In line with her Ministry’s aim of promoting a stronger partnership with the private sector, which presently employs approximately 70% of the working population in the Seychelles, this morning the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, Ms Idith Alexander, conducted a Ministerial visit at the Eden Island Development Company (Seychelles) Limited and the Village Management Association.

Accompanying the Minister for the two part visit were high officials from her Ministry. For the first part of the visit, the Ministerial delegation were greeted by the Chief Executive Officer of the Eden Island Development Company (Seychelles) Limited, Mrs Eke Walker.

The delegation was then given a guided tour of the Administrative and Landscape Departments by the Human Resource Manager, Mrs Ramona Hoareau. The majority of staff the Minister interacted with during the visit informed her that they were pleased with their working conditions.

During the visit, it was also noted that a number of the staff are graduates of the Seychelles Institute of Technology and the Seychelles Agricultural and Horticultural Training Centre, many of whom carried out their work attachment with the company and some are occupying supervisory or middle management positions.

At the end of the visit, the discussion centered mostly on training. “It is good to see that you are offering training for your staff, particularly in the financial sector where there is a shortage of qualified labour” said the Minister. The concept of flexible working hours was also discussed and the company has agreed to explore the possibility of introducing the same.

The Chairman of the Board for Eden Island Development Company (Seychelles) Limited, Mr Craig Heeger, commented that “We encourage our staff to acquire not only experience but also qualifications during their employment with the company.” Mr Heeger added that he is prepared to work with the Ministry for guidance and support on providing further studies for their staff.

The second part of the visit was with the Village Management Association which is also located at Eden Island. Here the delegation was greeted by the Human Resource Manager, Mrs Juanita Kroeger who then conducted them on a guided tour of the premises.

A number of staff encountered raised a few concerns. Minister Alexander highlighted these points during the debriefing sessions and the management staff ensured the Minister that they are ready to work with their staff to address these issues. “Good communication is key to ensuring a good working relationship,” added the Minister.

The Estate Manager, Mr Gerald Plots, thanked the Minister for her visit and added that he is looking forward to working with her Ministry in the near future.