December 2014 - The National Assembly of Seychelles

December 2014
News from the National Assembly of Seychelles
LASANBLE
NASYONAL
INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND DISCUSSES SEYCHELLES'
ECONOMIC HEALTH WITH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT
A four-member delegation from the International Monetary Fund headed by Mr. Marshal Mills met with Members of the
National Assembly on the 26th of September to present the outcome of their analysis of Seychelles' economic performance.
Mr. Mills explained that there was a very strong increase in domestic demand underpinned by strong growth in personal income
Building a Stronger Parliament for Seychelles
amounting to 13%. While macroeconomic stability prevailed, with low percentages of inflation, Mr. Mills explained that it is very
News from the National Assembly of Seychelles
challenging to sustain an increase in income without experiencing pressures on a small, open economy. Another ramification
was strong growth in credit allocated to the private sector.
The delegation concluded that the tightening of monetary policy and fiscal discipline were the sine qua non to restoring
Word from the Editor
equilibrium to the economy. They also gave fair warning in regard to parastatals overstepping the mark and stifling private sector
IMF Mission Chief, Mr. Mashall Mills
development.
Recruits and Promotions for the year 2014
·
RECRUITS AND RESTRUCTURING
Dear Readers
With the restructuring of the National Assembly Secretariat (initiated since August, 2014), the Deputy Clerk and
Parliamentary Budget offices have been abolished. Two new Offices now exist under the Office of the Clerk, namely,
that of the Assistant Clerk for Legislative Services, Human Resource and Administration and the Assistant Clerk for
Legislative Services, Finance and Accounts, occupied by Ms. Luisa Waye-Hive and Ms. Angelic Appoo respectively.
Additionally, Ms. Shelda Commettant was appointed as Ag. Clerk and Mrs. Doreen Zelia as Ag. Director in the
Speaker's Office.
Here we are at the end of 2014,
with Parliament reaching the end
of its third term. It has been an
eventful and successful year for
the National Assembly.
The National Assembly also welcomed new staff this year including: Ms. Haajira Jumaye as the Public Relations,
Communication and Protocol Officer; Ms. Gemma Joseph as Parliamentary Reporter; Ms. Christiane Simeon and
Ms. Lyda Aglae as Security Officers and Mr. Nichol Rath as General Maintenance Worker.
In this issue, we pay tribute to the
National Assembly's most recent and praiseworthy
feats. Seychelles was represented at the 131st
Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva
last October, where the Speaker made an inspired
intervention on gender equality and ending violence
against women. This issue's Message from the Speaker
features an excerpt from his compelling address.
The National Assembly wishes them every success in their new positions.
Visitors to the National Assembly
Parliamentary diplomacy and inter-parliamentary
cooperation remain top priorities for the Seychelles
Parliament. During a recent visit to the Bundestag, the
Speaker of the National Assembly met with several
prominent members of the legislature and the
executive. They discussed avenues for greater
cooperation between the Seychelles and German
Parliaments and the creation of a Parliamentary
Friendship Association.
Happy
Equally worthy of mention is Seychelles' election as the
treasurer of the SADCOPAC Governing Council. The
Chairperson of the Finance and Public Accounts
committee, Hon. David Pierre will represent the
Seychelles on the Council.
Birthday
Hon. Natasha Esther
Hon. Begitta Jeannevol
Ms. Shelda Commettant
Mr. Albert Sinon
Mrs. Christina Benoit
Social Corner
Hon. Andre Pool
Loyal readers, I hope you enjoy this issue of our
newsletter. Happy holidays and until next year!
Ms. Haajira Jumaye
Public Relations and Communications officer
ISSN: 1659-7192
Volume: 0012
December 2014
Message from the Speaker
“Seychelles is a small island state faced with numerous inherent challenges, but
endeavouring to keep abreast with international standards of socio-economic
progress and determined to uphold the fundamentals of democracy for the
prosperous and sustainable development of its people. We are convinced that in
order for us to achieve sustainable development and full empowerment, it is vital
that all emerging risks and long-term challenges are analyzed with a gender lens. The
growing social ills arising from the on rise of violent crimes especially linked to
domestic violence, illicit drug and alcohol abuse, theft, prostitution, family
disintegration, child abuse, delinquency, poverty, and the spread of communicable
H.E Dr. Patrick Herminie diseases have profound gender dimensions. It is important therefore that our
women, men, girls and boys sustain the gains achieved over the years, despite mounting risks and challenges
brought about by external factors.
Women are represented to a marked extent in the executive, judiciary and legislative arms of government and
it is with great pride that I inform this Assembly that 44% of parliamentarians and nearly 47% of Chief
Executives are women. Women are prominent members of the Judiciary – being represented both in the
Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal. Our community leaders who manage and administer our local
communities comprise of over 75% female.
Even more pertinent is the fact that we have achieved these statistics without resorting to any form of
affirmative action whatsoever. Decades of pursuing a people-centred policy of free health care, free education
up to tertiary level and salary parity have all contributed to the empowerment of our women to the extent that
today the issue of gender in the Seychelles is rather a crisis of masculinity. We have long believed that gender
equality is, first and foremost, a human right issue and that women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom
from want and from fear. We have always been mindful of the fact that gender equality can only be attained
through the empowerment of women. Women empowerment is an indispensable tool for advancing
development and reducing poverty. Emphasis on identifying and redressing power imbalances and giving
women more autonomy to manage their own lives is an absolute must. Access to opportunities and life
changes should never be dependent on, or constrained by, gender. Achieving gender equality requires
women's empowerment to ensure that men are not the sole actors in decision-making at private and public
levels, so that both women and men can fully participate as equal partners in productive and reproductive life.
Nonetheless we cannot be complacent. We have achieved a high level of social development and the
elimination of blatant discrimination against women leads to the assumption that gender equality has been
achieved in Seychelles, but challenges still exist. These include but are not limited to: Gender Based Violence
(GBV), high rates of teenage pregnancy, higher levels of poverty amongst single parent households that are
predominantly female, the increasing incidence of sex work and the gender dimensions of illicit drug abuse and
HIV and AIDS.
We should, as a matter of urgency, adopt policies aimed at eliminating discrimination against women. The
domestication of legal provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women remains a sine qua non in that fight.”
Excerpt from the Hon. Speaker's intervention at the 131st IPU Assembly
Farewell party of Ms. Sarifa Maimee
IMPROVING PARLIAMENTARY RELATIONS WITH THE MEDIA
The workshop on the Parliament and the Media (organized jointly by the National Assembly of Seychelles and the InterParliamentary Union) in June this year, made it apparent that the existing relationship between Parliament and media houses
could be vastly improved. The media committee has not been sidetracked from its core mission to redress the precarious
nature of this relationship. The former has agreed on the need to establish clear guiding principles for Parliament to develop a
solid working relationship with the press.
Staff enjoying Creole food
Discussions are ongoing and have been constructive so far. The committee remains convinced that this exercise is undoubtedly
a step in the right direction and will be rewarding for the Parliament and media houses.
No to child abuse!
Media Committee at work
4
1
News from the National Assembly of Seychelles
December 2014
Human Rights Corner -Are economic, social and cultural rights justiciable?
These were one of the many questions posed during capacity building sessions on State reporting under the African Women's Rights Protocol, held in Pretoria,
South Africa from the 11th to the 13th November, 2014. Mrs. Jumaye in her capacity as Commissioner formed part of the delegation that enlightened the other
participants on the implementation of this specific international legal instrument Seychelles had ratified (based on the disseminated guidelines), as a member of the
African Union.
News from the National Assembly of Seychelles
December 2014
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION WITH THE BUNDESTAG
The Parliament of the Republic of Seychelles conducted its very first official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany in October,
2014.
The delegation of the National Assembly consisting of the Speaker, Hon. Dr. Patrick Herminie, the Vice-Chairperson of the
International Affairs Committee, Hon. Jeniffer Vel and the Ag Clerk to the National Assembly, Ms. Shelda Commettant, received a
very warm welcome upon their arrival at the Bundestag. It was hard to miss the National flag of the Seychelles floating proudly in
the wind next to those of Germany and the rest of Europe.
The enforceability of these rights depend partly on the judiciary playing a crucial role in reviewing governmental policies by assessing the extent of the fulfillment of
the State's obligation towards the progressive realization of economic, social and cultural rights and deciding whether the steps taken were reasonable.
Ms. Farzana Jumaye,
Legal Counsel
NURTURING TIES WITH LATIN AMERICA: SEYCHELLES AND CUBA
The National Assembly of Seychelles enjoys a rich bilateral relationship with the National Assembly of the People's Power of Cuba through the International Affairs Committee (IAC). Hon.
Derek Samson, an IAC Member, is the current Parliamentary Friendship Representative for the Republic of Cuba.
The timely visit facilitated by H.E. Ms. Vivienne Fock Tave and the German Honorary Consul, provided a gateway for increased
parliamentary cooperation between Seychelles and Germany and both sides were agreeable to the creation of a Parliamentary
Friendship Association between the two countries.
Seychelles delegation with the Honorary
During the four days spent in Berlin, the delegation held talks with several prominent representatives from the legislature and the
Consul for Seychelles Mr. Hunzinger, Professor
executive, including the President of the Bundestag Professor Norbert Lammert; Vice-President of the Bundestag, Ms. Claudia
Lammert and Mrs. Claudia Roth in Germany
Roth; the Chairperson of the Parliamentary Group for Southern Africa, Ms. Dagmar Freitag; the Head of Division East Africa, Ms.
Marian Schegraf; the Head of Division for Africa in the Office of the Federal President Dr. Klaus Vietze and the Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ambassador Georg Schmidt.
They discussed issues of worldwide concern, such as the rampant Ebola Virus; ongoing war and political instability in Syria and Ukraine; the world campaign against climate change, etc. The
German side was curious to learn about the political situation in the Seychelles and the country's strategies to address the problem of piracy and climate change. The Germans were also
impressed by the Blue Economy concept revered by President Michel.
The National Assembly has shown solidarity with Cuba on many international issues, including the latter's
reintegration in the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. In a symbolic gesture of support this year, Hon.
Samson presented a motion before the House, in favour of the release of the Cuban Five imprisoned in America.
CWP IN ACTION
During their last official visit to Havana, Hon. Derek Samson, Hon. Emmanuel Fideria and Hon. Dr David Payet
had the opportunity to discuss additional avenues for parliamentary cooperation with influential Parliamentarians,
including Hon. Yolanda Ferrer, Chairperson of the Standing Committee of Foreign Affairs. Hon. Samson
presented her with a congratulatory letter on behalf of the Speaker of the National Assembly of Seychelles for the
newly-elected President of the Cuban National Assembly, Hon. Esteban Lazo Hernandez.
A seven-member delegation from the Ugandan Parliamentary Committee on Gender, Labour and Social Development was
on a week-long exchange visit in the Seychelles last October. They met with the Committee of Women Parliamentarians
(CWP) and discussed pertinent issues relating to women, children and the elderly, including: the involvement of women in
politics and governance; the government's housing and welfare policies; the Seychelles Pension Fund and Social Security; the
During his interactions, Hon. Samson reiterated Seychelles' appreciation for Cuba's assistance to the Seychelles in
fields such as health and education. He added: “an Embassy for Seychelles in Cuba will be an excellent
opportunity for the two countries to further enhance bilateral cooperation”
PARLIAMENTARIANS ENGAGE IN DEBATE ON
THE POST-2015 DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
Members with medical students studying in Cuba
In his opening address, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Andre Pool
reiterated the need for Members' strong commitment to contributing to the
design, implementation and oversight of the post-2015 framework: “As a
Parliament, striving for the best for our country and people remains one of our top
priorities”.
The workshop which convoked Members of the National Assembly, staff of the
Secretariat and representatives of the UNDP, was facilitated by Mr. Charles
Chauvel a former MP of the New Zealand parliament involved with Inclusive
Political Processes at the UNDP. Mr. Chauvel commended the National Assembly
of Seychelles for its leadership on the post 2015 agenda and for championing an
ambitious vision of development in Seychelles.
The recommendations voiced throughout the day were considered and adopted
by the plenary. The working group discussions revealed a need for improved data
collection to produce reliable statistics in support of evidence-based policies.
Other priorities included: the elaboration of an effective communications strategy
to better sensitize constituencies about development priorities; consideration of
the devolution of decision-making at a local level in favour of greater development;
the need for the Assembly to attain administrative and financial autonomy and
engaging NGOs in its debates and committee proceedings.
THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN TIES WITH EASTERN EUROPE
The Speaker was on an official visit to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Slovakia last November, on invitation of Mrs. Valentina
Matviyanko, the Chairperson of the Federal Council (Upper House of Russia's Federal Assembly) and Mr. Peter Pellegrini, the Speaker of the
National Council of Slovakia.
During his time in Eastern Europe, the Speaker met with the Acting President of the Russian Lower House, the State Duma, and also paid a
courtesy call on the President of the Slovak Republic, Mr. Andrej Kiska.
They discussed parliamentary cooperation, trade, piracy, climate change and Seychelles' candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security
Council. The Speaker was accompanied by Hon. David Payet, the Parliamentary Friendship Representative for East European Countries, on the
International Affairs Committee, and Ms. Shelda Commettant, Acting Clerk of the National Assembly. The delegation also took the opportunity
to meet withSeychellois students studying in both countries.
2
delegation about entrepreneurship opportunities for young women in Seychelles and statistics for women occupying key
positions within the executive and legislative branches of government as, for example, the Leader of Government Business and
He reminded those present that other critical challenges remain: promoting
inclusive growth and decent jobs, good governance, property rights, freedom of
expression and a free media, open political choice, peace and security, as well as
environmental sustainability.
Workshop participants in deep thought
The National Assembly, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme
(UNDP) organized a workshop on supporting parliamentarians to promote dialogue,
influence, and monitor achievements of the post-2015 development agenda. The opening
ceremony held on Monday 3rd November at the STC Conference Room convened a
number of Ministers and high level dignitaries including the Minister for Finance, Trade and
Investment, Mr. Pierre Laporte and the Minister for Labour and Human Resources Ms. Idith
Alexander.
CWP with the Ugandan Delegation
education system and literacy rate; maternal health and youth programs. Hon. Charles, the CWP Chairperson also briefed the
The Speaker with the
President of Slovakia
the Governor of Central Bank. The delegation was also impressed with Seychelles's ranking of 2nd in Africa and 5th in the
world in terms of promotion of women without resorting to affirmative action. CWP also set up exhibition under the theme
'Empowering Women to take part in public life and decision making at all levels' at the 25th anniversary celebrations of
LUNGOS, which showcased the work of women parliamentarians in Seychelles and worldwide
At the Exhibition
Les Présidentes de parlement appellent à une action immédiate pour
combattre la violence faite aux femmes
A l'issue d'une réunion de deux jours tenue à Genève, les Présidentes de
parlement de 16 pays ont appelé à un engagement urgent et à une
action immédiate pour combattre la violence faite aux femmes et aux
filles dans des situations de conflit.
Exprimant leur vive préoccupation face aux événements récents, les
Présidentes de parlement se sont dites consternées par les crimes
odieux commis contre des femmes et des filles, dans une Déclaration
publiée à l'issue de la 9ème Réunion des Présidentes de parlement
organisée par l'UIP.
Évoquant le viol, le rapt, les mariages forcés et la réduction en esclavage à des fins d'exploitation sexuelle dont les
femmes et les filles sont victimes dans des pays en situation de conflit, au nombre desquels la Syrie, l'Iraq, ainsi que
la République démocratique du Congo et la République centrafricaine, les Présidentes de parlement ont lancé un
appel aux gouvernements et aux parlements du monde entier pour qu'ils participent à la lutte contre la violence
envers les femmes et les filles un « objectif prioritaire et urgent ».
Les Présidentes de parlement ont rappelé que la sécurité et la protection des enfants devaient être assurées dans
tous les pays. L'éducation demeure le «meilleur instrument pour éradiquer la violence et apporter un changement
positif». La violence envers les femmes et les filles fait gravement obstacle à leur émancipation économique. La
réunion tenue à Genève a essentiellement porté sur les moyens de soutenir et renforcer l'émancipation
économique des femmes, ainsi que sur le rôle que peuvent jouer les Présidentes de parlement à cet égard.
Les Présidentes de parlement ont souligné la nécessité d'un cadre juridique solide et efficace qui combatte toutes
les formes de discrimination et favorise l'émancipation économique des femmes en facilitant leur accès à la
propriété foncière, aux financements, à la technologie, à la formation et à l'emploi. La prise de décisions
audacieuses est nécessaire étant donné l'état actuel de la situation et appuiera les efforts en guise de changer les
mentalités sur cette question.
Note de Presse de l'UIP
Dignitaries at the National Assembly
H.E. Mrs. Yin Lixian, Ambassador designate
for the People’s Republic of China
H.E. Dr. Harald Gunther,
Austrian Ambassador with
H.E Dr. Patrick Herminie
H.E. Mr. Sanjay Kumar Panda,
Indian High Commissioner
with the Hon. Speaker
3