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Message of condolences following death of Indian former President

January 29, 2009 – President James A Michel has sent a message of condolences to India following the death of former President Shri Ramaswamy Venkataraman.

Mr Venkataraman paid a state visit to Seychelles from September 23-25, 1989.

President Michel’s message reads: “It was with profound sadness that we learned of the passing away of former Indian President Shri R. Venkataraman.

“Mr Shri Venkataraman was a distinguished public personality, versatile parliamentarian and adept administrator who served the country with distinction in various capacities.

“The government and the people of the Republic of Seychelles join me in conveying to you, to the government and to the people of India, as well as to the bereaved family of Mr Venkataraman, our heartfelt sympathies and deepest condolences.

“May the Almighty rest his soul in eternal peace.”

Maritime surveillance plane from Abu Dhabi 

January 27, 2009 – A Twin Otter plane given to Seychelles in 2007 by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi following one of President James Michel’s visits to the emirate, has been fitted with equipment, including cameras, to start maritime surveillance work.

The de Havilland DHC 6-320, which is the workhouse of Air Seychelles’ domestic fleet, will also be equipped for search and rescue operations at sea.
UN team received at State House

January 27, 2009 -- President James Michel received a courtesy call from the United Nations Country team who is in Seychelles on an assessment mission.

The team comprises of:
1 Representative from FAO Mr Amadou Moustapha Kamara
2 representatives from UNICEF Mr Maurice Apted and Ms Caimira Benge

1 representative from UNIFEM Ms. Simone Ellis Oluoch-Olunya

1 representative from UNFPA Mr Benoit Kalasa

4 representatives UNDP Mr. Claudio Caldarone, Mr Roland Alcindor, Mr Emmanuel Cuvillier, Mr (Professor) Christophe Muller 

2 representative from UNESCO Ms Florence Ssereo and  Dr MAMOUDOU DIALL

They were accompanied by Dr. Cornerlia Atsyor from the WHO Office in Seychelles.
New Nigerian HC received at State House 

January 27, 2009 - H.E. Dr Chijioke Wilcos Wigwe presented his letter of credentials to President James A Michel this morning at State House to become the new High Commissioner of Nigeria to Seychelles.

Seychelles and Nigeria have enjoyed fruitful cooperation, mainly in technical assistance, since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries on 28th January 1977.
Economic Reform Programme
People understand need for reform – President Michel


January 26, 2009 – The targets set by the economic reform programmes are being met, President James A Michel has said.

He was speaking on SBC television last night in the first of a monthly En Moman Avek Prezidan (Meeting the President) broadcast.

The President cited as examples improvement in the foreign exchange situation and stability in the exchange rate of the rupee in relation to major currencies.

The $50 (US) million reserve in the Central Bank is a sign that the Seychelles economy is getting stronger, he noted.

He also spoke of the need to review certain aspects of the new welfare agency.

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En Moman Avek Prezidan (Meeting the President)

January 23rd 2009 -- As from Sunday 25th January 2009 SBC television will start airing a monthly programme to feature interviews and other talks with the President of the Republic, Mr James A Michel.

The launching of the broadcast, called En Moman Avek Prezidan (Meeting the President) comes three months after the inauguration of the economic reform programme.

It will give the President the opportunity to talk about the progress of the reform, new developments and other pertinent issues at the time of the meeting with SBC.

En Moman Avek Prezidan will be broadcast at 9 pm on Sunday on SBC television, the following at 7.30 pm on radio on Monday, the following day.
New Foundation supports spirit of Come Together Seychellois - 23.01.09

January 23, 2009 - - The Seychelles Foundation for National Reconciliation and Prosperity (SFNRP) has offered to support President James Michel’s appeal to all the Seychellois people to join together in an harmonious spirit to tackle the country socio-economic challenges.

The promoter of SFNRP is the Former President James Mancham.

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National steering committee for the promotion of the 2009 theme Koste Seselwa. "Come Together Seychellois" - 21.01.09

The President, Mr James A Michel, has appointed a 12-member steering committee to coordinate the promotion of the theme of the year, Koste Seselwa (Come Together Seychellois).

Vice-President Joseph Belmont is the chairman of the committee. The vice-chair is Mrs MacSuzy Mondon, the Minister of Employment and Human Resources Development.

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Press Release: World Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi -- Renewable energy good for Seychelles 20.01.09

The agreement signed on Monday to allow the Abu Dhabi future energy company MASDAR to undertake renewable energy projects in Seychelles has been described by President James Michel as “good for Seychelles”.

President Michel was back in his State House office this morning after...
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President Michel sends congratulatory message to President Obama - 20.01.09


January 20, 2009 -- President James Michel has offered a special message of congratulations to President Barack Obama, on the occasion of his inauguration as the 44th President of the United States of America.

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Press Release: World Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi - Seychelles Ready for Green Culture - 19.01.09

19.01.09 - Seychelles is ready to be part of the renewable energy future, President James A Michel said as he delivered his speech to the world energy summit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, today.

The President welcomed an agreement signed between..

Read Press Release  Read the speech 
President again calls for development of entrepreneurial spirit - 19.01.09

On Saturday 17th of January, President James Michel visited the reclaimed Eve Island in Baie Ste Anne Praslin. The development of the new land comprises infrastructure, such as workshops, for small entrepreneurs.

On the same day, the presidential delegation attended the official opening of the Internet Café by Jj Spirit Foundation at Grand Anse Praslin. President Michel is the Patron of the foundation.
Read Article  Photo Story
President meets the disabled - 19.01.09

January 19, 2009 -- President James Michel met with members of Seychelles Disabled People’s Organisation (SDPO) on Friday 16th of January. The members of the organisation put forward their action plans which comprised of a proposal for a day centre.

The head of SDPO, Mr. Daniel Savy said that “….we decided also to meet the President because we wanted him to have a look at the plans for the project to see how best his office can help us.”

Mr. Savy talked about the rights of the disabled and sought employment opportunities for them.
President at World Future Energy Summit - 19.01.09

January 19, 2009 -- President James A Michel is in Abu Dhabi where he is attending the World Future Energy Summit.

The President received a personal invitation to address the summit taking place in the capital of the United Arad Emirates (UAE) from the 19th to the 21st January 2009.

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Tender, Review Panel, and SLA board members appointed - 18.01.09

January 18, 2009 -- The President has appointed the members who will serve on the National Tender Board, Review Panel and Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA) during the next three years.

Mr Flavien Morin is the chairman of the National Tender Board.

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Commissioner of Police resigns, Mr Quatre acting - 17.01.09

January 17, 2009 -- The Commissioner of Police, Mr Gerard Waye-Hive, has tendered his resignation to President James Michel who has accepted it with regret.

Mr Waye-Hive is replaced by Mr Ernest Quatre who has been appointed Acting Commissioner of Police by the President.

A career military officer, Mr Waye-Hive was appointed Commissioner of Police in June 2006. Prior to that, he was commandant of the Seychelles Defence Academy, a post he held for 12 years. He joined the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces in 1989, rising successively through the ranks until his promotion as Major.

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7th Day Adventist Church to actively fight dangerous drugs - 13.01.09

13th January 2009 Representatives of the Seventh Day Adventist Church were at State House today to make a presentation to President James Michel on their proposal to help fight the scourge of dangerous drug abuse and addiction.

The church’s Seychelles Mission is planning an awareness and prevention programme for secondary schools. The second part of the project is a cure and rehabilitation programme with an ozone infusion component.

According to Pastor Alex Esparon, the project coordinator, the programmes showed that churches were coming forward and playing a part in the ongoing struggle against drug abuse.
President Michel speaks to Reuters
Weighing the balance: Potential oil exploitation versus the protection of our environment - 13.01.09

January 13, 2009 -- Seychelles ecosystem will be preserved at all cost if oil is discovered. This was stated by the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr James A Michel, in an exclusive interview with Reuters on Friday 9th of January 2009.

The Reuters’ article was published in the Seychelles Nation today.
Read Article / Read story on Seychelles Nation 
National Education Review
Major reforms in education expected next year - 13.01.09

All the major reforms needed to take education in Seychelles to a higher level are expected to be in place for implementation in January 2010, President James Michel said this morning.

The President was talking at a meeting at State House of the National Education Review Committee, of which he is the chairman, and which was set up in August last year to assess recommendations and advise on the action plan to be implemented to attain the objective of a high quality education and human resource development.
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President grants interview to Reuters - 09.01.09

January 9, 2009 -- The President, James A Michel, was this morning interviewed by the Reuters correspondence for the Indian Ocean region, Richard Lough.

The 40-minute interview for news agency text, radio and television covered a wide range of subjects.

It was another opportunity for the President to talk about the impact of the world financial crisis on the economy of a small vulnerable island state, loans and debts, petroleum exploration, diversification of the economy and the importance of the environment to Seychelles’ development.
Swearing-in of constitutional appointees - 08.01.09

January 8, 2009 -- The newly appointed attorney general, two judges and the re-appointed electoral commissioner were sworn in before President James Michel at a short ceremony at State House this morning.

Mr Ronny Govinden swore that he “will well and truly serve the Republic and President of Seychelles” in the office of the Attorney General.
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Boards of parastatals and statutory agencies - 08.01.09

January 8 2009 -- The compositions of different boards of directors of parastatals, agencies and other national bodies have been released by the Office of the President.

This follows the announcement from President James Michel on Tuesday of a number of appointments at principal secretary level and other chief executive posts in the government. Other appointments are to follow.
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President announces chief executive appointments - 07.01.09

President James Michel today announced a number of appointments at principal secretary level and other chief executive posts in the government.

The new principal secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is Mr Joseph Nourice.

Mrs Shireen Renaud replaces Mr Nourice as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB).
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Macro-Economic Reform Programme
More support for solidarity, security and responsibility

January 6, 2009 -- The chiefs of the disciplinary forces and the bishop-elect of the local Anglican church have spoken in favour of an environment of solidarity and security that will help see Seychelles through the economic reform programme.

Anglican bishop-elect James Wong said yesterday the church should encourage the people to be more united, not only in times of difficulties like now, but also to help them see what God has already given them.
Read Article 
New Spanish ambassador accredited - 06.01.09

January 6, 2009 – The new ambassador of Spain to Seychelles, Mr Antonio Sanchez-Benedito Gaspar, has been accredited following the presentation of his credentials to President James Michel at State House this morning.

President Michel and Ambassador Gaspar reviewed cooperation between the two countries and discussed other issues.

Port Victoria is the base for a number of Spanish tuna fishing vessels operating in the Indian Ocean.
President Michel spends New Year with the disciplinary forces
We have to be thankful to God for the harmony -- C –in- C - 05.01.09

January 5, 2008 -- People in Seychelles celebrated New Year in peace and harmony, President James Michel noted in his address at the annual January 1st gathering of members of the disciplinary forces, and he asked those present to spare a thought to the many countries that were being torn apart by war and plagued by war, disorder and hatred.
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Special committee to review operation of the criminal justice system - 05.01.09

January 5, 2009 -- The President has announced the formation of a special committee to review the operation of the criminal justice system in Seychelles in the light of the recommendations made in the report submitted to him by Irish Solicitor Barry Galvin in July 2008.

In the spirit of continuation, Mr Galvin has also been appointed the chair of the committee, said a press statement from State House.
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President, VP and Ministers attend 50th anniversary celebrations of Cuban revolution - 05.01.09

President James Michel, Vice-President Joseph Belmont, Ministers and top government officials attended a New Year eve reception in Victoria, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution.

The event was hosted by the Cuban embassy.
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Rama Yade a State House - 05.01.09

Le 5 janvier, 2009 -- En vacances avec son mari dans notre pays, la secretaire d’Etat charge des affaires etrangeres et des droits de l’Homme, Mme Rama Yade, a effectue une visite de courtoisie mercredi dernier a State House ou elle a ete recue par le President James Michel.

La secretaire d’Etat francaise etait accompagnee de son mari et de l’ambassadeur de France a Victoria, M. Michel Tretout.


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The Press Room
Mayor from Korea at State House March 2, 2010
Message of condolence to Chile March 2, 2010
President Michel presente ses condoleances au President Sarkozy March 2, 2010
We are stronger and more determined in 2010 - President Michel Feb 26, 2010
State-of-the-nation address tomorrow Feb 25, 2010
President commends SBC for professional broadcasting Feb 24, 2010
Together, Ready for the Future theme launched  Feb 22, 2010
Visite d’adieu du Monseigneur Augustin Kasujja  Feb 17, 2010
Swearing-in of Justice Dodin  Feb 15, 2010
Swearing-in of Ombudsman Zatte Feb 15, 2010
Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS) board Feb 15, 2010
Three national appointments announced Feb 12, 2010
President Michel visits university campus  Feb 11, 2010
New Turkish ambassador  Feb 10, 2010

Latest Speech Delivered by the President
State of The Nation 2010:  KreolEnglishFrench   - Feb, 2010
Launching of this year's National Theme - Vice-President Belmont  - Cre Ver - Feb, 2010
Traditional New Year meeting with the Defence and Police forces  - Eng Ver - Jan, 2010
Tourism industry teamwork has been the key to our success Jan, 2010
Speech by President on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Seychelles young leaders programme,  Jan, 2010

Latest Press Communique
State of the Nation 2010: We are Stronger and more determined in 2010  Feb 17, 2010
Seychelles concludes debt reduction agreement with Libya  Feb 17, 2010
Water pollution incident at the ex-tracking station, La misere  Feb 16, 2010
President Appoints New DBS Board  Feb 12, 2010
President Appoints Ombudsman Dora Zatte  Feb 11, 2010
New CEO Appointed For Landscape and Waste Management Agency  Feb 11, 2010
President Michel visits unisey campus  Feb 09, 2010
President congratulates Seychellois referee for world cup 2010 appointment  Feb 08, 2010
President Michel extends support to tuna talks  Feb 05, 2010
New deputy tax commissioner appointed  Feb 03, 2010