Africa-Press – Seychelles. In the latest cabinet meeting held on Wednesday June 21 and chaired by President Wavel Ramkalawan,a number of policy memoranda were approved.
Vice-President Ahmed Afif met with the press yesterday to further clarify these decisions. Regarding the approval of the Data Protection Bill, 2023, VP Afif shared that the first act dated 2003 and the Bill will replace the Data Protection Act 2003.
“The bill was formulated but was never enforced. We believe that the implementation and enforcement of a Data Protection Law is critical in the current digital environment and the government’s digital economy agenda. It is important to protect the personal data of individuals as many institutions/organisations have personal data on each individual and no one would like their information to be made public. The different organisations should also let the individuals know what kind of information they are keeping on you. And all these information should be in a legal framework which will happen now.”
Cabinet was also briefed on the fiscal performance of the country for Quarter 1 of 2023. Cabinet reiterated the need for continued fiscal discipline in the ministries, departments and agencies. VP Afif noted that “the budgeted revenue for the first quarter of 2023 was R2.2 billion but we were able to collect only R2.1 billion. Expenses for the first quarter was budgeted R2.9 billion and we did only R2.1 billion. Our primary surplus is R150 million compared to a deficit that was projected. Our government debt is R18 billion and we are on the right track. Generally, the government is satisfied with the performance and still urges all ministries to be cautious in their expenditure”.
Cabinet also approved the proposal for the Seychelles Postal Service to issue its first non-fungible token stamps in partnership with Universal Postal Union affiliated Digital Philately platform Stampdaq. VP Afif explained that every year Seychelles Post Office issues six to seven stamps. “In the world there is a market for those collecting stamps. The more the stamp is old the more the price will be. This will allow the Seychelles Postal Service to diversify its income base, attain global recognition for its stamps and innovate its philately offering for the tech generation. Now all these stamps will be scanned and sell on a digital platform and our stamps will be exposed to more markets. In the next seven years, the Seychelles Postal Service thinks of getting a revenue on the sale of these stamps.”
Regular stamps will still be sold and used for daily postage.
Cabinet also approved the position of Seychelles on the different areas under negotiation for endorsement following the 11th round of negotiations in preparation for the 12th European Union – Eastern Southern African States Interim Economic Partnership Agreement Negotiations.
Cabinet expressed appreciation for the gifts of two ambulances from Mr Pudjianto, owner of PT Mineral Makmur Indonesia; 4 fast response boats from the Kingdom of Bahrain; and security equipment including 5 bullet proof vehicles from the UAE.
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