My 3rd Tourism Report prompted much feedback from loyal readers. One key point that was raised by many readers was the general and pervasive loss of respect for one another in the Seychelles. This was highlighted by stories of the deplorable and reprehensible.
This was highlighted by stories of the deplorable and reprehensible behaviour of some troubled students in public schools; teachers are being subjected to degrading treatment by some youths they are striving to educate and in whom they are trying to instill a sense of morality. It is my view that this is an issue which the Seychelles Nation must address as a matter of urgency. Teachers are an important and irreplaceable pillar in society, charged with grooming and educating young Seychellois, and must feel secure in their workplace. Similarly, fellow students must feel safe in a learning and productive environment.
Respect must start with families; bullying behaviour is learned behaviour and children will adopt the behaviours they are witnessing in the home. Respect must also be employed by those in Office; the Nation’s leaders must strive to be good role models to susceptible youth because they dominate the media. The lack of respect across the board is threatening the basic fabric of good society.
The notion of respect encapsulates a respect of the law and the institutions that comprise the country. Many years ago, in the early 1950s, the Executive, the Judiciary, and the Country’s influential landowners and taxpayers did not see eye to eye. The man of the era, namely Mr Charles Collet, the acting Attorney-General, was appointed to rewrite the Penal Code. He was unceremoniously disbarred and fled Seychelles for self-exile in France. He was in office but the institution was not being respected. However, this all occurred while the Seychelles was still a British Colony. It is hoped that the Seychelles as a Nation has progressed since then. Today, Seychelles honours the same Mr Charles Collet, naming a building after him in the heart of Victoria, and history questions the happenings that unfolded not so long ago.
Respect for the law and for one another is integral to a good and peaceful society. One notable family on Praslin Island have been trying to develop a small tourism establishment on their property for many years but were thwarted at every turn by Government. Despite a recent Court order overriding Government’s decision to deprive the family of their right to develop their land as they had intended to, they are encountering further complications; there is a prospect of a new Government ring road from Anse Lazio to Mont Plaisir, which would effectively cut through the family’s property and disrupt once again the family’s dream project. Is this respect for the family’s rights, I wonder?
Discussions pertaining to tourism and the importance of understanding this industry continue to prompt interesting comments from readers in the Seychelles. One thought-provoking point raised was the impact that the call for fast food outlets in Seychelles would have on their tourism industry. The newly proposed introduction of large fast food chains, such as McDonalds or Kentucky Fried Chicken, have worried locals that the ‘fast food phenomenon’ would change Victoria for good. They will arrive with neon lights and the queues for such fast food will lead to the inevitable demise of the typical Seychellois Take-Aways and, with them, a taste of the island’s culture.
Seychelles last week hosted the PMAESA (Port Management Association of Eastern & Southern Africa) and I was honoured and privileged to be the moderator for this prestigious event.
It was an important meeting comprising the heads of the Ports Authorities. The term ‘CRUISE AFRICA’ was adopted to push forward the drive for greater economic growth in cruise tourism, the developments of ports, the Blue Economy, tourism, and fisheries. The interesting call was to see land-locked countries as well as those enjoying the great lakes to join forces to see this from an economic viewpoint for Africa by Africa. Present also were delegates from the Indian Ocean Vanilla Islands to push the agenda that together we can progress, and alone we risk being left behind.
Saint Ange Consultancy may soon be expanded, through possible affiliates, to cater to the demands of the tourism trade. Areas to be considered include eco-tourism, conservation, and economic consultancy. The future is certainly ripe with possibilities and we are excited to see where we can grow.
Until next time, I bid you Bon Voyage.
Alain St.Ange
Saint Ange Consultancy. www.alainstange.net
Read more: Saint Ange Tourism Report Edition 4 / 9th July 2017
