Victoria’s new Mayor sets decisive pace with bold early actions |28 March 2026

Mayor Michaud-Payet

Since taking office on March 1, 2026, the new mayor of Victoria, Josy Michaud-Payet, has moved swiftly to engage stakeholders and conduct site visits, setting the tone for an ambitious ‘Greater Victoria’ vision. She has been actively present across the capital, meeting stakeholders, identifying challenges and opportunities, and discussing plans to transform Victoria into one of the most attractive capital cities to live in and visit.

Courtesy call with the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Lin Nan                                      

Last week, the mayorreceived a courtesy call from the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Lin Nan, where discussions focused on the longstanding 50-year cooperation between the two countries and the people-to-people exchanges.

The ambassador highlighted China’s continued supportfor the mayor’s office and the need to revisit certain twinning programmes to benefit the cities. So far, Seychelles has signed nine twinning agreements with China, and only two are currently active. The mayor, in turn, expressed interest in revitalising these partnerships and exploring new avenues of collaboration to support her vision of a more vibrant and beautiful Victoria.

H. E Ambassador Lin Nan concluded her visit by pledging financial support to the mayor’s office, towards achieving her vision for Victoria.

Engagement with key stakeholders

Over the past weeks, the mayor has met with several key stakeholders,including business owners in Victoria, artists, and well-wishers who are showing solidarity with the new Victoria vision.

During visits to the temporary Victoria Market, the mayor met with vendors and the public to address concerns about the market's early closing hours. A key concern, which the mayor said she will table with stakeholders, isthe proposal to extend operating hours during the working week to better serve both vendors and customers.

Revitalisation of the clock tower

Among the projects currently under discussion is the restoration of Victoria’s iconic clock tower, in time for the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Plans include reinstating its chimes, sandblasting it for a fresh coat of paint, and elevating the structure to enhance its historic presence and grandeur. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with the department of Culture and the Seychelles Heritage Foundation.

As a member of the National Day Committee, she is also overseeing the programme for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Seychelles National Day, and continually meets with other committee members and actively takes part in the preparations to ensure that Victoria stands out gracefully for the milestone anniversary.

Youth and environmental engagement – A vision of inclusivity

During the past week, the new mayor also met with several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and friends of the ocean alike who are all excited to join the mayor in her ‘Reducing our Carbon Footprints’ initiative to make Victoria a greener and safer place.

Mayor Josy Michaud-Payet met with young environmental enthusiast Christian Lionnet to explore initiatives to reduce air pollution and promote cleaner urban spacesby restoring mangroves in key places across Victoria. The mayor welcomed the proposal, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen youth participation in building a cleaner and more sustainable Victoria.

The mayor also met with Mervin Nibourette, the chairperson of the NGO ‘The Voice of the Ocean’ and its member, Danny Low Nam, to initiate the project ‘Let Our Rivers Flow’. This initiative, supported by long-distance German swimmer André Wiersig, who previously swam from Mahé to La Digue and has developed a strong connection with Seychelles, encourages young people to recognise the importance of clean rivers in sustaining a healthy marine ecosystem and protecting biodiversity. Mr Wiersig has returned to support environmental initiatives in the country.

From March 20 to 30, 2026, Seychellois artists and scientists, joined by international artists, have been working together to design and bring to life large-scale murals in public spaces across Victoria through the Mahé Ocean Murals, a public art initiative led by the international non-profit PangeaSeed. This project celebrates the power of art and community in advancing ocean conservation.

These are community-driven artworks that will provide an opportunity to spark conversation, be inspired by Seychelles’ important ocean heritage, and celebrate the nation’s commitment to protecting coastal culture and ocean life.

Presented by the Ministry for Tourism and Culture and the Save Our Seas Foundation, in accordance with the Mayor’s office,‘Mahé Ocean Mural’ is made possible alongside additional project partners, including Woodworks, Alliance Française de Seychelles, The Palm Seychelles, the Fire Brigade department in Victoria, and Wastea company Ltd.

Celebrating weddings and love

The new mayor commenced her tenure wrapped in love. As a wedding celebrant herself, she has officiated civil weddings at the mayor’s office, a personal commitment in which she engages with newly married couples, offers words of wisdom, and commemorates their special day with official photographs.

A vision for Victoria

Reflecting on her first two weeks in office, Mayor Michaud-Payet described the experience as both dynamic and fulfilling:

“It has been a very busy and rewarding start to my tenure. Between meetings, engagements, workshops, and ceremonies, I have had the opportunity to work with inspiring individuals while identifying meaningful projects for our city.”

She reaffirmed her commitment to transforming Victoria into a cleaner, safer, greener, and more vibrant capital city – one where development is inclusive and benefits all.

“I envision a Victoria that works for its residents, supports small businesses, celebrates its culture and history, empowers its youth, and welcomes visitors with pride. From day one, I have been working towards making this vision a reality.”

Looking ahead, several new initiatives are already in the pipeline. The mayor has pledged to remain actively engaged with the Seychellois public and with local and international partners as she continues to serve the capital and the nation.

Contributed