Seychelles Roundup: $2.7m Russian debt, turtle nesting, constitutional amendments
$2.7 million Russian debt
Seychelles is on track to clear its longstanding debt owed to the Russian government by the year 2027. The restructuring agreement outlines that Seychelles will make a lump-sum upfront payment of $1.9 million this year, and settle the remaining $800,000 between 2024 and 2027, the Nation reported. The Cabinet has granted approval for Finance Minister Naadir Hassan to sign the settlement agreement on behalf of Seychelles. The funds for repayment will be sourced from the government's accounts, according to Dick Labonte, the Director-General of the Debt Management Division at the Ministry of Finance, National Planning, and Trade. “During the period when agreement terms were unsettled, interest accumulated. However, with our upfront payment now, it encompasses accrued interest, subject to a 4.5 percent interest rate. Additionally, the remaining balance, to be paid between 2024 and 2027, will incur normal interest rates rather than accumulated interest.” The loan was granted to Seychelles in 1987.
US-African relations
A delegation from the United States Congress engaged in discussions with the Speaker of the National Assembly in Seychelles, Roger Mancienne, along with other key parliamentary figures. The Congress delegation, led by US Ambassador Henry Jardine, expressed the goal of strengthening US-Africa relations and fostering collaborative policymaking through legislative channels, the Nation reports. The talks covered various subjects, including maritime security, environmental protection, trade and investment, and the exchange of parliamentary practices. During the discussions, the delegation from the United States Congress highlighted the enduring commitment of the United States to provide aid and support despite the evolving dynamics of certain cases, such as piracy and maritime terrorism.
Turtle nesting
The Director of the Biodiversity Conservation Section at the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment, Ashley Dias, has said that the turtle nesting season in Seychelles is progressing well, with no confirmed poaching incidents reported for the hawksbill turtle. "The nesting season is from October up until March and April, and so far, it's going well. There are no records confirming poaching, but there were signs that indicated possible poaching. However, this is difficult to prove due to the lack of evidence,” she told Seychelles News Agency. She added that to enhance coordination and enforcement, a project is being developed in collaboration with local authorities, including the Seychelles Coast Guard, Police, and Seychelles Fishing Authority, to establish an enforcement task force. In addition to monitoring efforts, the Conservation Department is actively engaged in public awareness campaigns on the subject of turtle conservation. Past initiatives have included volunteer programs aimed at involving the community in the protection of turtles during the nesting season in Seychelles. "The volunteer programme for sea turtles was not done this year; we plan to re-launch it around mid-August to September. But we have other activities as well, such as presentations in schools as well as internship opportunities for secondary and post-secondary students," said Dias.
Proposed constitutional amendments
In his recent State of the Nation Address, Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan unveiled plans to present a bill for the 11th amendment to the country's Constitution. The proposed amendment seeks to introduce fixed dates for elections in Seychelles and address issues related to presidential immunity, Seychelles News Agency reported. President Ramkalawan emphasized the need for democratic enhancements during his address, highlighting key changes such as removing provisions regarding presidential immunity and addressing the practice of a president resigning, calling for an election, and subsequently standing again. "If a president resigns, it means he is out, and new elections will be held. We will also redefine in what instances a vice president can continue the mandate of an elected president and when new elections will take place," he said.
New regulations for imported vehicles
New regulations governing the importation of vehicles are set to be implemented in Seychelles, emphasizing minimum safety requirements for motor vehicle dealers. The regulations, expected to be in force before January 2025, will significantly impact dealers, mandating a physical place of trade and requiring after-sales service. Additionally, dealers must issue a warranty of at least three years or 50,000 km on each vehicle sold, Seychelles News Agency reports. The Principal Secretary for Trade, Francis Lebon, said, "We have worked very hard to have this minimum safety standard, which will guarantee that all cars remain roadworthy and protect all passengers and drivers. If importing hybrid or electric vehicles, you will need to ensure that the garage has certified technicians to repair these types of vehicles. They will also have to ensure the availability of spare parts for the vehicles that they sell." The regulations extend to the provision of instruction manuals for all vehicles and include specific requirements for the storage and disposal of lithium batteries in hybrid and electric vehicles.
