AGP Executive Report

Seychelles Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) board has raised serious concerns about a new SBC bill, warning it could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence by shifting appointment power further toward the Executive. Tourism & Travel Tech: Global mayors meeting in Beijing showcased “tech-empowered tourism,” using AI and immersive XR experiences to help cities manage visitor demand and create smarter travel. Energy Costs for Islands: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push oil prices sharply higher, adding over US$20 billion a year to the fuel import bills of vulnerable economies, including many small island states. Seychelles Sports: Seychelles teams are in action in the SSL Gold Cup African and Oceanian qualifiers, with local sailors pushing for progress on the Road to Rio. Local Sports Spotlight: Seychelles Football Federation beach soccer coverage highlights Equator crowned champions, while the race for runner-up remains tight. Business & Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledges US$1 billion to boost trade finance across Africa, aiming to strengthen regional value chains under AfCFTA. Aviation Standards: A regional ICAO workshop in Eswatini brought together Seychelles and other countries to discuss new runway and pavement classification standards (ACR/PCR). Cybersecurity: Dutch authorities disrupted a massive botnet operation that reportedly infected over 17 million devices worldwide.

SBC Independence Under Fire: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a new SBC bill could weaken its independence, warning appointment powers would shift further toward the Executive. Tourism Boost at Home: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launch “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to drive staycations and local experiences during the Golden Jubilee. Golf & Hospitality Tie-Up: Constance Hotels & Resorts names French golfer Emma Falcher as its 2026–2028 golf ambassador, linking her to Seychelles and Mauritius golf travel. Crypto Spotlight: MEXC says it topped CoinGecko’s 2026 State of Crypto Perpetuals report for new perpetual contract listings, while Whale.io launched “The Whale Printer” staking for $WHALE. Crowds & Travel Limits: A new travel report highlights European hotspots adding caps and booking systems as tourist numbers rebound. Science for Seychelles: Researchers say the “lost” Seychelles crocodiles were actually the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, identified through DNA matching. Sports: Seychelles’ beach soccer league crowns Equator champions, and Seychelles karatekas make history at the World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging residents to boost domestic tourism with staycations, local experiences and special offers ahead of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. SBC Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation board says a new SBC bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, warning that proposed appointment changes would give the Executive greater influence. Sports—Football: Rovers have secured promotion to the Absa Premier League after a dramatic play-off, while St Michel suffer a historic first-ever relegation; PTL Bazar Brothers also won the SFF Cup final, capping a strong season. Sports—Beach Soccer: Equator have been crowned champions in the SFF Beach Soccer League as the fight for the remaining top spots goes down to the wire. Sports—Karate: Seychellois karatekas made history at the 2nd World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana, with Samuel Fanny repeating his World Junior Kata title. Regional—Aviation: ICAO and SADC aviation safety partners held an ACR/PCR standards workshop in Eswatini with Seychelles among participating countries. Global—Energy Costs: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could sharply raise oil import bills for vulnerable economies, with small island states among those most exposed.

Seychelles Sport: Seychellois karatekas made history at the 2nd World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana, with 17-year-old Samuel Fanny repeating his World Junior Kata title win. Local Football: Equator were crowned champions in the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, while the race for the remaining top-four spots went down to the wire. Governance Watch: The Independent Authority against Corruption says it will publish findings into allegations raised in the “Mafia State” book by June 15, with cases suspended until the process is finished. Science & Nature: Researchers say the Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles are not a unique species, but the westernmost population of saltwater crocodiles, identified by matching DNA from living animals and historical museum specimens. Regional Economy: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push up oil import costs for vulnerable economies by over $20bn a year, hitting small island states hardest. Media Policy: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a new SBC bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, especially around executive influence in appointments. Tourism Push: Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost domestic travel during the Golden Jubilee year.

SBC Independence Under Threat: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation board says a new SBC bill could weaken its independence, warning that proposed governance changes would give the Executive greater influence over appointments. Domestic Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles launched “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” to boost local staycations and support businesses during the Golden Jubilee year. Seychelles in Sport: Seychelles kicked off Day 1 of the SSL Gold Cup African and Oceanian Qualifiers with a strong start on Lake Neuchâtel, while local football headlines include Rovers’ historic promotion and Bazar Brothers’ SFF Cup triumph. Regional Golf: Tanzania’s team coach Fadhili Nkya is confident his golfers will shine at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship in Mauritius, with Seychelles among the competing nations. Global Pressure on Small States: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions could hit vulnerable economies hardest, with small island developing states facing higher fuel costs.

Tourism Push: Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign, urging residents to boost domestic travel with staycations, local experiences and special offers ahead of the Golden Jubilee. Football Spotlight: President Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation Cup Final, presenting the trophy to Bazar Brothers FC, while Rovers secured promotion to the Absa Premier League after a dramatic play-off against St Michel. Regional Security: Seychelles is among 13 nations taking part in India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral military exercise in Meghalaya, focused on counter-terrorism and joint drills. Environment & Health: A study on “cool roofs” highlights how reflective roofing can cut indoor heat and improve sleep for vulnerable communities, with implications for Seychelles’ climate resilience. Marine Life & Diving: A guide lists top places to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish, including Seychelles dive spots. Global Travel Costs: The Hormuz crisis is driving up jet fuel prices, with airlines raising fares and reshaping routes—felt by travellers planning long-haul trips. World News Note: Pope Leo XIV praised the UK–Mauritius Chagos agreement as a long-overdue justice step for Chagossians.

Seychelles Football: President Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Cup Final at Unity Stadium, presenting the trophy to Bazar Brothers FC of Point Larue after their win over Praslin-based LightStars. Seychelles Sports History: Seychelles NATION’s archive feature marks June 1 with past sporting memories, including coverage of local matches and community sport moments. Local Youth Sports: Anse Boileau Secondary School officially inaugurated a new outdoor gymnasium, backed by the success of the school’s girls’ football team at the African Schools Football Championship. Regional Security: Seychelles participated in India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral military exercise in Meghalaya, with over 400 troops from 13 nations training on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Tourism & Climate Adaptation: A study highlights how “cool roofs” can cut indoor temperatures and improve sleep during heatwaves, while a separate report explores why travellers struggle to connect with nature once they’re used to constant noise and screens.

Seychelles Football: President Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF) Cup Final at Unity Stadium, presenting the trophy to Bazar Brothers FC after a 2-0 win over LightStars, capping a strong 2025-26 season. Local Sports: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gymnasium, backed by the success of the school’s girls’ football team at the African Schools Football Championship. Regional Security: Seychelles was among 13 nations taking part in India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral military exercise in Meghalaya, focused on counter-terrorism drills and interoperability, concluding with a 72-hour validation exercise. Environment & Culture: World Environment Day coverage highlights a “Inspired by Nature” message, while a Victoria event celebrating the Day of Slavic Writing and Culture saw Seychelles Tourism Academy students perform in Russian. Global Travel Buzz: Saadiyat Beach in Abu Dhabi was named among the world’s 50 best beaches for 2026, ranking 19th and praised for conservation efforts. Crypto & Markets (International): Seychelles-linked coverage includes Bitget’s new tokenization platform “Reality” and a separate liquidity report naming MEXC top for silver futures execution.

Football & State Presence: President Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation Cup Final at Unity Stadium, presenting the trophy to Bazar Brothers FC of Point Larue. Environment & Values: Ambassador Gideon Behar marked World Environment Day with a message that nature’s “balance and regeneration” should guide climate action. Diplomacy Over Chagos: Pope Leo XIV praised the UK–Mauritius agreement to return the Chagos Islands, calling it long-overdue justice for displaced Chagossians. Culture & Education: Day of Slavic Writing and Culture was celebrated in Victoria with Seychelles Tourism Academy students performing in Russian and receiving certificates. Tourism Governance: Seychelles reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO from 15 May 2026. Regional Security: India’s PRAGATI 2026 multilateral exercise in Meghalaya concluded with 400+ troops from 13 nations including Seychelles, focusing on counter-terrorism and interoperability. Digital Economy: Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace for trading blockchain-based names within its ecosystem. Local Sports Development: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gym, backed by success of its girls’ football team.

Seychelles Tourism: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, effective May 15, aiming to strengthen tourism governance and international promotion. Regional Security: The maiden multilateral military exercise PRAGATI 2026 concluded in Meghalaya, with over 400 troops from 13 countries including Seychelles, focusing on counter-terrorism and interoperability through a 72-hour validation drill. Energy Leadership: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as group executive for distribution from June 1; he previously led commercial strategy at Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Digital Identity & Crypto: Beldex launched the BNS Marketplace, letting users buy, sell and manage blockchain-based names peer-to-peer, as decentralized identity gains momentum. Drug Enforcement: Tanzania reported 28 Tanzanians arrested abroad in 2025, including one case involving Seychelles, as prosecutions proceed under host-country laws. Business & Finance: UK sanctions target digital asset firms linked to Russia, including Seychelles-based exchange HTX. Sports & Community: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gym, backed by success of its girls’ football team.

Tourism Governance: Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakic as CEO, effective 15 May 2026, with the new bill giving the board a renewed mandate to market Seychelles as a sustainable destination. Local Development: President Dr Patrick Herminie visited Coetivy Island to tour key development sites and ongoing projects tied to the island’s economic future. Sports & Youth: Anse Boileau Secondary School inaugurated a new outdoor gymnasium, made possible by the school girls’ football team’s success at the African Schools Football Championship. Regional Security: Seychelles took part in India’s two-week multilateral exercise Pragati 2026 in Meghalaya, focused on counter-insurgency drills and building interoperability and trust. Environment & Conservation: The Eden Project relaunched its partnership with the Seychelles Environment Ministry, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” plants available from 8 June and proceeds supporting conservation projects. Business & Energy Links: Eskom appointed telecoms veteran Junaid Munshi as group executive for distribution, effective 1 June, with prior experience including Cable & Wireless Seychelles.

Seychelles Tourism: The Government of Seychelles has reinstated the Seychelles Tourism Board and appointed Vesna Rakić as CEO from 15 May 2026, aiming to strengthen tourism governance and destination marketing under the Seychelles Tourism Board Bill 2026. Energy Leadership: Eskom has appointed Junaid Munshi as group executive for distribution from 1 June, bringing decades of telecom and commercial experience, including as chief commercial officer at Cable & Wireless Seychelles. Climate & Health: A new IPS opinion piece warns record heat is now a present reality, citing extreme temperatures across Europe and beyond—an issue that matters for climate-vulnerable island states like Seychelles. Security & Cybercrime: A report says hackers are using bulletproof hosting providers GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to run JavaScript malware for large-scale malspam and business email compromise, with targets including finance ministries. Environment & Conservation: Eden Project has relaunched a partnership with Seychelles’ Environment Ministry, with Impatiens “Ray of Hope” plants returning for sale from 8 June to fund conservation. Sport: Seychelles’ Absa Premier League play-offs continue, with Rovers’ 4-1 first-leg win over St Michel putting them close to promotion.

Seychelles Tourism Reset: The Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated after five years under a centralised framework, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026—aimed at boosting destination marketing and governance. Local Sports Spotlight: Rovers crushed St Michel 4-1 in the first leg of the Absa Premier League play-offs, putting them on the brink of promotion to Seychelles’ top division. Marine & Nature: DNA analysis has identified the Seychelles’ long-lost “crocodiles” as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, clarifying how the reptiles vanished after settlers arrived. Health & Science: A Seychelles warbler study links cooperative nest care with more similar anaerobic gut bacteria among interacting birds. Tourism Ideas: A guide highlights top scuba diving spots around Mahe and the outer islands, including Aldabra, Sainte Anne Marine National Park and Curieuse. Community Resilience: Cable & Wireless Seychelles hosted its inaugural Resilience Run 2026 at Roche Caïman as part of Business Continuity and Resilience Awareness Week. Cyber Alert: Hackers are abusing hosting providers GHOSTYNETWORKS and OMEGATECH to run JavaScript malware for large-scale spam and business email compromise.

Seychelles Tourism: The Seychelles Tourism Board has been reinstated after five years under a centralised framework, with veteran tourism executive Vesna Rakić appointed CEO effective 15 May 2026—aimed at boosting destination marketing and governance. Seychelles Science & Nature: DNA analysis has identified the Seychelles’ lost crocodiles as the westernmost population of the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), ending long-running questions about their origins. Seychelles Security: Seychelles authorities arrested eight Iranian nationals after intercepting a stateless dhow carrying opioids and cocaine worth about €20m, with the drugs and vessel destroyed under updated legal procedures. Regional Humanitarian Response: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform at Mahé, Seychelles (18–19 May), to improve crisis response as funding gaps remain severe. Sports (Seychelles): Absa Premier League play-offs: Rovers thrashed St Michel 4-1 in the first leg, putting them on the brink of promotion. Global Watch: The Strait of Hormuz closure is rerouting jet fuel trade, pushing prices higher and raising costs that could ripple into tourism and supply chains.

Visa Relief for Travellers: Sri Lanka has waived visa fees for arrivals from 40 countries (including Seychelles already on the list), with a free Electronic Travel Authorisation required for up to 30 days; the new rules took effect May 25 and no refunds apply for earlier applicants. Seychelles Security Update: Seychelles authorities arrested eight Iranian nationals after intercepting a stateless dhow carrying opioids and cocaine worth about €20m, with the vessel and drugs destroyed at sea. Humanitarian Coordination in Africa: The African Union launched a new humanitarian coordination platform at a Mahé meeting, aiming to improve crisis response as funding gaps leave millions without timely support. Mental Health Focus: Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi delivered a keynote at a regional mental health inter-country workshop in Johannesburg, bringing together countries including Seychelles. Tech & Cyber Threats: Reports say hackers are using abusive hosting providers to run JavaScript malware infrastructure tied to large-scale spam and business email compromise. Sports (Local): Absa Premier League play-off action continues as Rovers push for promotion after a 4-1 first-leg win over St Michel. Tourism & Diving: A guide highlights top scuba diving spots around Seychelles, from Aldabra to Sainte Anne and Curieuse.

Seychelles Security: Seychelles authorities arrested eight Iranian nationals after intercepting a stateless dhow loaded with opioids and cocaine worth about €20 million, with the drugs and vessel destroyed at sea following an intelligence-led operation supported by the French Navy. Regional Diplomacy: India’s Colombo Security Conclave is set to be upgraded into a more permanent regional security organisation with a secretariat in Colombo, including Seychelles among the littoral states. Tourism & Travel Policy: Sri Lanka has waived tourist visa fees for arrivals from 40 countries, including Seychelles’ reciprocal partners, but travellers still must apply for a free Electronic Travel Authorisation before arrival. Digital Identity & Privacy: Mauritius’ data protection chief warned that digital ID systems can’t work “in a legal vacuum” without strong data protection and cybersecurity safeguards. Seychelles Sports: Seychelles NATION marks its 50th anniversary by revisiting sporting milestones, including coverage of boxing and football playoff drama. Business & Hospitality: Raffles Seychelles has appointed Gerrard McNamara as resort manager, as Seychelles tourism and aviation leadership continues to see key appointments.