Labour minister visits IPHS quay |16 October 2017

The Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Myriam Telemaque has visited the IPHS quay at Ile du Port to gain a better insight into the operations of the company and interact with the workers.

She was accompanied by senior officials of her ministry and two officials from the FSA (Financial Services Authority).

It is to be recalled that the Seychelles government has entered into an agreement with Jaccar Holdings to build and operate a 425-metre commercial fishing quay at Ile du Port.

Under this agreement, a Seychelles-based joint venture named IPHS (Ile du Port Handling Services) has been created to run the project on a ‘Build-Operate-Transfer’ (BOT) basis. IPHS will construct and manage the quay, will handle all unloading or loading operations on the quay and transfer it to government after recovery of the construction and financing cost.

IPHS’ objective is to reduce congestion at Port Victoria and improve unloading operation efficiency for fishing vessels by offering a one-stop berthing for ship owners unloading at Ile du Port

The ministerial delegation was given a tour of the IPHS quay where the minister had the opportunity to visit the workers as well as have an exchange with them at their various work stations.

The majority of them were engaged with the off-loading of two fishing vessels, TXORI ZURI Bermeo and Belle Vue 50235.

They expressed a good level of satisfaction with the company, though a few issues were raised such as better working environment.

As is customary during these ministerial visits, the minister held a debriefing with the management during which she commended the company for its good programmes, for example the collaboration with the prison’s department whereby convicts are given the chance to work as part of their rehabilitation. The points raised by the workers were at this time discussed with the management for further consideration by the board.

One important aspect is the commitment made by the general manager that within three to four months they will have a new building which will be able to cater for all their administrative staff with additional amenities to bring more comfort for everyone.

In conclusion the chairman of the board, Captain Robert Morgan, who was also present for the visit, together with the general manager, agreed to continue the dialogue with the workers on their general terms and conditions to bring it to the  level of satisfaction of all parties concerned.

The accompanying photos show Minister Telemaque and her team during the visit at the IPHS quay.