President Wavel Ramkalawan, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet yesterday, Wednesday 30th October in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
The Cabinet has approved the creation of a monument and memorial to honour the Seychellois citizens who endured imprisonment and those who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for freedom under the One Party State. To preserve their legacy, a commemorative plaque bearing the names of individuals who bravely upheld their conscience within the walls of Union Vale prison will be placed at its former site. Additionally, the public will be invited to join in choosing a fitting location for a memorial that will forever remember the fallen. A competition will be launched to design this monument, encouraging the community to take an active role in honouring the courage and resilience of those who shaped our nation’s journey toward freedom.
The Cabinet approved the review of Licensing Regulations, aimed at streamlining Seychelles' licensing processes. This approval endorses a new licensing framework that prioritises post-licensing compliance over pre-licensing scrutiny, ensuring faster application processes and reduced barriers for entrepreneurs. The decision also authorises the transfer of regulatory and licensing responsibilities to relevant bodies, such as the Public Health Authority and Seychelles Maritime Safety Authority, for more effective oversight. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the extension of license validity periods, harmonisation of regulations across sectors, and simplification of professional service renewals through self-declaration.
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) and Prevention of Terrorism Regulations (PTR). These amendments address deficiencies identified by the Eastern and Southern African Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) during its April 2024 review and align Seychelles' legislation with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations. Key changes include clearer definitions, increased penalties, and enhanced regulatory powers, ensuring more effective enforcement and compliance. The approved amendments strengthen Seychelles' anti-terrorism framework, supporting future ESAAMLG and FATF evaluations and improving the country's capacity to act swiftly in preventing terrorist financing.
The Cabinet approved the Airline Incentive Scheme aimed at revitalizing air connectivity and boosting tourism in Seychelles. The scheme, introduced in response to post-pandemic challenges, provides financial and marketing incentives to encourage key airlines to increase flight frequency, commit to year-round operations, and open new routes to Seychelles. With an allocated budget of SCR 21 million over 2024-2026, the scheme offers subsidies, landing fee discounts, and marketing support to participating airlines. An Oversight Committee, chaired by the PS for Tourism, will monitor the implementation, assess effectiveness, and adjust strategies as needed. Engagement with airline partners such as Air France, British Airways, Condor, and Sichuan Airline will be prioritised to finalise incentives and secure sustainable tourism growth.
The Cabinet approved the development of a new "Change of Use" Policy framework for the tourism sector in Seychelles, lifting the moratorium on such applications for Mahé and Praslin while maintaining a tailored approach for La Digue. The policy aims to align future applications with sustainable tourism objectives, promoting high-quality accommodations and avoiding market oversaturation with low-standard units. It addresses challenges from the "Affordable Seychelles" initiative, balancing tourism expansion with housing availability. The framework encourages value-added, differentiated visitor experiences, with provisions for renovation standards through tripartite agreements involving the Tourism Department. Amendments to the Tourism Development Regulations will accompany the policy’s implementation, fostering responsible tourism growth and economic resilience.
The Cabinet was briefed on the proposal to introduce a digital traffic enforcement system through a trial initiative. Focused initially on the Roche Caiman District, this pilot project aims to enhance road safety using technology provided by Acusensus, an Australian company, with the support of Seychelles Consul in Australia, Arnold Chetty. The trial, spanning eight weeks, will assess the system's ability to detect traffic offences such as speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations. Insights from the trial will guide future infrastructure planning and enforcement decisions. Additionally, the Ministry of Transport will evaluate business models and legislative requirements to facilitate the transition to digital enforcement, with the trial's findings informing whether the system will be adopted permanently.
Relevant Ministries will provide details.
