa,
I annan en dikton ki dir ki dan sak defi i annan loportinite, parey ki dan sak loportinite i annan defi. Se pour sa rezon ki filozi mon gouvernman se pour reste touzour an konsiltasyon avek lepep pandan ki nou planifye non selman pou anmenm Sesel ek Seselwa pli lwen devan, me antisip tou bann difikilte afen ki nou kapab mye ekip e prepar nou.
Fondasyon nou pei in fini ganny mete, konstriksyon pe pran plas. Sa nouvo Sesel pe pran son laform. I dan en prosesis transformasyon ver en fitir prometan. Moman pour nou sezi sa loportinite i la, konmela-menm. Lenportans protez e soutenir lape, stabilite e larmoni ki nou pei i’n zouir pandan tou sa bann lannen i merit touzour enspir e gid nou dan tou sa ki nou fer. Lopozisyon i kontan dir ki mon Gouvernman i inynor sa 45% popilasyon ki’n vot pour zot dan dernyen eleksyon. Sa i absoliman fo. Konman Prezidan, mwan e mon gouvernman nou travay zour e nwit pour benefis tou Seselwa. Sa i mon devwar, e mon pe fer li parey mon’n sermante pou fer. I rol lopozisyon pou angaz li dan en fason konstriktif avek sa Gouvernman ki’n ganny elekte demokratikman. Lademokrasi pa ve dir ki lopozisyon i servi lezot mwayen, parey fer dezord e insit vyolans, pour atenn bi ki zot pa’n reisi fer atraver prosesis elektoral demokratik. Annou pa pres politik divizyon. Annou plito rod fason pou amenn dimoun ansanm.
Sa ki nou pe vwar pe arrive dan Sesel ozordi set en renouvelman politik ki ganny reprezante par en Prezidan avek en nouvo manda pour enplimant son vizyon e progranm developman. En Prezidan pour tou Seselwa! En vizyon pour tou Seselwa!
Byento lepep Seselwa pour koz ankor enn fwa dan bwat vote. Sa fwasi zot pou vot pour reprezantan zot distrik. Pou nou pei avanse, nou bezwen konpran byen ki mannyer politik i marse.
Politik se diferans lopinyon e dan en demokrasi, sa diferans i ganny manifeste dan en parlman ant parti mazoriter e parti dan lopizisyon. Si nou oule Sesel avans pli byen e pli vit fodre ki lopozisyon i vin en lafors konstriktiv, en lafors propozisyon e progre e non pa selman en lafors konfrontasyon. Fodre ki lopozisyon ki’n ganny elekte dan en eleksyon demokratik i fonksyonn dan lareg demokratik. Nou pa kapab annan en lopozisyon ki zis antre sorti dan Lasanble. Lopozisyon i devre konsistan; i devre annan respe pour dimoun ki’n elekte zot e respe pour lenstitisyon parlmanter. Koman politisyen, parlman i sa lenstitisyon primer pour debat diverzans nou pwendvi. Nou pa kapab pres lademokrasi lo en kote e apre pratik lanarsi lo en lot kote. Sa pa ditou dan lentere Sesel e, konman Prezidan ki’n sermante pou defann lentere nou pei, mon pa kapab les sa kontinyen.
Dan en demokrasi se lepep ki deside, e ozordi mon retourn ver lepep. Mon retourn ver sa menm pep ki lannen pase ti donn mwan en manda pou diriz nou pei e met an mars mon progranm modernizasyon ki pe byen progrese.
Mon pe demanm zot pour met dimoun serye dan Lasanble Nasyonal, bann dimoun ki annan zot lentere e lentere Sesel aker, bann vre patriyot, e non pa dimoun ki ensit dezord ek vyolans. Mon pe demann nou pep pou donn nou pei en nouvo Lasanble Nasyonal ki responsab e konsistan. Mon pe demann nou pep pou donn mwan en mazorite kosto dan Lasanble Nasyonal pou mwan tenir Sesel lo en bon semen. En semen lape stabilite, prosperite, e larmoni. Annou fer li ansanm. Annou fer li pour lanmour Sesel!
Ki Bondye i kontinyen beni nou pei e lepep Seselwa.
Mersi.
Teks ofisyel i sa ki ganny prononse. BY PRESIDENT JAMES A. MICHEL TUESDAY 20th MARCH 2007
Mr. Speaker, Members of the National Assembly, The People of Seychelles Excellencies,
It is an honour and privilege for me to deliver the State of the Nation Address before you today in accordance with Article 65 of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles.
In my speech today, I would like to share with you our achievements, and also some of the challenges that we are faced with as a nation. It is an opportunity for me to discuss work that we have begun, that which is ongoing and more importantly, I will expound my vision and plan for the new Seychelles to which we all aspire.
It is also an opportunity for us to analyse our accomplishments and identify what can be done to ensure the continued prosperity of Seychelles. What can be done to ensure the continued drive for increased visibility on the international scene. What can be done to ensure that social, economical and political stability continues to inspire the confidence of the Seychellois and foreign investor.
The picture of Seychelles in 2007 is that of a determined nation that has worked hard with dignity and pride and has sacrificed a lot to achieve what it has. It is a new Seychelles with a new vision which rising.
Today, that which our grandparents only dreamt of, has become a reality for us, and in many ways, Seychelles has become a model for what a small island state can accomplish.
Seychelles is a success story. We only need to look around us to see it. However we should not seek only to take credit for our success, but we should be working constantly to maintain and sustain our accomplishments. Moreover, we must not forget our past as it will guide us in attaining our goals.
Our new vision is full of opportunity. It represents a brighter future for all. The majority of Seychellois are looking beyond their basic needs in life. Today we are talking about enhancing the quality of life for our families, and more facilitating opportunities for wealth creation.
While, it is imperative for us to be ambitious, we should also take into consideration that we can only achieve our goals through teamwork and with solidarity amongst our population. In the same way, we should also share the results of our hard work together. We must realise that even when we are in a more comfortable situation, we should not forget where we came from. We need to maintain our moral and spiritual values as a nation. We ought to assist those who are less fortunate to enable them to accomplish their goals. We need to be proud of who we are. Believing in our country is the key to our success.
It is through this reflection, that I have chosen the theme for 2007, “Together for the love of Seychelles”. We are building our country together, and together we determine its success. It is through this theme, that I would like to rally all members of our society in a collective spirit of patriotism, tolerance, compassion, respect and unity. This spirit begins with each one of us as individuals, in our homes, in our neighbouhoods, our communities, our work….. The success of our new Seychelles depends on our collective contribution. And in all our endeavours we should be guided by our love for our country.
It is my duty and the duty of my Government to engage with wishes and ambitions of the people and make this vision of a new Seychelles a reality.
While we reflect, we must be realistic. We should acknowledge that in many circumstances, it would not be feasible for us to obtain all that we would desire. Our strategy will be based on the realistic expression of the popular will.
While I discuss the Seychelles of today, I will also expound on our vision for the Seychelles of tomorrow.
The new Seychelles
We are speaking of that which is new, because we are progressing in a manner that can bring about a great transformation in our country. All transformations have their benefits and their difficulties. However, with emerging challenges, a country needs to be prepared to undertake a transformation in a manner in which everyone benefits.
In the past our nation has undergone several transformations. One of these transformations occurred as from 1977 when we began to establish a socio-political basis to benefit the Seychellois population. Our aim was to have true freedom of the Seychellois people where all had the same opportunities, with a foundation for social justice and harmony.
In 1992, we witnessed the political transformation to a multiparty state. We all may have different views on the nature of these transformations, but together we made those transformations work.
For us to be able to move forward, we need to have lucid aims and objectives for the future.
Another major transformation is currently underway. This transformation is about the economic empowerment of all Seychellois. It is an ambitious transformation which relies on the participation of all. It is also a transformation which maintains our social gains.
One of the significant aims of our strategies is to double our GDP, that is the overall wealth of our country in a 10 year period. This will entail an intensification of productive activity that we have never experienced before. Recent statistics have indicated that our GDP per capita is approximately US$ 8,722. We do have the ability and the capacity to double this figure. Since the Seychellois people have the will-power to achieve such goal, the Government will discharge the role of the facilitator to ensure the enhancement of our economic wealth.
This overall growth will be guided by 5 overarching principles in all sectors:-
Our economic situation in general
Seychellois brothers and sisters,
In most of my recent addresses, I have highlighted the intense economic current driving our country forward. I have provided a number of statistics concerning investments, employment etc.
However, it is more important that we LIVE our success than look at statistics. There are a number of indicators all around us that bear witness to our increasing prosperity- the construction of new houses, the emergence of new businesses, the latest models of vehicles on our roads…... A drive around Mahé on a Sunday will show you a number of Seychellois families enjoying the fruits of their work.
Our economy is showing all the signs of a continuing upward spiral. Statistics provided by Central Bank, show that our Growth Rate in 2005 was 3.3%, it rose to 7.6% in 2006 and for 2007 to 2008, a rise of more than 5% has been predicted even according to conservative estimates. The IMF has also made an extremely positive analysis of our economic performance in the last few years.
Liberalisation of Foreign Exchange
Liberalisation of foreign exchange is a fundamental element of our reform agenda that was initiated in October 2006.
This reform will facilitate economic growth as businesses get more access to financial resources. Our economy has beneficiated considerably in the last two years with the implementation of these liberalisation policies. There is a rise of local investments and FDI and there has been increasing growth in tourism and fishing.
In line with the increase in tourism and fisheries industries, as well as other investments, we are indeed anticipating an increase in the incoming flows of foreign exchange. Exports of goods and services have risen by 20% from 2005 to 2006. Flows linked to investments have also increased by more than SR400 million in that same period; indicating an increase of almost 50%.
Debt Restructuring
Seychelles’ credibility was enhanced last year when we managed to mobilize a 200 million US$ bond with a positive rating on international financial markets.
The Government has introduced a rational strategy for the next decade regarding our international debt as well as our national debt. We are experiencing a considerable reduction of our debt, which is now only 60% of our GDP. However, we are ensuring that this strategy does not hamper our programme to redress the economy in the short term. We are achieving this objective through our effective fiscal policies by which the surplus goes toward reimbursement of our debts and our growth rate. Following the launching of the bond last year, the government has cleared a substantial amount of our arrears especially with the African Development Bank, World Bank, European Investment Bank and with Paris Club Creditors. We are also continuing to pay off our existing debts as FDI enters the country. We are continuing our negotiations with our remaining international creditors.
We have also made progress with regards to our national debt. Government has been able to reduce its short-term loans; consequently, more financial resources are available for private sector. Our fiscal budget situation will continue to improve as we continue on our reform programme and consequently the need for Government to borrow will be reduced considerably.
Spreading the wealth in our economy
We are moving in a direction in which our economy is increasingly competitive on the international arena, but in a manner which also allows us to live in dignity. Not all countries have been able to do this.
Reforms that we have undertaken, as well as the impressive rate of investment has permitted this rapid development. Many entrepreneurs are seizing the various opportunities that our economy is offering. But despite these positive developments, I am very conscious of the fact that not all Seychellois at present are able to fully benefit from the reforms and the opportunities on offer. I am very conscious of the situation of many of our brothers and sisters who are working hard to try and ensure a good life for their families but who are struggling on the lowest rungs of the salary ladder.
Government has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve the situation such as through government salary rises, reduction in the costs of social security for employers, reductions in housing costs, transportations costs, the cost of LPG and many others.
I note that unfortunately, in the majority of cases, our own measures and efforts have not been accompanied by similar developments in the private sector. Salaries have not progressed much and in other cases have not progressed at all. I cannot force the private sector to pay their workers more. Nonetheless I launch an appeal to private employers to pass on some of the benefits of the savings achieved through concessions granted by the Government recently.
Our long-term strategy places the wealth creating potential in the hands of every Seychellois. We have to maximize the opportunities for every Seychellois. We have to have the right motivation for all members of our population to be able to work, use their abilities, their competencies, to get a better reward for their personal investment. This should the standard for our society and it is through these values that our standard of living will rise.
But we are fully aware that not everyone can benefit from such opportunities at the same pace. As our economy grows, we have to ensure that no one is left behind, that everyone has the opportunity to progress and to prosper. My government has assisted in many ways in the past, but I realize that we need to have a more systematic way to do it in the future.
In the course of the year, we will develop a means to give those on the lowest rung of the salary ladder the support that they need.
This measure will encourage people to look for employment, remain in employment and also make savings. This measure which will relate to private and public sector, will be implemented primarily through reviews of the tax structure.
Revenue Authority
In many countries around the world, revenue is centralized in a special authority. In Seychelles our general ‘Office of Tax’ is currently operating under the Ministry of Finance. Further restructuring will be undertaken to create a ‘Revenue Authority’ with the power to collect all dues on behalf of Government including registration fees, licenses etc. This will create a ‘one-stop shop’ which is advantageous to businesses and Government alike.
This authority will enable Government to use its revenue more effectively and help those in need more rapidly and more efficiently.
A good business environment
In its positioning as a facilitator for business, Government is set to continue the liberalization process. As of January 2007, all businesses will not be required to pay any business tax on profits less than SR 250,000. In addition to this, measures need to be taken to ensure full participation of Seychellois businesses in wealth creation. The Investment Code makes certain provisions for reserving certain activities for Seychellois businesses only, and the list will be updated to take into account further areas that Seychellois are entering into and may develop in the future. This will include businesses such as travel agencies, water-sports, dive centres, boat charters, small hotels, internet and others.
This initiative will offer many opportunities for Seychellois to create businesses and participate fully in wealth creation. To ensure that businesses are able to make full use of this, options for ensuring the provision of capital to finance dynamic and sustainable projects will be enhanced.
We want all businesses to participate fully in the new Seychelles, in the opportunities emerging. In some instances the larger operators should also consider how they can help in re-distribution a share of the cake. An example being certain hotels that have buses ostensibly to transport their staff but who also using them to transport clients to the detriment of local taxi drivers. We should all have a social conscience- even in business! The authorities concerned will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that such practices are not continued.
In 2006, Government through SEnPA has also done a lot to develop and promote small businesses through the cottage industries project or other initiatives. It is good to note that 70% of cottage industries are currently managed by women.
The situation in relation to small business is very encouraging and demonstrates once again government’s commitment to ensure participation of small businesses. In line with these developments, government has found it necessary to develop further sites for use by small enterprises to be rented at subsidized rates. Two new sites are planned this year: one at providence with 12 workshops and another at Port Glaud with 6. Work is to commence shortly on three other sites- Eve Island on Praslin, La Digue and Anse Royale. Existing sites at Plaisiance at Anse Boileau are to be renovated and improved.
Tourism
Our tourism industry has been growing at a sustainable rate for the past few years. In 2006, we received a record of 140,000 visitors in our country. Tourism alone has contributed to 57% of foreign exchange revenue in 2006. From 2001 to 2005, there was also an average of 6% increase in the spending of each tourist.
Our national airline, Air Seychelles, has successfully managed to overcome many obstacles and has secured a remarkable performance last year. It is a privileged partner in the tourism industry and my government will continue to provide support as and when there is a need. On the other hand, Air Seychelles has its constraints, notably in relation to new equipment. It is currently undertaking to source out means of increasing its capacity while it waits for the delivery of the Dreamliner in 2010.
In order for our Tourism Industry to continue to grow, we have to overcome certain difficulties and challenges in the next ten years: for example; the employment package in the sector is not always attractive for many Seychellois employees. A recent study reveals that workers in the tourism industry are earning 10% less than the average national income earner. My government is not comfortable with this and it is for this reason that SHTA and STB have been discussing a new scheme of service for the industry. This scheme seeks to provide a guide to the industry in regards to salary bands and basic conditions of employment in the industry. The intention is not to impose a scheme on the industry but to provide a baseline for them to attract and retain good and productive workers in the industry.
Our vision to improve our performance in the tourism Industry is centered around three main points:
We are working on a framework to ensure the interest of Seychellois investors, promote participation of the private sector in all aspects of the industry and broaden our management capacity.
The Seychelles Hospitality and training centre is a key factor in this process. Already the stakeholders are finalizing plans to give this school a new structure, a new approach in its operations. This will see the participation of well established operators in the industry. SHTTC will therefore eventually fall under the auspices of STB. In this new dynamism, SHTTC will be able to provide more advance training. It will also enhance its affiliation with similar training centers overseas.
We need to offer more to our visitors through the diversification of our products. We want to bring a new dimension in our product such as making our islands more accessible to our visitors and also by offering more leisure activities.
We need to attract new clienteles, interest new markets with what we have on offer. To achieve this, we will have to look at our air access with regards to new airlines.
Fisheries
We need to improve Seychellois participation as well in the fisheries sector. We already have around 4,600 Seychellois earning a living from this industry.
We have continued to see the value of our exports rise in recent years. Our revenue in foreign exchange from the sector reached SR 1.6 billion in 2006, and increase of 6.1% on 2005.
The majority of our exports have been towards Europe. In 2007, one of the major challenges we must face is in relation to the expected end of the preferential tariff system under which ACP countries such as Seychelles are currently benefiting. This means more competition for our tuna exports.
Our fisheries strategy thus takes into account the need to increase our ability to add value to fisheries products, reinforce our competitiveness and increase local stakeholding in this key sector. Another important aspect of the strategy revolves around training and in this context the structure and functioning of the Maritime Training centre will be reviewed.
Our partnership with MW Brands in the development of IOT reflects our ambition. The factory is making provision to increase its production considerably and also bring in new products to diversify our export base. Our fisheries development plan in the port area has also generated a significant amount of interest and with interested partners we will be developing a dry dock facility which will permit more revenue from boats while they are in Port Victoria.
We will also be offering our artisanal fishermen more opportunities to increase their income through improvements in capacities to undertake processing of fresh fish either for export or for the tourism industry.
Government will implement support mechanisms for the industry particularly in relation to exports to Europe. Several incentives will be implemented in an equitable and competitive manner. SFA’s capacity will also be reinforced to take into account the stock situation of different species and ensure that the way in which they are exploited is sustainable and brings in good revenue for the fishermen.
Financial Markets
The offshore sector has already shown its potential for our country’s development. We are seeing even more opportunities coming up in the general context of financial markets. Expected growth in our tourism and fisheries sectors will allow us to initiate several means of attracting further capital from around the world. We are going to widen services that are already in operation. New services to be offered include mutual funds, special license companies, a stock exchange and new products and services in the insurance sector.
Petroleum Sector
Several developments in 2006 have enabled us to take further steps towards an industry that can potentially create a lot of wealth for our country. Advanced exploration is continuing in our EEZ; the data collated indicating the correct geological picture for oil extraction.
The potential is there, but any resource means nothing unless you have the means to ensure efficient management. I am proud that our national petroleum company- SEPEC- has already proved its credentials as a key actor in our country’s development. Its annual turnover has tripled in the last 10 years from SCR 428 million in 1997 to more than SCR 1.6 billion in 2006.
Our tanker programme is progressing well and bringing benefits to the country. Currently, 46 young Seychellois are flying the flag aboard the Seychelles Pride, Seychelles Pioneer and Seychelles Progress at various ports around the world. The training of these young Seychellois has in the large part been ensured through Government and SEPEC.
Our fourth ship, Seychelles Prelude will be delivered in December 2007, and the Seychelles Patriot, fifth member of the fleet will be delivered in March 2008.
In the next ten years, in addition to our potential of striking oil, Government in collaboration with SEPEC will continue to develop the necessary infrastructure to optimize the potential of the sector including storage services, bunkering, distribution of petroleum in the region and re-exportation around the world.
Public Service
In the new Seychelles that we envisage, the way in which we conceive the public service needs to change.
Most public servants are committed in their work. But, a good number are still causing a lot of frustration for their fellow citizens. They are not delivering the standard of service expected or providing solutions to problems presented by the public. Many of them do not have a sense of pride or love for their job. Many, regretfully, are also bringing politics into the work place. All of this is equivalent to a lack of professionalism and a lack of professional ethics.
In certain other cases poor performance is linked to certain constraints in the work place. In some cases the training they have received is insufficient. In others the resources at their disposal are insufficient. Regretfully also in many cases the expectations of the public can sometimes be unreasonable.
In all of these cases, a better public service can be promoted through a more decentralized monitoring system. Several ministries will benefit in the future from ‘policy monitoring cells’ which will be able to bring more objective decisions in relation to the functioning of key services.
Training, and where necessary, re-training, is central to the re-focalisation of the public service which will be undertaken.
In this context, Government is repositioning itself as a facilitator for business. In the coming months, Government will re-focalise its departments in a radical manner. All agencies implicated in regulation and service facilitation will be regrouped under the same umbrella.
Defense Forces
Our defense forces are to continue playing a key role in the defense of our sovereignty and territorial integrity. It is at the vanguard of protection of our natural resources against those that may seek to profit illegally from the natural abundance of our seas.
In addition, I would like to underline the importance of our armed forces in the interception and fight against illegal substances entering our shores, often through boats visiting our outer islands.
The new structure for our defense forces which is being finalized recognizes the central role that our men and women in uniform play in our national development. Many young men and women have made a career in the forces and we will continue to provide the necessary resources to ensure that they can continue to serve their nation with devotion, pride and courage.
We have also strengthened our ties with partners such as France to assist with extra resources for a more efficient surveillance of our economic zone and training.
Law and order
Peace, security and respect for law and order are absolutely necessary for the progress of our country.
Events that are not done in conformity with the law -- be it strikes or protests -- are a threat to public order. They create anxiety and confusion among the population. As you are all aware, I have ordered an inquiry into the event of 03rd October 2006. I have entrusted the inquiry in the hands of an Irish judge. He is currently in Seychelles conducting his work. I will assume my responsibility when he hands over his report to me.
Parallel to the inquiry, the committee on law and order which I also set up is doing a good job in reviewing certain laws and promoting a culture of respect for the law. The recommendations will be presented soon. The committee has also demonstrated that people of different opinions are able to put ideas together to promote actions that are beneficial for all Seychellois.
Concerning the security of our citizens, the Police are conscious of their weaknesses. They are taking measures to improve their performances, to become more efficient, and for them to earn more respect from our citizens. Our Police force is also taking several steps forward to improve its presence in our communities and deliver the type of service that is required for the security of all Seychellois. The Police force has adopted its strategic plan for the next five years and is implementing it. This plan involves, among others measures, a restructuring which puts a lot of emphasis on the development of human resources and training for officers at different levels. The plan also provides for the future introduction of a Special Constable project in the communities, whereby certain residents would undertake the role of part-time police officers after undergoing specially designed training. We all need to work with the Police to take our country forward.
Judiciary
Mr Speaker,
I cannot speak on law and order without commenting on the judiciary. We have a lot of respect for this important institution which is one of the three pillars of our Republic and our democracy. But I share the frustration of people who have to put up with a wheel of justice that is heavy and turning slowly. Law and order in our country depends on a judiciary that is equitable, and which serves people and the law in a prompt and efficient manner. All Seychellois are accountable before the law. All judges and lawyers are accountable before the same law.
We believe that all judges must use the law to administer justice in a honorable way and which also allows people to benefit from their legal representation in a worthy manner. We are aware that there are many cases pending. The judges have to do all they can to ensure that all cases are dealt with in a reasonable length of time.
At the same time, I appeal to the Seychellois people not to link respect for the law with political opinions. Everybody is accountable before the law. Our Constitution has provisions for competent institutions to ensure respect and application of the law whenever there are problems.
On this note I think I should also emphasise the need to educate our youth on the significance of our supreme law. Government will soon undertake the distribution of copies of our Constitution to our young people with the aim of sensitizing them on the laws of our motherland.
Transport
Our public transport system is offering a service at a fare that is affordable to all Seychellois. But we have to continue looking for ways to extend this service to more destinations and on a more regular basis.
In order to improve our public transport network we will in the near future allow individual operators to come in and complement the service offered by SPTC. Sixty new buses of different capacities have also already been ordered by SPTC to serve Mahe and Praslin.
A new plan on the circulation of vehicular traffic, and which will benefit areas in and around Victoria, will be implemented soon. We will build a new bridge across the yacht basin to link Bois de Rose and English River and beyond. Work on the bridge will start before the end of the year.
As I mentioned before, a lot of vehicles are entering the country. More than 1,300 vehicles were imported in 2006, which represent an average of 100 additional vehicles a month or four a day! The new traffic circulation project takes into account this big increase of vehicles on our roads.
Water and electricity
Water and electricity are essential for our socio-economic development. We have over the years succeeded in maintaining the charges for these services at affordable levels although the price of fuel increased everywhere in the world. We recognize the importance to ensure that all Seychellois have access to treated water and electricity at prices that are acceptable. Our plan for the next 10 years takes this into account.
We will install new generators on Mahé and Praslin to meet the needs of new developments such as housing and businesses. We will also improve supply to the south and west of Mahe by installing a 33 KVA line. We will also increase the capacity of the submarine cable which supplies electricity to La Digue from Praslin.
Concerning water supply, there will be a distribution network for the more efficient exploitation of this resource. We will have to build new reservoirs in the next 10 years to increase our water storage capacity. Modern technology will be used for the transfer of water amongst the different reservoirs in operation.
Construction
In order to meet the demands of increasing development, we need more construction materials. More companies and contractors are needed in that sector. Existing companies are not able to cope with actual demands, and this is causing delays in our development. We see this sector doing very well with the number of new hotels in the pipeline and also the demand for housing.
Government will work with the private sector to ensure that we are able to overcome this challenge, that as many people as possible who are involved in the sector benefit from it, and also to open the door to new operators.
Environment
The beauty and vulnerability of our environment are key elements which we have to consider, and which in a way form, together with our people, the basis on which to build our new strategy.
50% of Seychelles’ land has been set aside as nature reserves. With two world heritage sites we are one of the small countries in the world that is often cited as a model for environment protection.
Seychelles is benefiting from $12 million (US) from the Global Environment Facility for the next 10 years. This represents the biggest grant we have received so far for the environment sector. It is also a form of recognition for our success in managing our environment.
At the international level Seychelles continues to maintain its leadership in governance and diplomacy in the environment field.
Environmental education at a very young age is extremely important. We need to continue to encourage our young people to take a greater interest in the environment, in the global as well as local context.
Agriculture
Agriculture remains a core feature of our society despite the fact that our economy is gradually becoming more service-based.
The different incentives which we made available to the farmers have helped them to cope with competition from the increase in imported agricultural products.
Our strategy for agriculture is generally to maintain our food security and to give our farming community the possibility to, as much as possible, opportunity to add value to their produce.
Farmers continue to offer produce of quality for the Seychellois. We all know that our local produce tastes better! We are aware that a boom in the tourism industry will create a lot of demand for local produce and the farming community will participate fully in the creation of wealth in the next 10 years.
Telecommunications and Information Technology
Seychelles is one of the countries with the most modern telecommunication infrastructure in the world.
Presently, 80% of the population subscribes to the mobile telephone services. We are also making great progress in internet technology with undertakings to finalize broadband access through ADSL, Wi-Fi hotspots and voice over internet protocol.
Our aim eventually is to facilitate Wi-Fi accessibility everywhere on all the main islands of Seychelles. Victoria is already partially Wi-Fi equipped. Another project will begin soon to make the same connectivity available on Praslin and La Digue.
Our biggest challenge is connection to a submarine fibre optic cable for faster internet and telecommunication access and to allow for the development of new businesses in that field. This is a very big project which will require a partnership between government and the private sector. A specific study on the project will start soon.
The Social Sectors
Mr Speaker,
I will now speak about the social sector.
There are many rich countries, but not all those that are rich have a good quality of life.
The good quality of life we are promoting means that despite the fact that government is repositioning itself into the role of a facilitator, it will always have a part to play where it concerns housing, the health of our people, and education for our children.
Housing
Currently 76% of families are owners of their homes. Furthermore, Government has started the construction of more than 5,000 houses to be completed before 2011. We are on the right track towards accomplishing that objective. In other words, all people who have applied for a house before 18th June 2006, and are in need, will receive assistance. The different schemes that are in place to enable people to become owners of their homes are doing well. The discounts on offer have reduced the cost of the houses for many families, but we are also implementing the schemes in a responsible way, which means that Government is re-investing the money in its programmes.
A sustainable policy on housing construction also involves the participation of the private sector and individuals in partnership with Government. With the increase in the wealth of our nation, housing projects will become even more viable as long-term investments. Government will remain the key partner to ensure that housing remains affordable for families that are in need.
Where necessary, Government will also give the support necessary for families that do not have the means to build, buy or maintain their houses. Our Special Housing Scheme is actually providing assistance to more than 800 needy families. We will maintain this scheme for the families in need and to ensure that in our society we always promote a spirit of solidarity whereby no one is left behind.
Seventy land bank projects were proposed to the public by Government in 2006. In order to sustain our socio-economic development 1,100 acres of land were reclaimed during the past 15 years. These areas are today being used for housing estates, industrial infrastructure and also small businesses.
Education and Human Resource
Our human resource is our most valuable resource. We have invested a lot in the development of that resource. In the past five years we have seen the return of 564 professionals from studies overseas and we sent another 661 for further studies during the same period. We have to develop that resource further still and utilise it in a more efficient manner.
Another success in the field of training is the more than 40 school administrators who have achieved an MBA in Educational Leadership, a programme initiated by the Ministry of Education in partnership with the University of Lincoln and as of this year the University of Warwick. The qualified professionals are now discharging their responsibilities in our schools. I take the occasion today to congratulate them and wish good success to all those who have just started their studies.
The development of our economy will open up new opportunities in the service sector and we have to increase our management capacity in that context. We will form strategic partnerships with the private sector and also strengthen our association with overseas institutions in order to ensure that we are able to provide the training and also, where necessary, the re-training, in harmony with the development of our economy.
Concerning schools, we will undertake renovation works on several schools and will also build several schools. I have commended the Ministry of Education for the steps it is taking to give the schools greater autonomy as part of efforts to reduce bureaucracy and promote the complementary ties which exist between the schools and our communities.
We have to appreciate the hard work of our teachers and today I praise them for their devotion and noble contribution. All Seychellois teachers in State schools will soon have the possibility of benefiting from a special programme to buy computers at a price subsidized by Government.
In parallel to this, we will boost the capacity of all secondary and post-secondary schools to have access to information technology. Primary schools will be equipped with all the necessary means to enable all children to have access to information technology at a young age.
Although we are able to ascertain that the international examination results of our children continue to be better, we have to redouble our efforts to rid our schools of negative and unacceptable elements.
I am here referring to the difficulties our teachers have to cope with daily. It is meaningless to have the most beautiful schools and most qualified teachers, but also have to face disciplinary problems. This type of environment will not encourage learning and productivity.
The Ministry of Education is facing a big challenge and will need the support of our entire society. It has to develop the strategies to instill in the children the sense that rights go together with responsibilities.
A child cannot show lack of respect for the teacher or even a colleague under the pretext of his or her right. We have to educate our children that their rights end where the rights of another individual start.
It is also sad that drugs, alcohol, teenage pregnancy, bullying, violence and anti-social behaviour have infiltrated into our schools. Teachers alone will not be able to deal with all of these. I appeal to all parents and organizations concerned, especially the Police, to join together to fight the ills that are destroying the lives of our children. It is high time that we all embark on a more aggressive campaign against social ills.
Let us give our teachers a helping hand to enable them to deliver even better. Let us help the child who has become the victim of an irresponsible adult, those abusing the innocence of that child. The Police, Department of Social Affairs, NCC, CARE, the churches, district authorities, and the community in general, all should give our teachers a helping hand.
Our schools are the second homes of our children. Let us make our schools the ideal places of learning and training for our children.
Health
Government has invested enormously in our health services so that better health care is delivered to all. We have achieved a lot and our achievements have not gone unnoticed by the world. According to WHO, our health system is one of the best in the region. However, we still have a long way to go in order to achieve the level of excellence we would all like to see.
We should acknowledge the fact that a large number of our health workers are devoted professionals who work hard; against all odds, to give their patients the best care possible. However, we are also aware that our health system harbours not only negative but also destructive elements. This is something I cannot continue to tolerate. I cannot tolerate lack of discipline and professional ethics in the Ministry of Health. I cannot allow politics to interfere with this primordial service. We cannot toy with lives of people and get away with it. I give my guarantee to the Seychellois people that such negative attitudes and actions will not be allowed to continue.
It is within this perspective that I intend to radically reform the administration of the public health service. My intentions are to:
One of the major reforms is redefining and repositioning the Ministry of health. I believe its role should focus more on care in the community. It should also be more involved in the formulation of policies rather than managing the hospital. It should serve as a facilitator in a dynamic partnership between government and private health care providers. Reforms to be undertaken will take these points and others into consideration.
Let us also remember our responsibility to lead healthy lifestyles. God has blessed us with good health, let us avoid adopting lifestyles that can be destructive to such a precious gift. We should avoid substance abuse for it destroys our health.
Let us be more responsible. Government spends enormously on our health services. 19% of the budget allocated goes to the Ministry of Health. Let us appreciate the free health care; consultations, medication, advance treatment and the overseas treatment programme. They do not come cheap, therefore, let us appreciate these services, and avoid wastage and abuse.
Employment
The employment situation is very positive. With less than 3% unemployment, our economy is showing that we can give opportunities to all to share the prosperity we are creating.
Every Seychellois worker should seize the opportunities at hand to increase our productivity.
Challenges do exist such as workers who find themselves in a field that they did not necessarily get trained for. There is also a need to curb bureaucracy. We will work closely with the private sector so that our country can create employment to suit demands.
We need multi-skilled workers who can adapt to new challenges that emerge as our economy grows. An effective training programme is the way forward in attaining our objectives.
It is evident that a lot has been done recently to encourage a better working climate for workers to produce and deliver. Our endeavours do not end there. The Ministry of Employment has plans to set up a productivity unit which aims at revising the policies which take into account productivity in work places and also come up with new initiatives to encourage productivity and efficiency.
It is also the Ministry’s plan to establish a Labour tribunal to settle disputes between employers and employees in a more fair, efficient and less time consuming manner.
Government is also planning to introduce the Workmen’s Compensation Legislation. This will ensure that workers who suffer injury or disease at work are adequately compensated. The burden on social security will be alleviated.
Our fight against Social ills
Mr. Speaker Drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, domestic violence are amongst the social ills facing our nation. They are not just social problems faced by individuals but in effect are social development problems threatening our security and prosperity as a nation.
Family
The family is the foundation of all societies. Far too often, parents are unable to cope, giving up too easily and looking to the State for support.
Today, we have too many children in care- most of whom are social orphans. That is an indication that many parents are neglecting or abusing their children. I call on all family members to help out if a parent cannot cope.
As we all know the first seven years of a child’s live are the most crucial. This the best time for a child to learn about social and spiritual values. It is our responsibility as parents and educators to nurture these values in our children so that they grow up to responsible adults.
Government will continue to ensure that laws and support exist for the protection of our children. The Half way home will become operational in the near future to provide temporary therapeutic support to abused children so that they can be re-integrated with their families.
We are also setting up a full time Family Tribunal this year for improved service in family and children related matters. A sub secretariat of the Tribunal will be set up on Praslin to provide the services to residents of Praslin and La-Digue.
We are also giving close attention to domestic violence. New initiatives will include proposals for-Domestic Violence Act and a national strategy on the matter.
Substance Abuse
With clear evidence of increases in drug and alcohol abuse, the need to strengthen efforts at all levels for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation is clear. It is heartbreaking to see a teenager at the Mont Royal Centre or a young girl or man who is roaming the streets at night because of drug and alcohol abuse. We need to intensify our efforts in fighting against such ills and once again let us be remind ourselves that it is not only the government’s business. These are matters that concern us all.
Arts, Culture and Sports
We boast a rich, vibrant and colourful Creole tradition.
It is in fact our Seychellois Creole culture that characterizes our identity, enriches our lives and lures many other nationalities to share our island style way of life.
Our local artists have proven themselves on various occasions internationally be it in the field of music, dance or painting. Through their talents, our culture is getting more and more exposure worldwide. We have established different mechanisms to help and encourage our local artists during the past years and we are beginning to see a cultural industry which is rising, which is also contributing in our economy. Indeed we have the potential to further develop cultural tourism.
Along the same lines, the sporting infrastructure already in place and our environment’s natural beauty are already strong basis for the development of sports tourism.
This aspect of our economy will allow us to invest further more in our athletes and artists. We are all proud when our athletes stand tall on a medals podium as our national flag is raised. We are equally proud when our artists dazzle the world with their ability. We congratulate them for their achievements and for upholding our country’s good name.
Community Development and Youth
Mr. Speaker,
The community is at the heart of all development and our greatest motivation will always be the desire to see our children benefiting from it all.
Our Community is our nation’s strength.
Active participation is the way forward in our communities’ development and this approach has to be promoted. We need to empower everybody in our community. Programme development, infrastructure provision and service delivery will all be based on a spirit of consultation, consensus and teamwork.
As much as possible, important services will be decentralized and made available in the districts. All ministries will have to work with the community to ensure efficiency and excellent service delivery. We call upon the private sector to work in partnership with the government by investing in and supporting our community projects. In addition, civil society such as the churches have an equally important role to play in mobilizing the community to join forces both in the fight against the social ills and in promoting the strengths and values of our villages and parishes.
We want vibrant and active communities where our youth has access to a number of opportunities for their personal development. We want a community whereby there is an understanding and unity amongst all-the elders, the children and the youth. The greatest joy is always to see a young person make full use of the opportunities at their disposal.
Our senior Citizens
My government has and always will attach great importance to the welfare of our senior citizens.
Support for our senior citizens does not only come by means of social and financial assistance but also through the encouragement of the setting up of 26 senior citizens clubs all over the country.
Government is planning to build a centre for our senior citizens. The building will be used for social and cultural exchanges between different clubs.
Furthermore, the National Assembly will, in the near future, consider the proposal of certain reforms in the pension laws. One of the reforms will allow workers from the public sector who have retired before the 1st of January 2005 to benefit from the special pension if they have worked for ten consecutive years, retired at the age of 60 or were made redundant due to health reasons or post deletion.
Conclusion
People of Seychelles,
It is said that in every challenge lies an opportunity, just like in every opportunity lies a challenge. It is for this reason that my government’s philosophy is one based on constant consultations with the people, while we not only plan our way forward but also anticipate difficulties along the way, so as to better prepare ourselves.
The foundation of our nation has already been established, and construction is in progress. The new Seychelles is taking its shape. It is in the process of a great transformation towards a promising future. The right time is now, or never. The importance of maintaining the peace, stability and harmony that we have enjoyed all these years should always inspire us in whatever we do.
The opposition leaders are often heard saying that my government ignores the 45% of the population who voted for the opposition in the last presidential elections. This statement is absolutely false. As the head of State, I swore to work for all Seychellois and this is what my government and I are doing and will always do.
It is the role of the opposition to engage with the democratically elected government in a constructive manner. Democracy does not mean that the Opposition should use different ways and means such as encouraging illegal gatherings to incite violence and create disorder so that they can attain what they did not in the democratic electoral process.
Let us not preach division. We should encourage everybody to work together. What we see today in our country is a political renewal represented by a President with a new mandate to implement his vision and development programmes. A President for every Seychellois and strategy for the whole nation!
Soon our population will be called to the ballot boxes again. This time round the people will be choosing their district representatives.
For the sake of our country’s progress, it is imperative that we understand the nature of politics in a democracy.
Politics involves diverse opinions and in a democracy, this difference is manifested in the parliament between the majority and the opposition. In order for our country to move forward at a quicker pace, we need an opposition who represent a constructive force, a force which proposes and progresses and is not merely engaged in confrontation. An opposition elected in a democratic election should function within the norms of democracy.
The opposition has to be consistent. It should above all show respect for the people who have elected them as well as the institution of the National Assembly. As politicians, we all know that the parliament is the legal forum for debating and expressing our diversity of opinions. We cannot preach democracy whilst we practice anarchy. This is not at all in the interest of Seychelles and I will not allow this to continue.
In a democracy, it is the people’s voice that counts; it is the people who decide. Today I call upon my people, those who gave me a new mandate to implement the programme of modernization for our country’s progress.
I call upon every voter to elect people who are serious to the National Assembly. We need serious representatives who are can represent and defend the people who have elected them, who hold the people’s and the nation’s interests close to their hearts. We need true patriots, who will not incite violence and spread panic. I call upon the people of Seychelles to elect a new assembly which is responsible and consistent in its decisions and actions. I call upon the people of Seychelles to give me a strong majority in the assembly so that I can keep our country on the good path we have chosen, a path of peace, stability, prosperity and harmony. Let us do it together. Let us do it for the love of Seychelles.
May God continue bestowing his blessings on our beloved country and its people. Only the pronounced version is official.
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