President Wavel Ramkalawan chaired a high-level meeting at State House in his capacity as Head of State this morning. The aim of the meeting was predominantly to look at the Tourism Industry in relation to thefts against tourists, and to agree on a way forward so as to curb these practices and retain the image of Seychelles as a safe tourist destination.
Government considers offences against visitors as an economic crime and, together with all the relevant authorities present, it has been agreed that such cases should be given priority before the courts and that sentences for these offences should be enhanced.
The Police, on its side, has committed to step up and complete case files as soon as possible after arrest, and the Attorney General’s Chambers will ensure that prosecution of these offences is given priority. The Chief Justice has committed to issuing fresh sentencing guidelines for such offences.
Present at State House for the meeting were the Vice-President, Mr Ahmed Afif, the Chief Justice, Justice Rony Govinden, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr Sylvestre Radegonde, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr Erol Fonseka, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ted Barbe, the Attorney General, Mr Frank Ally, and the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Honorable Bernard Georges.
All parties present were agreed that offences against tourists were unacceptable and should be curtailed quickly in order not to tarnish the reputation of Seychelles in the eyes of visitors.
The President expressed his satisfaction at the positive response of all the authorities concerned in agreeing on this multi-sectoral approach to the problem. He urged everyone to support the decisions taken.
