Latest news with #WavelRamkalawan
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Launches Joint Economic Forum to Bolster Public-Private Collaboration
President Wavel Ramkalawan Thursday afternoon chaired a high-level meeting at State House to formalize the establishment of the Joint Economic Forum (JEF), a landmark initiative aimed at institutionalizing dialogue and cooperation between the government and the private sector. The forum responds directly to proposals tabled by the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) on 15 May 2025. In his opening address, President Ramkalawan underlined the strategic significance of the JEF in fostering a more inclusive and responsive economic governance framework. . "This forum represents our commitment to collaborative problem-solving, where both sectors can openly discuss challenges and work together to identify practical solutions for our nation's economic advancement," the President stated. The launch of the JEF represents a critical policy milestone, offering a permanent mechanism for dialogue, joint decision-making, and alignment of national economic priorities. The initiative is designed to enhance trust, foster transparency, and catalyze sustainable growth through shared responsibility. Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Mrs. Devika Vidot, reinforced the government's unwavering dedication to this collaborative approach during the meeting. "The only way for government to be efficient and responsive to public needs is through genuine consultation and partnership with the private sector," Minister Vidot emphasized, highlighting the administration's commitment to evidence-based policy making. Mr. Oliver Bastienne, Chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), described the forum as "a turning point in how we work together as partners in national development." He noted that the initiative "demonstrates mutual respect, accountability, and shared resolve to address challenges through honest and results-oriented collaboration." The Joint Economic Forum will be governed by five core objectives: Enhancing National Competitiveness through coordinated policy reforms tailored to global market realities. Improving the Ease of Doing Business by removing regulatory bottlenecks and streamlining operational processes. Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth that ensures broad-based benefits across all societal segments. Ensuring Policy Responsiveness through direct feedback from business stakeholders on legislation, regulations, and administrative processes. Aligning National Development Plans with the private sector's practical needs and strategic priorities. The forum will adopt a dual co-chairmanship model to ensure parity and accountability—Minister Vidot will lead on behalf of the government, while Mr. Bastienne will represent the business community. Membership will comprise eight rotating representatives, selected through transparent criteria focused on sectoral relevance, inclusivity, and institutional legitimacy. Monthly plenary sessions and issue-specific working groups will form the operational backbone of the forum, with a joint secretariat—composed of officials from both the Ministry and SCCI—providing logistical and administrative support. Today's inaugural meeting reviewed the forum's detailed Terms of Reference and held preliminary discussions on the national taxation framework—an area repeatedly flagged by the business community as crucial to investment confidence and operational sustainability. Private sector stakeholders have committed to internal consultations to finalize their representatives ahead of the official launch on 24 May 2025, where substantive policy dialogue will begin in earnest. The meeting also brought together key ministers, including the Minister for Transport, Mr. Anthony Derjacque, and the Minister for Employment and Social Affairs, Mrs. Patricia Francourt, as well as leaders from various business associations. Their presence underscored the multi-sectoral commitment to the JEF and the administration's dedication to transparent, inclusive, and participatory policymaking. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Zawya
4 days ago
- General
- Zawya
President Ramkalawan Honours Seychelles' Top Cambridge Achievers
President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, hosted a prestigious ceremony at State House Friday morning to honour Seychelles' highest achievers in the 2024 Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level examinations. The event marked a departure from conventional recognition ceremonies by placing special emphasis on the vital role of parental and familial support in students' academic success. Surrounded by proud parents and educators, the ceremony celebrated not only academic excellence but also the collective effort behind each student's achievement. In his address, President Ramkalawan commended the honourees for their unwavering dedication, perseverance, and discipline. He acknowledged the essential support of parents, teachers, and school leaders throughout the students' educational journey and urged the young scholars to act as ambassadors of excellence and agents of national progress. "You are a beacon of light for the generations and show that there is a better way," President Ramkalawan told the assembled students. "Your effort, your perseverance, your discipline – all these were required for you to achieve such good grades. You are giving us hope today that Seychelles can produce good education at this level." The recognised students distinguished themselves among more than 200,000 candidates from over 130 countries who sit for Cambridge examinations annually. Their accomplishments not only underscore national excellence but also reflect Seychelles' presence on the global academic stage. Among the standout performances were Laurent Joseph and Shaun Leste, who jointly secured first place globally in their respective subjects. Ellie Mondon, Jayabalaji Gunasekan, and Lia Frichot also earned joint eighth place worldwide in areas including English as a Second Language, Computer Science, Environmental Management, and French as a Foreign Language. President Ramkalawan further announced a subsequent national recognition ceremony scheduled for July 2025, aimed at honouring a broader cohort of high-performing students across Seychelles. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of recognition, applauding the students' exceptional achievements. In attendance were Minister for Education Dr. Justin Valentin, Principal Secretary Merna Eulentin, Director General of the Assessment Division Arnold Chang Pen Tive, Director of the School of Advanced Level Studies Elaine Larue, Director of the Seychelles Institute for Agriculture and Horticulture Maryanne Marie, Executive Head of International School Seychelles Elodie Vallantine, Principal of Independent School Andy Esparon, and Head Teacher of Praslin Secondary Ian Collie, along with invited guests. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Zawya
6 days ago
- General
- Zawya
President Ramkalawan Attends Seychelles Maritime Academy Graduation as 104 Students Mark Major Academic Milestone
President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, graced the Seychelles Maritime Academy (SMA) graduation ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS). The event celebrated the academic accomplishments of 104 students completing certificate and advanced certificate programmes—an important milestone for the country's maritime education sector. This year's ceremony underscored the unwavering commitment and academic discipline of the graduates, whose achievements reflect both resilience and scholarly excellence. A central feature of the event was the presentation of special awards honouring individuals who demonstrated outstanding performance and perseverance. Two new accolades were introduced this year—the Heart and Hustle Award and the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy Award —broadening the scope of recognition to encompass diverse forms of student excellence. The ceremony's highest distinction, the President's Cup for Outstanding Performer, was awarded to Eliel Meriza, a graduate of the Advanced Certificate in Nautical Science. Meriza was commended for his exemplary leadership, strong character, and meaningful contributions to the academic community. His success was attributed to remarkable perseverance, discipline, and integrity throughout his academic tenure. Other distinguished awardees included: Delivering the keynote address, SMA Director Captain Mahesa Abeynayake applauded the graduates for their accomplishments and urged them to view this achievement not as a final destination, but as a launching point for continued growth. He encouraged graduates to consider this an exhilarating new chapter they are commencing. Captain Abeynayake also highlighted the comprehensive and rigorous training the students received, which he noted would serve as a foundation for professional excellence. Quoting the Roman emperor and philosopher Marcus Aurelius, he reminded students that 'You are what you think,' underscoring the importance of mindset and purpose as they transition into the workforce. The ceremony reaffirmed the Seychelles Maritime Academy's pivotal role in equipping a new generation of maritime professionals, aligning with national strategies to strengthen the blue economy while upholding high standards of maritime training and education. The event was attended by key dignitaries including Minister for Education Dr Justin Valentin, Minister for Fisheries and the Blue Economy Mr. Jean-François Ferrari, Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael Rosette, Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe, Seychelles Port Authority Harbour Master Captain Jean-Paul Fanchette, principal secretaries, senior officials, and invited guests. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Zawya
21-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Seychelles: Appointment of the Planning Authority Board
President Wavel Ramkalawan has announced the appointment of the Planning Authority Board. The appointment is made in accordance with Section 9 of the Physical Planning Act, 2021. The appointment takes effect on 16th May 2025 for a 3-year period. The full composition of the Planning Authority Board is as follows: Mr Dilip Shah - Chairperson Ms Angela Servina - CEO/ex-officio Member Mr Kenny Constance - Member Mrs Sinha Levkovic - Member Mr Lenny Gabriel - Member Mr Patrick Andre - Member Dr. Jude Gedeon - Member Ms Indira Gamatis - Member Mr Patrick Lablache - Member Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
Zawya
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Appointment of the Physical Planning Appeals Board
President Wavel Ramkalawan has announced the appointment of the Physical Planning Appeals Board. The appointment is made in accordance with Section 40 (2) and 40 (8) of the Physical Planning Act, 2021. The appointment took effect on 1st May 2025 for a 3-year period. The full composition of the Physical Planning Appeals Board is as follows: Mr Brian Chanty-Seng Chairperson Mr Richard Didon Member Mr Wills Agricole Member Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.
