New tribunals to resolve land issues, police and military abuse cases |26 July 2017

President Danny Faure has announced the establishment of an administrative tribunal aimed at resolving all cases of compensation related to land in line with Part III of Schedule 7 the Constitution. President Faure has also announced the establishment of two special tribunals to address issues of compensation related to past abuses in the military and by the military, which have affected our citizens and similarly for abuses in the police, and by the police.

President Faure said this while addressing the people of Seychelles yesterday through the National Assembly on matters which he says are important for our country.  

Also with regard to the Police, President Faure said the government is not there to micro-manage the Police, nor is it the role of the minister to run the Police Force. “The Constitution is clear on the role of the Commissioner of Police,” he stressed.

He pointed out that it is the responsibility of the Commissioner of Police to run the Police Force, to raise the level of professionalism and standards in the Police so that the people of Seychelles have confidence in it.

“The expectation of our population is that the Police Force does its work according to the law and that citizens' concerns are taken seriously,” the president stated while at the same time recognizing that the Police Force faces considerable challenges.

To help address these challenges he said government has recently sought the technical assistance of the British government to undertake a complete audit of the police investigation system with the aim of taking the necessary measures to bring the system up to the required standard.

“We have also decided that next year we shall invest in a forensics laboratory. The government of India will support us in this project,” President Faure stated.

Speaking on certain principles which guide government with regard to good governance, accountability and transparency, President Faure said one policy introduced is to bring our citizens from either the private sector or civil society to lead or become members of boards of public sector agencies, enterprises or regulatory authorities. “This is in line with making government more inclusive, and to give opportunities for our citizens to play an important role in the development of our country,” he pointed out.

He stressed that the role of ministries is to give direction in terms of policy and infrastructural development.

“They are there to measure and evaluate the performance of organisations falling under their responsibility. The agencies, public enterprises and regulatory authorities receive their directives from their appointed boards. The chief executives receive their mandate from their board. In other words, chief executives receive their instructions from the board. In line with the principle of good governance, we are not here to micromanage authorities, agencies and public enterprises. We are not here to interfere in the operation and daily activities of those agencies, public enterprises and authorities. Government through the ministers, gives directives in terms of policies in writing to the chairperson of the board. These directives are discussed at board level for implementation,” President Faure stressed.

With regard to large investments, President Faure stated that all public enterprises and authorities need to obtain the approval of the Ministry of Finance, which has the responsibility to evaluate the impact on, and risks to the country's economy as well as on the national budget.  

He added that all these are part of the new rules that must be followed.

He has asked that all regulatory authorities, agencies and public enterprises discharge their functions according to the legislation governing them, according to their mandate and according to policy. President Faure has also called on them to improve their systems of internal communication, so that their workers are aware of the direction of their organisations and he has asked them to treat all their workers fairly.

Also in line with greater transparency President Faure has also announced that as from next month, all tenders will be announced over the radio.

“The important thing is for our citizens to be aware of what is on tender, and if they wish to take part in the tender, they have the opportunity to do so,” President Faure said.

In line with its task to amend legislation relating to institutions, authorities and agencies to ensure that they reflect the new principles of good governance, the law on procurement, for example, allows for an appeals process in a case where a tenderer is not satisfied with the procedure or outcome of the tender. President Faure said government plans to amend legislation where necessary to ensure that an appeals process always exists. This is aimed at promoting accountability and good governance.

Also in line with transparency President Faure said the government is finalising another Bill which will govern the appointment of all public officers. All vacancies will be published, and will be announced over the radio. Appointments will be made by the new Public Service Commission.

“We have capable and competent Seychellois, and we must place confidence in Seychellois. With greater transparency, good governance and accountability, the independence of institutions and authorities will continue to increase. It is necessary for all citizens to be informed and educated on the roles of the different institutions and authorities that exist today,” President Faure said.  

“It is with information and knowledge that our citizens will be in a better position to enjoy what the state has made available for them. With information and knowledge, there will be no place for confusion,” President Faure stated.

He went on to add that our citizens also have a role to play in promoting transparency, accountability and good governance.

“Any of our citizens who has a complaint, or any proof of any dishonest action, corruption, inappropriate action, abuse of power, or where the law has been broken, or where human rights are being violated or abused – he or she should approach the institutions and authorities concerned, so that justice is done,” President Faure stressed.

Meanwhile President Faure has saluted the role that the National Assembly is playing to strengthen democracy in Seychelles and stated that our cohabitation is healthy and working well.

“What is important is that we have the will to work together for Seychelles and for all Seychellois. We, as leaders who respect the will of the people of Seychelles, are giving the necessary leadership to take Seychelles forward,” President Faure said.