President Danny Faure chaired a regular meeting of the Cabinet this morning at State House, which discussed a number of policy memoranda.

Cabinet considered the first draft of a new Communications Bill.  The Bill will now undergo white paper consultation.

Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Debt Management Act 2009, to allow for the preparation and approval of an annual public debt strategy and borrowing plan.

Cabinet approved the financial aspects of a reward system for Teacher appraisal.

Cabinet considered and approved a proposal to increase the allowance given to students on attachment whilst awaiting to proceed on scholarships.

Cabinet approved a  policy for the allocation of vehicles to Seychelles heads of Mission abroad.  It also approved policy regarding duty and tax exemption on vehicles purchased by honorary consuls in Seychelles.

Cabinet approved a review of the passenger allowance for cigarettes and tobacco products.  This will provide travellers with a greater choice in the tobacco products they can bring into the country.

Cabinet also approved for the setting up of a Technical Committee made up of Government and the Seychelles Seafarers Transport Association, to discuss and agree on a common employment contract for seafarers.

Cabinet approved for the Citizens' Engagement Platform (Seychelles) - CEPS - to undertake a national stakeholders consultation in preparation for reporting to SADC on the Regional Initiative Strategic Development Plan.

Cabinet was briefed on the proposed programme for the Kreol Festival 2017.  This year’s festival will incorporate the concepts from both the Kreol festival and the Carnaval Internationale de Victoria.

Cabinet approved for the establishment of a single office to coordinate and manage the all matters related to intellectual property.

Cabinet discussed the challenges faced by street vendors located in Market Street and Benezet Street, and directed that timely solutions be identified.