“Always be determined; push in the face of challenges”, “Stay positive and be willing to learn”.

The dedication and willingness to achieve greatness is explicitly mirrored in the words of these ten inspired candidates who have been granted the opportunity to participate in the Localisation Plan, devised by the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status and put in place with various establishments employing non-Seychellois workers. The main objective of the Localisation Plan is to allow Seychellois workers with potential to be trained and acquire skills by working alongside a non-Seychellois worker and eventually replace the non-Seychellois. Due to the nature and size of our small island state, as much as we rely on foreign labour to meet demands of our economy, the empowerment of the Seychellois youths will in turn serve to boost the economic independence and the development of skills among our workers.

The Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status encourages and commends all participants on the Localisation Plan for their achievement and wishes them success in the journey through their career as they reach greater heights within their chosen establishments.  Equally it wishes to thank the different establishments with a localisation plan for their cooperation and urge them to continue supporting our Seychellois in their development and continued advancement.  On its part the Ministry will keep reviewing the process so that it remains a success and everyone gets to enjoy the experience.

Let us meet our inspiring men and women!

Name: Chantal Morel

Establishment: Kempinski

Job Title: Assistant Outlet Manager

“I have developed a passion for the hotel, engaging with guests from different countries: my dream is to someday become an Executive Manager”

My journey in the tourism industry began when I signed up as a trainee under the SHTTC (now STA) in 1999 at Constance Lemuria. My Initial ambition was to be an Air Hostess but as fate would have it, I was unsuccessful at that. The hotel employed me as a Waitress after the training but after working with them for some time, I left the industry for a period of 13 years to try out other things.

On stepping back into the tourism industry through a vacancy brought to my notice by a friend, I joined Kempinski in 2012 and had to prove my ability so I began where I left off; as a Waitress again which I achieved in about 6months. I was put on a localization plan for the post of Restaurant Captain with which I had 6 months to ascertain my capability, I achieved that within 3 months. That led to my rise to Supervisor and my present post of Assistant Outlet Manager.

As an Assistant Outlet Manager, it is my responsibility to ensure the smooth running of the daily duty roaster, staff allocation and training. The empowerment and satisfaction of my staff is also key. Initially when I assumed the position, it was challenging but I received support from my superiors. The main challenges were getting used to the duties as well as managing people, many of whom were my friends but that I now had to give instructions to. I have developed a passion for the hotel, engaging with guests from different countries. My dream is to someday become an Executive Manager.

My experience during my understudy period was very positive as I learned crucial computing skills, methods of managing staff under pressure and guests’ complaints. I see the localization plan as a good programme put in place to provide opportunities for Seychellois to achieve development and occupy good jobs therefore for those who may be going through the plan and those who may someday find themselves on the plan, my advice is; if you have the opportunity, please grab it because it is very fulfilling.

Name: Marie-Noella Angeline

Establishment: Constance Lemuria

Job Title: Assistant Executive Manager  

 “In achieving my targets, I not only made my company proud but other Seychellois too”

My experience in the hospitality industry began with Constance property nationally and internationally. When I completed my studies at SHTTC which is now known as Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) in 2001, I graduated the year after as best student under Accommodation and Services. In joining the hotel I gradually rose to the post of Executive Housekeeper and occupied that post for a period of 8 years where I was in charge of one department. The company made available the opportunity for training. From 2004 to 2005, I went through the Elite Management Training and in 2017, the Harvard Management Mentor. Those trainings and the experience on the job, provided me with self-confidence and when I was put on the localization plan, my responsibilities changed.  My understudy period was a very positive one as it occurred professionally, the best part of it was that the people around me who gave support, cared about what we were doing and genuinely had interest. In achieving my targets, I not only made my company proud but other Seychellois. During this period, I gained external experience and exposure, a chance to work with people from different parts of the world as well as acquiring leadership skills, and leadership is a big word with many things involved.

 Now as the Assistant Executive Manager, I am responsible for 5 Departments; the Spa, Boutique, Villa, Housekeeping and the Kid’s Club. My daily duties include assisting with the running of the hotel to ensure the standards are being met, one-to-one and hotel meetings and chairing meetings in the absence of my Supervisor who is the Executive Manager (second person in command at the hotel). I find my job to be positively interesting and exciting yet at the same time challenging.

As a mother of 3 beautiful daughters and a very supportive husband, they have been my inspiration and encouragement. My husband tended to our children during days with challenging working hours.

For those who are on the localization plan and those who may be placed on the plan soon, always be determined; push even in the face of challenges. Be positive; it makes you see the good side of things, always question things to develop, have a flare for what you do and always have a smile. Be committed; it is extremely important because it helps you achieve that dream and never give up.

I am inspired by Maxime Rachel a fellow Seychellois who is at the moment successfully running a high-end establishment overseas. He is my role model in the hospitality industry and my motivation to reach the next step as an Executive Manager. My aspiration is to someday own my business, maybe a guest house but most likely something in the hospitality industry.

Name: Ryza Dugasse

Establishment: Constance Ephelia

Job Title: Junior Assistant Manager

“My job is exciting, it is a lot of fun and I am very passionate about it”

I have been in the tourism industry now for over 12 years and it all began when I graduated from Secondary School. My initial dream was to be a Teacher but the restaurant and bar was my third choice, as I would have it, when the result of my S5 examinations came out, I had to join the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA). It was quite a challenge for me at that time because their requirements concerning grooming were difficult to meet in that we were required to always wear high heel and closed shoes; I was only used to flat slippers or sandals. My first two weeks there, I did not even know how to carry a tray but after 3 months, we began night shifts once a week at the academy and we were also attached to the Wharf Hotel. At this point, my love for the job began to develop, my teachers were very proud of me and I graduated with high credits. From the academy, I began working part-time at Sky Chef which was when I heard from a friend there was a hotel opening at Port Launay so I decided to retrieve an application form. At that time, the interviews for the job were being conducted at La Misere because the hotel was only partly opened but within three months (December 2009) I joined Constance Ephelia even if it was partly opened, the main canteen was our Department then. We helped carry things from containers to stock everywhere but gradually people began to join the hotel. My experience with the hotel began as an F&B Waitress after which within 2 years, I got the chance to be Chef de rang which was equivalent to a Head Waitress. Within a year, I was approached by my Managers to take a promotion to a Maitre d’Hotel, this is a supervisory post in the absence of the Manager. Due to my performance I was further put on the plan for the post I currently occupy.

At present, I am the Junior Assistant Manager at the restaurant but due to some health issues, I have been temporarily moved to the post of a Maintenance Coordinator. This is also a very interesting post as it teaches me how things work, things I did not know. It can be challenging as I happen to be the only woman in this Section but when I return to my post, the skills I am learning here will be very useful because we work with a system which allows for maintenance issues to be logged into the system, handled and reports made in real time. However back to my initial post, some of the duties performed on a daily basis are mainly dealing with staffing, absenteeism, guest management, monitoring the services, feedback from the restaurant hostess and liaising with house cleaning. My job is exciting, it is a lot of fun and I am very passionate about it.

My perspective of the Localisation Plan is that it is a programme that prepares Seychellois for the next step of development. While under the plan during my understudy, some skills I learned were how to be independent and deal with complaints without anyone assisting me. For those coming up in the Scheme, my advice is for them to push for it, never give up and never take things from a negative point as these challenges will help you develop.

My next step in my career is for the post of Assistant Restaurant Manager but I dream to own and be in charge of my own restaurant someday.

Name: Shamira James

Establishment: H Resort

Job Title: Front Office Supervisor    

“Know what it is that you are expected to do in every post in order to be able to cope and handle it properly”

My journey in the hospitality industry began in 2015 when I joined the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) because I wanted to develop in this field. After graduation, I saw an advert in the newspaper of the vacancy at H Resort so I applied. I began in the hotel as a Telephone Operator and ever since then I have received other promotions such as the post of Front Office Agent at the reception and then another promotion to Shift Leader and finally  the localized  post of  Front Office Supervisor. It is a rewarding and very interesting job which also comes with its challenges such as situations when there is a shortage of staff when we have to work together as a team and the night shift (which I recently started) when there is so much to do like the financial transaction and other paperwork.

My understanding of the localisation plan is that it is a programme put in place for the development of Seychellois. My understudy period was positive and easy because I had already began some of those duties so they were not new to me though my Supervisor taught me the skills of Cashiering using the Operah Cashiering which is a system we use for transactions such as checking out.

As for those who may be placed on the localisation plan, my advice is to firstly know what it is that you are expected to do in every post in order to be able to cope and handle it properly.

As for me, my next post is as Duty Manager though my long term aspiration is to be a Front Office Manager someday in the hotel industry. I would also like to go for some more managerial studies though, I have not quite made up my mind. I love what I do therefore I would like to still be working while I enroll for these courses at an institute of management, it will assist me in carrying out whichever post I am to occupy in the future. 

Name: Neldia Joseph

Establishment: Four Seasons

Post Title: Kid’s Club Manager

“I have learned to always remain focused and maintain the standard of the hotel”

By profession, I am a Nurse with about 20 years’ experience. For 10 years, I worked with the Ministry of Health until 2007, 1 year with Dr Jivan’s private clinic, about 4 years at the Indian Ocean Tuna Ltd as Occupational Health and Nursing and finally at Four Seasons as the Resort’s nurse for 8 years.

My journey in the hospitality began when a friend and fellow Nurse informed me of the vacancy. She began working for the Four Season Resort as a Nurse. Whenever there was the need to be off, the Resort would have to retain a casual Nurse so I took on the opportunity. After some time she approached me with the information that the post of Resort Nurse is vacant so I applied. On joining the Resort, she was promoted to the post of Kids Club Manager, a Section which falls under the Recreation Department. This friend then ventured into Human Resource and the post of Kids Club Manager was then occupied by a non-Seychellois.  After a while, I was placed on the Localisation plan to localise the post of the Kids Club Manager which by then was the post that heads the Recreation Department. With my experience as a Pediatric Nurse the Resort felt I was suited for the post as it created a feeling of safety among the guests who have young children.

My understanding of the Localisation Plan is the government’s effort to place Seychellois in good positions for development and I found my understudy period fruitful as I learned a lot of skills from my Supervisor. He was very friendly and willing to show me methods of managing the Section. I have also learned to remain focused and maintain the standard of the hotel. At the Kids Club for instance, during festive seasons, there are a lot of children from different homes, different attitudes and some with allergies. The information of every child has to be taken and remembered. With my background as a nurse, I ensure prevention methods are put in place when taking care of children. This led us to be one of the first Resorts to use EpiPen in case of allergies and emergencies that is usually administered at hospitals. I have a passion for children and that has helped me in my job.

In the future, I would like to take a managerial course which will empower me to better organize my Department and maybe someday own my daycare as I love caring for children.

Name: Giselle Labrosse

Establishment: Coral Strand

Post Title: Executive Housekeeper

“It has always been my dream to be an Executive Housekeeper one day”

My beginning, I can say, in the tourism industry was my graduation from SHTTC now known as Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA) in 2002. A good friend of mine who I went to school with informed me of an opening at the hotel. The Coral Strand was the first establishment I joined as a trainee. I was promoted twice before my present Localisation Plan movement; from Trainee to Room Attendant and then to Housekeeping Supervisor, finally after 5 years the plan moved me to the Executive Housekeeper which is a post previously occupied by a non-Seychellois. It has been a year since that last promotion but when I look back at my journey through the industry I realize it has been a total of almost 17 years in the industry. As I feel gratitude for the opportunity, I must also admit it has been quite a worthy challenge, sometimes there is the reluctance but I know I just have to give it a try. It has always been my dream to be an Executive Housekeeper one day because I like having things kept clean and perfect.

For this post, my main duties on a daily basis are to tend to the rooms, public area and the garden; the pool areas and the garden must be clean always and kept green, the guests’ clothes and linen are sent to the laundry and the washing must be done perfectly without misplacing anything. It is not very easy as you have to be everywhere and on top of everything but with the constant support of my superior we are able to manage successfully. Even in the face of challenges, I find my job exciting.

My understanding of the Localisation Plan is a chance given for every Seychellois to get good positions at work. During my understudy period, it was not always easy but my mentor pushed me to try my hands on the job, he would say “I am not going to be here today so you have to do it”. He was a calm person but always urged me to try again and again, he called it a training passport for me. Through him I learned certain skills like the preparation of elaborate decoration and standards used in bigger hotels. For the garden, I learned to plant flowers because we use these flowers for our decorations and how to use fertilizer, I grew to enjoy it all.

My general advice for those who are coming up in the Localisation Plan is to try and push even if things are not easy, if you dream to be a Manager, make sure you do not give up until you are one. Always ask questions so you do not make the same mistakes.

Name: Sylvette Labiche

Establishment: Kempinski

Post Title: Assistant Laundry Manager

“Whenever the staff and guests are satisfied, I am excited and I want to do more for them”

Prior to the tourism industry, I used to be a Post Officer at the Seychelles Postal Services and then a Shop Attendant nine years before I ventured into hospitality. My first attempt in the hospitality industry was as a casual worker in the laundry section of Lazare Properties. I had a friend who occupied a supervisory post at Kempinski. I constantly urged her to inform me if there was ever a vacancy so two months after there was an opening in the laundry and I applied for it. I began working as a Laundry Attendant in February 2012 though, I really did not know much about the job at that time. I began from scratch but I watched how things were done. I believed in asking questions and being observant to learn which is how I received a promotion to Laundry Vallet within 6 months in that post and my main duty in this post was to handle and deliver guests laundry. The hotel then put me on a three months training which led me to become a Supervisor within 2 years of that training and last year I rose to my present post of Assistant Laundry Manager.

During my understudy for the post I now occupy, I kept trying my hands on the duties of the post I was to localize so when I finally got the promotion, there was nothing new or difficult for me. Whenever I made a mistake, I tried to remedy it quickly and if I could not I would approach my Supervisor immediately but when you face challenges that is when you can actually say you are working. The challenging aspect of this period was knowing that if I did not struggle, I would not get that post; I had to prove to my superiors that I could do it like the non-Seychellois. I learned how to use chemicals in the laundry and how to pack and deliver laundry which is an important skill.

 My duties now include, firstly to assist my Manager with aspects like the inventory and to be in- charge of my whole department in his absence. In the presence of my Manager, I provide assistance by looking into the quality of service delivery and staff welfare. Once the day begins, I hold a morning briefing and follow up on any pending project and hand-over which is very crucial. My job can be challenging in situations of laundry accidents or mistakes, I have to approach the guests to inform them and they do not all react the same way.

My job is also thrilling as whenever the staff and guests are satisfied, I am excited and I want to do more for them. I would like to see more Seychellois on the job as the main challenge here is staff and the laundry is a pillar in every hotel.

For me, I see the Localisation Plan as a chance to achieve success and support. It also hastens the development process for Seychellois working among foreigners and with this plan, a Seychellois can be a General Manager someday. I see it as a good vision that will help the local people to develop though, we cannot say we do not need the foreign workers but we need the development also. 

For those on the Localisation Plan, my advice is that there is always room for improvement and even if you get to the top and you think all is done, no! Whatever you are doing, put all your love and interest and happiness. Nothing is impossible to achieve so do not give up no matter what your Supervisor is like. Even if you have no training you will learn. Do not rush to rise to the top because there is a lot to be learned on your way to the top.

As for me, I am still on the hotel’s Localisation Plan, this time to become the Laundry Manager.

Name: Lisette Hoareau

Establishment: Four Seasons

Post Title: Assistant Restaurant Manager

“My job is exciting as I get to meet different cultures every day”

 My dream of the tourism industry began in Secondary School, at the end of S5, I applied for the studies in the Seychelles Tourism Academy (STA). At first I did not get it so in those days I had the opportunity to appeal for the studies which I did and finally I received admission to begin in the Food and Beverage Section. At that time I realized how hard it was to get that chance so I decided to make the most of it.

After my studies my first job was at Constance Lemuria as a trainee Waitress and then I was promoted to Assistant Waitress Supervisor but after 11 years with that hotel, a change occurred. A friend of mine who worked at the Four Seasons had told me how good it was to work there and how the management and working conditions were very satisfying so after considering it for 2 years, I applied. On moving to Four Seasons, I was demoted back to the post of Server but I quickly rose to the post of Supervisor within 2 and a half years and Assistant Restaurant Manager in 1 and a half years after that. In total, I have been in the tourism industry for 16 years.

My understanding of the Localisation Plan is that it is a training we receive to take over from the foreign workers in our establishments. I was in a supervisory post when approached to be put on the plan for the post of Assistant Restaurant Manager which was then occupied by a non-Seychellois. Through the understudy period, I did not have a Restaurant Manager so most of the time I learned by doing the task myself and when help was needed, other Managers assisted me. Now I have a Restaurant Manager who is a non-Seychellois and I am learning from him while under me, I have 17 Seychellois and 5 foreign workers.

My job is exciting as I get to meet different cultures every day, it is also challenging because as we have local workers working with foreign workers there can be confusion so I have to manage all to work with their differences in culture.

My next step in my career is to be the Restaurant Manager while my future aspiration is to own and manage my own restaurant someday.

Name: Shane Jean-Louis

Establishment: Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Post Title: Assistant Front Office Manager

“My aim is to develop many Seychellois to take up positions at supervisory level being occupied by non-Seychellois”.

I have worked in tourism for 21 years.  Prior to the hospitality industry, I worked for Air Seychelles for a period of 3 years after which I moved to Constance Lemuria.

When the Six Senses Zil Pasyon was opening and were looking for staff, they held an open day on Mahe. I recall I had always wanted to join them from the time of their construction so I sent my CV many times. I attended their open day on Mahe and applied for the post of a Butler. The General Manager of the hotel at that time (who happens to be running Raffles hotel now), saw my potentials and approached me for a post at the Front Office as the Supervisor because I was conversant with software systems used in hotels such as Operah. I accepted that post in order to train other staff and then perhaps move to being a Butler later. Ever since then, my services have always been needed at the Front Office.

The main challenge is in manning because I find that as many as the Seychellois may be, we also have a lot of foreign workers and I would like to see more of these posts being localised. I have been in the hotel now for 2 years and I managed to take over the post of the Assistant Front Office Manager from a non-Seychellois. My main duties include the daily running of the Front Office in the absence of the Manager, the daily roaster, purchasing for my Department, ensuring the welfare of the staff under me and the satisfaction of the guests. Nothing goes unattended to.

My job naturally is a challenging one but it is very rewarding; in that we have many people who are coming to Seychelles for a holiday and just knowing that I play a part in their satisfaction and that they enjoy their stay, is a really rewarding feeling. What I like the most about the hotel industry is that there is no limit to how far you can rise, there is not a day I do not learn something new.

I never attended a hotel school but I began as a trainee on the job and now that I am in this post, I love the fact that I can actually share what I know with my staff and participate in their progress. My aim is to develop as many Seychellois to take up positions at Supervisory level being occupied by non-Seychellois.

The Localisation Plan to my understanding is a means to give Seychellois the opportunity to occupy managerial positions being held by non-Seychellois workers, the non-Seychellois workers are supposed to take a local under their wing, training them so that after their term in the country, the local can take that position and it is happening.

Being an understudy is a good thing as you get to learn quite a bit. My understudy experience, however, could have been more fulfilling had it not been a challenge in itself. I felt I had to chase after the Supervisor to be taught certain things which is not how it should be. I feel the process of understudy should be more structured with a specific timeframe.

Words of encouragement and advice for those going through the process of understudy and localisation, be very sure it is what you want as the hotel industry involves a lot of sacrifices but on the other hand, it is one of the most rewarding industries I have ever worked in.

As for me, my next step is hopefully a transfer to another opening property of Six Senses as I love the brand and I love Seychelles and I want to develop my country. However, I aspire to be a Seychellois General Manager. It is a long term goal but I would like to be a role model to others.

Name: Shannen Stephen

Establishment: Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Post Title: Income Auditor

“I aspire to grow further from where I am, I want to develop in all the fields of the hotel industry”

My experience in the hospitality industry began in August 2017. I can say it all began with a job offer from the hotel and on joining the Six Senses Zil Pasyon, I began in the post of Accounts Payable/Receivable. This is a person who ensures guests are making their payments and debtors pay up eventually, which was also the same post I occupied in my previous establishment. I held this position from August last year till March this year. My promotion, I would say came fast though I earned it as my Director of Finance approached me and said he wanted me to move to the next level. I felt somewhat frightened as it had not been long since I began working with the hotel. He seemed to have believed in me and promoted me even as we had had a long chat about it.

During my understudy, I had a lot of support from the Director of Finance and the Assistant Director of Finance as well as the Human Resource person who all believed in me as a Seychellois to take the responsibility.

From the first of April this year I was promoted into the post of Income Auditor and I still see it as a work in progress as I am still learning. A brief overview of my duties is to check the operations of the Department and ensure they are according to the company’s policies and guidelines, I also tend to the revenue which is a major part of what I do.

I would say the job is both challenging and interesting; challenging in that it is relatively new to me though I have a lot of support but it is a lot of work, if you want to progress you have to put in the extra effort by being early and work extra hours which is what I do.

I see the Localisation Plan here as the effort to develop the locals, thus limits the over-reliance on non-Seychellois workers. The understudy process was a balance of positive and negative. As I progressed fast, there were questions as to why my succession was that fast but from my hotel, they groomed me well and helped me every day by explaining what I needed to understand. The negative side of it, as the Income Auditor, I was not the favorite person on the resort, I needed to ask a lot of questions and they did not necessarily get back to me on time. From my Supervisor, I picked up skills of being patient and I gained knowledge of how to use the Operah software which most hotels use now, I was taught management skill and how to handle people and situations.

To others going through the Localisation Plan, my advice is, do not give up because if you sit back and you tell yourself you cannot do things, you will never be able to achieve. Put yourself out there and give things a try. If it does not work out, you can always try again. Go for what you believe in, your passion.

As for me, I aspire to grow further from where I am, I want to develop in all the fields of the hotel industry and exposure but my next step, I would like to learn more about Cost Control and hopefully be the next Cost Controller.

The Castello Beach Hotel received a visit from the Minister of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Mrs Myriam Telemaque on the 27th of July 2018. The hotel situated at at Anse Kerlan, Praslin has been in operation since 2008 and employs 41 workers; 10 of which are non-Seychellois and 31 Locals. 

As the regular procedure of such visits, the Minister along with the relevant officers from the Ministry are lead on a tour through the premises of the establishment where the Minister and her delegation interact with the workers at their work station. This provides an insight on what each worker’s job entails as well as any challenges they may be facing on the job. Following the tour, the Minister holds a debriefing with the management of the company where commendation are made, issues are raised, means of tackling these concerns are proposed and best practices are shared.

Minister Telemaque has developed a strong platform of communication and exchange of ideas with the private sector through her dedicated and consistent visits to private establishments. These ministerial visits do not only serve as a way of fostering positive relationship between the government and the private sector but they are also a means of ensuring suitable support to both workers and employers in order to preserve the contribution they are making to the economy.

During the tour, most of the staff of the establishment uttered satisfactory remarks about the new management; the new General Manager and Human Resource Personnel of the hotel, both of which have brought about new processes especially having clear line of communication with staff and in so doing, empowering them to make decisions for themselves in their line of work without being overburdened with strict procedures. They also expressed pleasure in their working environment and hours as well as other aspects of their job. There were however minor concerns raised such as the overdue of some appraisals, insufficient staff in certain departments and the need to review the salary increment plans. Also there was the need for safety gear in most departments and the lack of interest of staff to take up higher posts or responsibilities.

The debriefing with the management presented an ideal forum through which the new General Manager, Mr Jasper Van Der Westhuizen discussed the company’s approach in solving some of the issues raised. The Ministry thereby offered some suggestions such as the development of a clear career path for the staff to better understand what is expected of them. He was also commended on the effort put into keeping the staff content and advised to continue with the hotel’s positive effort in maintaining satisfaction among the staff.

There will be follow-up visits by the Ministry to the establishment with the aim to maintain a positive relationship and ensure the welfare of the workers.

 The Minister of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Mrs Myriam Telemaque upholds major commitment to solidify the relationship between the government and the private sector though her continuous visits to private establishments that recently included the Seychelles Trading Company (STC).     The Minister’s dedication to this productive rapport is   carried out through visits and discussions which provide platform for support and cooperation. As part of the minister’s scheduled visits for 2018, the ministerial delegation visited all STC outlets on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. This comprehensive visit was conducted within two months; the 4th, 11th and 18th of May as well as the 15th and 22nd of June.

 The procedure for every ministerial visit to establishments presents the opportunity for the Minister and the delegation to interact with employees at their work station as all sections of the establishment are visited and dialogue is held with the workers in the absence of the management after which comments and issues raised are considered with the management in a debriefing which in this case was held on the 19th of July 2018.

 Performing a series of crucial duties daily, it was rather impressive to observe that the company had a significant number of long serving staff, many of which express satisfaction in their job though there were a few issues mentioned by some members of staff.

 Some of the issues raised were general in nature while others were more specific to sections. The general concerns comprised of communication especially between the different outlets, work overload due to resignations and  lack of a proper salary structure to ensure fair treatment between staff undertaking similar duties. 

 Following the debriefing with management, STC has agreed to introduce certain procedures that will ensure general staff satisfaction and motivation in order to address their retention issues apparently being faced thus encouraging more staff to stay with the company longer as it has been traditionally. Just to mention two key principles; the first one is communication where they will now hold mandatory monthly staff meetings which will be the platform for exchange of information and allow staff to participate through ideas on the daily operation. The company’s scheme of service and succession plan is also to be updated and discussed with the staff by the end of the year to allow staff with potential to be properly developed and rewarded as appropriate.

The Minister conveyed satisfaction in the cooperation of the company to address issues discussed with the aim of elevating the general comfort and confidence of their staff.

 There will be continuous follow-up on the progress and changes the company will be putting into practice by the Ministry.

The Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Mrs Myriam Telemaque is heading a tripartite delegation from Seychelles at the 107th session of the International Labour Conference, organized by the International Labour Organization in Geneva, Switzerland from 28th May to 8th June 2018.

At the Conference on Tuesday 5th June, Minister Telemaque delivered her speech and focused her interventions on this year's report of the ILO Director General, Mr Guy Ryder entitled "The women at work initiative: The push for equality."

Minister Telemaque stated that gender equality has implications on the labour market and the economy. The Minister emphasized that "addressing gender equality at work should start from education, skills development and empowerment programmes that need to be equally promoted and facilitated for both men and women. In doing so, this can contribute in reducing discrimination in employment towards females' access to jobs and higher wages." The Minister explained that employment-family policies should create flexible working arrangements, child care and support to parents and pathways to resume education after having children. "We need to seek for changes in culture and attitude of men so that they appreciate gender equality issues," added Minister Telemaque.

The Minister explained the recent increase in maternity and paternity leave in Seychelles which are amongst various initiatives taken by the country to address gender equality thus enable both parents to participate in early childhood care. The Ministry's strategies and programmes will also address ongoing challenges regarding gender equality.

During the Conference, Minister Telemaque will be meeting with the Deputy Director General for Field Operations & Partnerships, Mr Moussa Oumarou and the Assistant Director General and Regional Director for Africa, Ms Cinthia Samuel-Olunjuwon.

The other members of the Seychelles delegation attending the ILO Conference are Mr Jules Baker, Principal Secretary for Employment, Ms Veronique Bresson, Special Advisor, Ms Susan Morel, Technical Advisor. The most representative workers' and employers' organizations as advised by the Registrar of Trade Unions are the Seychelles Federation of Workers' Union represented by Mr Antoine Robinson, Secretary General and the Association of Seychelles Employers represented by Mr Felix Charles.

Effective yesterday, May 15, maternity leave has increased from 14 to 16 weeks and paternity leave has doubled, from five to 10 days.

This follows an announcement to that effect President Danny Faure made in his State-of-the-Nation address earlier this year.

In a meeting with the press yesterday afternoon at her office at Independence House annex, the Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Myriam Télémaque said all mothers who gave birth on May 15 and onwards will benefit from the increase and so will fathers whose babies were born on and after that date.

With regard to paternity leave, Minister Télémaque stressed that in order for a father to benefit, his name should be registered on the baby's birth certificate as proof he is the father of the child and he will qualify for leave only once a year.

Minister Télémaque explained that this aims to encourage fathers to support their wives and partners at this time of need as well as provide them more time to bond with their newborn babies.

The coming into effect yesterday of this amendment in maternity and paternity leave, coincided with the International Day of Families.

'Working hard today for a better future'

Labour Day is a day of solidarity, to celebrate gains and achieve a future of work that provides decent and sustainable work opportunities for all.

Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Minister Myriam Télémaque said this in her message to celebrate Labour Day tomorrow, May 1.

The minister's message reads:

"As we celebrate this year's International Labour Day under the theme 'Working hard today for a better future' translated in Creole 'Travay Dir Ozordi Pour en Meyer Lavenir', let us all as workers reflect on the significance of work and its benefit to us, our family and our country.

"It is a day of solidarity, to celebrate gains and achieve a future of work that provides decent and sustainable work opportunities for all. It is a future that we must make according to the values and the preferences that we choose as societies and through the policies that we design and implement. Employment, sustainability, labour mobility, equity, social dialogue, human security and education are all key policy issues of our time which need to be tackled in a future of work initiative.

"It falls on each of us to look at the longer term drivers of change and the transformational trends and what they imply for the economy as a whole and for the goals we pursue.

"In Seychelles, we have long recognised that our people are our most valuable resource. Thus, the government has heavily invested in education and training. We have introduced policies and conditions that would first and foremost, adequately provide better working conditions, improve social protection, protect workers' safety and health in all workplaces, increase productivity and sustainability, and also there are new job assistance initiatives for individuals of our society being affected by social ills.

"The nature of employment in the world today is evolving which also has an effect on the labour demands in our country. With regards to this we see the importance to partner with stakeholders in order to create a culture of desired working habits and enhancement in the next generation who will play a vital role in reshaping the labour market framework of this country. "Today we can claim some improvements as seen in data published by the National Bureau of Statistics shows that the employment rate has reduced from 4.4% in 2016 to 3.9% in 2017. The youth employment rate has also reduced from 12.3% in 2016 to 10.7 % in 2017. This serves to prove that the different employment services and programmes in place are effective, and the government is determined to further decrease the employment rate, given there are ample opportunities for employment in the country.

"We need to continue to inculcate in our children at a very young age the notion that no job is inferior to the other and that all jobs are decent if the basic working conditions are observed. "These conditions as espoused by the International Labour Organisation include a minimum wage, health and safety at work and respect for human dignity.

"As a ministry, facilitating access to employment of our young people is one of our priorities and we have a major responsibility to empower them and give them the tools to rise above their challenges so that they can flourish in their job. Through our different initiatives and programmes such as 'My First Job' scheme and 'Skills Development Programme', we assist the unemployed young people to seize every opportunity available and to use the best of their potentials. In doing so, we instill in them the confidence and the necessary skills to succeed.

"For the next five years my ministry will concentrate its efforts on five strategic objectives, namely: enhancing employability of the unemployed, promote fair and safe working conditions, improve the management of the non-Seychellois, enhance social dialogue in economic sectors and, improve service delivery.

"My ministry is also working in close collaboration with the ILO as the second Seychelles Decent Work Country Programme is being drafted to compliment the plan's strategic outcomes. The programme is one of the ministry's key working documents geared at addressing the key challenges faced by the labour market, nationally.

"It is crucial that we do all that is possible to steer our country to a new phase of development which will bring more progress. Working together is about understanding one another, about viewing others as partners and having a sense of belonging to Seychelles incorporated. Through a real national spirit of partnership, economic partners should have proper dialogue for capacity building.

"My ministry remains committed to ensuring that the labour market is supplied with the required quality workforce to meet the demands of our striving economy through its various programmes. My ministry equally reaffirms its commitment in ensuring that human resources are treated as the most invaluable resources in the workplace. The needs of our workers will be properly assessed in order to motivate and attain the optimal results and a win-win situation for both employers and workers.

"As the theme for this year's Labour Day indicates, the only way to guarantee our wellbeing is through hard work and hope this motivates all workers to be whole-heartedly involved in the construction and maintenance of our families, communities and our country which reflect this year's national theme Sesel Mon Pei Beni.

"Finally I call on all workers in Seychelles to continue to work hard and earn more so that we can also benefit from the wealth that our country is generating. Our country needs our collective effort, our talents, skills and our goodwill.

"I wish all workers of Seychelles, a Happy Labour Day".

"It is of utmost importance for employers to assess and manage all risks in their workplace that may have an impact on the health and safety of all workers".

Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Minister Myriam Télémaque said this is her message to mark World Safety Day, today.

The minister's message reads:

"The World Day for Safety and Health at Work is an annual international and national awareness-raising campaign to promote safe, healthy and decent work for all and the Ministry for Employment, Immigration and Civil status remains focus in its endeavour in promoting a safe working environment.

"For 2018, the ministry strongly supports the theme chosen by the International Labour Organisation – 'Generation Safe and Healthy' - which is also in line with Sustainable Development Goal target 8.7 and 8.8 which advocates the elimination of all forms of child labour by 2025 as well as a safe and secure working environment for all workers by 2030.

"It is of utmost importance for employers to assess and manage all risks in their workplace that may have an impact on the health and safety of all workers. This should be in the form of detailed induction programmes, proper supervision, site familiarisation and provision of relevant personal protective equipment.

"Many factors can increase the vulnerability of young persons to occupational safety and health risks, for example through lack of training and limited awareness of work-related hazards. Hence, existing arrangements and risks assessment should be reviewed by employers taking into account specific factors of young persons, especially in higher risk environment, such as work involving extreme temperatures and toxic substances whereby proper control needs to be exerted.

"A total of 84 occupational accidents were registered for the year 2017 and the department is currently working closely with workplace organisations to continuously improve on workplace safety. It is an opportune time also to recognise workplaces with good practices such as those having a designated health and safety officer employed for such purpose.

"Importance is also placed on the different existing and upcoming legal and procedural mechanisms through the Occupational Safety and Health Decree and Employment Act 1995, to regulate OHS in Seychelles including that of young persons.

"Our effort does not end here, relevant legislations are currently under review in order to tackle the emerging issues of safety and health which will include a list of prohibited hazardous work for children. The year 2018 will also feature the commencement of implementation of strategies under the new national Occupational Safety and Health Policy for Seychelles which is geared at promoting a preventive culture within all workplace establishments.

"I take this opportunity to call on all employers to be more vigilant and proactive in addressing emerging risks and to collaborate actively with the employment department in order to achieve a safer and healthier population".

Since Monday afternoon a new hotline - 4303930 - is operational on a 24 hour basis for foreign workers themselves as well as members of the public to report cases of abuse, mistreatment of foreigners working in the country or any other unacceptable or suspicions behaviour on the part of employers.

Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Minister Myriam Télémaque announced the coming into operation of the hotline on Monday during a meeting with the local press to give an update on the work being undertaken by the ministry and inform the public of new policies and measures being introduced or reviewed.

"With our limited resources, the hotline will serve as another means to receive information fast and for us to take action quickly to address cases of abuse and other unacceptable behaviour against foreign employees," Minister Télémaque pointed out.

The hotline is only part of several other measures being undertaken to address cases of abuse, mistreatment and at the same improve the working, living conditions of foreign workers; boost efforts to have more Seychellois assume supervisory, management positions in work places through strong localisation programmes; ensure employers abide to the conditions of their certificate of entitlement among others.

While being conscious that the increasing number of foreign workers in the country has raised a lot of concern lately, Minister Télémaque said the ministry is also conscious of the increasing demands for foreign labour as the local market finds it difficult to satisfy the demands and provide employees with specific competence as required, especially in the private sector.

"Our economy is growing and this increases the demand for more employees. The fact that we have a small population, there will always be the need to recruit from abroad if we are to continue with our economic development. But I also recognise that Seychellois workers also have an important role to play and the ministry is stepping up its effort to ensure Seychellois assume supervisory and management positions in their organisations," Minister Télémaque stressed.

From January to end of March this year, 205 Seychellois have been identified through their organisations' localisation plan and are in understudy positions. Statistics also show that during the same period 2,809 applications to recruit foreign workers have been received and from that 1,811 positions were approved.

"The number of foreign workers in the country during that same period stood at 17,510 and 114 organisations are in possession of a certificate of entitlement which allows them to recruit foreign workers directly through the department of immigration under the quota system," Minister Télémaque pointed out.

She went on to add that of Wednesday last week the employment ministry presented the Cabinet with a series of new recommendations of measures on recruitment procedures of foreign workers. This aims to ensure Seychellois workers continue to benefit from work opportunities, promotions and move to take on key positions.

"Later during the year, the ministry expects to present certain amendments in relation to the quota system used to recruit foreign workers and consultations with concerned partners have already been carried out on the different propositions which concern more specifically among others:

- how work places support Seychellois who are understudying foreign employees;

- that positions being advertised must be clear with enough detailed information to encourage Seychellois to apply;

- that more employers submit the contract of their foreign employees to the ministry to ascertain their working conditions are in line with employment regulations;

- for construction companies to introduce measures to ensure their employees work and live in acceptable conditions.

Also concerning foreign employees, Minister Télémaque stated that all the concerned authorities including the ministry itself must step up their efforts to ensure that foreign workers in our country are treated with dignity and that they work as per their permit and contract.

Meanwhile, following the recent incidents where the case of mistreatment of foreign employees came to light through investigation led by the Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid) Minister Télémaque has said the association operates under a mandate and so does the ministry and noted that the work Arid has carried out has also helped denounce those abuses and violation of employment regulations which are tarnishing our country's reputation and good name.

But Minister Télémaque noted that the ministry encounters such cases often during the visits its inspectors carry out on work premises or through public information and which are severely dealt with but without publicity.

The minister went on to state that there has been cases where companies have had their work permit withdrawn and their employees prevented from working until their work and living conditions were improved. Minister Télémaque expressed the hope that with the new hotline more complaints will be brought to the ministry's attention to denounce such unacceptable behaviour.

She has also said it is an offence for employers to withhold their employees' passports without their consent but noted that there are employees who voluntarily ask their employers to keep their passports for fear of losing them. She said the ministry is encouraging the employers to put in place safety personal lockers for employees to keep their belongings.

Complements of Seychelles NATION.

A task force has been set up to look into the living and working conditions of workers in Seychelles, including expatriates.

The Ministry of Employment, Immigration & Civil Status has set up this task force in the wake of the recent incidents whereby foreign workers of a construction company were discovered living in deplorable conditions on Zone 20 at Providence.

Set up last week, the task force, comprising various government departments and agencies, will inspect and monitor all living accommodations housing large groups of workers.

Apart from representatives from the Ministry of Employment, Immigration & Civil Status, other representatives on the task force come from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Planning Authority, Licensing Authority, Fire and Rescue Services Agency (FRSA), Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM), Registration Department and the Police.

With two to three random visits per week, the task force will for the next three months target foreign workers' living quarters in the construction and farming sectors.

A list of company names have been identified for early inspection and on Wednesday this week, the task force made its first door to door inspection to six living quarters for foreign workers on Zone 20 at Providence.

As of yesterday, the task force is continuing with its visits to other living accommodations on the zone.

After conducting visits to the construction and farming sectors, the task force will move to other sectors.

The principal secretary for employment, Jules Baker, said that with a lack of responsibility by certain employers to provide appropriate accommodation for their workers, the task force will ensure that decent accommodation is made available among other conditions.

He noted that it is the role of the Ministry of Health to safeguard the living conditions of the foreign workers and from now on, all departments concerned will go for inspection as a group compared to separate individual inspections as had been the case in the past.

PS Baker added that the ministry has made available leaflets containing information on Seychelles labour laws and other contact information at the disposal of foreign workers and at the Seychelles International Airport.

There are about 10,000 businesses in Seychelles employing 17,000 foreign workers.