President Wavel Ramkalawan, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet yesterday, Wednesday 24th May in which a number of policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet approved the ratification of the International Labour Organisation’s Domestic Workers Convention (# 189). The aim of the Convention is to improve the working and living conditions of domestic workers worldwide. Cabinet also approved for the submission of the 20 instruments adopted by the ILO from 2001 to 2019, to the National Assembly for their information.
Cabinet approved the Tourism Development (Standards) Regulations. These regulations provide for the minimum requirements necessary for the maintenance of standards of the different tourism products within the industry as well as introduce the national grading system for accommodation establishments. The Minimum Requirements for Accommodation Establishments will comprise of sets of criteria for Hotels, Self-caterings, Island resorts and Guesthouses. The Minimum Requirements for Tourism Enterprise will comprise of sets of criteria for Restaurant, Hire craft, Watersport, Dive Centre and Dive Operator, Tour Operators (DMC), and Travel Agents.
Cabinet was briefed on the results of the Tourism Carrying Capacity Study for the islands of Mahé and Praslin conducted by Sustainable Travel International. The study confirmed that the tourism sector is a significant contributor to the economy and also revealed that the focus of investment mainly on accommodation facilities has led to little innovation in terms of visitor experience. Following the presentation, Cabinet approved a number of measures that will allow for the development of Seychelles as a high-value with low impact destination.
Cabinet was presented with the final results of the 2022 Population and Housing Census. The Census was conducted in April 2022 and covered the number of people counted in the survey disaggregated by citizenship status and nationality. The census also covered the Labour Force Indicators and Household income. Data on access to utilities, amenities and cooking fuel were also collected. The census also looked at population not vaccinated against COVID -19. The types of disabilities amongst the population were also counted.
Cabinet expressed deep sadness concerning the death of a three year old girl in tragic circumstances; Government renewed its commitment to fight child abuse.
Cabinet expressed its condolences to the family of former first lady Mrs Geva Rene upon her passing away.
Cabinet joined in the national prayers for Archbishop Emeritus French Chang Him who has been admitted to Seychelles Hospital.
Cabinet commended the Seychelles ARSU Volleyball club for securing 9th overall position in the 2023 CAVB African Volleyball Champions held in Tunisia.
Cabinet also congratulated Seychellois participants who won medals in the 2023 African weightlifting championship in Tunisia and bodybuilding championship held in South Africa.