Cassava Tuesdays: Creole Brand of The Republic of Seychelles

Capital: Victoria
Population: 94,677 (2016)
Official Language Spoken: Seychelles Creole (Seselwa), English and French
 Religion: Christianity, Islam, Bahai and Hinduism

President Danny Faure 

“Seychelles was part of the Paradise Papers, which revealed financial dealings of politicians, celebrities, corporate giants and business leaders.”

— November, 2017

COLONIAL PERIOD 

1502- Vasco Da Gama sailed from India to Africa at his arrival, he named the islands after himself, Les Amirantes (Admiral Islands). He is credited for discovering the island because none of the colored folks within distance ever dared to visit. I mean Seychelles is a hop and skip from two continents, but it took a European to “discover” this Island.

               ESTIMATED SHIP ARRIVALS TO SEYCHELLES

10 days from India
10 days from Saudi Arabia
4 days from Kenya
23 days from Portugal

I find it hard to believe that no one from these spaces “discovered” the island. In the late 1700s, the French colonized Seychelles and will name the island in honor of Viscount Jean Moreau de Sechelles (Minister of Finance, 1727 to 1743).

Portugal's Vasco da Gama explored the Seychelles (1502)

“Seychelles has the highest Gross Domestic Products (GDPs) per capita in Africa ($15,410 in 2016), but increasingly the effects of climate change are placing its economy—which relies heavily on high-end tourism and exports of tuna—at risk.”

— World Bank, 2017

As our other stories with "Empire" and Africa spaces go, there was a struggle from the French, British, Dutch, Arabs, and the Italians. They stopped by the island for precious stones, spices, and slaves. Similarly, to the early stories of Australia, Seychelles was used as a place to hold prisoners or exiles by the British.

Oddly enough, Seychelles keeps Somalian prisoners and it is all funded by the United Nations.

THE CASE OF NUTS AND NEUROTIC SAILORS

Coco De Mer, I am sure you can guess the Male and Female one right?

“World Bank approved a $9 million loan to help indebted Seychelles to restore economic stability.”

— 2009 (It was rough for everyone)

“Seychelles is ranked 93rd out of 190 economies on the Doing Business ”

— Word Bank, 2017

Seychellois Rupee

“
Seychelles is the smallest country in Africa ”

We discussed country branding last year, with the Sega Branding of Mauritius

What is the Creole Brand ? 

BLUE ECONOMICS & SUSTAINABILITY

BLUE ECONOMICS IN 2014

Seychelles relies heavily on tourism but the nation is on a mission to change that. The Island nation is trying to move away from being totally dependent on its tourism sector by developing its blue economy.

“ 40 out of 168 (No ranking available in 2016)”

— Transparency Corruption Perceptions Index, 2015

the outcome  IN 2016 (BRANDING ASSET #1)

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SUSTAINABILITY IN POLICY AND IN PRACTICE (ASSET #2)

The country has also taking a proactive approach instead of a reactive approach to dealing with sustainability and the blue economy of the country. Read below to understand more on the Seychelles Blue Economy Strategic Roadmap.

VISA RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REGION & power of passport? (BRANDING ASSET 3-4)

Country Branding done the right way “CAN” lead a country to the path of Soft Power. Remember, you can have a brand that is “sellable” but have no soft power. Despite the word SOFT, it is not easy to craft or apply into foreign policy. 

The Maldives has a recognizable brand, spectacular views that really are “The sunny side of life” but struggle with poverty and health care.

The Republic of Seychelles was first to scrap visa requirements for other African nations, despite the feelings not been mutual. In return, the country now has the most powerful African passport. The Seychelles passport ranks number 1 in the continent, 26 globally with a total of 141 accessible countries.

“Seychelles is home to one of the heaviest land tortoise, The Aldabra Giant tortoise born in 1846. ”

THE PEOPLE MUST BE CONSIDERED IN THE BRAND? (problem#1)

Marie Josee Bonne, Special Adviser, Ministry of Social Affairs, Community Development and Sports, Seychelles

“Majority of the 115 islands are uninhabited, they are dedicated as nature reserves ”

The Seychelles has one of the most progressive social development policies in the developing world, arguably owing to its size and population of just over 860,000 people. The United Nations, however, believes the policies are workable, even in heavily populated countries. It says the model should be deployed in other African countries.

COUNTRY CARRIER AND TOURISM (ASSET #5) 

We have discussed the importance of a country having a reliable safe country carrier. Air Seychelle might be a small airline but enjoys six major code share partnership agreements with Alitalia, Jet Airways, Air Serbia, Air France, South African Airways, and Etihad Airways that owns 40% of the airline. Tourist can also enjoy authentic creole music on board. Your airline is supposed to celebrate and sell your country brand but with your culture constantly on the background.

The amazing Seychelles Islands...Not just another place,another World ! For a glimpse into this amazing island Nation ,please view the video. For more information about the Seychelles,please visit : www.seychelles.travel

CREOLE CULTURE
 

FOOD CULTURE

The traditional meal for the country is this delicious fruit bat. It can be served as a warm curry, stir fried or in coconut milk. 

SEGGAE MUSIC
 

This is a blend of reggae and sega, very popular with African Island countries. 

SEGGAE MUSIC

Kolonel from Seychelles Island Title : Parey Mon Devret Production : Dreamventure Special Thanks to : Darren Ladine : Hillary Rita

“The use of wood or charcoal is illegal in the island”

 

WE SHALL LEAVE YOU WITH THIS....

Promotional Seychelles Music Video geared in promoting Seychelles artist on an International level... Please feel free to subscribes, rate and view. Share it to your family and friends, Seychelles has been described as a Paradise on Earth, there's your chance to learn a little bit about it vast culture, through it's people's music.

See you next Cassava Tuesday!

Cassava Tuesdays: Cape Verde

We will be back next Cassava Tuesday!

Our first Lusophone Country for Cassava Tuesdays will be Cape Verde. There is a reason for the use of Cape Verde and Cabo Verde.... Hrrrggggh, What is in a name? We will discuss next time!

Cape Verde has no Soft Power but there is potential to build on a brand thanks to their Blue Economy.

Are you aware that Cape Verde has the second-best education system in Africa?
 

We will start with Amílcar Lopes da Costa Cabral and end with the branding possibilities for this island country. 

In the meantime, please enjoy the legendary Barefoot Diva, Cesária Évo from Cape Verde

Cesária Évora - Sodade Official music video - corrected and better HD sound

Muldays-Blue Economics & Africa: OverFishing

Institute of Security Studies(ISS)

Our topic for the day

“What is Blue Economics?
All that comes from the (Maritime Sector) that is used for economic development (Sustainable or not)”

— Water & Cassava

Try not to fall for greenwashing arguments that make this two seem the same. 

“What is greenwashing?
Think of all the lieeeeeeeeeeeeees, gloss and shiny companies use to promote “enviormental safe or friendly products””

— Water & Cassava

“What is Green Economics?
These are economies that have a primary focus to push for sustainable development by reducing environmental risks and scarcities. ”

— Water & Cassava

Africa Blue Economics might sound like another cool term that so called environmentalist or millennials have coined to simply describe the Ocean Economy but the current dynamics of Africa Blue Economics is truly deeply concerning. 

“Did you know that 70% of African countries have coastlines?”

— -Water & Cassava

The term Cassava Economics used under Cassava Diplomacy is based on African countries looking inwards for innovation and sustainability. The African Blue Economics surrounding the fishing sector with Africa Coastline countries could contribute to not just innovation and sustainability but also improve economic and social stability. 

“So between 2000 and 2011, 64 percent of China’s average annual catches, valued at more than $7 billion, came from West Africa?????
#WTF”

— The Pew Chritable Trust

“So we have to feed all of you because you will not invest in birth control?

I argue the same of Africa States that do not want to speak about birth control?

There are about 15 different ways to go about Birth Control!! ”

— ABI LEF WA FISH OOO

SOLUTIONS...NOT PROBLEMS???

AFRICAN UNION SOLUTION 

The African Union Solution has a strategy that for sure by 2050 will be in effect. The AU is quite depressing but anyway, please take a look below.

“The “2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy)” consists of the overarching, concerted and coherent long-term multilayered plans of actions that will achieve the objectives of the AU to enhance maritime viability for a prosperous Africa.”

— So when we are the fish have died....

The primary victims here are the coastal communities that are bearing the beatings from the overfishing and acidification of the ocean, but the African Union is aiming for 2050. These communities are never considered during the development and design of such policies. There is also the issue with pollution coupled with the overfishing, you get real security concerns and migration movements that can only best be described as chaotic. African coastal countries should focus on their unique eco-systems by researching what works best for their unique communities. 

“Hollistic route towards the coastal communities”

— Water & Cassava

UGALI DIPLOMACY OF KENYA & BLUE ECONOMICS

Kenya has decided to be proactive in their commitments and not reactive by having policies within their blue economics that aim for better options. The Kenyan Government in September 2016 established The Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy in the Ministry of Agriculture. This is exactly why Kenya will always maintain regional hegemony, other countries go towards a reactive approach, Kenya relies on frameworks, science and policy.

“The Africa Maritime Industry is located in 38 coastal states including Cape Verde, Sao Tomé and Principe, Mauritius, Seychelles and the Comoros profits $1 trillion per year”

— Water & Cassava

President Uhuru Kenyatta has hailed the new Charter on Maritime Security, Safety and Development in Africa signed Saturday in Lome Togo during the extra-ordinary summit on maritime security. Kenyatta termed the move by Africa to entrench the charter as the continent's commitment to international peace and security.

To know more, this link will take you to the Kenya Institute of Public Research

SEYCHELLES WILL NOT BE IGNORED

Read below to understand  more on the Seychelles Blue Economy Strategic Roadmap

SOUTH AFRICA, WHAT SAY YOU?

South Africa has adopted a policy, Operation Phakisa that focuses on four primary areas: marine transport and manufacturing, offshore oil and gas exploration, aquaculture and marine protection services.

“Captain Nemo would not like this....”

— Sci-Fi lover here, I had to plug in the Captain

 

 

What are African Countries Lacking?

Polices & Governance
Teamwork makes the dream work! Unified frameworks would help such as mulitlateral agreements. 
 

Coastal Law Enforcements
Look, I am not suggesting shooting to kill people. Heaven you should restrain from killing, however if deadly force must be applied….

United States
Take a trip to Alaska and just start overfishing and attempt hostility, Go on and try….
 

International & National Law
These laws are here for a reason!

Mandatory Registration, Permits for Fisheries
This is not a drive thru fast food joint, you are not going to have it your way

Surveillance
 CCTV for the Seas & Up to date technologies
 

CORRUPTION
I will let Uncle Bob speak on this to you

"Build your penitentiary, we build your schools" now can you hear "Build your coastlines, Build your communities"..

. 

Bob Marley - Crazy Baldhead (Live)

MORE SOLUTIONS PLEASE!

African Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa (Lomé Charter)

The Committee of Permanent Representatives (PRC) of the African Union on Tuesday adopted the Lome Charter on Safety, Security and Development in Africa; ahead of the summit of Heads of State on maritime safety planned this Saturday in the Togolese capital.

“Blue Economics also includes: Offshore oil and Gas Production”

— It ain't about just the Fish......-Water & Cassava

“Africa looses $2 billion to illegal fishing
”

— Speechless all 54 states

There is also the Yaounde Code of Conduct for West Africa and Djibouti Code of Conduct aimed to curb the criminality behaviors of the seas.

Enjoy this article on China and West Africa Fisheries

Africa must be responsible for her oceans not other state actors. No blame game here just the dyanamics. 

From all of us at ESE & SEGYE, handle your antibiotics with  care

To Watch Educational Videos and understand the imporatance of this week

See you next Mulday!