Live Presidential Press Conference |15 December 2021
President Ramkalawan during the press conference (Photo: Louis Toussaint)
‘The media’s role is not to judge but to report the truth’
By Laura Pillay and Patrick Joubert
The media’s role is not to judge but it still has a responsibility to report the truth, and name certain individuals in the name of truth.
President Wavel Ramkalawan said this in the last Presidential press conference for the year held yesterday evening at State House.
He was responding a question with regard to mounting pressure on media houses to ‘name and shame’ individuals arrested and facing court action.
Launching the press conference, the head of state urged journalists to be free in putting their questions to him on behalf of the Seychellois public, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Media pressure to name and shame
With regard to mounting pressure on media houses to ‘name and shame’ individuals arrested and facing court action, President Ramkalawan expressed his view that while the Constitution stipulates that an individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the role of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) is to inform the public and provide them with factual information. He went further to note that Mukesh Valabhji and his wife Laura were arrested in relation to the ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS), that they appeared before Chief Justice Rony Govinden and were both remanded.
The President went further to state that Seychelles observes the rule of law and respects the rights of all individuals, but that it is unfair that the public are now having to seek clues and put the pieces of the story together as if a puzzle in relation to the ACCS case, as the six suspects remain unnamed by the media. He however stressed that the media’s role is not to judge, maintaining his stance that national media still has a responsibility to report the truth, and name certain individuals in the name of truth.
As for criticism towards SBC, the President said SBC should try to work on the criticisms and feedback which they receive from members of the public.
Seychellois victims of human trafficking
“It is a joy to have rescued the young Seychellois, Andy Bistoquet. Over the year that I have been in office, this has been one of the moments of extreme joy,” President Ramkalawan said, in relation to the young man rescued recently onboard a foreign dhow.
In talking about the number of Seychellois who have fallen victim to human trafficking at the mercy of drug traffickers he said the authorities are aware of certain individuals held captive abroad as guarantees for drug deals, and that they are held either in Iran or Pakistan. He informed the public that the police are conducting a lot of investigations into persons who commit the act of human trafficking, urging that it stop, as it causes much pain to Seychellois families.
With regard to the young man who was in a video which was in circulation months ago who was pleading for his life and claimed he was left stranded by another Seychellois, the President proposed that the authorities have had contact with him but are unable to do much as the said individual is not divulging any information out of fear, and the authorities have no capacity to simply enter a territory and ‘kidnap’ an individual, even if a citizen.
“If he had talked and he was ready to receive help, government would have done the necessary to bring him home, because our administration believes that where a Seychellois is hostage, we need to save them,” President Ramkalawan noted.
Extensive cache of weapons found at Mukesh Valabhji’s house
The President once again expressed shock at the sheer volume of arms and ammunition found at Mukesh Valabhji’s house, including over 43,000 bullets, magazines, sniper rifles, and guns including AK47 and AK74 with grenade launchers and pistols.
The President went on to say that he was also shocked to see the volume of arms held at the house of former President France Albert Rene which was returned to the military after his death, of a similar nature to those found at Mr Valabhji’s residence, he said.
“I know that there are still arms out there. There are still arms out there today,” the President said, calling out to individuals still holding weapons to return the arms and face the legal consequences.
Seychelles Trading Company (STC) and cost of living
Addressing a question about the cost of living, the President acknowledged the increase in the cost of fuel recently, coupled with the global shortage of shipping containers which has resulted in hiked shipping rates, and therefore led to the rise in cost of living.
In relation to the Seychelles Trading Company (STC), President Ramkalawan commended the organisation’s RRP programme, and expressed satisfaction with the management of the organisation, and the facilitating role that it is playing.
The President also called out to citizens to have a good partnership with government and the private sector, and meet them in keeping the cost of living affordable for other fellow Seychellois.
War on drugs
The President in relation to his administration’s war on drugs said the war is progressing well with several arrests. While he acknowledged the milestones, the President also stressed the heavy cost of the war.
“Imagine how much it costs us but we are determined and we remain determined to ensure that our youths are protected and can emerge from the ill. We are also happy to say that through this war, many youths have come forward with an interest to join the methadone programme, as a transition and for them to eventually stop. We are working out a good exit strategy for these youths to be able to return to a normal life,” President Ramkalawan stated.
Pension reforms
Citing Article 39 of the Constitution, President Ramkalawan remarked that while it provides for a social safety net, it does not necessarily provide for specific pensions such as the retirement benefit, calling on citizens to play a proactive role in contributing towards their more advanced years.
The President also proposed a national debate on who should qualify for financial assistance in going forward.
Assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
“With UAE, it is a relationship that is working well, they are satisfied with their investments, the capital projects, at Anse à la Mouche, at Avani, Maia has a new extension, and all the UAE projects, and they are satisfied with the stability in our country that their investments are secure,” President Ramkalawan stated.
The leader went on to state that the La Digue hospital project is set to kick off soon, and briefly mentioned the possibility of having the palace belonging to UAE royalty converted into a hotel establishment with specialised spa facilities, attracting a different type of clientele.
LGBTQI rights
With regards to LGBTQI rights, the President proposed that there needs to be a national dialogue on the subject with citizens voicing their opinions. He once again expressed respect for all sexual tendencies and said he will gladly stand and defend any persons victimised as a result of their sexual preference.
At this point he noted the drafting of legislation providing for referendums, through which important matters of public concern such as LGBTQI rights and the legalisation of marijuana can be addressed. He however said that it is important to weigh up the opinions and views of differing groups, and to respect individuals’ rights.
Female progression in the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF)
Numerous females have been promoted on the force recently, said President Ramkalawan assuring that females will have the chance to progress further, and to soon reach the rank of Major within the forces. He said there is no discrimination on the force, especially not on the basis of sex.
Covid-19 Relief Fund
The Covid-19 Relief Fund was established to allow the public and private sector to contribute towards the acquisition of vaccinations against the Covid-19 virus. A total of R78 million was collected from the fund, although the President informed the public that the funds still would not have been sufficient to finance vaccines for the whole population.
Considering the large consignments of vaccines donated to the country, the funds have been utilised to cover expenses including allowances for front line health workers, and other expenses such as Personal Protective Equipment.
The Auditor General is to conduct and audit on the fund in due time. A breakdown of expenses has been published thus far. The fund is still open for contributions.
Register for all Seychellois
The administration is serious about tapping into the expertise and experience of Seychellois and their descents scattered around the globe, and as such, the department of Foreign Affairs is working on establishing a register of all Seychellois around the globe, to unite all Seychellois and allow them to connect with their homeland and to bring back their skills, expertise and vast experience in the interest of the country and its development.
Priorities for 2022
For the upcoming year, the President said he would like to within the first three months see a more effective and efficient public service which meets the needs and demands of the public. He called on ministers and the cabinet to identify weaknesses within the different departments and everyone to step up.
Fruit vendors at Sir Selwyn Clarke Market
The President clarified that the decision taken recently in regards to fruit vendors at the Sir Selwyn Clarke market are to maintain hygiene at the facility as there is presently a big problem with rodents.
Cabinet has also decided to dedicate the Market street for pedestrian access only, allowing more vendors to utilise the space and sell their products. The President also stated that early next year, numerous spaces in Victoria will be dedicated as pedestrian only zones. During the festive season, Independence Avenue will also be fully-pedestrian to allow for vendors to sell their wares.
Air Seychelles and tourism establishment workers
President Ramkalawan in response to queries about Air Seychelles employees being refused loans asked that they remain patient while the matter plays out in court, explaining that the only reason they are not able to access loans is due to the liquidation matter before the court.
Government records retrieved from former President’s home
In addition to records relating to the case under prosecution by the ACCS in relation to the disappearance of USD 50 million, many government files were discovered at the home of former President Albert Rene, clarified President Ramkalawan.
He noted that ACCS seized files relating to its investigations but as President he sought the police to seize the government files, some of which he has had the chance of seeing. The files are presently being classified he said, and will return to government.
Among the documents are letters and documents which will be useful to the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC), including a letter written by Douglas Cedras who detailed the death of media professional Marjorie Baker, among others, the President stated.
The information revealed by the documents and records are shocking and indicative of how the country was run under previous administrations, the President added.
Preparation against the Omicron virus
The President said that research being done on the Omicron virus has shown that it is less harmful. He noted though that the country is always in a state of preparation to contain the virus and for the time being the rate of admission in the Covid-19 treatment facilities, especially at the Seychelles Coast Guard, is not alarming. He added that the fever clinics for Covid-19 have now been turned back as normal clinics.
“Any time now, we will get another 40,000 doses of Pfizer and we will encourage people to go and take their doses,” said the President, who noted that information gathered from Dr Jude Gedeon and Dr Danny Louange indicate that most of the people admitted for treatment are those who have not been vaccinated at all or who have not taken the Pfizer booster dose.
He noted that the country would have liked a facility to test variant samples but it cannot afford such facility for the moment as it is expensive. He added that the samples are sent to Kenya to be tested and the country is satisfied with the service. He stated that the country will look into having such a variant test facility in the future.
With the rolling average going down, President Ramkalawan called on everyone to continue taking precaution against the virus so that more restrictions could be lifted and the country could enjoy a normal life.
Maritime surveillance facility on Assomption
The President said there is no plan for any military base on Assomption island. He noted that the country had made clear that it has no intention of allowing any foreign country to construct a military base on the island apart from one by the Seychelles Coast Guard. He added that the island is still run by the Islands Development Company (IDC) and it is in conversation with the Seychelles Petroleum Company (Seypec) for the construction of two storage fuel facilities to refuel boats and airplanes for patrolling purposes among others.
“We are also in negotiation with a Spanish company who is ready to give us one of its big supply vessels, used to place fads, and with its huge fuel storage capacity and 29-bed capacity, we could use it as a supply and training vessel for the Seychelles Coast Guard,” the President said.
The future of Cleaners’ Corporative
The President said that the government is relooking into the operation and function of the Cleaners’ Corporative as cleaner’s salaries are lower than what the different organisations pay the corporative.
He noted that the administration is looking whether to continue as is or better still to see if it would be better for the workers to be employed by the organisations to benefit a better salary.
The country’s economic situation
President Ramkawalan said that although our economic situation keeps improving, the country has to continue to spend wisely to break even, so as to give our people a better life.
Restructuring of the public service
President Ramkalawan said that he is frustrated as people are still not getting the service they deserve from public servants. He noted that there are some people who are working to make people feel frustrated so as to get them to turn against the government.
He added though that there are a lot people in the civil service who are making a lot of effort to serve the public the way they should be served and that is very encouraging. He said that the country should push to meet the expectation of the people in terms of a good service. He said that he wants Seychelles to be a country where everyone get up, go to work and give their best and not a country where its inhabitants depend on welfare.
Work condition of IOT Seychellois workers in regards to tax on their compensations
President Ramkalawan said when the previous government passed the International Trade Zone act, with regard to the functions of companies like IOT, functioning in the International Trade Zone (ITZ), it had stipulated that nobody is exempted from paying tax on their compensations, including the Seychellois workers and that was not fair. He stated that in the Seychelles principles, a Seychellois should not be paying tax on his or her compensation. He added that very soon, cabinet will endorse a paper to remove tax on compensation and on overtime for Seychellois workers in the ITZ as from 2022.
Bonus entitlement following the suspension of the 13-month pay for 2021
The President said although he had said that if companies, especially parastatals, feel they have done well could pay some sort of bonuses to their workers, workers in those parastatals, especially at the Public Utilities Corporation (PUC) who again like last year tried to stage a strike so as to force to the management to give them a bonus, to bear in mind that in this time of difficulties, there are other essential workers like in the health sector whose organisations are not in the business of making money and where do they stand in the bonus scenario given the fact they are not resorting to strikes?
“I want to say this to the people of Seychelles. We’ve gone through two years of difficult times and we are still in difficulty. We’ve done sacrifices in relation to the 13-month pay. For this year, I would like to tell every Seychellois in all parastatal companies, let us have solidarity with our brothers and sisters who will not get a 13-month pay or nothing. Let us all make the sacrifice to reinforce our companies and let us pray that 2022 will be a better year,” President Ramkalawan said.
He noted that in the first quarter of 2022 government will bring a new legislation in regards to the 13- month pay where only those who give their best will be compensated. He said that there should be no debate with regard to bonus in companies with government shares but he is happy that many private companies will be giving 13-month pay and bonus to benefit many families including those working in government.
Involvement of Vice-President Ahmed Afif in the $50 million scandal
President Ramkalawan said that although Vice-President Afif did hold important positions in the previous government, he was not the principal secretary for Finance in the Ministry of Finance when the money disappeared. He added that Mr Afif was working in the foreign exchange section in that ministry and his role was to implement the $400 restrictions among others related to importation of goods.
“In fact it was Vice-President Afif who was the whistle blower,” said President Ramkalawan who noted that he came out with the information when he left his post in government.
President Ramkalawan called on the press to invite Vice-President Afif for a hard talk conversation on the subject and the Anti Corruption Commission Seychelles (ACCS) can even arrest Vice-President Afif if it has evidence that he was involved and that he is named and his picture shown in the press. He added following talks with the vice-president on the $50 million disappearance, he is 100% confident he was not involved.
Mandatory vaccination against Covid-19
The President stated that unvaccinated persons who are voicing their rights to not take the vaccines never talk on their rights to protect other people. He added it is sad to note that some people who launched anti-vaccine campaigns are in the cemetery and had they taken the vaccine they would have possibly been alive although they would have contracted Covid-19.
He said that there have been talks on the subject but for the time being it won’t be applicable in Seychelles in view of people speaking about their rights on so on. He called on people who do not want to take the vaccines, to not take it but at the same time refrain from campaigning against the vaccines as others are happy with the vaccines which are protecting them.
Visit to Abu Dhabi and the Formula 1
President Ramkalawan explained that he was invited to Abu Dhabi. He added that the Formula 1 is part of the protocol in United Arab Emirates where the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, meets all the heads of states. He added all the expenses in regards to his visit, were taken care of by the United Arab Emirates government.
End of year gratuity in solidarity with those without 13-month pay
President Ramkalawan said that he and Vice-President Afif will not take their end of year gratuities for 2021. He noted that as the end of year gratuity is part and parcel of the salary package, it will depend on other individuals entitled if they will take their gratuity or not in solidarity with those who will not benefit from the 13-month pay.
He also took the opportunity to explain that people tend to target him, the vice-president, cabinet of ministers and members of the National Assembly when it comes to the end of year gratuity. He noted that apart from them, all other constitutional appointees, such as judges, Ombudsman also receive the same benefit end of year gratuities. He added that some government employees on contract employment also get the same benefit in relation to the terms of their appointments and he wonders why people never talk or question them about it.
He stated that in many instances, certain principal secretaries and chief executives as per the previous government, their salaries are twice that of his salary, including that of the vice-president and the ministers, and again nobody get to question them about the disparity.
Sexual health - importation of sex toys
The President said that there is no law against the importation of sex toys but sex shops are not allowed to operate in the country.
Companies who make Covid-19 an excuse to refrain from increasing salaries and other benefits
President Ramkalawan called on companies to treat their workers well and he also encouraged aggrieved workers to join trade unions to help them settle their grievances.
Cost of internet
The President said that internet is a necessity and that government through Vice-President Afif is in talks with the service providers to work out a reduction in the price of the service as from January 2022.
First year in office
Despite the challenges and hurdles, President Ramkalawan said he is satisfied with the progress made by his administration thus far, and the direction in which the country is headed. He expressed pride especially at decisions towards economic recovery.
Conclusion
In concluding the press conference, President Ramkalawan thanked the media houses for their important role in providing information. He reiterated his call for the media to weigh up the different interests at play and to dig deeper into matters in the public interest.
He also called on each and every citizen to pull together for the development of the country.
