PRASLIN TOURISM AND FISHING STAKEHOLDERS
Responding to Praslin Business community for a inter ministerial cross sector to be held on Praslin regularly to address problems facing the Praslin business community, the Government of Seychelles sent the Vice President (designated also as the Minister for Inner Islands) to handle this request, and touch base in a three hour meeting at Raffles Hotel Conference Room, Anse Boudin, Praslin.
Vice President Wastes No Time
The Vice President wasted no time, no small talk with the business community. It was a frank business setting with all key issues open on the table, to brief him on his new portfolio, in details, that only the Praslinoise would have the stomach to digest.
World Bank Chain Analysis Report May 2016
The first key topic of discussion was the World Bank Chain Analysis Report filed by three World Bank experts on Vertical Integration in May, 2016. This Report focuses on how to best insure that each Tourism Dollar is distributed to as much of the cross sections of society as possible, and not bottle neck with Two (2) or Three (3) mega operators.
The World Bank report had been cited numerous times, saying that it is imperative that Tourism revenue is spread across a wide cross section of the business community, and not confined to only a few accounts. This reduces risk for the macro economic picture of any country, ensured political and social stability, guaranteed prosperity for a people and increase the overall national economic distribution.
This report was promised by the Minister of Finance Jean Paul Adam, but has been shelved due to work pressures and also due to recently changed ministerial responsibilities and the new cabinet formation.
Praslin Fisherman Association Speaks Out!
The Praslin Fishermen Association longtime standing Chairman Mr. Darrel Green, expressed discontent on a number of issues that affect the Praslin Fishing Industry. These included:
- Lack of adequate ice production,
- Ice plant does not bag ice, hence does not store ice beyond 150 kilo capacity,
- Demand is for 5000 kilo of ice stock,
- 1000 kilo production per day,
- Inadequate moorings, harassment by NDEA of fishermen, combined with disrespect,
- Need for modern fish processing centers, hotels source fish on Mahe, which is unacceptable, when adequate quality and supply exist on Praslin.
Boat Charter Stakeholders Address Vice President and Minister of Tourism
Adrian Uzice, a boat charter operator address numerous issues, among them of inadequate business available for the 126 boats licenses on Praslin. A detailed presentation was made and the Vice President promised his energy and commitment, to see what must be done to change this situation.
- make sure tourists keep coming to Seychelles,
- make sure flights keep increasing,
- make sure the Seychelles presence is made felt across the world on a limited marketing budget.
Other Matters
The Vice President was friendly and cordial to all those present. He offered the meeting participants lunch and everyone remained like civilised people do further discussing the issues the country faces and the way forward.
Serious issues were not made fun of in the meeting and groups of different opinions respected each other.
The agenda was well served, Praslin now has the focus it needs and it is expected this momentum will pick up on part of the energetic, engaging and humble Vice President.
Once future dialogues go underway it is expected that the economic potential of Praslin can be unleashed by addressing issues and finding solutions at which stage the Praslinoise will be on the way to a better life, something well deserved.
