Cabinet Decisions- Wednesday 8th March 2017

Cabinet Decisions- Wednesday 8th March 2017

Wed, 08 March 2017

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The main business of the Cabinet Meeting of 8th March 2017 concerned recommendations arising from the Roundtable Discussion hosted at State House earlier in the morning in the context of International Women's Day. President Danny Faure addressed the Forum, which was chaired by the Designated Minister, and facilitated by Mrs Mahrookh Pardiwalla-Hodoul.

The subsequent Cabinet discussions focused on gender related issues, and in particular on the way forward for greater empowerment of women, as well as for men to play a greater role in family life.

Cabinet decided that a policy on gender-disaggregated statistics should be adopted at national level, to allow for proper decision making and policy formulation.

Cabinet advised that action be taken to provide adequate, safe and appropriate day care facilities at work places and district centres, and to provide incentives for the development of such facilities.

Cabinet advised that provisions be made in employment legislation for more flexible working hours, that would allow parents to better cope with the needs of their young children.

Cabinet advised that women should have easier access to financing and economic opportunities.

Cabinet advised that the civil code and legislation be revised to defend the rights of cohabiting unmarried couples. A new law should be formulated to address domestic violence and sexual abuse, and Government would make land available for an institution that could provide shelter for victims of such abuse.

Cabinet also advised that young persons should have better access to contraceptives and counseling so as to address the problems of unplanned pregnancies.

A high level committee, comprising representation from civil society, the private sector and the three principal arms of Government, would be set up to keep these and other issues under active review.

The new Ministry of Family Affairs would be responsible for following up and implementing the recommendations of the High Level Committee.

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Source State House

Jeanne-Marie Siméon nominated as minister

11-March-2017
Philiana Jeanne-Marie Siméon has been nominated as Minister by President Danny Faure and she will be in the National Assembly next week to answer questions from the members in regards to her appointment.

Before that, the leader of government business, Charles De Commarmond in accordance with article 69 (2) of the Constitution will move to resolve approval for her appointment by the President.

Meanwhile, three ministers will also attend next week’s sitting to answer questions relating to their ministries.

Habitat, Infrastructure and Land Transport Minister Charles Bastienne will answer 13 questions about his ministry; while Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine Minister Maurice Loustau-Lalanne will answer a private notice question by Wavel Ramkalawan.

Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Michael Benstrong will answer an urgent question by Jean-François Ferrari.

Another three motions have been tabled for this sitting.

Leader of the opposition Wavel Ramkalawan is calling the Assembly to establish a committee to investigate the allocation of land at Ile Eve and Marie-Jeanne Estate 2 on Praslin.

Mr Ramkalawan will be also calling on the government to take immediate measures in relation to the agricultural sector ie: imposing embargo on land allocated to agriculture development, refund applicants who purchased agricultural land for other projects and also seeking financial assistance for farmers wishing to develop this sector.

The other motion is by Regina Esparon who will call the assembly to approve that the government in partnership with the private sector finance a half-way home for women and children who have been abused and are victims of domestic violence.
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Cabinet business - More decisions taken

04-May-2017
A number of decisions were taken by the Cabinet in its session yesterday morning and chaired by Vice-President Vincent Meriton in the absence of President Danny Faure who is on overseas leave.
Cabinet approved in principle for the setting up of an agency for the coordination of policy and action on issues related to drug abuse. The agency would provide a more focused and cost-effective approach to combating the problem.
Cabinet also approved the adoption of a Public Finance Management Action Plan which was based on a public expenditure and financial accountability framework developed in recent months by the finance department. The plan aims to strengthen financial discipline and accountability in the public sector.
Yesterday’s Cabinet meeting was also briefed on the implementation plan for governance and operational review of state-owned enterprises (commercial parastatals), based on studies that had already been done on several large commercial enterprises. Improvements required in the governance, accountability and effectiveness of enterprises were highlighted. The findings would be shared with the enterprises and stakeholders.
Cabinet approved that a moratorium be placed on the importation of second-hand fishing vessels until such time as a policy is finalised regarding the number and quality of fishing vessels in the local industry.
The national occupational safety and health policy, aimed at ensuring that health and safety measures were provided and enforced at workplaces was also endorsed by Cabinet.
Meanwhile, Cabinet members expressed sympathy for the families of those affected by tragic accidents at sea over the Labour Day weekend. Cabinet was advised about the existing regulations concerning the registration and licensing conditions for boats, especially those intended for carrying passengers, as well as the licensing of skippers. It was noted that basic regulations were frequently ignored, such as the need for life jackets. The marine police had actually prevented several vessels from proceeding on journeys with passengers over the last weekend, as the vessels did not meet safety requirements. Cabinet advised that the training and licensing of skippers be accelerated, and the registration and licensing conditions for vessels be properly enforced.

Seychelles Nation