Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) election February 2015

'SCCI

Marco Francis romps to victory in tense elections

The elections were described as being “unruly and unprofessional” but the outcome was overwhelmingly in Marco Francis’ favour.

The chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Marco Francis, and his team easily defeated their opponents to secure another two-year mandate yesterday. Indeed, despite the best attempts of challenger Clifford Andre and his supporters to transform yesterday’s annual general meeting into a shouting match, Mr Francis was able to count on the overwhelming support of the business community, as were his vice-chairman, Dolor Ernesta, and treasurer, Herbert Houareau. An issue surrounding the timely distribution of the chamber’s accounts also consumed a lot of time and energy. “It was unruly and unprofessional but fortunately it ended on a good note”, one business leader told TODAY. Another businessman described the AGM as “tense”, especially in the context of Peter Roselie’s unsuccessful application for an injunction against the holding of the elections, but concluded that “the right men won”.

Neither were Mr Francis’ opponents particularly gracious in defeat. Mr Andre, for instance, denounced the number of proxy votes as did his candidate for the post of vice chairman, Ahmed Afif. “Marco and his team won. The entire process happened as per the current rules but I have serious reservations about how the electoral list is compiled. Some members were set up with the purpose of simply being a member. Around 120 people were present but there were around 390 votes, which shows that the three quarters of the votes were proxies. These are serious issues”, he said. But as Mr Francis told TODAY, “the SCCI Constitution clearly states that if a member is not able to come in person he can name a proxy. Nobody so much as submitted a motion to contest this”.

For the victorious candidate the fact that nearly 400 members voted is proof of the vitality of the SCCI. And given that he secured over 73% of the vote, Mr Francis believes that he has been given a “strong mandate”. “The business community wants solutions. We’ll continue with our policy of dialogue in order to find solutions for the private sector and help draft policies to remove the shackles hindering businesses”. Also on the cards is the construction of Chamber House which could commence this year. “The plans are with the Planning Authority and we have the funds”, he affirmed. For his part the SCCI vice-chairman said that his election was “a sign of recognition for the work I have done in assisting the chair these past two years”. Commenting the proxy issue, he remarked that, “some people find it difficult to leave their businesses; it’s normal to have proxies”.

The councillors of the SCCI are: Andrew Padayachy, France Bonte, John Stravens, Ralph Volcere, Basil Soundy, Oliver Bastienne, Jerry Morin, Gonzague d’Offay, Rod Thorrington, Wilson Nancy, Marie Cecile Esparon and Pierre Quatre.'
Today in Seychelles
SCCI

Marco Francis romps to victory in tense elections

The elections were described as being “unruly and unprofessional” but the outcome was overwhelmingly in Marco Francis’ favour.

The chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Marco Francis, and his team easily defeated their opponents to secure another two-year mandate yesterday. Indeed, despite the best attempts of challenger Clifford Andre and his supporters to transform yesterday’s annual general meeting into a shouting match, Mr Francis was able to count on the overwhelming support of the business community, as were his vice-chairman, Dolor Ernesta, and treasurer, Herbert Houareau. An issue surrounding the timely distribution of the chamber’s accounts also consumed a lot of time and energy. “It was unruly and unprofessional but fortunately it ended on a good note”, one business leader told TODAY. Another businessman described the AGM as “tense”, especially in the context of Peter Roselie’s unsuccessful application for an injunction against the holding of the elections, but concluded that “the right men won”.

Neither were Mr Francis’ opponents particularly gracious in defeat. Mr Andre, for instance, denounced the number of proxy votes as did his candidate for the post of vice chairman, Ahmed Afif. “Marco and his team won. The entire process happened as per the current rules but I have serious reservations about how the electoral list is compiled. Some members were set up with the purpose of simply being a member. Around 120 people were present but there were around 390 votes, which shows that the three quarters of the votes were proxies. These are serious issues”, he said. But as Mr Francis told TODAY, “the SCCI Constitution clearly states that if a member is not able to come in person he can name a proxy. Nobody so much as submitted a motion to contest this”.

For the victorious candidate the fact that nearly 400 members voted is proof of the vitality of the SCCI. And given that he secured over 73% of the vote, Mr Francis believes that he has been given a “strong mandate”. “The business community wants solutions. We’ll continue with our policy of dialogue in order to find solutions for the private sector and help draft policies to remove the shackles hindering businesses”. Also on the cards is the construction of Chamber House which could commence this year. “The plans are with the Planning Authority and we have the funds”, he affirmed. For his part the SCCI vice-chairman said that his election was “a sign of recognition for the work I have done in assisting the chair these past two years”. Commenting the proxy issue, he remarked that, “some people find it difficult to leave their businesses; it’s normal to have proxies”.

The councillors of the SCCI are: Andrew Padayachy, France Bonte, John Stravens, Ralph Volcere, Basil Soundy, Oliver Bastienne, Jerry Morin, Gonzague d’Offay, Rod Thorrington, Wilson Nancy, Marie Cecile Esparon and Pierre Quatre.

https://www.facebook.com/todayinsey/photos/a.414720138565802.83316.414719135232569/793088877395591/?type=1&theater

PRESS RELEASE SCCI 2015




The Seychelles Chamber of Commerce (SCCI) Sub Committee on Praslin, Chaired by Christopher Gill, and supported by SCCI Chairman Mr. Marco Francis have held a historical first ever meeting on Praslin with key players on the economic-financial playing field of Seychelles with the Praslin business community on Friday February 27th, 2015.



. In attendance was the Governor of the Central Bank (CBS) Mme. Caroline Abel, newly appointed Minister of Finance Mr. Jean Paul Adam, newly appointed Minister of Investment Mr. Michael Benstrong, Mrs. Maryse Berlouis, Principal Secretary of Investment, Dr. Steve Fanny, Mr. Rupert Simeon (Seychelles Investment Bureau (SIB).
The meeting was also attended by the Seychelles Bankers Association Chairman, and numerous commercial banks were present including: Barclays Bank, Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) ,Seychelles Commercial Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Ceylon and the Nouvobanq.
In attendance were over Fifty (50) strong businesses representing a cross section of the Praslin business community from fishermen, to boat charters, excursions, ferry service, destination management companies, hotels, restaurants, suppliers, Taxi operators, omni bus service operators, farmers.


Top on the list of priority of issues to resolve was the high ticket prices on Air Seychelles domestic, the need to put into effect the cut of VAT on interisland cargo, the need to reduce VAT on goods, services and salaries in a deflationary cycle, the Pension Fund entering the self-catering business to compete with small hotels already suffering low occupancy below 50%, high cost of loans, interest rates, and the unstable Rupee- Euro rates which affect the hotel industry adversely.
The meeting went on for Three (3) hours in a frank and to the point manner, terminating on a positive note, wherein the SCCI has committed along with the Ministry of Finance, to see what can be done to reduce the hardship of the Praslin business community to turn the investment climate on the island known to be the “Garden of End”.

http://freeseychellesnow.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/press-release-scci-2015.html

Ministers, SCCI discuss business in Seychelles

07-April-2015

The government and the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) are continuing discussions on the state of business in Seychelles.

A meeting on that matter took place yesterday between the SCCI chairman Marco Francis and the ministers for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy Jean-Paul Adam and that of Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation, Michael Benstrong.

The meeting, which took place at Liberty House, was to see how both parties can work together, carry out frank exchanges on how best to increase productivity and provide more support to the private sector, which is the motor of Seychelles’ economy.

It was acknowledged that for the sector to continue to succeed, it needs government partnership.

Some of the topics of discussions were business tax, corporate social responsibility, business now and tomorrow, the role of Seychelles in regional organisations like the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa), Southern African Development Community (SADC), the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and also what type of foreign investors the country needs.

“It is important that we do not remain focused on challenges but on opportunities and on how we can structure ourselves to use those opportunities to the maximum,” said Minister Adam.

He highlighted the importance of the creation of the new Ministry of Investment, Entrepreneurship Development and Business Innovation which he said will provide support to the private sector.

“I am already aware and have already seen that the private sector is doing many things,” he said, adding the SME (small and medium enterprise) scheme is a glaring example of the work being done by the private sector.

Minister Adam also said as small businesses develop they are bound to face barriers and obstacles, therefore all stakeholders should be frank in their discussions and come out with the best way forward.

“Based on negotiations, I feel that we all have a shared vision. If we agree on a plan where we need to go we will realise this vision,” he said while explaining that government cannot do everything and thanked the chamber for its active involvement.

Minister Benstrong said he counts on the SCCI for its support.

“Today the private sector is key to the economy of Seychelles. For it to continue to succeed it needs to work in partnership with the government,” said Mr Francis.

He described the partnership as a marriage where even if there are some problems at the end of the day the family must continue to grow, hence the country must continue to grow.

He said there is a need to educate businessmen to think long-term and that there should be policies that are beneficial to all.
He said government needs to have dialogue with the SCCI and the private sector for them to be effective.


He also agreed that all private sector proposals cannot be accepted which is normal.

“This is the first step. We need to work in partnership with government. We need to respect policy makers,” he said.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=245021

SPAR spreads brand to Seychelles

30-May-2015


SPAR International has spread its brand to the Seychelles! This was through the opening of SPAR Eden Island at the former FOODMART supermarket at Eden Plaza on Wednesday evening.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=245578