AGP Executive Report

Maritime Security: Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash arrived at Port Victoria on 12 June, underscoring growing India–Seychelles defence and maritime cooperation, with meetings planned with Seychelles officials and Defence Forces. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one visit, one test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to support triple-elimination goals. National Governance: President Dr Patrick Herminie received the final Assomption Island inquiry report and assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, marking major constitutional and administrative steps. Trade & Regional Integration: Seychelles concluded negotiations on the EU–ESA Economic Partnership Agreement, moving toward a modernised framework, while Seychelles is also among pilot countries for AfCFTA/AIDA impact assessment work. Legal/Finance: A Seychelles court ruling ordering KuCoin to pay a Swiss investor over $2 million in a delisted token dispute is still being challenged, with the investor alleging non-payment. Tourism & Education: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, and a Smart Classroom project launched at Anse Royale secondary school aims to modernise learning through digital innovation.

Maritime Security: Indian Naval Ship INS Tarkash arrived at Port Victoria on 12 June, underscoring growing India–Seychelles defence and maritime cooperation, with planned meetings with Seychelles officials and Defence Forces. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one finger-prick test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to support triple-elimination efforts. Trade & Diplomacy: Seychelles concluded negotiations on the EU–ESA Economic Partnership Agreement, moving toward a modern, comprehensive free trade framework. Governance: President Dr Patrick Herminie received the final Assomption Island inquiry report, and assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026. Finance & Courts: A Seychelles court award over $2m against KuCoin tied to delisted CHP tokens remains unpaid, with the investor planning further legal action. Tourism & Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, focusing on foundations, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability. Education: The Smart Classroom project launched at Anse Royale secondary school to modernise teaching through digital innovation. Tech Access: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Seychelles included in the broader rollout.

Assomption Island Inquiry: President Dr Patrick Herminie received the final Commission of Inquiry report on the sublease and development of Assomption Island at State House, marking the end of six months of work. National Assembly Reform: He also assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, while MPs approved the TRNUC recommendations bill creating an independent commission to implement and monitor outcomes. EU-ESA Trade Deal: Seychelles says it has concluded negotiations on the EU–Eastern and Southern Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, moving toward a modern, comprehensive free trade framework. Health Push: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel to support “triple elimination” of HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B in antenatal care. Local Education: The Smart Classroom project launched at Anse Royale secondary school aims to modernise teaching with digital tools and better access to learning resources. Sports & Community: Chess notation training supports the National Chess Championship; Beau Vallon’s outdoor gym reopened; and families are invited to the 3rd International Father’s Day 10km Fun Run on June 14. Finance Watch: A Seychelles court award over $2m in a KuCoin delisted-token dispute remains unpaid, with the investor planning further legal action.

Public Health Breakthrough: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a rapid “one visit, one test, three results” finger-prick test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, aimed at cutting mother-to-child transmission. National Assembly & Governance: President Patrick Herminie has assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, while the Assembly also approved a bill to set up an independent commission to enforce and monitor TRNUC recommendations. Regional Trade & Tourism: Seychelles backed the UN Tourism Management Vision 2026–2029, and Namibia launched an AfCFTA/AIDA country impact assessment report with Seychelles among the pilot states. Local Civic Life: The National Assembly will end Wednesday sittings earlier to support energy conservation, and Beau Vallon’s free outdoor gym has reopened after renovation. Sports & Community: Qatar Airways resumes four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, and Seychelles is gearing up for Father’s Day with a 10km family fun run on June 14. Legal/Finance Watch: A Seychelles court ruling says KuCoin can’t treat unwithdrawn delisted tokens as abandoned property, with a Swiss investor seeking payment of a $2m+ award.

Health & Prevention: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a WHO-prequalified rapid test that delivers “one visit, one test, three results” for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B from a single finger-prick sample—aimed at cutting mother-to-child transmission. Governance: President Patrick Herminie has assented to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long-running legislative reform process. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly will end Wednesday sittings earlier as part of energy conservation, and it has approved a bill setting up an independent statutory commission to enforce, implement and monitor TRNUC recommendations. Tourism & Diplomacy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the UN Tourism Executive Council in Toledo, focusing on foundations, collaboration, human capital and sustainability. Public Health Diplomacy: Seychelles and Eritrea also backed the first WHO prequalified 4th-generation integrated HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B test. Community & Sports: Beau Vallon’s free outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, and families are invited to the 3rd International Father’s Day 10km Family Fun Run on June 14.

National Assembly & Governance: President Dr Patrick Herminie has given ceremonial assent to the National Assembly Administration Act 2026, completing a long-running reform process. TRNUC Implementation: Lawmakers have approved the Commission (for the Enforcement, Implementation and Monitoring of the TRNUC Recommendations) Bill 2026, setting up an independent statutory commission to oversee follow-through on TRNUC recommendations. Parliament Timetable: The National Assembly will aim to end Wednesday sittings earlier as part of energy conservation measures. Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted the first WHO prequalified 4th generation integrated test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B, using one rapid visit for results. Tourism & Travel: Qatar Airways says it will restart and add routes including four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16. Community & Sports: Beau Vallon’s free outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, and families are invited to the International Father’s Day 10km Fun Run on June 14. Environment & Nature: Birding Seychelles highlights endemic birdwatching, while Curieuse Island’s giant tortoises are showcased as a conservation success story.

TRNUC Implementation: The National Assembly has approved the Commission (for the Enforcement, Implementation and Monitoring of the TRNUC Recommendations) Bill, 2026, setting up an independent statutory body to oversee follow-through on Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission recommendations. Parliament Schedule: The Assembly will also end Wednesday sittings earlier as part of energy conservation efforts, with the next reconvening set for Tuesday, June 16. Community Fitness: Beau Vallon’s popular beachfront outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring free public exercise for residents and beachgoers. Father’s Day Run: Families are invited to the 3rd International Father’s Day 10km Family Fun Run at Stad Popiler on Sunday, June 14, under the theme “Lead, Mentor, Inspire.” Tourism & Nature: Birding Seychelles spotlights endemic birds and conservation-led guiding, offering visitors a quieter side of the islands. Sports Spotlight: Seychelles’ young swimmer Anthony Morgan won bronze in the 5km 14–15 age group at open water championships in Mauritius. Regional Links: Seychelles joined more than 20 foreign delegations at Russia’s Fleet 2026 defence show in Kronstadt.

Ocean diplomacy & climate: A global open letter urges COP31 hosts Türkiye and Australia to put the ocean at the heart of climate action, with Seychelles among the governments backing the call. EU–Seychelles trade: The EU and ESA4 partners (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles) concluded talks on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement, with an EU Q&A outlining the ESA4 market and EU trade links. Local governance in focus: In the National Assembly, Social Affairs Minister Pamela Charlette said Lazans Swen Domisil is not stopping carers just because they turn 63, and confirmed an R800 increase in retirement pensions across categories from January 2026. Sports—Seychelles on the move: Seychelles’ Adrian Andrade won individual honours at the Africa Region IV Men Team Golf Championship, while the team finished in the medals after a tight contest. Maritime security: Seychelles is listed among more than 20 foreign delegations taking part in Russia’s Fleet 2026 defence show in Kronstadt. Seychelles–Russia ties: A Seychelles–Russia Friendship Chess Tournament is set for 12 June at the National Library in Victoria, timed with Russia Day.

EU-ESA Trade Deal: The European Commission says it has concluded negotiations on an enhanced Economic Partnership Agreement with Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles, aiming to deepen trade ties. Seychelles–Russia Links: A Seychelles–Russia Friendship Chess Tournament will be held at the National Library in Victoria on 12 June, timed with Russia Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations; registration opens at 9:00 and is limited to the first 20 players. Regional Sports: Seychelles’ Adrian Andrade won individual honours at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship in Mauritius, while Seychelles finished joint third in the team standings. Local Governance & Media: A new bill is reported to pose a threat to SBC’s independence, raising fresh concerns for Seychelles’ media landscape. Ocean Economy & Climate: Stakeholders are calling for more inclusive pathways for a sustainable ocean economy, while Nature Seychelles pushes #NowForClimate ahead of World Environment Day. Travel & Tourism: Aeroflot says it will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from 8 July, with twice-weekly Moscow–Seychelles services. Business & Security: Bitget launches Anti-Scam Month 2026, reporting $32.3m recovered for users and major anti-fraud activity in 2025.

Seychelles–Russia Ties: A Seychelles–Russia Friendship Chess Tournament will be held at the Seychelles National Library in Victoria on 12 June, timed for Russia Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations; registration opens 9:00–9:30 and the event runs 10:00–13:00, with limited spots and sign-ups via WhatsApp. Culture & Diplomacy: A documentary screening on the history of friendly Russia–Seychelles relations was staged in Victoria on 8 June, alongside remarks from the Russian Embassy and local artist Lyndsay Payet. Sports Leadership: The Seychelles Hockey Federation has elected a new executive committee after its AGM, with a clear push to revive hockey, especially at grassroots level. Local Achievement: Bodybuilder Rodney Henriette won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026, earning a shot at IFBB pro cards. Education & Skills: The Dubai government’s Digital School project has expanded in Seychelles, adding a new teacher-training phase for 100 teachers across 11 schools. Travel & Connectivity: Aeroflot says it will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from 8 July, with twice-weekly Moscow–Seychelles services using Airbus A350 aircraft. Regional Golf: Mauritius won the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship in Mauritius, while Seychelles’ Adrian Andrade took individual honours.

Seychelles Sport: The Seychelles Hockey Federation has elected a new leadership team after its AGM, but officials say the urgent task now is reviving hockey at grassroots level. Bodybuilding Spotlight: Rodney Henriette won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026, adding another international achievement to his Male Athlete of the Year credentials. International Sports Pathway: Seychelles secured a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong results at the Africa and Oceania Qualifier in Switzerland, earning a later showdown in Rio. Climate & Environment: Nature Seychelles is pushing the #NowForClimate message ahead of World Environment Day, urging action that moves beyond promises. Education & Skills: The UAE’s Digital School expanded in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase to build digital skills across 11 schools. Travel & Connectivity: Aeroflot says it will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from July 8, using A350 aircraft. Eco-Tourism Buzz: Seychelles was named the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, with strong scores tied to protected areas and natural environment. Regional Governance: A Seychelles-linked legal development surfaced in Zambia, where a judge’s move to the Seychelles Court of Appeal is now part of a constitutional court fight over external appointments.

Golf & Sport: Tanzania’s national team finished joint third at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship in Mauritius, tied with Seychelles and Reunion Island on 39-over-par, after a tight 54-hole stroke-play battle. Chagos Islands: A delegation of Chagossian refugees is in Britain urging Parliament to complete the handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after years of campaigning following the 1971 Diego Garcia base and the forced removal of islanders. Ocean & Tourism: Seychelles is being highlighted as the world’s top eco-tourism destination in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 rankings, with strong scores for protected areas and natural environment—while questions remain over carbon emissions and water stress. Air Access: Aeroflot says it will continue regular flights to Seychelles in the summer season from July 8, with twice-weekly Moscow–Seychelles services. Education: The UAE’s Digital School expands in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase for digital skills across 11 schools. Media Independence: Seychelles’ new bill is drawing concern over SBC independence, with lawyers warning about governance and funding pressure. Regional Spotlight: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of Southern Africa operations, covering Seychelles among other countries.

Seychelles-Russia Sports Ties: Seychelles’ Minister of Youth and Sport Kalsey Belle says relations with Russia “have never been stronger,” citing athlete and coach training plus Russian investment in local sports infrastructure. Education & Skills: Dubai’s Digital School has expanded in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase for 100 teachers across 11 schools to boost classroom digital skills. Travel Connectivity: Qatar Airways says it will restart flights to Seychelles (four weekly from June 16) as it expands its African network, adding frequencies on multiple routes. Media Independence: A new Seychelles bill is drawing concern over threats to SBC independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding controls. Environment & Oceans: World Environment Day coverage urges climate action in Seychelles, while a separate report warns industrial fishing is reaching into the ocean’s “dark web” twilight-zone ecosystem. Local Sport: Seychelles secures a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong sailing performances on Lake Neuchâtel. Heritage & Culture: A Mauritius workshop focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, building a regional roadmap.

Education & Skills: Dubai’s Digital School has expanded in Seychelles, launching a new teacher-training phase for 100 teachers across 11 schools to strengthen digital classroom skills. Sports & Youth: Seychelles’ Minister of Youth and Sport Kalsey Belle says Russia treats the republic as an equal partner, highlighting athlete training, coach development and Russian-backed sports infrastructure. Tourism & Travel Policy: Sri Lanka waived tourist visa fees for 40 countries’ nationals, but Seychelles is included only for free ETA processing, while Bangladesh is left out and still pays. Regional Mobility: Oman is rolling out wider e-attestation across Africa, Europe and Asia, with Seychelles slated for a later phase. Media Independence: A new Seychelles bill is raising alarms over threats to SBC independence, with critics pointing to governance and funding controls. Local Sailing: Seychelles secured a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong Africa and Oceania qualifier performances in Switzerland. Global Aviation: Qatar Airways is restarting and adding routes including Seychelles from June 16 as it rebuilds its network.

Sailing Spotlight (Praslin): A feature on Praslin’s slower, quieter rhythm highlights how the island’s landscape and villages unfold at their own pace, with Constance Lemuria’s nature-led design setting the tone for a more immersive stay. World Cup Buzz: A roundup looks at World Cup wunderkinds expected to break out on the global stage as Mexico and Bafana Bafana kick off the 2026 tournament. Heritage & Skills: Seychelles-linked regional work continues with a Mauritius workshop on strengthening indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, while local youths complete gabion construction training to boost watershed restoration and erosion control. Media Independence: The Magistrates and Judges Association moves to join a constitutional court case in Zambia tied to judges’ external appointments, with Seychelles Court of Appeal links mentioned. Sports Results: Seychelles Volleyball Federation’s league season ends with Neo Boys crowned men’s Division One champions and City Ladies defending the women’s title. Travel & Connectivity: Qatar Airways expands African routes, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16, as global tourism also faces crowd-management pressure. Crypto & Business (Seychelles-based firms): MEXC integrates with TradingView for in-chart crypto trading, while Bitget launches Anti-Scam Month and other affiliate campaigns.

Taiwan–China Tension: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing over alleged pressure that led Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar to withdraw flight clearances for President William Lai’s Eswatini trip, with lawmakers saying the move endangered aviation safety and violated international norms. Sailing Spotlight: Seychelles secured a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong performances at the Africa and Oceania Qualifier in Switzerland, earning a shot at the world’s sailing elite in Rio later this year. Sports Round-Up: Seychelles Volleyball Federation’s 2025-2026 National League crowned Neo Boys men’s champions, while City Ladies defended the women’s title. Media Independence: A new Seychelles bill is raising alarms over SBC independence, with critics warning governance and funding controls could be used to pressure public broadcasting. Tourism & Travel Tech: Victoria mayor joined global mayors in Beijing to discuss tech-empowered tourism, highlighting China–Seychelles ties and infrastructure cooperation. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways said it will restart flights to Seychelles from June 16 as it expands its African network, adding frequencies and new routes.