A delegation of the Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth
Parliamentary Association visited the Seychelles from September 9-12, 2010. The Canadian Branch was represented by the following delegation:
·Mr. Russ Hiebert, MP, Chair of the Canadian
Branch, Leader of the delegation
·Ms. Carole Freeman, MP
The delegation was assisted by Stephanie Bond, Executive
Secretary of the Branch.
The delegation undertook this activity
immediately prior to the 56th CPA Conference held in Nairobi,
Kenya. It has been the Canadian Branch’s practice to conduct bilateral visits
immediately prior to the annual CPA conference, if possible, to help reduce the
overall costs to the association.
The CPA constitution encourages visits
between member countries with the objective of giving parliamentarians an
opportunity to trade views and to discuss matters of common interest and
concern. During the 7th CPA Canadian Seminar in Ottawa in October
2009, several participants raised concerns with regards to democratic processes
in their respective countries. In response to these concerns, and with the aim
of advancing parliamentary democracy in all Commonwealth countries, the
Canadian Branch committed to conducting a bilateral visit to the Seychelles in
2010 prior to the 56th CPA Annual Conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
The objectives of the visit to the Seychelles include an
examination of:
·Differences between the Canadian and Seychelles
parliamentary systems
·Role of opposition parties and MPs in Parliament
·Committee system
·Independence of the media
·Mechanisms for building institutional capacity
and individual parliamentarian’s capacities
·Methods of strengthening democracy throughout
the Commonwealth
·Strategies of recovery following the economic
downturn
·Trade Relations
·Anti-piracy measures
Meeting with the Lieutenant Commander
Richard Sturman, European Union’s Naval Force (EU
NAVFOR) Liaison Officer
The visit commenced with a briefing
from Lieutenant Commander Richard Sturman, EU NAVFOR Liaison Officer on
anti-piracy measures in the Seychelles.
Piracy is a major concern for the
Seychelles and the entire region and has extremely negative effects on the
economy of the Seychelles, which relies heavily on tourism. Lieutenant
Commander Richard Sturman provided an overview of anti-piracy measures
including a thorough explanation of the NATO operation, “Nation Shield”.
Discussions focused on anti-piracy measures and the importance of rebuilding
Somalia, which is the main source of piracy in the region. The risk posed by
that failed state to the overall security of the region was agreed upon by
those in attendance. According to Lieutenant Commander Sturman, as long as
Somalia remains a failed state, the piracy problem will remain. The role of the
European Union’s Naval Force EU NAVFOR includes providing escorts to the World
Food Program and securing transit corridors. Following the briefing, the
delegation visited the Coast Guard of Seychelles and received further details
on the partnership between the Coast Guard and EU NAVFOR to combat piracy. Mrs.
Gillian Ormiston, Third Secretary-Political, British High Commission to
Mauritius was also in attendance and provided an overview of the political,
social and economic situation in the region.
Meeting with the CPA Executive Committee, Seychelles
Branch
The meeting with the CPA executive committee was co-
chaired by the two Vice-Presidents of CPA Seychellois branch, Hon. Marie-Louise
Potter and Hon. Wavel Ramkalawan. Other members of the CPA executive committee
in attendance included: Hon. Marie-Louise Potter, Hon. Wavel Ramakalawan, Hon.
David Pierre, Hon.Nicholas Prea and Hon. Jeovanna Charles. The meeting
commenced with the Hon. Marie-Louise Potter providing an overview of the
electoral system of the Seychelles. The Hon. Marie-Louise Potter highlighted
that the bilateral visit marked the first official visit from Canada. She noted
that the Seychelles are one of the smallest and youngest members of the CPA and
that she also looked forward to sharing notes on good practices and common
approaches. Despite the differences in size and location, it was noted that all
parliamentarians are in office to represent their people, develop laws and
serve their constituents. The Hon. Marie-Louise Potter explained ongoing
parliamentary reforms in the Seychelles, including some recent committee
reforms. She also expressed a desire to strengthen the cooperation between the
Seychellois and Canadian branches of the CPA.
Mr. Russ Hiebert, MP, expressed his appreciation for the
warm welcome on the occasion of the first Canadian visit to the Seychelles, and
referred to the recent participation of the Hon. David Pierre in the 7th
Canadian Parliamentary Seminar held in 2009. Ms. Carole Freeman, MP also
remarked on the shared colonial history and languages of Canada and the
Seychelles. She noted that, like Canada, many Commonwealth countries are
currently in a minority government situation.
The Hon. Marie-Louise Potter then highlighted the recent
elections in Kenya and the importance of maintaining democracy in the region to
help ensure stability for all countries. The independence of the media was
also discussed at length with divergent views shared by the opposition and the
government Members of Parliament from the Seychelles. The importance of an
independent media was stressed by the Canadian delegation. A discussion of
Canada’s national media and Seychelles state-funded television stations and
newspapers ensued. The Canadian delegation explained that the Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation (CBC) is very successful in operating at arm’s length from the
government regardless of the fact that they are publicly funded. It was agreed
that it is essential that the media find its balance in the Seychelles given
the new political paradigm. The Hon. Marie-Louise Potter explained that there
is a pressing need to build the capacity of the national media. For example,
in the Seychelles, the cost of attaining a radio license and the restrictions
on the eligible groups that can apply for a radio station license are viewed as
deterrents to liberalizing the media by those opposition members in attendance.
The delegation was informed that the President of the Seychelles also holds the
portfolio of the Ministry of Information. A lack of freedom of assembly was
also of concern to opposition members. The physical location of the new
Parliament was an additional preoccupation of the opposition as there is no
public transportation to allow for participation of citizens. During the
discussions, Mr. Hiebert stressed that, as members of the CPA, all countries
must allow democracy to flourish. He reiterated that by allowing citizens to
express themselves, stability is enhanced, not compromised.
A discussion ensued on the history of the Seychelles and
the move from a one-party state. Party financing was discussed and the
Canadian delegation explained donation restrictions and the role of Elections
Canada. There are no limitations on foreign donations to parties in the
Seychelles, and the opposition expressed much concern that construction of the
new Parliament buildings was funded by the People’s Republic of China.
Election rules, the committee system, independence of
the judiciary, the parliamentary calendar, the election of the Speaker and the
role of Private Member’s bills were also discussed. It was noted that the
Seychelles has never experienced a change of government in its history.
Meeting with the Chairpersons of Committees
A meeting on the role of committees included Hon.
Terence Mondon, Chair of the Finance and Public Accounts Committee; Hon.
Marie-Antoinette Rose, Chair of Committee on Government Assurances; and
Jeovanna Charles, member of the Standing Orders Committee.
The Hon. Terence Mondon, Chair of the Finance and Public
Accounts Committee, explained that the National Assembly had recently
participated in an IPU seminar on empowering and strengthening committees. The
IPU seminar brought to light the importance of working together in committee
and the political maturity required to make committees work.
The Hon. Jeovanna Charles, member of the Standing Orders
Committee, described the committee’s responsibility for ethics and access to
information. Ms. Carole Freeman explained that Canada is in a minority
situation therefore, the parties must work together or risk paralyzing the
country. It was agreed that at the committee level, Parliamentarians are able
to ask more tough questions. There is a separation of powers and
Parliamentarians are able to take the government to task in defence of the
interests of the electorate.
The process of election of committee chairs was also
explored. The Canadian delegation discussed the importance of engaging the
opposition, and the crucial role of the opposition in the committee system. The
Canadian delegation stressed the importance of the opposition holding the chair
of the Public Accounts committee in Canada. Mr. Russ Hiebert welcomed the
participation of the Hon. Marie-Antoinette Rose, Chair of Committee on
Government Assurances at the upcoming 8th Canadian Seminar in
Ottawa.
Meeting with officials from Trade Division, Ministry of
Finance
Mr. Charles Morin, Chief Negotiator for Seychelles
Accession to the WTO, Ministry of Finance and Mr. Ziyaad Ebrahim, Director for
Trade, Ministry of Finance, provided an overview of current Canadian interests
in the Seychelles and the trade relationship between Canada and the
Seychelles. Mr. Morin remarked that many Canadians of Seychellois-origin send
remittances to their families on the island. Mr. Morin explained that the
greatest opportunities for trade expansion between the two countries exist in
the service sector. There is also room for growth in the financial services
sector, insurance and tourism. Mr Morin stated that technical assistance in
the fishing sector is required and Canada could play a lead role. Mr. Morin
provided an update on the progress of WTO accession and the current status of
free-trade agreements in the region. Technical assistance is also required in
fields of trade and intellectual property protection. There is also a need for
skill development despite the high literacy rate in the Seychelles.
Meeting with the Media Advisory Committee, National
Assembly
The delegation met with the Hon. Michel Marie,
Chairperson of the Media Advisory Committee; and committee members the Hon.
Gervais Henrie and the Hon. Vicky Theresine. Members of the media in
attendance included: Mrs. Marie-Anne Lepathy of Seychelles Nation; Ms.
Marceline Evenor of Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation; and Ms. Sharon
Telemarque of GemPlus.
The Hon. Michel Marie, Chairperson of the Media Advisory
Committee, provided an overview of the roles of the committee. In doing so, he
noted the increasing pressure from the House to improve the working relationship
with the media and referred to recent initiatives to improve the capacity of
journalists, including training workshops. The Hon. Gervais Henrie, member of
the committee and former journalist, stressed the importance of establishing a
code of conduct for the media.
Ms. Sharon Telemarque explained the role of GemPlus,
which is a gender and media association, that advocates and reports on gender
issues. GemPlus is an NGO, which provides media training and organizes outreach
activities on gender-based topics. The Hon. Vicky Theresine explained that the
Media Advisory Committee is looking into how best the national media can
promote the work of Members of Parliament.
The importance of independence of the media was raised
by the Canadian delegation and was discussed at length. It was highlighted
that the lack of independence of the media is a grave concern for democracy in
the Seychelles. The journalists present were asked if they feel free to report
freely without sacrificing their job security at the state-run media outlets.
However, the lack of response to the question led the delegation to conclude
that political pressure and self-censorship are barriers to media independence
in the Seychelles. The costly licensing fee was again identified as a major
limitation to media competition. Ms. Carol Freeman further identified the need
for some form of private broadcasting in Seychelles. Mr. Hiebert promoted the
need for freedom of expression and an outlet for the public to express their
views. He further 3stated that such exchanges are good for democracy and the
government does not have a role in the editing the news of the day. The role
of the Canadian Radio and Telecommunications Corporation (CRTC) in granting
licenses was explained. It was agreed that there must be a will to embrace
divergences of viewpoints given the new political paradigm. The journalists
present discussed the lack of investigative journalism and the role of the
internet in promoting free speech. It was reiterated that the President is
responsible for the Ministry of Information. The Hon. Gervais Henrie, committee
member, explained that creating more radio stations is not necessarily the
solution; rather fostering fair and independent media coverage is the answer.
In conclusion, the delegates would
like to express their appreciation to the Parliamentary Research Branch of the
Library of Parliament for the excellent background information provided in
preparation for the bilateral visit. Special thanks are also offered to Mr. Robert
Orr, High Commissioner of Canada to Tanzania, Comoros, the Seychelles
and Zambia and the officers and staff of the Canadian High
Commission for their extremely professional assistance.
Respectfully
submitted,
Mr. Russ Hiebert, M.P., Chair
Canadian Branch
of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA)