President Danny Faure chaired a meeting of the Cabinet this morning at which a number of policy papers were discussed.

The Acting Attorney General made an outline of the proposed revision of the Civil Code of Seychelles which sets out the basic laws as it affects the ordinary citizens of a country, such as for example in cases of marriage, divorce, separation of persons living in concubinage (en ménage) and the custody of children in such cases, and in relation to matters such as inheritance and property rights.

Cabinet advised that the proposals be set out as a White Paper, with a deadline of 15th May for members of the public to submit their opinions.

The Cabinet was also presented with the findings of a School-based Student Health Survey as well as a survey on the use of tobacco by students.  Both surveys showed that there was a need for greater guidance of students by parents, educational institutions and the media on such matters as sexual behaviour, substance abuse, diet and exercise.  Policies on school meals, food sold in school tuck shops and by food vendors in and around schools should be better enforced in the long term interests not only of the students, but also in reducing health costs to the nation.  Given the importance of these studies for the youth of the country, copies of both survey reports would be made available to the National Assembly.

Cabinet also considered certain amendments to the Excise Tax regulations to bring these in line with budget policy announced by the Minister responsible for Finance, Trade & Economic Planning, aimed at encouraging more responsible consumption, for example in relation to alcohol, tobacco and fuel.  These regulations would be published by Friday 21st April, but would become effective on 15th May 2017.

Cabinet also endorsed the new three-year strategic plan of the Police Force, presented by the Commissioner of Police, with clear target outcomes identified in relation to crime reduction, investigations, more effective policing, and service excellence, as well as the identification of the required resources.