Category Archives: Seychelles

Situation update

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to grow in the WHO African Region since it wasfirst detected in Algeria on 25 February 2020. Since our last External Situation Report 17 issued on 24 June 2020(from 24 to 30 June 2020), a total of 67 077 new confirmed COVID-19 cases (a 28% increase) was reported from45 countries. Of the 67 077 reported new cases in the region, 43% (45 101) were recorded in South Africa. SouthAfrica remains the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in the region, consistently registering the highest dailycase incidence, now standing at more than 6 000 cases daily in the past week. On 27 June 2020, the WHO AfricanRegion and South Africa recorded their highest daily case count of 10 421 and 7 210, respectively. The WHOAfrican region also recorded the highest daily death toll of 172 on 30 June 2020.

During this period, six countries in the region observed the highest percentage increase in incidence cases:Seychelles 636% (from 11 to 81 cases), Zambia 213% (from 509 to 1 594 cases), Namibia 182% (from 72 to 203cases), Botswana 155% (from 89 to 227 cases), Malawi 58% (from 803 to 1 265 cases) and Angola 50% (from189 to 284 cases). Seychelles reported new confirmed COVID-19 cases after 78 consecutive days of zeroreporting. The confirmed case-patients were part of 207 sea crew arriving on two Air Seychelles chartered flights.Eleven crewmen turned positive on antibody test, of which three tested positive by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) on 24 June 2020. This event occurred just as the Government was considering opening up commercialflights and tourism from 1 July 2020. Only Equatorial Guinea and United Republic of Tanzania did not officiallysubmit reports indicating any confirmed cases in the past week. A total of 26 new health worker infections wererecorded from three countries: Malawi (18), Sierra Leone (5) and South Sudan (3).

From 24 to 30 June 2020, an additional 898 COVID-19 related deaths (17% increase) were reported from 31countries, with 62% (555) of the deaths recorded in South Africa. This was followed by Nigeria, which registeredthe second highest number of deaths, at 57, followed by Algeria with 51 deaths. The other countries that reportednew deaths include; Democratic Republic of the Congo (35), Ethiopia (28), Senegal (23), Kenya (20), Ghana(17), Mauritania (16), Central African Republic (10), Benin (8), Cte d'Ivoire (8), Cabo Verde (7), Zambia (6),Cameroon (5), Madagascar (5), Mali (5), Malawi (5), Sierra Leone (5), Guinea-Bissau (5), Congo (4), Eswatini(4), Guinea (4), Angola (3), Gabon (3), South Sudan (3), Liberia (2), Mozambique (1), Sao Tome and Principe(1) and Zimbabwe (2).

During the reporting period (24 to 30 June 2020), the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in the regionexceeded 300 000, and is now at 303 986 cases, including 303 665 confirmed and 321 probable cases, reportedacross the 47 Member States. The probable cases have been reported from Sao Tome and Principe (320) andDemocratic Republic of the Congo (1). A total of 6 155 deaths have been reported in 42 countries, giving anoverall case fatality ratio (CFR) of 2.0%. Five countries (Eritrea, Seychelles, Lesotho, Namibia and Uganda)have not registered any COVID-19 related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.

The current figures in the region represents 2.9% of confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1.2% of deaths reportedworldwide. Table 1 shows the list of affected countries and their respective number of cases and deaths. Thedaily and weekly distribution of cases by date and week of reporting are presented in Figures 1 and 2, respectively.The highest number of cases in the region have been reported from 10 countries: South Africa (151 209), Nigeria(25 694), Ghana (17 741), Algeria (13 907), Cameroon (12 592), Cte dIvoire (9 214), Democratic Republic ofCongo (7 039), Senegal (6 793), Kenya (6 366) and Ethiopia (5 848), which collectively account for 84%(256 401) of all reported cases.

Read more here:

COVID-19 Situation update for the WHO African Region, External Situation Report 18 (01 July 2020) - South Africa - ReliefWeb

The United Kingdom announced on Friday that it would permit quarantine-free entry for about 60 lower risk nations, excluding India, the US and some other countries.

The UK Foreign Office Travel Advisory pertaining to India will stay the same, aimed towards helping British nationals avoid all non-essential travel to the COVID-19 hit country.

Reportedly, the list prepared by the UK mentioning names of the nations that are low-risk include Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

Among the Asian countries Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, the Caribbean, Mauritius and the Seychelles have made it to the UKs low-risk nations list.

The new measures will become effective from July 10. Under them, visitors from selected green destinations will be allowed to enter England without any quarantine, unless they have made a stopover at the non-exempt countries in the last 14 days.

A leading daily reported that the UK government will keep the exempted countries under its review and watch. In case health risks rise, quarantine measures could be reintroduced to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases in the UK.

More here:

UK allows quarantine-free entry for 60 nations except India and the USA - Happytrips

Africa remains one of the best destinations for VC investors and businesses, owing to its large population and emerging economy. Last year alone $1.34 billion was invested in Africa, a significant increase from the paltry $0.5 billion investment recorded in 2018.

Although investment in Africa is relatively low risk, there are several countries that are essentially safe havens for business and investments due to their favourable ecosystem, policies and economy.

Setting up businesses in safe havens guarantees a list of benefits including the lowest available tax income when compared to other countries, little or no taxation on foreign investment, lowtaxing ofpatentrevenues, financial account privacy, tax holidays etc. Businesses are also able to avoid withholding tax to a degree.

Tax havens also have favourable regulations and general ecosystem that makes starting a business easy and profitable.

Based on research, TechNext curated a list of top 10 safe havens (countries) for businesses in Africa. We examined the countrys rankings in the Corporate Tax Haven Index and World Bank Group Ease of Doing Business report.

For the ranking, we looked at the degree and category of taxation by each country, its degree of financial secrecy and the protection it provides businesses from foreign tax authorities.

Under the doing business report, we looked at how easy it is for businesses to operate in the country based on 11 areas including starting a business, power supply, property registration, getting credit, protecting minority investors, trading across borders and others.

Without further ado, here are the 10 Countries;

Since Mauritius became a tax haven through the enactment of the 1992Mauritius Offshore Business Activity Act which enabled foreign entities to incorporate companies with a high level of privacy and extremely low or no taxation, it has been criticized for impoverishing African governments and widening wealth inequality.

While this is true, it doesnt remove the fact that the country is a perfect safe haven for businesses in Africa. Located on an Island on the East of Africa, Mauritius is ranked 14 in the global Corporate Tax Haven Index. This makes it the best tax haven on the continent.

To add to that, the country also ranked 20th in the World Bank Group Global Ease of Doing Business Report. With a score of 79.58, Mauritius proves itself as a top spot for businesses in Africa.

However, while its profitable to establish a business in the country, its reputation as a tax haven draws the ire of foreign authorities on companies based in its region.

Rwanda is one of Africas fastest-growing economies with yearly growth averaging more than 6%. The world Banks Doing Business 2019 report ranked the country 29th, highlighting the ease of starting a business.

In 2019, Rwanda replaced its stifling special billing machine system for value-added tax invoices with free software that allows taxpayers to issue value-added tax invoices from any printer.

Although the country wasnt ranked in the global Corporate Tax Haven Index, its high score of 77.88 in the ease of doing business report makes it a top pick for doing business in Africa.

South Africa is Africas second-largest economy. It has one of the easiest business ecosystems on the continent with advanced legal and financial structures to help business stand firm. It ranked 82 on the World Banks ease of doing business report, scoring 66.03 to be one of the top 5 picks to launch a business on the continent.

Apart from the ease of doing business, South Africa has policies that give businesses the opportunity to pay lower taxes according to the global Corporate Tax Haven Index. The country was ranked 42nd in the Global Tax Haven report.

Besides being a tourist hot spot, Seychelles is a good place to start a business. The country ranks amongst the top 100 easiest countries to do business in. Considering the major factors like regulations and resources to help a business grow, Seychelles scored 62.41.

The country also has a reputation for being a tax haven. In the Corporate Tax Haven Global Index, Seychelles ranked 44 with a score of 68 out of 100 making it a good place for businesses to make profits without paying huge taxes.

Kenya is East Africas leading regional hub for ICT and financial services. The countrys internet growth together with the ease of getting credit and starting a business ranked it 61 globally ahead of Nigeria.

Kenyan government introduced a new law which improved the ease in accessing credit for businesses.

Apart from good credit ratings, Kenya also has low tax compared to other countries. It ranked 58th in the global Corporate Tax Haven Index.

Botswana operates on a territorial basis. This means that companies in Botswana pay tax only on income that is derived from a source in the country. This makes it possible for a business with a presence outside the country to make money without having to pay tax.

Due to this policy among others, Botswana was ranked 56th globally in the Corporate Tax Haven Index. Also, the country made it to the top 100 companies with the best ease of doing business. Botswana scored 65.40 making it a good choice when deciding a base for African businesses.

As of 2017, Ghana was ranked the third-largest tax haven in Africa. Now, its no longer in the top 5 but still has some of the benefits like reduced taxes that businesses enjoyed. The Corporate Tax Haven Index ranked the country as 60th in the world.

Apart from a good tax rating, the World Banks doing business report says Ghana has above-average ease of doing business with a score of 59.22. This was mainly due to the simplified process of importing which the country recently adopted.

In the past, Tanzania served as an attractive destination for foreign organisations to stash away their wealth without paying taxes. Today some of the laws that made the country a tax haven for billionaires are still available and can be utilised by businesses. The Corporate Tax Haven Index ranked the country as 62nd in the world.

The ease of doing business in the country is quite fair and the inadequacies can be filled with the added benefit of low taxes. The World Banks Doing Business 2019 global report places Tanzania at 144.

Although there are several other countries with easier business environments, the Gambia makes the list because it offers very low tax rates to businesses. The Corporate Tax Haven Index ranked the country as 63rd in the world just after Tanzania.

The ease of doing business in the country was still ranked above average at 149.

Liberia has for years been a safe haven for investors and businesses trying to avoid tax. The country is connected to the popular Panama Papers scandal and has on several occasions been blacklisted by countries.

However, the tax laws which led to this bad reputation can significantly be of help to businesses. The Corporate Tax Haven Index ranked Liberia as 57th in the world.

While Liberias haven index score is high enough to rank 7th, the below-average ease of doing business in the country drops it to 10th. The country ranks 174 in the World Banks ease of doing business report.

African countries are among the fastest-growing economies in the world. However, while the capital flows to tax havens are one factor limiting the benefits of economic growth, it also provides a perfect safe haven for businesses to thrive.

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the Top 10 Safe Havens for Businesses in Africa and What They Offer - Technext

As hotels across the world begin to reopen from July, thoughts have inevitably turned to the next getaway destinations And what could be more indulgent than hiring a private island for the ultimate luxury escape?

The island is home to the outstanding JA Enchanted Island Resort 20,000 square metres of paradise sitting in the middle of one of the worlds most lush and beautiful tropical sites, the Saint Anne Marine Park.

See Also: The Getty familys historical Italian villa is now available for private rentals

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Sir Richard Branson Has Opened His Palma Holiday Home To Guests

The island can be rented and can sleep up to 24 guests, making the perfect party pad in paradise . The announcement coincides with the re-opening of the Seychelles International Airport as the group of 115 islands is officially declared free of COVID-19.

And what a place to escape to post-lockdown; awarded Worlds Leading Private Island Resort 2019 at the World Travel Awards, JA Enchanted Island is an upscale hideaway with pearl-white sand and verdant tropical vegetation, surrounded by crystalline turquoise waters and colourful marine life in a designated National Marine Park.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Matt Damons Lockdown House Is Available To Rent

The luxury resort facilities have all taken shape around the islands natural landscape, where walkways weave through large rock formations and natural scenery provides an idyllic escape and secluded experience for a group of friends or family.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Explore A Modern Beach House In Ireland With Floor-To-Ceiling Sea Views

On the island, there are 10 stunning villas available; eight of which are 130 square metres and have their own private pool.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Explore An Expansive Palma Holiday Home With Three Swimming Pools

Two of the expansive luxury villas named the Enchanted Signature Villa and the Flamboyant Villa are more than 240 square metres each and can accommodate four adults and two children in each, with a private pool and garden with dining gazebo for intimate in-villa dining.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Inside 9 of the worlds most stunning holiday homes

All 10 villas have direct access to the pristine beach for unparalleled scenic beauty.

And the blend of interiors and panoramic views makes for an unforgettable experience; think soaking up scenes of the sun dancing on glistening crystal-clear waters from your luxury bathroom.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

You can enjoy private dining experiences including breakfast in bed, moonlight dinners and private barbecues with dedicated chefs. Some of the villas even boast outdoor baths so you can enjoy tub time while gazing at the starlit sky.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also: Explore a historic farmhouse in Provence with modern rustic interiors

Theres also the plenty of opportunities to up your holiday game, from yacht trips to island hopping excursions, paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, and catamaran cruising.

Of course, theres also a resplendent spa located on the hilltop, featuring a private steam room, shower room, and the stunning views of the yoga pavilion. And when youre ready to soak up the sun, the main pool is the perfect feet-up-and-flop hotspot.

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

Image credit: JA Enchanted Island Resort

See Also:Explore Airbnbs most wish-listed homes of the past decade

The private island experience is available from 1 July 2020 with prices starting from a 9,950 a night. To book email reservations.eir@jaresorts.com.

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Holiday goals: You can now hire this incredible private island in the Seychelles - Livingetc.com

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Another week is in the books for the Ascension and Orpheus tribes, as well as Quarantine! The week ended with a BANG though as for the first time in Whispers history, a weekend long SCAVENGER HUNT is underway for the tribal flags! Who will be the first tribe to find the opposing tribe's flag? Will those in Quarantine find it first and cement their names back into the game? Was Ascension able to build on their winning streak this week? Was Orpheus able to turn the tide back their way? Which shocking exit had left a tribe up against the wall? What else is coming next?! Find out this and more LATER TONIGHT as Jim Early and Missyae Productions present another edition of the Missyae Podcast: Survivor Whispers The Game 19: Seychelles Island: Ring of Power Recap Show!! Call in at (657) 383-1308 and recap this week chock full of action!

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Survivor Whispers The Game 19: Seychelles Island: Ring of Power Recap Podcast #3 - BlogTalkRadio

18 June 2020 | State House

We, the People of Seychelles,

GRATEFUL to Almighty God that we inhabit one of the most beautiful countries in the world;

EVER MINDFUL of the uniqueness and fragility of Seychelles;

CONSCIOUS of our colonial history before becoming an Independent Republic;

AWARE and PROUD that as descendants of different races we have learnt to live together as one Nation under God and can serve as an example for a harmonious multi-racial society;

Yes Seychellois brothers and sisters,

These words are the start of the Preamble of our Constitution.

Today, 18 June, we celebrate the adoption of the supreme Law of the Land. A great majority of Seychellois voted to adopt this Constitution through a referendum. This was a big step in the future of Seychelles.

1993 marked 223 years after the first settlers arrived on our islands. Many things marking the history of our country happened in that period. People from Africa, Europe and Asia came to this land to create the Seychellois people. Slavery which caused a lot of suffering and injustice was abolished in 1835 but its consequences would continue to affect our society for generations. Seychelles was a French colony, a British colony, and then became an independent state.

Soon after, Seychelles had a one party state. In those 15 years, a lot was done to try and erase the injustices that marked our society. A lot of good things were accomplished. Certain mistakes, certain injustices unfortunately also happened during this time.

When Seychellois adopted the Constitution of the Third Republic in 1993, we decided to turn the page of history, to come together as one nation, one people with a shared destiny. We were taking a big step toward reconciliation. We were looking at the future.

Today, 27 years later, where are we?

When I took on the mantle of leadership 3 years ago, I committed myself to putting Seychelles above everything else. I have always believed that Seychelles is bigger than me, bigger than us all. I took the decision to remove partisan considerations in the governance of our country. I reinforced unity, stability and inclusivity to take Seychelles even further. I established and also reinforced the independence of national institutions to ensure that they work without political interference.

Our country is currently engaged in work to establish the truth about a period of our past. And I hope that this work is done well in the real spirit of truth, reconciliation and national unity.

During this time that I have been President, there have been moments where I was expecting cooperation but instead I received resistance and obstruction. I stayed calm, I kept my cool, I never walked away I chose to reach out. I persevered because I am convinced that the spirit of working together, the path of peace and reconciliation, is the only path for Seychelles today.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, this constitution that we are celebrating today has guided us well and allowed our young democracy to flourish. It has also served us well on a socioeconomic front.

At the start of this year, our country was looking ahead with a lot of confidence. In 2019 we saw a foreign exchange surplus of 45 million Dollars, the highest ever.

In 2020 we were set to get an even higher surplus with the number of visitors set to rise and the economy in general set to do even better.

From January to March, every day, 3 million Dollars on average was entering our country, and from this amount, 2.5 million Dollars was spent in a dynamic economy. This means that we had a surplus of 500, 000 Dollars every day. Just think if our economy continued on this path, how much this surplus would have been at the end of this year.

The Central Bank reserves had reached 580 million Dollars. The private sector and individuals had accumulated 565 million Dollars in their bank accounts in Seychelles. This shows that the economy was working well, very well. It also shows the confidence that the private sector and individuals had in our economy and our financial system, for them to keep their money in Seychelles.

The economy of Seychelles was set to grow by 3.9% this year compared to 2019. We would have had more resources to run our country and continue to improve the wellbeing of our nation. We would have been able to have a salary increase, especially in sectors that were performing well. We would have had enough money to repay our national debt and meet the targets set by our economic reform in 2008.

The inflation rate, a measure of the general price level, fell to the lowest level to reach 1.7% at the end of 2019 and was set to continue decreasing in January and February 2020.

The number of jobs in the formal economy increased to reach 55, 805, including 20, 000 foreign workers because there were not enough local workers to respond to the needs of our economy.

All indicators were showing Seychelles to be on the road toward greater economic success in a year that was going to be exceptional.

But today on 18 June we see that yes, this moment we are in is exceptional. But not for the reasons we expected or hoped.

Yes Seychellois brothers and sisters, misfortune hit us. It hit us silently and without any warning. Who would have thought in January that just 2 or 3 months later our country and the world would turn upside down?

When COVID-19 hit us, my focus was to save lives and safeguard our economy. I am relieved that with the great work of our health professionals, supported by other agencies and volunteers, Seychelles has until now succeeded in controlling this disease. We succeeded in avoiding any deaths caused by this virus.

Today, once again, I would like to sincerely thank all those on the frontlines of this battle and also the people of Seychelles that showed solidarity and understood the gravity of the situation.

Unfortunately, the story is different in many other countries where we see thousands of people continuing to lose their lives as a result of the virus. In the United States alone, the number of people who have died from the coronavirus has surpassed our population here in Seychelles.

Until now we have succeeded on the public health front. But it is important that we do not put our guard down. Let us continue to practise good hygiene and get used to physical distancing in public, and follow the advice given by our health professionals.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, as we are starting to see, the consequences of this COVID-19 pandemic on our economy is extremely grave.

And this is not the case just for Seychelles for all countries, this is a very difficult situation.

It is impossible to make any predictions, either on the health front or economic front, with any certainty.

In March, many health experts and economists thought that COVID-19 would subside or even disappear within a few months.

As you know, at the time, I announced certain measures to protect the private sector and ensure that for at least 3 months, none of our brothers and sisters would lose their jobs. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 situation is dynamic and changes rapidly, and we need to readjust accordingly. For example, we saw a need to assure the salaries of Seychellois in the private sector until December.

I know that there has been a great deal of confusion and frustration with the delay of processing applications for financial assistance.

Believe me, I would have liked nothing more than for the processing to be quick and wait time for businesses and workers to be minimal.

But we need to appreciate that this task is not one that our system is used to doing. It is a task without precedence. And when I put pressure on those doing this work, and they explain to me why there are delays, I understand their difficulties.

They need correct information from people making applications. They need to verify this information. They cannot just give out public funds. This assistance is not personal money.

Who will be accountable to the Auditor General on how this public money has been spent?

Who will respond questions from the FPAC at the National Assembly?

It will be the officials doing this work together with the Minister of Finance. And they need to do this work with the responsibility and transparency it merits. The money being distributed today is money that we will all repay tomorrow through taxes. The country is taking on debt to be able to pay this assistance and ensure that workers have a salary and can keep the economy afloat.

Despite the challenges, until now, 85% of the approximately 5000 businesses that made an application for April and May have received assistance. More than 314 million Rupees has been disbursed. This 314 million Rupees has helped more than 14, 000 workers in the private sector.

For the 15% of businesses that did not receive assistance for one reason or another, I have decided that from 1 July, we will review the criteria to qualify for financial assistance. I have taken this decision following a series of consultations with the private sector.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

Our situation is not easy. Even if we see our lives regaining a sense of normality, our situation remains extremely difficult.

There are no tourists like before. Our country is not getting revenue at the level we are used to. Our country relies a lot on tourism. If there is no tourism, we need to expect that there will be great economic repercussions on our quality of life.

All around the world, countries are affected despite their size and economic power. How many people have lost their jobs? How many businesses have closed? How many people have no food? And this is even before we consider the tragic loss of lives caused by COVID-19. We all see the news.

These months and years ahead of us will be very difficult. Instead of a 3.9% growth of our economy compared to 2019, forecasts suggest that we will finish 2020 with negative 10.8%. This means that our economy is set to shrink by 10.8% and each of us will be severely hit.

Already the value of our salaries has decreased by 28% as a result of the currency exchange rates, caused by the lack of foreign exchange brought in by the tourism industry.

This year, we were expecting to get more than the 380, 000 visitors we received last year. Since the end of March we have had zero visitors and received zero dollars of foreign exchange from visitors.

This serious situation will not end anytime soon. Our tourism industry has been severely affected. The small Seychellois-owned establishments that were doing very well and contributing greatly to our economy, are suffering.

In 2008 our international debt was equivalent to 150% of our GDP. We have worked very hard over the last 11 years to reduce it to 57% in 2019. We were on target to reach 50% Debt-to-GDP next year.

With the current situation, we expect that we will reach this target only in 2025, assuming that the economy will start recovering soon.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

Our economy is facing a serious crisis.

Over the next few months and years, our lives will be extremely difficult. As long as there is no vaccine against COVID-19 and the global economy does not recover, our economy will struggle to recoup, and both of these factors remain extremely uncertain.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, there is one thing that is very clear.

Today more than ever, Seychellois need to come together to navigate the great storm ahead of us. We need to navigate it together.

Over the months and years to come, we will face difficulties that we have never known as a country.

What we went through in 2008 is incomparable with the storm ahead of us today. Today, the global economy is on its knees, and our economy is no different.

When I meet economists and members of the private sector, I can see the worry on their faces.

But I never lose hope. I always keep hope alive. I am convinced that if each one of us workers, professionals, business owners, politicians, civil society if we put our differences aside and work in one direction, we will be able to save our country.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

Faced with this national emergency, as President of Seychelles, I see only one opportunity to save Seychelles.

The election coming this year will take place in unprecedented circumstances, unlike anything we have known before. It will take place in the midst of a great storm.

In this context, I do not see this as an election that one that ends with a winner and a loser. I do not see it as a competition between political rivals, where each one pretends that their party has better solutions for Seychelles. This moment that Seychelles is in, it is not a time for any party to create political divisions and confrontation.

In this election, it is Seychelles that is important it is our economic survival in question.

I firmly believe that faced with this national emergency, we need to come together. It is for this reason that as a presidential candidate in the upcoming election, I will put in front of the Seychellois people the urgency of the next government being a government of national unity.

This means an inclusive government that will better reflect our political, economic, professional and civic strengths and voices, so that we can successfully navigate this storm together as a nation. A government that puts partisan politics aside, where the only priority is to save Seychelles.

Seychellois brothers and sisters,

When we are in the middle of a storm, we need to put our differences aside and we need to rally together.

Today Seychelles is asking us to unite. The same Seychelles that has nurtured us and sustained us for the last 250 years.

This Seychelles with its Constitution that we are celebrating today that has allowed us to make exponential progress over the last 27 years.

Seychelles is calling us. Just as the Preamble of our Constitution that I cited earlier reminds us, we must be ever mindful of the uniqueness and fragility of our Seychelles.

And this is clear in our situation today. Yes Seychellois brothers and sisters, our Seychelles is too small, too beautiful, too precious, for us to turn our backs on her. Let us save her, together. This is my profound desire that I share with the people of Seychelles today.

Today, all of us, regardless of our political colours, we are in the same boat navigating this great storm that is going to get worse.

After we get through these bad times, let us give Seychelles her best chance to recover.

Seychellois brothers and sisters, 27 years ago the generation of 1993 started a new chapter of our history. Today, faced with a great challenge of our time, I invite the generation of 2020 to once again, start a new chapter.

Tonight, I invite you to join me and come together to save Seychelles.

May God continue to bless our Seychelles and protect our people.

Thank you and good evening.

Go here to see the original:

Address by President Danny Faure on the occasion of Constitution Day 2020 18 June 2020 - Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles

Many of the world's greatest travel destinations are reopening to international travelers this summer.

But not all openings are created equal. A handful of countries are letting in everyone, while others are inviting only a select few.

Here is a definitive guide to the countries that are now welcoming travelers or have indicated they will before August.

Do consider:

Some of the Caribbean's most famous islands are already open, including Antigua,Jamaica,the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Lucia.

The Bahamas officially reopens its borders on July 1.

Per Breiehagen

On June 15, theBahamaswelcomed yachts and private flights; everyone else can join from July 1. Bermuda is opening its borders to travelers who comply with these measureson July 1. Also on the first day of July, Aruba welcomes residents of Canada, Europe and other Caribbean islands (excluding the Dominican Republic and Haiti); Americans can join on July 10.

Puerto Rico's borders open on July 15.Travelers to Turks and Caicos will need to wait a little longer; it opens July 22.

Other islands are more commitment-phobic.Keith Mitchell, the prime minister of Grenada,posted on Facebook that the country is considering June 30 as a "possible date for reopening." The French isle of Saint Martin indicated visitors could come as early as July 1, but nothing official has been announced.

Note: Some islands, including St. Lucia and Bermuda, are requiring negative Covid-19 tests within 48 to 72 hours before departure.

After a patchwork of internal border announcements in May, the EU announced Wednesday that non-Europeans would be allowed to enter from July 1.

The travel ban will be lifted "gradually and partially," said European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell. Americans are not expected to make the first cut, instead the Commission recommended lifting travel restrictions for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia first.

Regarding internal borders, Italy and Bulgaria have alreadyreopened their borders to residents of most European countries.Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Hungary, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia and Slovakia have also loosened regulations, albeit to a more restricted list of countries.

Italy has reopened its borders to most European countries but not everyone has returned the gesture.

Suttipong Sutiratanachai

In mid-June, the continent took a giant leap forward to reopen internally for summer travel. On June 13, Poland reopened its borders to EU nations. On June 15, Germany lifted a travel ban to 31 European countries, Greece to 29 countries (including Australia) and the Netherlands to 12 EU countries. Iceland, Belgium, Franceand Switzerlandopened their borders to all EU and Schengen Area travelers, though travelers from U.K. are subject to a 14-day quarantine in France as are air passengers from Spain (the latter ending on June 21).

June 15 also marks easing of restrictions among the Nordic countries ofNorway, Denmark and Finland.The countries are excluding Sweden, which has taken a more lax approach to contain coronavirus infections.

Spain moved plans to open its borders forward; residents of Schengen Area nations (except for Portugal) can enter starting June 21. Spain's announcement likely applies to residents of the EU too.The Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that includes non-EU countries like Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland.

A few considerations:

Asia is largely closed to foreign holidaymakers for the time being. Japan, Vietnam and Singapore have not announced dates when they will open, though the Indonesian island of Bali is said to be reopening in October.

Rumors that Thailand was opening to international travelers on July 1 were squashed last month when Yuthasak Supasorn, the governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, said tourists may return in the fourth quarter of the year "at the earliest."

Opening July 1, the Maldives is allowing travelers in without new visa requirements and fees.

amriphoto

So where can you explore in Asia? Private jets and yachts are already welcome in the Maldives, and commercial airlines are scheduled to resume from July 1. After announcing testing and visa protocols, the country appears to be backing off those requirements for now.

On June 17, Taiwan opened its borders, albeit ever so slightly. Short-term business travelers from select Asia Pacific countries can enter (though shortenedquarantine requirements still apply).

Turkey has indicated it will be welcoming tourists in July, as has the Caucasus nation of Georgia (though who exactly can enter Georgia is unclear).

Sri Lanka is preparing to reopen its borders to all nationalities on Aug. 1, if individuals can produce proof of medical insurance, plan to stay at least five nights, and can show a negative Covid-19 test taken less than 72 hours before departure. Travelers to the "teardrop island" will also undergo a second test upon arrival.

French Polynesia announced tourists from all countries can arrive from July 15.

The country, which includes Tahiti, Mo'orea and Bora Bora, is requiring travelers to have either a negative Covid-19 test (administered 72 hours before departure) or an "immunity certificate" that proves you've recovered from a previous infection. Travelers may be retested during their stay.

Travel to the U.S. is prohibited for some nationalities; all others may be subject to state-mandated quarantines, such as Hawaii's 14-day quarantine requirement that was extended this week to July 31.

Canada has two-week quarantine requirements too. The border closure for nonessential travel between the U.S. and Canada has been extended through July 21, though it's reported some Americans are entering via a "loophole" that allows travelers to transit through Canada in order to drive to Alaska.

The Riviera Maya in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo is open to international travelers.

Marianna Massey

Mexico is opening state by state, and Quintana Roo home to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum opened this week. Los Cabos officially reopened on June 15, and flights from major U.S. cities, such as Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago, are scheduled to resume in late June to July.

Mexico's travel industry has been hindered by a joint agreement between Mexico and the U.S. that restricts nonessential travel until July 21. Mexico has also been named one of seven coronavirus "international hot spots" a list that also includes the United States.

From Israel to Qatar, much of the Middle East is not open for travel yet.

A trip to Dubai may be possible in the latter half of the summer. It's reported to be opening sometime between July to September.

Popular African tourist destinations, such as Morocco and South Africa, have not announced plans to loosen border restrictions yet.

After widespread reports that South Africa wouldn't open until 2021, the country's tourism officials clarified this week that this was a "worst-case scenario" and that it hopes to welcome travelers by September.

Last week, the Seychelles opened to tourists arriving on a private jet, chartered flight or yacht.Plans to resume commercial flights are set for July.

Commerical flights are expected to resume to the Seychelles in July.

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Tunisia is opening land, air and sea borders to residents from Algeria and select European nations, including Germany and the U.K., from June 27.

Tanzania unconditionally welcomed tourists from all nations in May, one of the earliest countries to do so. The country has been criticized for a lack of transparency regarding infection rates, as well as statements by President John Magufuli that the coronavirus could be cured by drinking ginger and lemonade. He also said the virus had been removed from Tanzania "by the powers of God" despite evidence to the contrary.

Much of South America including Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Peru remains off-limits to international travelers for the time being.

Colombia banned all passenger flights until at least Aug. 31. Argentina has a similar flight ban through Sept.1, though there is talk of bringing this date forward to July.

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Which countries are open for summer travel? Here's the list - CNBC

The COMESA regional economy is projected to grow at a paltry 0.6% this year down from 5.2% recorded in 2019 and 6.0% in 2018.

The slight dip in 2019 was attributed to lower commodity prices while the expected slump in 2020 will result from the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic suggesting a deeper economic contraction for the region.

According to a report on macroeconomic developments in COMESA region in 2019, the slowdown in growth was experienced in most COMESA member countries except Egypt, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda and Seychelles which registered improved economic growth compared to 2018.

The impressive growth of above 5% in both years reflected among others, improving growth fundamentals, with a gradual shift from private consumption toward investment and exports, says the report prepared by the COMESA Monetary Institute.

The projected contraction of the regional economy will be driven by the impact of containment measures, the decline in global demand and regional spillovers, the external financial constraint and the impact of multiple shocks.

According to the CMI report, COVID -19 mitigation measures including travel restrictions, quarantines, lockdowns, border closures among other measures have not only disrupted economic activities but also led to mass unemployment and loss of livelihoods, especially in the informal sector.

Decline in global demand and travel has resulted in rapid fall in trade and tourism while disruption of regional trade due to border closures has severely affected cross-border trade in the region, the report states. Severe contraction is also expected in countries where tourism significantly contributes to economic growth such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Egypt and Kenya, among others.

The report noted that capital outflows have been significant in a number of countries and as a result, most of the currencies in the region are under pressure to depreciate. Together with the sharp decline in capital inflows and remittance, and postponement planned bond issuance means that most countries in the region are facing serious external financing constraints.

The impact of multiple shocks particularly the effects of floods, locust invasion and the collapse of commodity prices will significantly contribute to the economic contraction in the region, according to the CMI report.

Accordingly, the immediate concern for the region now is to contain the spread of Coronavirus as well as opening the economies.

How to strike a balance between the two almost conflicting objectives will determine the speed and extent of economic recovery and return to normalcy, the report adds. Key towards getting the balance right will depend on how effective and efficient governments in the region will be as they continue to carry out public health measures and the extent to which the public will adapt the same.

Going forward, the report recommends that strengthening of continental value chains should be a priority given the uncertain global business environment.

In the medium-long term, the effective implementation of regional integration agenda of the Regional Economic Communities and the continental free trade area will be key to strengthening regional production networks and trade, reducing the continents vulnerability to external shocks, and consequently leading to improvements in external current account balances.

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COMESA region expected to grow at 0.6% in 2020 - Uganda

Variety Cruises said it will resume operations on July 24, 2020, with the 49-guest Galileo on an eight-day itinerary.

Newly appointed CEO Filippos Venetopoulos - grandson to the founder Diogenis Venetopoulos and son to the companys Chairman Lakis Venetopoulos - is now at the helm for the company's resumption of service.

He takes the reins with the promise that the guests safety and an even more sustainability-driven small ship cruise product remains paramount, according to the company.

This is not the time to strive to reinvent what we had or who we were. It is a time to look forward and build a better world by learning from our history and providing strong travel experiences that enrich the soul," said Venetopoulos

"Sustainability, diversity, safety, and fun are the common threads that drive us in terms of both our guests and the communities we visit. I would like to personally invite you to join us on our maiden voyage of July 24, or on any of our upcoming cruises in Greece or in the Seychelles, as we continue to announce our old and new destinations. We believe that travel is more than just a luxury, but a way of life; a public function necessary for our growth and evolution, and at times like these for inner healing.

"Now is not the time to focus on bookings and numbers by placing our sustainability goals aside, but in fact the time to make those our number one priority. Diversity, sustainability, equality, and above all connecting with one another."

The company's July itinerary will be the "Greece the Jewels of the Cyclades" sailings, featuring smaller Greek ports. Jewels of the Cyclades departures start from $2,590 per person, sailing from the yacht cruise marina in Athens on Fridays.

Excerpt from:

Variety Cruises Will Start Cruising in July - Cruise Industry News

16 June 2020 | State House

President Danny Faure chaired another consultative session with key representatives of government and private sector at State House this morning. This sixth session follows a series of collaborative meetings on the economic response to COVID-19.

During the session, the Governor of the Central Bank of Seychelles, Ms Caroline Abel, shared feedback on the points raised in the last meeting following her discussions with representatives of the private sector and the Board of the Central Bank of Seychelles.

Members also reviewed the ongoing implementation of the Financial Assistance for Job Retention programme (FA4JR) that has been extended to December 2020.

Representatives of the private sector expressed their concerns regarding alternative schemes for small and medium sized businesses who are also in need of financial assistance and urged the Government to consider these concerns.

Members present also commented on the proposed establishment of the Seychelles Employee Transition Scheme (SETS) to support those that will be made redundant as a result of the economic impacts of COVID-19. The representatives requested a more in-depth explanation of the companys modality and structure to help them to better understand its objectives.

The next consultative session will be held next Tuesday 23 June 2020.

Present for the meeting at State House was the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Mr Didier Dogley, Minister for Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning, Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Mrs Miriam Telemaque, the Attorney General, Mr Frank Ally, the Special Advisor for Employment, Ms Veronique Bresson, the Chairperson of SCCI, Mr Oliver Bastienne, the Secretary-General of SFWU, Mr Antoine, the Executive Secretary of GETUS, Mrs Tina Hoarau, the Chairperson of SHTA, Mrs Sybille Cardon, the Vice-Chairperson of SHTA, Mr Allen Mason, Secretary General SCCI, Mrs Iouana Pillay, the Chief Policy Analyst for Department of Employment, Ms Susan Morel, Director General for Employment Promotion, Mrs Letimie Dookley and representative of the La Digue Business Association, Mr Jose St Ange.

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President Faure chairs meeting with multisectoral representatives - News - Office of the President of the Republic of Seychelles