SNYC board dissolved with new act |11 November 2021
The National Assembly yesterday approved by 23 votes the Seychelles National Youth Council (SNYC) Amendment Act (2021).
According to Minister for Youth, Sports and Family Marie-Celine Zialor, a Bill had been prepared to effect changes to the board prior to her assuming office, after concerns were raised primarily by the youths, as to the performance of the board and council.
As such, the SNYC Act 2021 makes provisions for the dissolution of the SNYC board, and to instead have the entity under the responsibility of the ministry. Therefore, the Bill proposes the repeal of sections 6 and 8, and for section 7 to be amended.
Although the majority of members expressed support for the motion, they also voiced their concerns with regard to programmes run by SNYC, including the Seychelles National Youth Assembly (SNYA) and district youth councils (DYC).
Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) representative for Mont Fleuri Michel Roucou sought clarifications as to what SNYC will do so as to engage more youths and cater to recovering addicts, and youths who are engaged in high-risk behaviours.
United Seychelles (US) representative Wallace Cosgrow once again expressed his views that the amendment reflects a step backwards for the government and youths of Seychelles, and which fails to be inclusive.
LDS elected member for Grand Anse, Praslin, Wavel Woodcock challenged the opposition to refer back to the 2019 Auditor General’s report, which he claims highlighted inconsistencies, namely, mismanagement of public funds, disparities in payments and procurements with no records nor paper trail, inconsistencies in payments to board members, as well as failure to provide lease agreements or the facilities which the entity was renting at the time. He therefore strongly expressed his support for the restructuring and reforms within different ministries, departments and agencies, on the basis that SNYC was functioning merely as a government mouthpiece and as a political tool.
Minister Zialor acknowledged the gaps highlighted by assembly members, assuring members that with reforms youths will be valorised much more than was the case in the past, with opportunities to be more proactive, to be more involved in processes and policies relating to youths at national level, and to come up with solutions to the problems and challenges faced by youths in a contemporary Seychelles.
“There are different ways of doing things, and I think that the Seychellois youths are mature and understand when we say that we need to work together, that there is space for us all, for different opinions and for everyone. I sincerely believe that Seychellois youths need to take control of many activities and decisions concerning them, which is what the Bill will bring. We remain focused to bring about a new chapter for our youths,” Minister Zialor noted.
She also assured the assembly that the entity will adopt a result-based management approach towards becoming more efficient, and to give the country an opportunity to lead and be an example to the world, through the youths.
The law which governs SNYC as it is was established in 1997, provided for the creation, composition and functions of SNYC in promoting the development of youths and to address matters concerning or affecting youths. Under the law, a board is responsible for governance and administration.