President Danny Faure chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday morning, 14th March, at which a number of legal and policy memoranda were considered.
Cabinet approved the policy mandate for Seychelles’ Indian Ocean Commission Presidency. The Presidency which will start in July 2018 will last for one year and will be chaired by Vice President Vincent Meriton. Seychelles will make the Blue economy the cornerstone of its mandate.
Cabinet also approved for the Enterprise Seychelles Agency Bill, 2018 to be gazetted. The new Agency when set up will replace the SENPA.
Cabinet approved for the Tourism department and SENPA to work together to provide a framework for people who sell coconuts and fruits to public and tourists. The aim of the exercise is to ensure quality, hygiene and fair trade by the sellers. Cabinet also approved proposal of new activities that will allow for the active participation of street vendors in an organised manner.
Cabinet endorsed a new Civil Aviation search and rescue regulations, 2018. The regulations will provide for the setting up of mechanisms to provide search and rescue services through a joint Search and Rescue Coordination Centre.
Cabinet approved for the creation of the post of Commissioner for Domestic Tax. This new amendment to the Seychelles Revenue Commission Act, 2009 will allow for aligning of the management structure and authority of the Domestic Tax Division.
Cabinet gave approval to amend the second schedule of the Income and Non-monetary Benefits Tax (Amendments) Act 2017. The amendments will allow for alignment with recent government decisions with regards to taxation of employees benefits.
Cabinet also approved several amendments to regulations in preparation for the implementation of the Progressive Income Tax in June 2018.
Cabinet also approved the sectors in which State owned enterprises would make their Corporate Social Responsibility Tax contribution.
Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Seychelles Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (SEITI) report for 2015 and 2016 and approved measures for addressing weaknesses.
Cabinet approved the framework for the decentralisation of authority for the Professional Centres that fall under the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development.
Cabinet was briefed on the results of consultations with the La Digue inhabitants on the vision for La Digue.
Cabinet was also briefed on the progress of the construction of the Music Stadium and endorsed other venues for performing artists to conduct open air performances.
Cabinet approved amendments to the Accommodation, Catering and Entertainment Establishment License regulations and the Liquor and Outdoor Entertainment License regulations to include a condition of license to ensure compliance to the Copyright Act 2014.
Cabinet also approved the investment policy statement that would allow for the development of an investment policy framework. The aim of the policy development is to move towards a more investment friendly economy for Seychelles.
Cabinet approved the policy framework for the management of bycatch.
Cabinet approved a new management model for Paradis des Enfants fun park.
Cabinet also approved for the construction of a Government House to accommodate ministerial offices.
