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United Seychelles (US) 8th press conference   More dissatisfaction vis-à-vis the economic reform plans |14 August 2021

United Seychelles (US) 8th press conference     More dissatisfaction vis-à-vis the economic reform plans

(L to r) Hon. Lemiel, Mr Dugasse, Dr Herminie and Mr Esparon during the press conference (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

While the government is busy implementing the ongoing economic reform plans with the support of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), with the aim of reducing debt sustainability risks and addressing the issues of the country’s debt, the main opposition party is still criticising the execution of the programme.

In its eighth live press conference yesterday at the Maison du Peuple building in Victoria, the United Seychelles (US) smashed the programme, describing it as ‘Ægrescite medendo’, or the medicine that increases the disease.

Other than the usual panel which is normally made up of party leader Dr Patrick Herminie, deputy leader Jacquelin Dugasse and secretary general Dick Esparon, new yesterday was elected member of the National Assembly for Anse Royale, Sylvanne Lemiel.

To begin with, Dr Herminie said the IMF programme promotes a liberal agenda, an agenda of deregulation, privatisation and also cut in social assistance.

He said, according to what he heard, the programme will bring an increase in the price of utilities, rise in bus fares which will double from R7 to R15, while senior citizens who have not contributed towards the social security fund will not be assisted upon reaching 65 years old.

Dr Herminie also speculated that there will soon be the introduction of a health insurance to access secondary and tertiary health services, while a student loan system will be introduced for those who wish to pursue their studies.

He added that through the party’s network within the government, they have learned that it has been confirmed that there will be no 13th month salary in 2021 and 2022.

He noted that the (IMF) programme does not specify whether small businesses will get access to loans, or whether the government will provide any support after voluntary departure as it was the case in 2008.

Dr Herminie also said US wants to know the interest rate on the loan, and added that in 2008, the government fought to not have a cut in social assistance and questioned whether the present government is doing the same.

He also blamed the government of implementing liberal principles, using the IMF and Covid-19 as excuses.

Dr Herminie added that over the last 30 years, among the 763 IMF programmes carried out, 512 have failed, based on its impact, or consequence on the people.

Referring to the LDS manifesto for last year’s national election, Dr Herminie said not a single page mentions the IMF and asked President Ramkalawan to resign and call fresh elections.

Another topic raised was regarding the recent retreat on Silhouette Island by President Wavel Ramkalawan, the cabinet of ministers and members of their families.

Even if Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari addressed a private notice question (PNQ) by leader of the opposition (Loto) in the National Assembly, Sebastien Pillay, explaining that the trip was a working retreat not at the expense of taxpayers, but at the expense of the President himself, and that all public health and safety protocols were adhered to, Dr Herminie said US is not satisfied with the answer.

Regarding the alleged failed bombing incident, Dr Herminie said it is just distraction to turn away the attention on the incompetency of the government and all the existing issues, while trying to blame his party.

He said so far, no charges have been placed on the two ‘alleged’ terrorists which prove his theory right.

As for the incident at Hangard Street, involving the armed forces and some individuals, Dr Herminie said if the latter were really guilty, they should be prosecuted by now.

On the question of fear, once again Dr Herminie said since the introduction of multi-party, now is the time where the most fear exists, while the people are afraid to criticise the government for fear of losing their jobs and part rentals.

As a justification, he claimed not to have been present in the country during the one party state era, therefore not being aware of the situation back then.

He also mentioned the involvement of the military in civilians-related incidents, a practice which was the norm back in the days where the military was in control of the country.

He went as far as giving examples of countries where the army has been used against civilians, including Iraq, Uganda and Cambodia where they cracked when facing real enemies.

Regarding their decision to walk out from the Platinum Committee, Dr Herminie said it was a sign of protest since no discussion takes place during meetings, while decisions are just imposed.

On his part, Mr Esparon talked about alleged incompetency of the public service due to interference from above.

He said the actual public service is more politicised than ever.

Speaking on Air Seychelles, Mr Dugasse said US firmly believes that the airline’s three business units – international, domestic and ground handling – should remain operational and should be supported by the government.

He said the national airline is the country’s insurance policy in terms of air connectivity.

He however noted that restructuring is normal in ensuring its financial performances.

Based on a declaration made by President Ramkalawan regarding the position of the IMF, stating that not a single cent of its money should  go towards Air Seychelles, Mr Dugasse said the statement provides the government with a pretext not to support the airline, while over 500 staff remain in limbo.

To conclude, Dr Herminie described the past nine months as a period with no programme, nor policy, with the quality of life deteriorating, while Covid-19 is being wrongly managed.

 

Roland Duval

 

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