OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

PRESS RELEASE

12.07.2012

PRESIDENT MICHEL VISITS BEAU VALLON

President James Michel visited several areas of the Beau Vallon district today, as part of his ongoing programme of district visits.

The President was accompanied by the Minister for Environment & Energy, Professor Rolph Payet, Member of the National Assembly for Beau Vallon, Honourable Mirena Souris, the Principal Secretary for Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Lise Bastienne, Acting Chief Executive Officer  for Seychelles Land Transport Agency, Mr. Parinda Herath, District Administrator, Mrs. Rachel Spiro, Special Advisor for Community Development, Mr. Dan Frichot, Director General Presidential Affairs, Mrs. Doreen Arnephy and Director of  District Projects for Community Development and Sports, Mr. Daniel Adeline.

The President held discussions with the district’s representatives  about the needs,  progress and development for  the Beau Vallon communities.  The meeting followed by visits to homes of several families and a small bakery owned by Mrs. Belina Victor.

The delegation also visited the proposed playing field and multi-purpose court at Pascal Village; a project which is much awaited and being asked by the Beau Vallon district. They also visited the on-going project of the rock armouring along the coast of the Beau Vallon beach and further discussed the erosion issues in that area whereby emergency work is required. Furthermore, they held  discussions about a redevelopment project for Beau Vallon along the coast in collaboration with the private sectors. They were also briefed on the first phase of the road at La Batie “Semen Souffe” and the district’s request for funding to finalise the second phase  of the project .

President Michel and his delegation concluded their visit at Mr. Keven Contoret’s spice  plantation.  Apart from the spices,  the farmer  grows  a variety of  vegetables, fruits and even  make handmade artisanal items.  Mr. Contoret has expressed his wish  to turn his place into a tourist attraction whereby visitors will be able to enjoy the nature and scenery of Beau Vallon through a proposed nature trail.

“The Seychelles Tourism Board should intensify its role through their Events and  Product Diversification Unit to identify and help those entrepreneurs to market their business products  and encourage  such initiatives  to empower  small entrepreneurs and generate more revenue in the country,” Mr. Michel explained.

President Michel has described his visit to the Beau Vallon district as satisfactory and noted that  it is always better to be present on site,  be closer to the people and to know hands on what is happening. He  has called upon all members of the National Assembly to take their responsibility seriously as representatives  of their districts and to stay connected with people  in their communities.

End