Seychelles cancels hotel over food security fears

The Seychelles has cancelled a large new hotel development that was to be have been built on prime agricultural land, following strong objections from local residents worried about food security.

The archipelago country, which is heavily dependent on imported food, has been hit badly by the global financial crisis, with the government forced to seek emergency funding for the IMF. Critics accuse the authorities of ignoring food concerns by offering arable land to foreign investors looking to build luxury resorts.

"The proposed project will not go ahead and the land will remain state property," Jacquelin Dugasse, the development minister, said. "The strong feeling was that we should not stop agricultural development when food security is an issue."

The 20-hectare (49-acre) resort was to have been built by an unnamed foreign investor.

The use and ownership of arable land has become a heated issue in Africa since the global food shortage and resultant hike prices that began in 2007. Several Gulf and Asian states have sought to increase their own food security by leasing land to grow crops in countries such as Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya, which all rely on outside help to feed their citizens.

In the most controversial deal, the South Korean conglomerate Daewoo announced in November that it would lease 1.3m hectares (32.m acres) of land in Madagascar to grow palm oil and corn. The agreement caused widespread anger on the Indian Ocean island, and was rescinded two weeks ago by Madagascar's new president, Andry Rajoelina.

The Seychelles' financial problems stem from being the world's most indebted country per capita. By 2008 it had accumulated $800m (£558m) in external debt, with successive governments running large budget deficits and borrowing heavily from banks and foreign governments to invest in health, education and housing for its 85,000 citizens. As tourism revenue began to fall last year and global credit dried up, the government defaulted on interest due on $230m (£161m) of bonds, taking it to the verge of bankruptcy.

The IMF agreed to a $26m (£18m) rescue package, tied to economic reforms. In November the government asked 2,000 of its nearly 17,000 civil servants to resign voluntarily in order to cut costs. The Seychelles rupee, which had been pegged to the dollar at an artificially high rates, was floated and lost more than half of its value on the first day of trading. Inflation shot up to 60%.

To a land of animal magic

Exotic creatures and plants inhabit a world of their own in the exquisite Seychelles, discovers Tony Dawe

Young and old Aldabra tortoises are reputed to live for more than 100 years

For a group of islands created by a cataclysmic event, the Seychelles is a haven of calm, a place of almost unparalleled beauty and home to exotic flora and fauna, to plants and creatures that exist nowhere else on earth. The 115 islands possess such an aura because they remained uninhabited from their formation in a giant eruption 150 million years ago until the late 18th century.

Some of the most inspiring are still unpopulated, accessible only by inflatable boats and open only to the most caring of visitors. They stretch more than 1,000km from the Aldabra group, the world’s largest raised coral atoll in the south west of the Seychelles, to the biggest and best-known tourist islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

Sailing through them brings endless memorable encounters and experiences. The giant tortoises of Aldabra – there are 150,000 living in an intact ecosystem – make a great impression, as do 12m (40ft) plankton-eating whale sharks. Residing in the vast lagoon enclosed by the Aldabra atoll are much smaller but fearsome coconut crabs that use their strong claws to open coconuts and feed on the milk. The atoll is also home to the most important colony of frigate birds in the Indian Ocean; about 10,000 pairs live on the coral formations in the northern part of the lagoon.

Further colonies of spectacular seabirds, some found only in the Seychelles, can be seen on the Amirante Islands and Alphonse.

A friend playing host to an enthusiastic ornithologist on the island some months ago expected a long day in search of the rare magpie robin that resides there. As they sipped mango juice before setting out, the bird obligingly landed on a neighbouring roof. In one way, it was a shame because the island is one of the most beautiful and perfect for a walk as well as for snorkelling.

Walking is an essential mode of transport on Silhouette becauseit has no roads or cars. Paths into the interior lead visitors to the most beautiful virgin forest in the Indian Ocean. The island is surrounded by a continuous coral reef that for many years prevented any major development. One of the first was La Gran Kaz hotel, a charming, colonial-style plantation homestead near the island’s only landing point.

The tiny island of Aride has even fewer residents and is a nature reserve, offering protection to bronze geckos and white-tailed tropic birds. A hike to the summit of the island offers views of a wide variety of seabirds, while the plateau below blooms with paw paw, banana and guava.

Hotel developments are more obvious on the bigger islands of Praslin and La Digue but both boast splendid natural features. The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserveon Praslin is a Unesco World Heritage Site, where the coco-de-mer palm, famed for its huge buttock-shaped kernels, grows wild in a bundance. The island has striking beaches and the last remnant of the Seychelles’ high canopy palm forest.

Footpaths on La Digue lead to beaches characterised by massive boulders moulded into fantastical shapes by the waves.Taxis on the island are all 4x4s: they are carts pulled by oxen. Even Mahé, the largest island, where journeys through the Seychelles start or finish, is a place of beauty with wooded mountains, orchards and tea plantations, swaths of white sand beaches and one of the smallest but smartest capitals in the world, Victoria.

original article:

Turning Possibilities into Realities_1

18 March 2009

Mr Steve Lalande
CEO LUNGOS
Victoria

Dear Mr Lalande

Subject: Report of the Launching of the Capacity Building Development and Training by Thematic Sector for all Non-State Actors

On Wednesday 4th March 2009 TESS was invited by The Academy of Civil Society, Seychelles (an organisation which I never knew even existed - excuse my ignorance) to attend the above-named function.

TESS accepted to participate for its project proposal entitled Advocacy Programme on the Stages in the Development of Ecotourism Venture had received the approval of LUNGOS and the other powers that be and SR 25,000 has been earmarked to undertake the project during a period of 10 months.

Today TESS wishes to express its sincere thanks to LUNGOS, UNDP and EU for having given their consent and approval to our submission and we look forward to the implementation of the project as planned.

However before we start getting the process going, we would like to seek some clarification from LUNGOS for the following reasons:

For one: Although it was clearly stated on the programme for the occasion, I was unaware that I personally had to sign the Agreement on that day, for LUNGOS had never provided us with a copy, prior to the occasion, for our evaluation and agreement to the Terms of Reference stipulated therein. Since I had no idea of the text in question I felt very uncomfortable to sign a document/ un fait accomplithat I had not even read, not even giving my written consent to, a situation that has never ever happed in my 54 years of existence. You did catch me by surprise.
At one time during the ceremony I felt that I should raise the issue, but then being the seasoned diplomat that I am, I decided to go along with it, so as not to derail the ceremony nor to embarrass all present including dignitaries such as the Minister for Health and Social Affairs, Mrs Marie-Pierre Lloyd.
In the final analysis, while I deeply felt that the integrity of TESS has been violated by that incident, I decide to go along with the signing and equally gave a short press interview, only to regret for having done so, after reading the Agreement an hour later, for the following reasons:-

The procedure/condition for the disbursement of funds which stipulates as follows:-
a) LUNGOS shall reimburse the Recipient for expenditures incurred by the Recipients for the Project and
b) LUNGOS through UNDP Mauritius shall disburse funds (on a refund basis after Reception of receipts through LUNGOS) to realise the Project Proposal are not at all clear to me.

Correct me if I am wrong, but from what I can deduce from the above mentioned two conditions, LUNGOS is not providing any funds what so ever to jump start the project, that TESS has to somehow source out its very on funds to undertake the mission, which will eventually by reimbursed by UNDP through LUNGOS.

Should it be the case and since TESS has no such funds whatsoever to jump start this particular process, we will be left with no choice but to consider giving due consideration of terminating this Agreement immediately by giving 30-days notice.

For we are also of the view that the procedure is too complicated and time consuming whereby half of the money and men-hours to be allocated will go towards administrative costs, back and forth with the provision of receipts after receipts, reimbursements after reimbursements etc.etc. day in day out certainly not for SR25,000 for to TESS time is real money.

In conclusion, while the conditions in the Agreement may be those imposed by the EU and UNDP whereby we cannot avoid and not necessarily those of LUNGOS, TESS has too much on its plate right now to get entangled by such gridlocks as if our each and every move will be controlled by LUNGOS and/or by others for that matter, something which we will be unable to acquiesce to for we have other more important priorities to attend to right now.

Statement by Mr Bernard Elizabeth Chairman of LUNGOS of 4th of March 2008

In his brief intervention, he stated that LUNGOS has had a meeting with President James Michel and the latter had promised to provide financial support to NGOS.
He also stated that should we have any project in mind to contact the office for possible funding. But where do we start.

For while we wish, to through LUNGOS, thank the President for his kind offer, TESS would be grateful to have more related information as to when, by how much and for what such funds can be allocated and we shall certainly acquiesce should there be a call for proposal...

But this time around we will ensure that we do know all the conditions in advance of our consideration, our consent and approval.

Thirdly, and I stand to be corrected, words are spreading and TESS has recently been made to understand that LUNGOS has in its report to UNDP and EU on the allocation/disbursement of funds indicated that the equivalent of SR 38,500 (in Euro) has been earmarked for TESS, while the latter has signed an agreement for SR 25,000 (in Euro only).

Should it be the case, there must surely be a missing link somewhere, somehow, which needs clarification and unless we get to know it... sorry LUNGOS can keep the money for we do not believe in any form of hanky-panky whatsoever.

Training Program for Civil Society Organisations

I have recently been made to understand that LUNGOS will soon be launching a training programme for Civil Society organisations through the so called Academy of Civil Society, which I have never heard of and know nothing about. Consequently we would certainly like to be informed on the modalities for such training, the faculty and all the elements befitting such an institution of high repute.

Is it already a certified entity like SIM? For we are of the view that to date only SIM could be called upon to undertake such a mission, and that on the other hand the staff of LUNGOS has too much on its hands presently to be able to attend to such bold endeavours on its own .

Yes having the faculty is fair and square, but who do you think your audience will be? for most if not all of the organisations are now much preoccupied in their own sustainable living, trying to make ends meet and there is simply no time to sit on the bench with minds elsewhere, while others could be making a bundle out of other’s preoccupations and deficiencies.

As such, let us instead try to allocate the limited resources available to the less fortunate for them to be able to help others while helping themselves to survive that is the real mission of good hearted people.

In anticipation of a favourable reply soon.

Yours sincerely


Marc MRM Marengo
Ambassador
Secretary General of TESS

Turning Possibilities into Realities . . .

25 March 2009

Mr Steve Lande
CEO Lungos
Victoria

Dear Mr. Lalande

Thanks for your email requesting for meeting with TESS.
It is clear from its content that you are not addressing the various concerns that had been raised with regards to LUNGOS having no respect whatsoever for TESS in its various endeavours for the Community and by the Community.

In this context, I would like to let it be known to you and to all concerned that TESS does not need LUNGOS to clarify its organisation needs nor does it need LUNGOS to determine where TESS could be place to tap into some of the opportunities and benefits offered by LUNGOS network.

Reason being that through our evaluation as of late, we would be better off doing things that we do best without the help of LUNGOS. We are not looking for conditional love, in fact far from it.
As such TESS is at this point in time not in a position to meet with you and the chairman for whatever the reasons may be.

Justification

In January we issued a press release on the Enhancement of the Role of Civil Society for Nation Building in the New Millennium. To date there has been no response from LUNGOS to that effect.

Pursuant to that the following analysis will prove that there has been several exchanges between TESS and LUNGOS, with the latter always using the tricks of the trade to avoid providing concrete answers.

As such for the benefit of TESS, I am left with no choice but to let it be known to all NGOs what TESS has had to put up with as a result of LUNGOS Actions and or/Inaction.

Subject: Report of the Launching of the Capacity Building Development and Training of Thematic Sector for all Non-State Actors

It will be recalled that on 18th March 2009, I wrote to you on the above-mentioned subject and on other related issues requesting for clarifications, the aim of which was to further enhance co-operative endeavors between LUNGOS and Civil Society Organisations in general. (Copy of letter in question is herewith attached for easy reference).

Without even taking a little time to address the pertinent issues raised therein, you immediately replied and I quote I am sure there are some misunderstanding somewhere. It always happens. We can meet and address all the points for clarification.

With regards to issues pertaining to the ACTS, as if to get me to shut up, you went on to state there can be demand for paid talents and skills like yourself, within ACTS. Let us know if you wish to be part of it unquote.

In my reply to you, you were requested to clarify the misunderstanding in writing for our records as per our Modus Operandi. You were also informed that your invitation regarding the demand for paid talents and skills, it can only be given the consideration it rightfully deserves only after the misunderstanding in question have been clarified and acceptable solutions found, for the integrity of TESS had been violated over and over again and that we had been deeply hurt emotionally, psychologically and not the least intellectually.

A full week has already passed since our last communication and since I never heard from your high office as yet, I am left with no choice, but to bring this particular issue in the open, whereby the whole Civil Society Community and all others concerned are made aware what has been going on behind closed doors, between LUNGOS and TESS.

Maybe it has escaped your attention, but LUNGOS is meant to and should operate on the same lines as the United Nations Organisation. For it can only exist because of its members and not the other way around.

LUNGOS is a liaison unit for the benefit of Civil Society Organisations, but not as a supreme power which tends to impose its will on the organisations it is meant to serve, more often that not without their consent.

For example, commissions after commissions are being created left, right and centre without broad consultations and acceptance.

The Academy of Civil Society (which is made up of highly paid staff) has been imposed on us without our knowledge. Where is the money to run the Academy coming from? We need to know.

Documents being produced by LUNGOS supposedly for our benefits are nothing else but shallow, with no vision, no direction, and no in depth analysis and worst still without projected outcomes.

In sort Civil Society Organisations are treated like subjects at the beck and call of LUNGOS whose agenda is far from being transparent, let alone accountable.

Furthermore, we have been made to understand that Our Civil Society structure is being used as a launching pad for political gains and related ambitions and that the Academy of Civil Society has been created to rival the Seychelles University Foundation, due to long outstanding rift between two highly recognised intellectuals.

The list is long whereby the many related issues will have to be addressed under separate cover, over time during the course of 2009.

And TESS is of the view that LUNGOS is presently being turned into nothing else but an Academic Institution, at a time when all Civil Society Organisations are highly preoccupied with their own sustainable livelihood, trying to make ends meet, with no time for classroom sessions, with minds elsewhere, while the faculty is making a bundle out of others setbacks.

The time for all of us to be on the field helping the weak, the less fortunate and the most vulnerable is now, but it in our view it is surely not the time to indoctrinate the same people with false hope for the benefit of individual.
Today therefore I demand an explanation from LUNGOS on the issues raised in my letter of 18th March 2009, failing that I will continue to act in this direction until I do get an acceptable reply, for TESS is not an organisation to be sidelined or taken for granted.

In conclusion, while TESS may be a New NGO and a new member of LUNGOS, through his 31 years diplomatic career, including fourteen years at the United Nations, he has had far and wide experience as to what exactly NGOs are all about and what should be the exact Role of umbrella organisations such as LUNGOS.

Today therefore I would like to simply request LUNGOS to get its act together first, to be transparent, accountable to the Civil Society Organisations it represents and then will we be able to consider its offer.

I hope the above clarifies the matter and once your response is acknowledged and action taken, we can talk business.

Finally since TESS does not need any form of favouritism from LUNGOS, we are left with no choice but to call on the organisation to set up an open forum, whereby all of us will be able to share ideas and set the tone for better co-operative endeavours between LUNGOS and Civil Society Organisations.

MARC MRM MARENGO
AMBASSADOR
SECRETARY GENERAL OF TESS

P. O. Box 436, Victoria, Mahe, Republic of Seychelles
Telephone: (248) 722471 / 323347
Email: marcmarengo@hotmail.com, lcnurseries@seychelles.net,
Blog: http://ecotourismseychelles.blogspot.com/

Travel Postcard - 24 Hours in Victoria, Seychelles

VICTORIA (Reuters Life!) - Not many people would struggle to spend 24 hours in the Seychelles: Beach, beer, beach, cocktail...repeat until sun, sea and alcohol blend into a perfect state of relaxation.

But if you have had enough of the archipelago's white sand between your toes, if you are bored of diving into the topaz waters, then here is how to spend 24 hours in Victoria, the Seychelles' slow-paced capital.

Friday

6 p.m. - Start your tropical evening with a rum punch. There's only one meeting place to choose from, aptly called `Le Rendez-Vous'. Sit on the breezy first floor balcony, and watch city life wind up for the day down the palm-lined Independence Avenue.

The Seychellois gained independence in 1976, later than most African nations. A year later, a nearly bloodless coup d'etat saw Albert Rene install himself as President. Rene proved a shrewd politician, cosying up to both the Soviet Union and America at the height of the Cold War. It is fair to say the Soviets left the greater mark on what is now a deeply socialist society.

The atmosphere at Le Rendez-Vous tends to match the city vibe: quiet. Eat here by all means, there should be no complaints about the Franco-fusion cuisine. But if you want a place with a pulse, there's only one option.

8 p.m. - The Pirates Arms. There is no other place for dinner. Not because the Crab in Ginger Sauce is so out of this world, but because there literally is no other place for dinner...at least not if you want company. Pirates throng from the moment it opens its doors for breakfast.

You won't write home about the food. Despite being only a couple of hundred metres from the sea the fish can taste a bit on the frozen side of fresh. But it is served quickly and with a genuine Creole smile. Enjoy the local beer Seybrew to wash-down the rather functional food.

11 p.m. - For those looking to shake a limb, head to the `Lovenut', so named after the ubiquitous Coco-de-Mer nut, one of six species of palm tree found only in the Seychelles. Weighing-in at over 30 kg, the Coco-de-Mer nut is the largest in the plant kingdom. 17th century sailors found them rather appealing, and wrote about the nut resembling the buttocks of a woman. The male plant grows on a separate tree with a decidedly phallic metre (yard) long appendage!

Hit Lovenut on a Friday night and you might just get some Jazz. It's easy to find, slap-bang in the centre of town on Revolution Avenue.

Saturday

9 a.m. Try the News Café for breakfast. The décor is fun with front-page splashes printed on the table-tops. Not the local papers, however. The Seychelles government maintains a strong grip on the local media here. There is no independent daily newspaper and despite a constitution that extols free speech, locals are reluctant to talk politics openly.

10 a.m. - Take a stroll through the city's neatly manicured streets. The centre-piece of downtown Victoria is a pint-sized replica of the clock-tower on London's Vauxhall Bridge. The mock-up was brought to Victoria in 1903 when the archipelago became a crown colony. The Old Courthouse on Francis Rachel street provides a wonderful illustration of Creole architecture. For those inclined to walk at a quick-march, slow down. Blink and you'll already be on the other side of town.

1 p.m. Lunch offers two options: A return to the Pirates Arms or the Marie-Antoinette found in an old colonial house perched on the mountain side, just off the road to Beau Vallon. The set menu offers a range of Creole dishes, from parrot-fish to aubergine fritters to chicken curry. If you've got a business card on you then pin it up on the wall along with the hundreds of others.

3 p.m. To fill the afternoon you are going to have to head out of town. But with three hours until sunset why not explore Mahé's mountainous interior in the Morne Seychellois National Park. 50 percent of the Seychelles' land-area has been set aside for conservation and this park covers closer to 20 percent of the archipelago's largest, most developed island. Locals here will tell you God created the Seychelles first, and once content with paradise set about the rest of the world. From the top of the Morne's 905 metre peak, it is easy to see what they mean.

6 p.m. Return to Rendez-Vous.

© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Fri Mar 27, 2009 4:39pm IST

CONFIDENCE BUILDING MEASURES 1

Leading to the official Launching of TESS on Saturday 23^rd February 2008.

Awareness and Understanding of the ongoing process

Measure No. 1 of 25 (In no particular order)

Remarks by

Mr. Joseph Belmont

Minister for Tourism and Transport

On the occasion of the official launch of

The Anse Royale Ecotourism Committee

Saturday 17^th January 2004

At 0900 hrs

Anse Royale District

Administration Building

Thank you Mr. Faure for you warm words of welcome.

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning

1.0 It is for me a great honour to be here with you this morning so as to officially launch the work of The Anse Royale Ecotourism Committee.

2.0 It is befitting for me therefore to on behalf of the Government thank you most sincerely for having kindly accepted the invitation for you to serve on this most important Committee for the sustainable future of our Tourism Industry.

3.0 One of the main provisions of the Seychelles Ecotourism Strategy (SETS 21), which you will recall was officially launched right here in September last year, is for Seychelles to further develop community based tourism, for the community and by the community themselves.

4.0 In response to your very own request, and equally in view of its rich history, cultural heritage, its physical beauty, and its emerging importance as the second city for our national development processes, your district has been chosen to undertake pilot projects pertaining to community participation in Ecotourism.

5.0 Your mandate therefore would be for you to be the voice of the local community and in partnership with all other stakeholders both on the national and international level, to develop and implement Ecotourism activities that would maximise economic benefits for the community, that would foster cultural sensitivity and that would assist in further minimising the many negative impacts on our fragile natural environment.

6.0 Today no one can disagree that for Seychelles to not only maintain but increase further its ability to compete in this fierce global arena, we must continuously find ways and means to add value to the industry and to deliver products and services that would set us apart from the many other similar destinations worldwide.

7.0 Our unique and diverse culture, the every day lives of our people, the way in which we interact with our environment and the products that we create are of considerable interest to the tourist.

8.0 And Ecotourism provides us with many opportunities to use tourism for local economic development, and to develop clusters of products and services that can be marketed both to the international and domestic tourists.

9.0 However, your will agree that it would require the support, the dedication and commitment of each and every Seychellois to not only value the importance of tourism for our economic well being but to also work together at all levels for the benefit of the industry.

10.0 Your mandate therefore is an important one from which communities around Seychelles will be able to draw valuable lessons from and necessary for the planning and development of their own future Ecotourism activities at local level.

11.0 Today therefore, I wish to assure you of the unconditional support of the Ministry of Tourism and Transport and all other parties concerned in Government for the effective discharge of this most important mandate for the future of our tourism industry. I have no doubt that we can also count on your support in this direction.

12.0 Once again thank you for responding positively to our call to further build our image together and to also express my very best wishes for the success of our mission… and let us not miss this golden opportunity to learn and create together.

Thank you very much

The End

When Grandma Goest to Court...

Take Simple Steps to Live Green

Green living is not only about people. It is also about plants, animals, and the places they live. Green living means thinking about climate change and energy use, as well as about biological diversity and the well-being of those who draw their livelihoods from nature.

We know this takes effort. Here is a useful list of simple steps you can take to begin thinking greener, acting greener, and living greener.

1. Be Informed
The first step toward being a responsible green citizen is knowing the issues and taking time to think about them.

2. Travel Sustainably
Next time you go on vacation or need to take a business trip, consider ways you can cut down on carbon emissions.


3. Be a Green Consumer
It is becoming easier and easier to know what effects the things you buy have on the environment.


4. Eat Green
Environmentally friendly eating habits are easy and healthy.

5. Explore Biodiversity
The diversity of nature is everywhere. So why not roll up your sleeves and see what’s been living right outside your door?


6. Enhance Your Local Biodiversity
Contributing to diversity in your own neighborhood can go a long way toward feeling good every day.

7. Minimize Your Carbon Footprint
By reducing the energy and fossil fuels you use, you are saving the environment from further damage.


8. Offset Your Carbon
After you have done everything you can to minimize your carbon footprint then you can think about how to offset what residual impacts remains.

9. Influence Your Friends, Family, and Community
A green You is a great role model for your friends, family, and colleagues.


10. Support CI
By supporting CI you are maximizing your efforts by joining larger team.


11. Be a Conservation Advocate
Do a little or do a lot, but raise your voice today.

Our Secretary General - Marymount Manhattan College, New York alumni...

A SMILE

A SMILE
cost nothing, but gives much
It enriches those who receive, without making poorer those who give
It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever
None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it




A SMILE
creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in business and is the countersign of friendship
It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad and it is natures’ best antidote for trouble
Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away
Some people are too tired to give you a SMILE
Give them one of yours, as none needs a SMILE so much as he who has no more to give

Seychelles For Everyone Now, Not Just Royalty

Article originally appeared here: http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/3/15/94213/3345/travel/Seychelles+For+Everyone+Now%2C+Not+Just+Royalty

Last time we checked in with the Seychelles, Prince William was jetting off there to meet with girlfriend Kate Middleton (now the presumed princess-elect) beyond the reach of the British paparazzi. But just royalty won't pay the bills, so now they're gunning for your dollar, whether or not you're hounded by photographers.

The Indian Ocean islands will launch their "Affordable Seychelles" campaign this week to promote trips for the rest of us. Rather than face an estimated 25 percent drop in revenues this year, the national tourism office is forging ahead with promotions on affordable hotels and package trips. So seriously are the Seychelles taking this initiative that they brought out Vice President Joseph Belmont just to introduce the new director of tourism marketing.

Of course, one might argue that the affordable Seychelles never went anywhere, with websites like Seychelles Secrets promising to reveal the islands' real deals. But we won't fault the country's being proactive until the inevitable moment when we find the properties on offer not so affordable.