AGP Executive Report

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.

Sailing Spotlight: Seychelles has booked a place in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup Grand Final after strong performances at the Africa and Oceania Qualifier on Lake Neuchâtel, with the Vann Swet crew earning one of two regional spots to race later in Rio de Janeiro. Sports Heritage: Seychelles NATION marks its 50th anniversary by revisiting June 6 sporting archive stories, highlighting how local coverage has tracked athletes and major events over decades. Media Independence: A new Seychelles bill is raising alarms over SBC independence, with concerns about governance and funding controls that could pressure the public broadcaster. Judicial Appointments Row: The Magistrates and Judges Association of Zambia wants to join a constitutional court case linked to judges’ external appointments, involving a Seychelles Court of Appeal role. Tourism & Nature: A World Tourism Network piece argues against blanket Russian tourist visa curbs, while another commentary says protecting nature is now central to the future of travel. Local Skills & Youth: Young people in Baie Lazare complete gabion construction training to support watershed restoration and climate resilience. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways expands its African network, including restarting flights to Seychelles from June 16. Tech & Finance (Seychelles-based): MEXC, based in Victoria, Seychelles, integrates with TradingView to let users trade directly from charts.

Constitutional Court Push: Zambia’s Magistrates and Judges Association is seeking to join a major constitutional case over judges’ external appointments, linked to a Seychelles Court of Appeal appointment by former judge Dominic Yeta Sichinga. Media Independence Under Threat: A new bill in Seychelles is raising alarms about the independence of the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), with critics pointing to funding and governance controls. SBC/Legal Crossroads: The dispute also highlights how judicial roles and appointments can trigger wider constitutional questions. Tourism & Nature: Ahead of World Environment Day, a fresh travel perspective argues that protecting nature is now central to tourism’s future, not just a “green” marketing add-on. Aviation for Seychelles: Qatar Airways says it will restart flights to Seychelles from June 16 as it expands its African network. Regional Finance: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa director, covering Seychelles among 13 countries. Local Skills & Sport: Youths complete gabion construction training for watershed restoration, while Seychelles volleyball crowns Neo Boys (men) and City Ladies (women) as national league champions. Crypto Watch: Bitget launches Anti-Scam Month in June, citing multi-asset fraud losses, while MEXC expands TradingView trading access.

Taiwan–China Row: Seychelles-linked flight clearances were cited in a Taiwan legislature resolution condemning Beijing’s “heavy-handed” obstruction of President Lai’s Eswatini trip, with lawmakers saying economic pressure threatened flight safety and sovereign equality. Local Skills & Resilience: Young people in Baie Lazare completed a five-day gabion construction training to support watershed restoration, erosion control and climate resilience, as part of Seychelles’ Golden Jubilee activities. Volleyball Spotlight: Neo Boys won the men’s Division One title, while City Ladies defended the women’s crown at the Seychelles Volleyball Federation National League finale in Roche Caïman. City-to-City Tourism Tech: Victoria mayor joined global mayors in Beijing, highlighting China–Seychelles people-to-people ties and China-funded local infrastructure, with a focus on tech-empowered tourism. Aviation Standards: Seychelles took part in an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft and Pavement Classification Ratings (ACR/PCR), aimed at harmonising runway and apron assessments to boost trade and connectivity. Sports History & Community: Seychelles NATION marked 50 years of sporting coverage, while local karatekas shone at the World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana.

Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways will restart four weekly flights to Seychelles from June 16, add two weekly flights to Kigali from the same date, and launch daily service to Marrakesh from July 1, while also boosting frequencies on major African routes. Regional Governance: Seychelles’ public broadcaster SBC says a new Broadcasting Corporation Bill could weaken its independence, warning that proposed appointment changes would give the Executive greater influence. Tourism & Tech: Global mayors meeting in Beijing discussed “smarter travel” using AI to reshape urban tourism, from digital services to new business models. Energy Costs: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push oil prices higher and add over US$20 billion a year to fuel import bills for vulnerable economies, including many small island states. Local Sports: Seychelles karatekas made history at the 2nd World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana, with Samuel Fanny crowned World Junior Kata champion again. Business & Finance: Mauritius Commercial Bank pledged US$1 billion for trade finance across Africa, aiming to support intra-African trade and value chains.

SBC Independence Under Pressure: Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation’s board says a new SBC bill could weaken its independence, warning that proposed governance changes would shift more appointment power to the Executive. Tourism Tech Spotlight: Global mayors in Beijing discussed AI-powered, tech-empowered tourism as part of the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue. Aviation Standards for Seychelles: A regional ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings (ACR/PCR) in Happy Valley brought Seychelles and 11 other African countries together to align runway standards. Local Sports Buzz: Seychelles karatekas made history at the 2nd World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana, while Seychelles’ beach soccer league saw Equator crowned champions. Conservation Update: Scientists have identified the Seychelles’ “lost” crocodiles as the westernmost population of saltwater crocodiles, linking DNA from living animals and museum specimens. Regional/Global Watch: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could add over $20bn a year to oil import bills for vulnerable economies, including many small island states.

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 during the Golden Jubilee year. SBC Governance: The Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) board says a newly gazetted SBC Bill could weaken the public broadcaster’s independence, warning that appointment changes may give the Executive greater influence. Sports—Karate: Seychellois karatekas made history at the 2nd World Kyokushin-Ryu Championships in Astana, with Samuel Fanny crowned World Junior Kata champion again. Sports—Beach Soccer: Equator have been crowned Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League champions, while the fight for the remaining top-four spots stays tight. Sports—Sailing: Seychelles’ Vann Swet team featured in SSL Gold Cup African and Oceanian Qualifiers action on Lake Neuchâtel, as racing drama unfolded for Road to Rio qualification. Regional Mobility: SADC justice ministers meeting in Victoria Falls are set to discuss the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA to streamline transit and tourism travel across member states.

Karate Spotlight: Two Seychellois Kyokushin 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 of the Seychelles Football Federation Beach Soccer League, while the race for the remaining top-four spots stays tight heading into the closing fixtures. Sports in the Spotlight: Seychelles’ sailing team got a storming start on Day 1 of the SSL Gold Cup African and Oceanian Qualifiers on Lake Neuchâtel, before conditions shifted. Governance Watch: Seychelles’ public broadcaster is facing concerns over a new SBC bill, with the board warning it could weaken the corporation’s independence through changes to appointments. Energy & Cost Pressures: A UNCTAD warning says Strait of Hormuz disruptions could push up oil import bills for vulnerable economies by more than $20 billion a year, hitting import-dependent states hardest. Science & Heritage: Scientists say Seychelles’ vanished crocodiles were identified as the westernmost saltwater crocodile population, using DNA links between living animals and rare museum specimens. Anti-Corruption Deadline: Seychelles-linked corruption probe developments elsewhere: Cyprus’ anti-corruption authority says it will publish findings on the “Mafia State” investigation by June 15. Tourism Push: Seychelles launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign to boost domestic tourism during 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 changes would give the Executive greater influence over board appointments. Domestic Tourism Push: The Seychelles Tourism Board and Inside Seychelles have launched the “Rediscover Seychelles – Your Islands. Your Escape” campaign to boost local staycations and support tourism businesses during the Golden Jubilee year. Football Spotlight: President Dr Patrick Herminie attended the Seychelles Football Federation Cup final at Unity Stadium, presenting the trophy to Bazar Brothers FC. Sporting History & Local Leagues: Rovers secured promotion to the Absa Premier League after a dramatic play-off series, while Seychelles NATION marked June 2 in its sporting archives. Regional Golf: Seychelles is among the teams set to compete at the Africa Region IV Men Team Championship starting today at Tamarina Golf Club in Mauritius. Global Context (Seychelles angle): A UNCTAD warning flags that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could hit small island developing states hard through higher fuel costs.

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. Local Sport: Rovers secured promotion to the Absa Premier League after beating St Michel United 7-5 on aggregate in a dramatic play-off series, while St Michel suffered a first-ever relegation. Tourism & Travel: A new study named Italy’s Tropea Beach the world’s most relaxing, with Seychelles-linked travel content also highlighting top spots to swim with hawksbill turtles and parrotfish. Regional Cooperation: Seychelles featured among 13 nations in India’s PRAGATI 2026 military exercise in Meghalaya, focused on counter-terrorism drills and interoperability. Regional Justice Talks: SADC justice ministers met in Victoria Falls with the SADC Tourism UNIVISA agreement on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across member states. Crypto & Markets: ZOOMEX launched a “Win a Trip to the World Cup!” campaign with a $300,000 prize pool, while Seychelles-linked exchange activity was referenced in broader regional crypto regulation coverage.