November 15, 2010 -- "IT is the future in this modern, evolving world. To me, this is the future: the new Seychelles we are creating."

President James Michel made the statement following his visit to the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) Open Day at Independence House last Friday.

The President was accompanied by Vice-President Danny Faure, who holds the portfolio for ICT and the principal secretary for DICT, Mr. Benjamin Choppy.

At the Open day exhibition the President viewed the plans for the fibre-optic submarine cable which will link Seychelles with mainland Africa, a project which will enable high-speed broadband internet access for Seychelles with the rest of the world.

"I think the submarine cable will go a long way to ensure that Seychelles is well connected with the world, and also that our services become more efficient. It will improve our electronic government system and we will become more in tune with what is happening in the world," said President Michel following the visit.

The President also viewed the way ICT services working within government departments such as immigration, housing, social welfare and taxation services, as well as the government online press room.

"I am impressed with the technological progress we have made in a short space of time. There are many government departments that are using high-tech applications to provide services to the public, and this is an important part of the improved service delivery that we are working towards in the public sector."