London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/20/2011 -- President James Michel has congratulated two Seychellois first officers, Paul Belle and Ronnie Ah-Shung upon their promotion to fully qualified captains on the B767 fleet of the national airline, Air Seychelles.

In a congratulatory letter sent to Captain Belle and Captain Ah-Shung, President Michel stated that through their hard work, perseverance and tenacity – they have proven that the sky is indeed the limit and through the many years of service rendered with Air Seychelles, they have established themselves as a role model for all young Seychellois.

" We are immensely proud of your achievement , which is yet another victory for Seychelles. Your success also reflects the importance on investing in people for the future of Seychelles. We have always sought to place people at the centre of development , for it is through our human resource development that Seychelles will be able to rise to the challenges of our time" President Michel said in the letter.

Both Captain Belle and Captain Ah-Shung were presented with their aircraft commander's bars by Air Seychelles Executive Chairman, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne
in a ceremony held at the national airline's head office at Seychelles International Airport today. Senior management of Air Seychelles, including the Deputy CEO, Garry Albert and families of both captains were also present.

The two new Air Seychelles Boeing 767 Commanders successfully completed the Company Command Upgrade training programme on the 19th March 2011.

Captain Belle joined Air Seychelles domestic services in 1997 as a Trainee Pilot from his previous job as an Air Traffic Controller with the then Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA). A year later, he enrolled for a commercial pilot's licence with multi-engine instrument rating and aviation training at the 43rd Air School in Port Alfred, South Africa. Upon his return he flew the Twin Otter aircraft on the inter-island routes.

In 2001, Paul was transferred to International Flight Operations as a trainee First Officer on the B767. He did his initial training and B767 type rating at the Pan Am International Flight Academy in USA.

Paul earned his Airline Transport Pilots Licence in the USA. He was successful in his application for command training this year and promoted to captain after 14years service with Air Seychelles.

Captain Ah-Shung joined Air Seychelles in 1998 as a co-pilot on the Twin Otter . He gained command of the Twin Otter a year later. He was also the airline's line training pilot for domestic operations on the inter-island routes. In 2001, Ronnie was transferred to International Flight Operations as a First Officer on the B767. He did his initial training and type rating in Miami in USA.

Ronnie earned his Airline Transport Pilots Licence in the USA and successfully completed his application for command training this year and promoted to captain on the same day as Captain Belle.

Both Captain Belle and Captain Ah-Shung, later followed extensive line and simulator training and checks under the supervision of Air Seychelles flight training Instructors.

Speaking on this achievement, the airline's Executive Chairman Maurice Loustau-Lalanne has said: " We have once again invested in two young Seychellois to take command of a B767 aircraft and this makes both our country and our people proud. This clearly demonstrates our policy whereby we make available training opportunities to encourage more young Seychellois men and women to take up careers as pilots".

To date, Air Seychelles currently employs 40 Seychellois pilots and first officers, 7 of which are foreigners and some 150 Seychellois flight attendants.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/28/2011 -- An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Jean Le Dem visited Victoria during March 4-17, 2011 to conduct discussions for the third program review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) Arrangement with Seychelles. The mission met with His Excellency President James Michel, Vice President Danny Faure, Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles Pierre Laporte, Principal Secretary of Finance Ahmed Afif, and other senior government officials as well as representatives of the private sector and parliamentarians.

At the conclusion of the visit, Mr. Le Dem issued the following statement:

"Progress continues to be made by the Seychelles authorities in their reform program. Economic recovery has strengthened in 2010: real gross domestic product (GDP) growth is likely to have exceeded 6 percent and consumer price index (CPI) inflation was almost nil. The program is on track despite some technical delays in government payments to one parastatal. All end-December 2010 quantitative targets under the program were met and good progress has been achieved in the ambitious program of structural reforms.

Over the last two years, Seychelles has successfully restructured most of its public external debt in the context of the current and a previous IMF-supported programs. As a result, external debt has been almost halved, to 48.7 percent of GDP at end-2010.

"Prospects remain good in 2011, despite a volatile global environment, including surges in commodity prices. Real GDP growth is projected at 4 percent, supported by the tourism industry. Twelve-month inflation, which has been close to zero in 2010, is expected to pick up to about 5.5 percent by year-end. The increase in food and fuel prices will weigh on the trade balance by about 5 percentage points of GDP.

"In this context, macroeconomic policies should be appropriately geared towards coping with the external shock while consolidating macroeconomic stabilization and improving debt sustainability. Delaying the pass-through of international prices on domestic prices could slow down the ongoing fiscal consolidation. In this context, we welcome the upward adjustment in petroleum prices since the beginning of the year, and the government's intention to cap the use of the domestic price stabilization fund to the equivalent of 0.4 percentage points of GDP in 2011. We also support the authorities' planned tightening of the monetary policy stance to contain the risk from excess liquidity in the banking system and prevent the buildup of domestic inflationary pressure.

"The modernization of the tax system continues, including important steps toward the launching of a value-added tax, scheduled for mid-2012; the authorities are also stepping up efforts to further strengthen revenue collection, especially in the customs area.

Performance of public enterprises needs to be closely monitored, and the authorities' efforts to address the current losses at Air Seychelles are crucial to limit the additional burden on the still fragile public finance situation. We welcome several new program measures aimed at developing a modern financial sector that can better contribute to the development of the country, through improved competition in the sector and a redefined role of the state-owned financial institutions.

"Staff expects to bring the program review to the attention of the IMF's Executive Board, tentatively in May 2011. The EFF arrangement was approved on December 22, 2009, for SDR19.8 million (about US$30.9 million), of which SDR 9.2 million (about US$14.3 million) has so far been disbursed. SDR 3.52 million (about US$5.5 million) would be available upon completion of the third review.

"The mission wishes to thank the authorities for their warm hospitality and the high quality of the technical discussions."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/24/2011 -- Three Seychelles' media professionals have this week returned from a two day conference focusing on the role and responsibilities of Africa's media at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, organised and supported by the British and Canadian High Commissions in Pretoria and the British High Commission in Seychelles.

Ibrahim Afif, Chair of the Seychelles Media Commission, Jean Claude Matombe also a Media Commission member and PR Officer for the National Council for Children and Nada Francourt, Press Officer at the Office of the President joined delegates, including government representatives, editors, regulators and members of civil society from 13 other African countries.

Themes discussed over the two days, included; the right to know and access to information, models of regulation, issues in self-regulation, transformation and democratization in the media, the role of government and civil society and mechanisms of accountability, highlighted by examples from countries as diverse as the UK, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Canada and Nigeria, bringing the issues to life and facilitating discussion and analysis.

The keynote speech delivered by former Constitutional Court Judge, Kate O Regan, highlighted the importance of Freedom of Expression as enshrined in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the role of the media 'to be conscientious and scrupulous in exercising that freedom fairly and to be fierce in defending it against improper diminution'.

Seychelles Media Commission Chair, Ibrahim Afif commenting on his participation in the conference said:

"This workshop came at a very opportune moment as the newly-created Seychelles Media Commission is getting off the ground. It was thought provoking and helped develop important contacts; already I'm looking at inviting two of the key presenters at the conference to Seychelles, to facilitate workshops that we intend to run on the drafting of the Journalists' Code of Conduct. This will involve the participation of local editors and publishers and the event in South Africa provided us an excellent opportunity to identify relevant persons who could assist us directly."

Seychelles' British High Commissioner, Matthew Forbes added that:
'It was important we took advantage of the opportunity offered by our colleagues at the British and Canadian High Commissions in Pretoria to send delegates from Seychelles as media freedom and the responsible exercise of the rights that come with that freedom is the backbone of open and democratically accountable countries'.
As well as producing a short report for the British High Commission outlining the benefits of attending the conference, the delegates from Seychelles also contributed to the 'Wits Declaration' that formalises the issues discussed during the two days and will be a reference and resource for participants to inform their day to day work in the media.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/23/2011 -- President James Michel has visited the Headquarters of Air Seychelles at the International Airport, where he met with the Acting Executive Chairman, Ambassador Maurice Loustau Lalanne and the staff of various departments to talk to them about their work, the change taking place at the national airline and as well as financial difficulties in its operation.

" As President of the Seychelles I will never let our airline down…. There are a lot of challenges today and there have been man in the past, and we have surmounted them. Today I am proud of Air Seychelles," said President Michel to the staff of different sections of Air Seychelles in the boardroom.

The President thanked the staff of Air Seychelles for their hard work and dedication and said that he would give them all the support that they need to have a prosperous career in the airline.

Air Seychelles financial difficulties have been the subject of speculation this week and the President reassured the staff of Air Seychelles that the Government would continue to support their job security.

"Air Seychelles is the lifeline of our tourism industry…. I can guarantee to you that it will survive. Seychellois staff will not lose their jobs and we will make sure the company prospers with the new management structures coming into place… We have to fly our Creole spirit around the world!... I am convinced that Air Seychelles will continue to do so."

Following his visit to the Air Seychelles Headquarters, the President noted that the aviation industry around the world was experiencing similar problems to the national airline, and that in many cases government intervention was necessary.

"This is not the first time that Air Seychelles has suffered losses and faced financial difficulties. It has happened in the past when there has been global economic turbulence, and we overcame these difficulties… Airlines around the world are facing job cuts and company mergers due to economic problems, it is a difficult period for the aviation industry, and that is why many governments, such as India, Tanzania and Mauritius, and others around the world, are stepping in with financial help to ensure their national airlines keep flying. Many airlines have collapsed, but this government will not let that happen. We will continue to support Air Seychelles," said President Michel.

On the topic of competition faced by Air Seychelles, by increasing number of flights by Emirates and Qatar Airways, the President said that this would be a challenge for Air Seychelles and that work would be undertaken to minimize the impact on the company.

" In considering the competition that Air Seychelles is facing, I have to consider the needs of tourism industry and the economy of Seychelles. We have a lot of hotels, guesthouses and entrepreneurs benefitting from the tourism industry. We have to be realistic, Air Seychelles cannot bring visitors to Seychelles alone and if it did many hotels would be three-quarters empty. That is why we need more frequent flights from other airlines in order to fill the hotels and guesthouses. Air Seychelles still has many competitive advantages with its direct flights from Europe that it needs to capitalize on."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/22/2011 -- Seychellois will be able to 'Touch the Future' in two weeks time as the Seychelles 2020 Expo will pave the wave for the vision of the country as the Eco Capital of the world.

The logo of the Expo, which was launched yesterday evening on SBC television, with its slogan "Touch the Future", merges the importance of Ecology and Technology in the future lives of the Seychellois people.

President Michel described his vision in his State of the Nation Address in February as a vision for 'a better life and the wellbeing of all Seychellois' and has called on all Seychellois to participate in the realization of this vision.

Expo 2020 will be an opportunity for every Seychellois to have a taste of the future projects of the country, to see how they fit into the planning of new projects for technology, energy and housing for example, and also a showcase of the business opportunities of the next ten years.

In particular they will see how all the newly-reclaimed islands near Mahe and Praslin will be developed so as to create new investment and business and opportunities and well as a new living environment that retains the key Seychelles attributes of Nature and Culture.

"As we aim for 2020, we are putting our efforts together to overcome another challenge, to enable us to become a nation of investors. We are investing in ourselves. We are investing in our children. We are investing in our victory – the victory of the Seychellois people," said President Michel.

Seychelles2020 Expo will be launched on Friday 25th March and will end on 6th April.

The Expo 2020 will be an event which has never been seen before in Seychelles, with many interactive elements, to give a realistic sense of what the future will look like.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2011 -- President James Michel visited the district of Baie Lazare this weekend, as part of a series of visits to various communities and businesses, in order to listen to people about their ideas and concerns in the social and economic development of their districts.

President Michel visited a small hotel, a tailoring workshop, a herbal medicine garden, a restaurant, a printing studio as well as several families in the Baie Lazare district.

President James Michel was accompanied by the Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vincent Meriton, the Baie Lazare District Administrator, Trefle Revera, the Chief Executive Officer of the Housing Finance Company, Charles Bastienne, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Land Transport Agency, Gerard Hoareau.

"I am very pleased to see at Baie Lazare that many ordinary Seychellois have taken up opportunities in the tourism industry created by larger economic investments by the well-known brands for hotels. I have seen Maria's Rock Cafe, a Seychellois restaurant that is providing an authentic experience; it is a unique restaurant where tourists can appreciate the beauty of Creole cuisine and environment. The more Seychellois do this, the more wealth will be created for the country," said President Michel.

The President also visited Valmer Resort, where he was impressed to see the way that nature had been integrated in the design of the 22-room hotel, which is owned and staffed entirely by Seychellois. He also visited Pineapple Studios where he saw the printing process and jewellery making.

" Baie Lazare is a district which has a lot of potential for development. Naturally residents of Baie Lazare feel that some things are missing in the district, and would like to see some more facilities… we are looking into creating a youth centre in the district, so that young people have a place to meet and develop themselves. There are also some deficiencies at the housing estates, which we will address. The visit has helped to see what we can do as a government to improve the lives of the Baie Lazare residents and make it more vibrant."

The President said that the districts needed to work towards becoming more responsible for their social and economic activities, and that this would enable districts to have a sense of ownership.

" When you own something, and you participate, you feel you are part of the ideas and the action, and you feel more proud of it, and you work more to make sure it is works well. I think that what needs to be done nationally; to empower communities even more, so that they participate in the development of their district and overcome the obstacles they come across," said the President.

Following his visit to Baie Lazare, the President also made a brief visit to a few homes on the Ile Perseverance housing estates accompanied by Vice President Danny Faure, to meet with the first residents who recently moved in to their new homes.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2011 -- Three years ago, Seychelles President James Michel found himself in the uncomfortable seat of shepherding his country out of economic woods.

The Seychelles rupee was floated and it took a heavy beating from the world's major currencies as inflation soared and essential consumer commodities prices hit the roof as Michel freed the economy. All observers led by the Bretton Woods institutions notably the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that it would take several years before the Seychelles economy stabilized again. Politically, President Michels's fortunes were fast dwindling as the economic crunch gave his opponents campaign fodder.

For sometime it was obvious President Michel was walking a tightrope. Come 2011 and Michel's bold economic moves of liberalizing the Seychelles economy have not only borne great fruits but have also silenced his critics and surpassed IMF's projections. The IMF had indicated that the Seychelles economy would only grow at 4% in 2010.

Surprisingly the Indian Ocean nation clocked an impressive 6.2% economic growth mainly boosted by a record number of tourists who visited island nation, numbering 174,529 and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) which saw some US$290million being pumped into her economy.

"Today, many countries, including certain European countries such as Greece and Ireland, are experiencing increasing levels of debt. Seychelles is heading towards a sustainable debt level. We are enjoying an economic environment in which growth levels are high, whilst inflation remains low. In 2010, we recorded 6.2% economic growth in real terms, with inflation at almost zero." Says Michel.

Fending off his critics President Michel used his 2011 annual State of the Nation Address at the end of February this year to counter the opposition's criticism of his administration, showcasing his achievements and outlining his policy projections.

"Our other economic indicators are very encouraging. In 2010 we saw a record number of tourists who visited Seychelles, totaling 174,529. Already, since the start of 2011, we are seeing an increase in the number of tourists over the corresponding period of 2010. The year 2010 was also an exceptionally good year for Foreign Direct Investment, when US$290 million entered the economy. In 2011, we expect this figure to be around US$120 million. The performance of the domestic economy remains very solid. There are economic indicators that are even more revealing: a fiscal surplus, fundamental to the continued reduction of our national debt; a stable exchange rate; foreign exchange reserves which had reached almost US$250 million at the end of January 2011 an equivalent of 2.4 months of imports."

Michel waxed lyrical of his government's successes.

Fisheries which is a key pillar of Seychelles economy did not escape President Michel's attention:

"With regard to fisheries, work is in progress to improve infrastructure to enable fishermen to have better access to resources and facilities. Improvement works have been made to the artisanal fishing port in Victoria, and work is continuing on the development of fishing ports at Bel Ombre and Providence. Other works concerning artisanal and semi-industrial fishing are currently either being implemented, or at the stage of tender preparation, for implementation later this year." Noted Michel.

In an attempt to encourage the Seychellois to take an active part in the country's economy through wealth creation President Michel announced that his administration has decided to sell 40% of its shares in the Seychelles Savings Bank to its clients and employees of the Bank who wish to buy shares.

He further reiterated that the Seychelles EXPO 2020 exhibition would be the launch pad for his government's vision of the future ten years of development.

"In our vision for 2020, we are using our islands –Aurore, Soleil, Eve, Romainville and Perseverance to create economic space. We will make available opportunities for Seychellois to develop around 1,400 houses of different styles that blend well with our Seychellois creole identity and environment. These houses will be tendered out to Seychellois who aspire to either have their own homes or wish to undertake commercial developments. Our 'waterfront' project which has been re-launched as 'La Promenade' is reserved for Seychellois investments," said Michel.

Ranked 7th in The African President Index's Michel has turned the tables on his critics, by not only implementing painful economic reforms but also steaming the country towards international integration, stimulating the educational sector and setting the standards in global environmental conservation.

This change in fortunes comes at a time when the presidential elections of the Indian Ocean nation are just around the corner. Political analysts see this economic boom which has given a new sheen to the "Indian Ocean jewel" as a major boost to Michel's re-election bid.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/16/2011 -- President James Michel was addressing the National Assembly, and the Seychelles nation via live radio and television broadcast on his address on the State of the Nation today.

"Yes, the world is talking about Seychelles' successes…Our economic growth for 2010 was 6.2%. This surpassed the IMF forecast of 4%."

"With 47% of our territory designated as nature reserves, Seychelles is first in the world in conservation and environmental management. We conducted three missions to rescue our brothers who had been taken hostage by Somali bandits. The bravery and tenacity of our soldiers brought victory for Seychelles. Five tankers are flying our flag all over the world. Seychelles, a small country of 89,000 inhabitants, is developing its oil exploration industry. The University of Seychelles has opened its doors to its first group of students. More importantly, the economic reform we undertook two years ago has demonstrated to the world our resilience and strengthening."

The President said that the success of the economic reforms is today a victory for Seychelles and that the country's harmony, social cohesion, unity, peace and stability are a 'victory for our young democracy.'

The President said that he wishes the upcoming presidential election takes place in peace, tolerance and respect for the opinions of others.

"On 14th April 2004 I laid the foundation stone for the new Seychelles that will enable us to prosper in this competitive world. I've started a job. I am not the type of person to walk away from a job halfway through it. Today, we have in place a solid structure and there is work to do to build the edifice that will receive and shelter all Seychellois, without exception. This job, this mission, is my passion, my life, because I believe in my people, and the people of Seychelles have put their trust in me. I am determined to complete what I have started doing together with the Seychellois people, said President Michel.

The President outlined the state of the economy, noting noted that Seychelles is heading towards a sustainable debt level and increased growth. In 2010, Seychelles recorded 6.2% economic growth in real terms, with inflation at almost zero. In 2010 there was a record number of tourists who visited Seychelles, totaling 174,529. Already, since the start of 2011, there is an increase in the number of tourist arrivals over the corresponding period of 2010.

The year 2010 was also an exceptionally good year for Foreign Direct Investment, when US$290M entered the economy. In 2011, the governments expect this figure to be around US$120M. The President noted that the performance of the domestic economy 'remains very solid' and that other are economic indicators are encouraging: a fiscal surplus, fundamental to the continued reduction of our national debt; a stable exchange rate; foreign exchange reserves which had reached almost US$250M at the end of January 2011, which is the equivalent of 2.4 months of imports.

The President said that his government would continue to put in place policies that ensure that Seychellois become responsible workers, entrepreneurs, managers, and owners of their own businesses and enterprises. And that they participate in wealth creation and the prosperity of the country.

In context with this ownership drive, the President announced that Government has decided to sell 40% of its shares in the Seychelles Savings Bank to its clients and employees of the Bank who wish to buy shares.

On the topic of land ownership and future investment, the President announced that the Seychelles EXPO 2020 exhibition would be the launch pad for his government's vision of the future ten years of development, including the opportunity for Seychellois entrepreneurs to invest in 5 reclaimed islands projects, where there will be opportunities for 400 units for shops, restaurants, workshops for small businesses and new offices, as well as up to 8 hotels and many small guesthouses.,

"In our vision for 2020, we are using our islands –Aurore, Soleil, Eve, Romainville and Perseverance to create economic space. We will make available opportunities for Seychellois to develop around 1,400 houses of different styles that blend well with our Seychellois creole identity and environment. These houses will be tendered out to Seychellois who aspire to either have their own homes or wish to undertake commercial developments. Our 'waterfront' project which has been re-launched as 'La Promenade' is reserved for Seychellois investments," said President Michel.

President Michel also announced a special fund will be created for the 1150 Seychellois workers of the Indian Ocean Tuna cannery. Government will use a portion of the dividends that it earns from IOT to pay Seychellois workers of IOT the benefits that they were not being paid before. All Seychellois workers of IOT who will receive compensation for completion of 5-years service this year will also receive a gratuity as do other employees of the public sector. Payments of gratuity will be made from April this year.

"This will encourage more Seychellois to work in the IOT factory, and help to localize posts. It would also ensure that they will receive benefits upon retirement, and will have contributed to their pension fund, "said the President.

The President also said that as of the 1st of March, income tax will not be applied to gratuity payments that are less than RS10,000, and that this would apply to all Seychellois workers.

The President noted that there was a perception that foreigners are taking the place of Seychellois in the workplace, however he noted that today there are 191 expatriates, working mainly in the health and education sectors in the Government ( down from 319 in 2005), and that this formed part of efforts of the Government to localize posts.

"There are today some 30,860 workers in the private sector. Of these, some 21,030 are Seychellois, and 9,830 are expatriates. The majority of foreign labour is in the tourism and construction industries. Should we ask all these expatriates in the construction and tourism industries to leave? Should we stop building houses? Should we close our hotels? Should we sack all the foreign teachers and doctors? Is this what some people want to see?"said the President.

The President warned against cheap politics that are sowing the seeds of xenophobia in the country and called on respectful behaviour towards foreign workers.

" We are a country renowned for its harmony and welcome. Our way of life is one of our strong points which makes visitors return to our country. Seychellois have no time for xenophobia. Every fast developing country needs expatriate workers.... all these developments and all these projects are being undertaken above all for the benefit of the Seychellois."

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2011 -- To mark International Women's Day tomorrow, Air Seychelles is flying out an all-female crew flight out of Paris this evening including six French ladies who are prizewinners of a week's educational visit to Seychelles.

For the second consecutive year, Air Seychelles has signed a partnership with a leading French newspaper, France Soir to promote the women of Seychelles and the International Women's Day.

The newspaper in liaison with the Seychelles Tourist Board and Air Seychelles' offices organised a quiz competition on Seychelles and which was published on the France Soir website.

Air Seychelles' General Manager France and Europe, Gilles Gosselin said: " The aim is to promote the modern society of the Seychelles. Our customers, who are mainly from high social backgrounds, are not only demanding as to the quality of their accommodation but also very concerned with the local harmony and the well-being of the Seychellois people".

Participants of the quiz competition had to answer to questions on the France Soir website and they could find clues in the video interviews given by Captain Nicole Chang-Leng, the first female pilot of Air Seychelles and Mrs Bernadette Willemin, European, the Seychelles Tourism of Board (STB) Mnaager for Europe.

During their stay in Seychelles, the six lucky winners will be hosted by the STB, Constance Hotels, , Le Meridien Resorts and Creole Travel Services.

They will visit Mahe and Praslin and also meet prominent Seychellois women personalities who have played a major role in the socio-economic and cultural life of these islands.

Speaking of the national airline's support and partnership in promoting Seychelles and Air Seychelles International Women's Day in Europe through France Soir, Air Seychelles' Executive Chairman, Maurice Loustau-Lalanne said: ''Air Seychelles has always recognised the special and very important role women have had in our country and more particular the airline. As a matter of fact, women are more numerous than their male counterparts in the national airline".

'Air Seychelles is an equal opportunity employer and staff are employed based on merit. The fact that more than half of its human resources contingent are women, is an indication of how competitive and capable the women of Seychelles have become. As a force, they have always been strong but their success is an indication that they are ready, willing and able to reach the skies', Mr Lalanne added.

Tomorrow's all female flight deck and cabin crew contingent will fly in under the command of Captain Nicole Chang Leng and First Officer, Lishad Matharu. Other crew members are Jacqueline Andrews, Corinne Moustache, Jill Thyroomooldy, Shireen Bristol, Mirenda Cardovillis, Natasha Pillay and Diana Rosalie.

Air Seychelles first operated an all-female flight in August 2007 on the Seychelles-Mauritius return sector which was the first commercial flight of Captain Nicole Chang-Leng, Seychelles first female pilot and first Seychelles woman to captain a B767 jet.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/11/2011 -- Seychelles has added its voice to the condemnation of the continued violence which has erupted in Libya.

President James Michel has welcomed the statement issued on Tuesday by the Security Council of the United Nations and the statement from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission yesterday and said that both statements had the unreserved support of Seychelles.

The Security Council and the AU have condemned the Libyan authorities for using force against the protesters and demanded an immediate end to the violence.

"We are deeply concerned by the disproportionate use of force against defenceless Libyan citizens. It is totally unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances. We join with other members of the international community to call for an immediate end to the brutal repression of citizens," the President has stated.

"We deplore the loss of lives and the destruction of property. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. Violence breeds violence. The only solution to the crisis in Libya is through dialogue and not through unbridled violence. Seychelles firmly believes that development depends on stability, peace and security, the rule of law and the respect of human rights," concluded President Michel.

Seychelles also fully supports the efforts of the African Union to prevail on Libyan authorities and other actors to end the violence which further undermines the efforts of the region to pursue development peacefully.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

INTERPOL is to provide essential equipment and training to law enforcement across East African countries tackling maritime piracy as part of a EUR 1.6 million project funded by the European Commission.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/23/2011 -- A significant part of the funding will be dedicated to developing forensic and investigative capacity in the Seychelles, which has found itself increasingly on the frontline as the hub for international counter-piracy operations and prosecutions.

A gap analysis conducted by INTERPOL at the request of the Seychelles' Minister for Internal Affairs Mr Joel Morgan, identified three critical development needs: forensic facilities, criminal investigations and analytical capabilities, areas in which INTERPOL is now actively partnering with the Seychelles.

The first phase of the 20-month project will see the provision of an Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) to the Scientific Support and Criminal Records Bureau (SSCRB) of the Seychelles Police, which will significantly enhance the digitization of the fingerprint identification process, and especially to enable swifter sharing of this information on an international level via INTERPOL to help identify suspected pirates.

President of the Republic of the Seychelles James Alix Michel said: "I greatly welcome this initiative by INTERPOL, in partnership with Seychelles and the EC, in helping to develop further professional counter-piracy capacity in the region. Seychelles is fully committed to working with INTERPOL, in keeping with the UN resolution 1950, to help create a sustainable response to the transnational threat of piracy."

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, said: "Piracy off the Horn of Africa is affecting seriously the safety of maritime traffic in the Indian Ocean as well as security and stability in the wider region. More than two years after its launch, EUNAVFOR-Atalanta has had an important impact. But the roots of the problem of piracy lie on the land and the EU is working to develop a comprehensive approach. Immigration, smuggling and trafficking are major related concerns. I welcome this INTERPOL - EU project, which aims to facilitate the identification and traceability of pirates and their possible prosecution."

"The focus of the INTERPOL project is to ensure that police professionals have the forensic tools and training they need in order to carry out investigations into maritime piracy and other crimes as effectively as possible," said INTERPOL Secretary General Ronald K. Noble

"The essential role to be played by law enforcement, particularly that of INTERPOL and Europol, in combating maritime piracy has been recognized by the United Nations and the European Union and we are committed to supporting police in our member countries tackle what is at its core, a transnational crime problem," added the INTERPOL chief.

The project provides for a comprehensive training programme for investigators during the next 12 months, including core investigative skills sets and specialist options, such as drugs and fraud. Open to a range of participants including the Seychelles Police Force, coastguard, Financial Investigation Unit (FIU), the National Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Customs the project will create the sustainable forensic and investigative capability needed to successfully confront not just piracy, but all domestic and transnational crime affecting the Seychelles.

In November 2010, the UN Security Council unanimously endorsed a resolution which 'urges states, in co-operation with INTERPOL and Europol, to further investigate international criminal networks involved in piracy off the coast of Somalia, including those responsible for illicit financing and facilitation'.

The following month the European Union adopted a Decision which will see the EU's on-going military operation against maritime piracy off the coast of Somalia use INTERPOL's global network and tools to fight the criminal networks behind piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

This year State House celebrates its 100th anniversary of existence. As part of activities to mark this special celebration, the Office of the President is organising a series of Open Day tours every Friday of the year, until the last week of November.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/22/2011 -- This will give the Seychellois people, as well as visitors to the islands, an opportunity to discover this magnificent historical site, as well as the chance to learn more about the way the State House functions, the history of the building as well as the garden, which is considered the most beautiful in Victoria.

Guided tours will be will be conducted by staff of the National Heritage Department for different groups and sectors of the society on the historical and administrative aspects of State House.

The first groups to be organised for the Open Day tours are the students of all the schools of the country starting with post-secondary, secondary and primary schools, as well as the University of Seychelles.

Each educational establishment will select 15 students for the tour. Tours will also be organised for groups from different government ministries, community groups, the private sector and NGOs, and the public in general. Tourists will also be able to visit, and their tours will be organised through the tour operators.

The first Open Day tours took place this morning, where the children of Doves Choir, as well as the children of State House staff came to explore the State House and its grounds. The children had the opportunity to greet President James Michel and ask him questions.

They were followed by students from the University of Seychelles, the Maritime Training Centre, the Seychelles Institute of Technology, the School of Business and Secretarial Studies, and participants of the Military and Police Young Leaders Programme.

As from Friday 18th February there will be eight guided tours for groups of 15 persons every Friday, which amounts to 480 persons visiting the State House every month.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/21/2011 -- The British Ministry of Defence has renewed its contract with Air Seychelles, singling out the satisfactory performance of the airline on its operations to the Falklands Islands.

Air Seychelles Executive Chairman, Captain David Savy has said : " The UK Ministry of Defence has stated its preference for Air Seychelles to operate the Falklands Airbridge and we have been able to secure the traffic rights to fly between UK and Falklands.

This is a good testimony of our very good capability and performance to operate flights from the UK via Ascension Island to theFalklands".

The UK Ministry of Defence contract awarded to Air Seychelles is to transport UK personnel to the islands of Ascension and Falklands. It is conisdered a domestic service given that the point of origin in UK and destinations in Falklands and Ascension are all British territories.

In consideration, Air Seychelles utilizes a number of British nationals as flight crew on this particular route.

As a result, Air Seychelles will continue operating twice weekly flights between UK and Falklands as from March 2011.

Speaking in January last year, when Air Seychelles first launched the Falklands Airbridge flights, President James Michel hailed the national airline's services as a mark of the high standing and the professionalism and dedication of its staff.

President Michel spoke of the increasingly competitive international airline market and saw it encouraging for Air Seychelles to seek to adopt innovative business practices beyond its core business.

'Innovation is key to Seychelles being ready for the future and we congratulate Air Seychelles for taking the lead in this way" he said in his congratulatory message, last year.

Air Seychelles operates a B767-300ER aircraft which operates from the Brize Norton Royal Air Force base in Oxfordshire, England to the Ascension Islands and then on to the Falklands in the South Atlantic, off the southern tip of South America.

Mount Pleasant in the Falklands is one of the southern most aerodromes on our planet and the Falklands is often used as last staging post for expeditions to the Antartic.

The national airline's experience of flying 767s to isolated island locations was another major advantage for the renewal of the contract especially Wide Awake airfield on Ascension and the RAF Mount Pleasant airfield on the Falklands are both isolated.

Air Seychelles was also considered the best choice as it is one of the world's most experienced B767 operators with over 21 years of extended-range operations.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/15/2011 -- The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jean-Paul Adam spoke of the "collective responsibility" of every Seychellois to protect each other's fundamental human rights during his opening address at the 'Implementation of Human Rights in Seychelles' workshop launched earlier today at the STC conference Centre.

"In Seychelles, our Constitution points the way on what we, as Seychellois, consider to be our fundamental rights. It also outlines our duties as citizens. The two are inseparable. It is only by observing our duties to our nation, that we can truly respect the rights of all its citizens," said Minister Adam, "While we balance our rights and responsibilities- the Government aims to continually improve the framework in which citizens' rights can be defended. It was in this context that the Human Rights Commission has been set up."

The Minister went on to say that: "As with most human rights issues, no purpose is served by throwing blame in any particular direction. Ultimately it is an issue that affects us all. The solution also lies with all of us and not with any particular individual or state. We have a collective responsibility....There should never be a monopoly on ideas. We all know that Seychelles is open to the world. We want to learn from the world and we are also ready to share our experiences so others can learn."

Today's workshop formed part of the United Nations Human Rights Council review of the human rights records of all 192 member States under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) which is a UN mechanism. The UPR process consists of a cross-sector interactive dialogue where a national report is produced and presented to the UPR Working Group in May 2011 in Geneva.

Seychelles' first National report is being done with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Regional Bureau for the Office of the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR) based in South Africa.

The Opening Ceremony also included an opening addresses by Mrs. Leyla Tegmo-Reddy, the Seychelles UNDP Resident Representative and Mr. Ronny Govinden, the Seychelles Attorney General.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/15/2011 -- President James Michel has made a powerful call on world leaders to listen to the developing world and vulnerable communities which are most affected by climate change, and collectively address the development challenges faced by small island states and developing nations in the face of global warming.

The President was speaking at the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit in India, which was inaugurated by Indian Prime Minsiter Dr. Manmohan Singh.

During the summit, President Michel repeated the call which small islands have consistently asked for; that atmospheric carbon dioxide should be capped at 350 parts per million of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and for the earth's surface temperature increase to be kept within 1.5 degrees Celsius.

"We continue to repeat this call, because amidst all the debates, amidst all the polemics, we can't change the facts. The facts tell us that climate change will delay our efforts at sustainable development. The facts indicate clearly climate change will affect our fisheries, our agriculture, our water resources, hence our ability to feed our people. And the facts tell us that climate change will inflict poverty and threaten our very existence as a nation. But we will always continue to fight for our right to exist because island nations are on the frontlines of climate change," said President Michel.

The President noted that the trends of global governance show tht the world is moving towards increased marginalization of small island states rather than increased support.

"The rules will have to be changed. We could start by democratizing the Bretton Woods institutions to make them more relevant, more responsive to contemporary realities. The global governance architecture has to be modified to reflect justice, fairness and realism. The most recent UN Human development report completely ignored 10 Small Island Developing States and left them unranked. Small islands have been asking for increased recognition for many years. Small islands have been asking for increased recognition for many years. The reality is that small islands are at real risk of falling between the cracks of international development architecture, " said the President.

President Michel reitereated the right of small island states to exists as nations and asked that nations whichseek to ensure their economic prosperity above other considerations to conside the human rights implications that these decisions entail.

"But what about our right to exist as a people, as a country, as a nation? When some make decisions or pursue obstinately principles to maintain their own economic targets and interests at the detriment of the wider community of nations are they not creating conditions for whole nations to disappear from the face of the earth? Is that not another form of crime against humanity?"

President Michel commended India for its work to develop clean energy solutions. He sais that renewable energy is the next frontier which can transform the world economy, adding that " India has pioneered several innovations in renewable energy, water resources management and sustainable agriculture, to name a few, and is today poised to sustain its growth potential through technologies and practices that are sustainable."

Present on occasion were H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, President Afghanistan, H.E. Dr. Leonel Fernandez, President of Dominican Republic, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the Indian Minister for New Renewable Energy, Mr. Jairam Ramesh, the Indian Minister for Environment and Forests, H.E. Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Former PM of Norway, along with ministers from 19 countries, three Nobel Laureates - - Prof. Joseph Stiglitz, Professor, Columbia University, USA; Dr Yuan-Tseh Lee, President, Academia Sinica, Taiwan; and Prof. Sir James A Mirrlees, Professor of Political Economy, University of Cambridge & Master, Morningside College Chinese University of Hong Kong, and other eminent dignitaries from national and International organizations.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

President James Michel will be travelling to India for a 2 day visit next week to address the Delhi Sustainable Development Summit 2011, which will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/14/2011 -- The President was invited to 11th Edition of the summit of World Sustainable Development Forum under the theme 'Tapping Local Initiatives and Tackling Global Inertia,' which is organised by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) in New Delhi.

The Director General of TERI, Dr. Rajendra Kumar Pachauri ,who is also the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change, held discussions with President Michel last June during the President's state visit to India, where the President also visited the institute.

The Delhi Sustainable Development Summit will also be attended by Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, and the President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernandez Reyna, as well as former Heads of State and Heads of Governments, decision-makers from governments, private sector, NGOs, multi/bilateral organisations, academia and research institutions.

Nobel Laureates Prof Joseph Stiglitz (Professor, Columbia University, USA), Dr Yuan-Tseh Lee (President, Academia Sinica, Taiwan) and Prof Sir James A Mirrlees (Professor of Political Economy, University of Cambridge) will also address the conference.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

London, UK -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/26/2011 -- The inaccessible Aldabra lagoon in the Indian Ocean is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a unique collection of plants and animals, including more than 100,000 giant tortoises.
For three hours, the island supply plane cruises above the seemingly empty blue plain of the Indian Ocean.

At Assumption Island, there is an airstrip where we transfer to a motorboat for the crossing to Aldabra. Lindsay Chong Seng, science director for the Seychelles Islands Foundation, is my guide and, after an hour on the sparkling sea, he points out a long, low strip of rugged shoreline.

It is South Island, the largest of the four main islands surrounding the great central lagoon.
The lagoon is shallow, a place of ripping currents and vast sand flats, and is so big that the whole of Manhattan could fit inside it - twice.

'Shark-infested waters'
Stepping from the back of the speedboat into gin-clear water up to my knees, I see I am not alone.

Dozens of black-tip sharks' cluster in the shallows, and among them are larger lemon sharks - each over seven feet (two meters) long.

The splashing of our feet sounds, I am told, like the noise an injured fish might make and the sharks come to investigate.

Once close enough to see that I am human, they dart away skittish and alarmed, their pale dorsal fins sticking out of the water like the very cartoon image of "shark-infested water".

There is no hotel here, although the expense of running the island and staffing it means that the idea is sometimes proposed.

Visitors are infrequent - just a few yachtsmen. Until last year, there was the occasional small cruise ship, but Somali pirate activity has reduced that market to almost zero.

In fact, a few months ago, some pirates landed on the beach having run out of food and water.

With the help of the rifles the rangers use to shoot feral goats, the pirates were arrested, locked in a store room and sent back to the capital, Victoria.

Dominant reptiles
Outside the small research block, island manager Doctor Nancy Bunbury introduces me to the first of the Aldabra giant tortoises.

"Please don't feed him," she warns, "or he'll follow you into our dining room. And if he doesn't want to leave, it becomes a bit of a problem."

Once harvested for meat and exported to the inhabited islands, the tortoises can weigh over 600lb (300kg). Standing fully upright on all four leathery legs, their heads reach easily to my waist.

Lindsay Chong Seng explains that they will eat anything including other dead tortoises, any vegetation they can reach and, intriguingly, a kind of algae which they seem to cultivate by leaving their droppings in tidal pools.

As well as hungry tortoises, Aldabra's scrubby vegetation also has to cope with salt spray, thin soil and cyclones.

One endemic grass has even evolved so that its flower-spikes turn downwards from the stem so that the reptiles do not eat it while they are grazing.

With at least 100,000 giant tortoises - 10 times as many as in the Galapagos - Aldabra is valued by biologists as an ecosystem dominated by reptiles, something that has not been seen elsewhere since the time of the dinosaurs.

Isolation makes Aldabra's wildlife bold.

Fluffy Aldabra nightjars nest on the ground, fearlessly allowing me to lie right beside them with my camera.

A small elegant bird with big feet and a russet plumage stalks the undergrowth. Lindsay names it as the white-throated Aldabran rail, the last flightless bird in the Indian Ocean.

One day I watch as a rail discovers a baby giant tortoise - smaller than my palm - and attempts to peck at it. The tortoise does what tortoises do and retreats inside its shell until the rail loses interest.

It will need to avoid not just the rails, but also the two species of land crabs that live on Aldabra, including the coconut crab with a leg span of more than three feet (1m) and weighing up to 10lb (4.5kg).

At night, they stalk the accommodation block and I learn to carry a torch.

Another world
On excursions into the lagoon and along the mangrove-forested shore, I see frigate birds, crab plovers, dimorphic egrets, green herons and plenty more sharks.

At slack tide, it is hard to tell which way lies the open sea and which way the lagoon.
I feel as though I am in another world, a place where nature has been left to take its course. The water sparkles, the sand is as white as the clouds above and the undergrowth crackles as the crabs and tortoises patrol.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm