National Assembly ratifies a series of ILO conventions |19 May 2005

The recommendation for the ratification of the Instrument of Amendment of the Constitution of the ILO and the ILO Conventions was brought forth by the Leader of Government Business Honourable Patrick Herminie who observed that though Seychelles became a member of the ILO in 1978, it became an active member only in 1994.

Honourable Herminie said that since then Seychelles has committed itself to the organisation by attending its annual conference and other ILO meetings.

The nine conventions which were brought forward by Honourable Herminie to be ratified are divided in two groups – safety and occupational health at work places – and – improving the working conditions of seamen.

The nine conventions are Tripartite Consultation (International Labour Standards), Labour Inspections, Occupational Safety and Health (Dock Work), Occupational Safety and Health, Occupational  Health Services, Seamen's Article of Agreement, Medical Examination (Seafarers), Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) and the Seafarers Hours of Work  and the Manning of Ships.

Honourable Herminie noted that in the past the National Assembly had ratified other ILO conventions.

The motion was seconded by Honourable Dan Frichot who talked about  the benefits that the convention and other ILO conventions could and have already brought to Seychellois workers.

Honourable Frichot went further to explain how the government has created favourable working conditions for all Seychellois workers.

All members of the Seychelles People's Progressive Front (SPPF) party voted in favour of the motion, while members of the Seychelles National Party (SNP) abstained. Honourable Bernard  Georges, Honourable Annette Georges and the Leader of the Opposition Wavel Ramkalawan said that the motion had not been drafted according to usual procedures.

The National Assembly on Tuesday unanimously approved another motion to set up a permanent parliamentary committee which will look into the present situation of the tourism industry and report its findings to the same.

Apart from reporting its findings to the Assembly, the committee will also suggest recommendations and possible solutions to the various constraints the tourism industry is currently facing.

The motion was tabled by the Member of the National Assembly for Pointe Larue Dick Esparon. Following the presentation of the motion, only Honourable Alain Ste Ange intervened and he talked about the importance of having a permanent tourism committee.