President Wavel Ramkalawan chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet today, Wednesday 24th November, at which a number of legal and policy memoranda were considered.
Cabinet was briefed on the COVID-19 situation in the country. Cabinet expressed concerns with the recent increase in the number of positive cases and requested that sensitization of the public to follow the public health guidelines should continue. The vaccination campaign will also be intensified as the statistics are showing the beneficial effects of the vaccines on the population.
Cabinet approved amendments to the Seychelles Ports Authority Act. The amendment of the SPA Act will reflect both the current financial status of the SPA in line with its mandate of providing reliable and efficient port infrastructure and port services. The amended Act will also ensure SPA adaptation to the current legal framework governing public enterprises in the Republic of Seychelles. The provisions of the Harbour Act, which was previously mandated to the SPA will be incorporated in the SPA Act and the harbor Act will be repealed.
Cabinet also approved for the enactment of the Ports Regulations, 2021. These will regulate the functions of the SPA. This will provide the SPA with a more modern and accessible Regulation which will permit the SPA to efficiently regulate ports and port premises.
Cabinet approved amendments to the Consolidated Fair Trading Bill. Complaints of a value above SCR 5 million will not considered by the Fair Trading Commission. The time limitation to bring complaints to the Commission will be reduced from 3 years to 2 years. The Tribunal will be composed of a Chairperson; Vice-Chairperson; and 7 members.
Cabinet approved changes for the efficient clearance of courier mail. The amendments will include the digitalization of the Customs procedures at the airport; a dedicated unit within Customs will be set up for courier clearance; the courier agents will be mandated through license to provide door to door service regardless whether the goods exceed the personal allowance. A dedicated space will be provided to Customs for the clearance of courier.
Cabinet was briefed on a proposed project to produce electricity for the country using LNG fuel.
Further details to the media will be provided by the relevant Ministry.