President Wavel Ramkalawan today, Wednesday 2nd June, chaired a virtual meeting of the Cabinet at which a number of legal and policy memoranda were considered.
Cabinet approved Consultancy project on the Mapping and Integration of the Know About Business (KAB) modules and Financial Education into the National Curriculum for the primary and secondary schools and in the Programme of Studies of the Professional Centres. The aim of the project is to integrate the Know About Business into the National Curriculum of Seychelles which will provide students with the competencies in entrepreneurship and finance. The consultancy project will be financed by the Central Bank of Seychelles. Teachers have already received training from the International Labour Organisation to teach Financial Education.
Cabinet also approved amendments to the Birds Eggs (Collection) Regulations of 1972 to provide for a closed season for a period of 12 months from 1st June 2021 to prevent the collection of birds eggs in order for a census to be conducted on the bird population.
Cabinet discussed ways to continue to promote the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. In their discussion, Cabinet emphasised the importance of safeguarding the population’s health, harnessing productivity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cabinet approved amendments to the Agency for Social Protection Act, 2011. The aim of the amendments would be to give flexibility in the nomination of Board members to allow for most suitable candidates to be nominated to the Board.
Cabinet approved the Seychelles’ initial report on the implementation of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC). The Report shows the progress made by Seychelles in complying with the obligations of the Optional Protocol on the involvement of Children in Armed Conflict (OPAC) and its strong commitment to the rights of the child. It was pointed out that Seychelles was doing well in this domain. The age of Majority in Seychelles is 18 as established under the Age of Majority Act, 1980. Enrolment into the SPDF over the past five years were of the age of majority. Seychelles has also not been involved in any armed conflict. Cabinet advised that the SPDF Act be amended to reflect the OPAC and advised that consideration should be given to ban the importation of toy guns.
Cabinet approved the consolidated Fair Trading Bill. The aim of the enactment of the final Bill is to consolidate and revise the law relating to fair trading, competition and consumer protection and to repeal the current Fair Trading Commission Act (Cap 267), the Fair Competition Act (Cap 266) and the Consumer Protection Act (Cap 257). The new Bill contains provisions and international legal tools that will enable the Commission to serve as the investigative body to press on with robust enforcement and effectively deliver on its mandate. The creation of a Tribunal to adjudicate on all consumer and competition matters under the Judiciary creates the ideal channel for timely and effective redress to consumers and businesses. The new Bill reflects Government’s commitment to see the desired results for consumers and businesses as well as demonstrate the importance attached to Consumer Protection and Fair Competition in Seychelles, regionally and internationally.
Cabinet approved the dissolution of Tertiary Education Commission (TEC). The functions of TEC will be discharged by the Seychelles Qualifications Authority and the Ministry of Education.
Cabinet provided guidance on three development projects referred to it by the Planning Authority for advice on the sociocultural, economic and environmental aspects of those projects.
The Respective Ministries and Departments will provide further information to the media.