Category Archives: Seychelles

Manchester Citys new official cryptocurrency exchange partner appears to be offering a product to UK consumers which is banned by the UK Financial Conduct Authority because of likely harm from sudden and unexpected losses, The Athletic can reveal.

The product was mentioned in the publicity surrounding the City deal.

An OKX spokesperson said the company remains in compliance with the rules outlined by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not sell crypto derivatives to UK consumers.

On March 4, City announced the deal with OKX, a fast, secure and innovative cryptocurrency exchange based in the Seychelles. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have boomed in popularity over the last year, after rising in value making them appealing as a high-risk asset, although they have slumped in value in recent months. Football clubs are now trying to join the gold rush.

OKX sells cryptocurrencies, which is perfectly legal in the UK. But in OKXs announcement of the deal, beneath a photo of City stars Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish, the company boasts of having the planet's most active crypto derivatives markets.

Since January 2021, selling crypto derivatives to UK retail consumers has been banned by the Financial Conduct Authority who, after a lengthy consultation, concluded that retail consumers might suffer harm from sudden and unexpected losses if they invest in these products, going on to outline concerns over crime and fraud in the secondary market.

Despite this, a look at the site and its publicity makes clear that crypto derivatives trading is a core part of the company's business, and appeared to be available when logging in from a UK computer, and derivatives were mentioned in marketing emails with no disclaimers.

An OKX spokesperson provided evidence that disclaimer messages appear for UK customers on desktop and mobile when selecting the account mode, and when attempting to upgrade an account to trade leveraged products. However, unlike other cryptocurrency exchanges, these do not appear at any earlier stage. The UK is also not mentioned as a restricted territory in the OKX terms of service.

OKX removed the mention of crypto derivatives from the City announcement after The Athletic asked questions.

This text was featured in an About OKX section on a partnership-related landing page located on okx.com, a spokesperson said. Furthermore, it described OKX global operations. We have removed the text that mentions derivatives from said text in order to avoid further confusion.

The company argues the City partnership is for a global audience, not necessarily just people in the UK, like the City fans who will see the companys logo beamed around the Etihad Stadium.

(Photo: Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

Here is the original post:

Manchester Citys new crypto sponsor offering banned product to UK consumers - The Athletic

Two recent guilty pleas involving a cryptocurrency exchange serve as a reminder to all money services businesses (MSBs)including those ostensibly located outside the United States but that conduct business thereof the importance of implementing anti-money laundering (AML) programs and registering as MSBs with the U.S. Treasury Departments Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Last week, two founders and executives of BitMEXa virtual currency derivatives exchange whose parent company was registered in the Seychelles but operated globally, including in the United Statespled guilty to criminal Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) violations stemming from the companys willful failure to establish, implement, and maintain an AML program.[1]

The BitMEX enforcement action also highlights sanctions non-compliance risks. Without a Know Your Customer (KYC) program, BitMEX carried out transactions for customers based in Iran, a jurisdiction comprehensively sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). As OFAC has made clear, sanctions compliance obligations remain the same regardless of whether transactions are denominated in virtual currency or fiat. A focus on sanctions compliance may become even more critical for cryptocurrency companies in the wake of the new far-reaching Russia-related sanctions imposed by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, among other governments, in response to Russias invasion of Ukraine. OFAC and the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYSDFS) have warned that as sanctioned persons and jurisdictions become more desperate for access to the U.S. financial system, they are likely to turn to cryptocurrency to minimize the crippling effect of sanctions.

The two BitMEX founders guilty pleas on February 24, 2022 follow the companys settlement with U.S. regulators in August 2021, which was one of the largest-ever resolutions with a cryptocurrency exchange. While BitMEX was incorporated in the Seychelles, it had connections to the United States, including maintaining offices there and soliciting and accepting orders from U.S. customers. FinCENand theCommodity Futures Trading Commission found that BitMEX was operating as an unregistered futures commission merchant under the BSA, and that it failed to comply with the BSAs AML program requirements, including by failing to maintain an adequate customer identification program. BitMEX resolved the allegations for $100 million, with a $20 million suspended penalty pending the companys remediation and prevention measures, including ending all operations within the United States and no longer serving any U.S. customers.

The Department of Justice charged four of the companys founders and executives in October 2020. In announcing that two of them, Arthur Hayes and Benjamin Delo, had pled guilty to willfully violating the BSA, the Department of Justice alleged that these two founders closely followed the U.S. regulatory developments and were aware of their BSA obligations due to U.S. customers trading on BitMEX. Yet, they allegedly took affirmative steps purportedly designed to exempt BitMEX from the application of U.S. laws like AML requirements and KYC requirements. For example, according to prosecutors, the defendantscaused BitMEX to formally incorporate in the Seychelles, a jurisdiction they believed had less stringent regulation, and from which they could still serve U.S. customers and operate within the United States without performing AML and KYC. Without even basic AML policies in place, BitMEX became in effect a money laundering platform and a vehicle for sanctions violations.

This development illustrates the significant risks to which foreign-located MSBs expose themselves if they have U.S. customers but fail to comply with the BSA. Incorporating in a friendlier jurisdiction, like the Seychelles in the BitMEX case, does not protect an MSB from BSA liability if it operates in the United States. The BSA applies to MSBs wherever located if they conduct business wholly or in substantial part within the United States. Thus, all MSBs, including those transmitting cryptocurrencywith any U.S. nexusshould take note of the BSA requirements. Those include registering with FinCEN; implementing a written AML program with policies, procedures, and internal controls, including regarding customer identification and verification; and controls to detect and report suspicious activity. The AML programs must be commensurate with the risks posed by the location, size, nature and volume of the services provided by the MSB and be effective in preventing the MSB from being used to facilitate money laundering and the financing of terrorist activities.

An effective AML/KYC program will also help ensure compliance with sanctions regulations. As noted, cryptocurrency exchanges will likely face increased sanctions risks due to the sweeping sanctions recently imposed against Russian banks, entities, and individuals by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and other governments, and additional measures that may be imposed in the coming days or weeks. As such, cryptocurrency exchanges may face, and must address, unique risks.

By implementing a KYC program, which includes sanctions screening, cryptocurrency companies can help ensure they do not engage, directly or indirectly, in transactions prohibited by sanctions, such as dealings with blocked persons or property, or engaging in prohibited trade- or investment-related transactions. To ensure compliance, cryptocurrency exchanges should also employ geolocation and IP-address blocking to prohibit access by parties from sanctioned jurisdictions, perform transaction monitoring to detect suspicious activity, and file required reports with FinCEN and OFAC. Exchanges operating outside the United States that do not yet have but want to attract U.S. users should also consider implementing such measures.

[1]Also last week, on February 25, 2022, BitConnect founder Satish Kumbhani was indicted in a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme, which the government alleges deprived investors worldwide, including in the United States, of over $2 billion. According to the indictment, to avoid regulatory scrutiny and conceal BitConnects fraudulent scheme, Kumbhani evaded and circumvented U.S. regulations, including those enforced by the FinCEN. Among other things, BitConnect never registered with FinCEN, as required under the BSA.

See the original post here:

Non-U.S. Crypto and Other Money Services Businesses: Have Customers in the U.S.? Beware of AML and Sanctions Compliance Risks - JD Supra

What does this aroma remind you of, asked my guide Medina Laboudallonas she extended her palm which had a few yellow flowers in it? As I tooka whiff of the fallen flowers that Medina had just collected from under a towering tree, the distinct aroma of basmati rice stood out.With the lingering fragrance, we started our tour of Valle de Mai which is a nature reservelocated on the island of Praslin in Seychelles.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this primary forestis home to the rare endemic palm called coco de mer. Growing more than 25 metres in height,the seeds germinate after 3-6 months. The trees mature between a period of 20-30 years. Male and female palms grow separately. The male catkins contain a lot of pollen while thefemale palms bear fruit in the form of the largest and heaviest nut in the world. Each nut canweigh upto 25 kgs. It is not just the weight but also the shape of the nut that has garneredworldwide interest as it resembles a womans buttocks.

During the tour, I was taken to an overhead enclosure where a few ripened nuts were kept ondisplay. The green nut that I had seen growing on trees had ripened to brown and taken the formof the female posterior. I did do the mandatory tourist activity of getting myself clicked with thewell-endowed nut.

A few thousand coco de mer trees grow inside the reserve and this star attraction is omnipresentthroughout Valle de Mai. As we treaded past granite rocks which are typically found inSeychelles, crossing trees with sunlight playing hide and seek through the lush canopy, westopped at the grandfather tree. This imposing coco de mer palm with tourists hugging it happilyhas graced quite a few Instagram feeds.

The reserve is home to six endemic palms and our next stop was at a screwpine called HornesPandanus. Considered the most majestic and good looking of four of the screwpines found inSeychelles, it had a crown shaped like an umbrella. This shape is also the reason why in Creole itis known as the Vakwa parasol. With narrow and long leaves, its fruit is shaped like a ball, big insize with wedges. Once ripe, it turns to a lovely orange colour. Nocturnal fruit bats enjoy eatingthis fruit.

Another endemic tree of the country is Capucin whose timber is in high demand. The undersideof its mature leaves was reddish-brown and so was its bark. The word Capucin in Creole has itsorigin in the way a large seed is formed. The shape of the seed is very similar to the head of acapuchin monk wearing a cowl. The fruit is eaten by fruit bats.Though we kept our eyes and ears open to catch a glimpse of the rare giant bronze gecko, iteluded us. Instead, we spotted a Praslin snail that was crawling up a tree. As we walked deeper into Valle de Mai, Medina suddenly gestured to me to remain silent whispering that she couldhear the musical whistle of the unique Seychelles black parrot which is the national bird of the country. With childlike excitement, she stealthily walked a few steps ahead and showed me the elusive bird.

Perched atop a tree, this black parrot was merrily feeding on the palm fruit. The black parrot isnative to Praslin and makes its nest in forests abundant with mature palm trees. Valle de Mai isits core breeding habitat while the population is about 900 birds. We continued to admire theparrot for a few more seconds before it flew away. It was futile to capture it on the mobile andsighting it will remain a visually delightful memory.

Chuffed, we walked further up to the viewpoint to get a vantage view of the thick green blanketof trees. Sitting on a wooden bench at the viewpoint, surrounded by trees, listening to birdschirping, I felt inwardly calm and rejuvenated. After spending some time forest bathing, it wastime to head back.

Since we had taken the circular path to reach the viewpoint, we decided to take the central pathon our way back down.

The cedar path connects the circular and central paths. Even though I hadspent a couple of hours at Valle de Mai admiring its flora and fauna, there was still so much of this diverse ecosystem yet to explore. And so with a wish to visit again, I left this paradise whichhas been referred to as the Garden of Eden.

Seychelles is now open to Indians without any quarantine or travel restrictionsbut anegative RT-PCR is a must.

Read more:

In the real-life Garden of Eden - Deccan Herald

A small Dutch crowdfunding project is trying to 3D print reefs to provide habitat for fish, protection for beaches and coastal communities at risk from rising seas, and a future for reefs devastated by bleaching and other damage.

If your first thought is: theres no way 3D printing, which works best in small scale, will be able to replace thousands of cubic kilometers of dead reef all over the planet, youre not wrong.

I dont believe we can rebuild all the coral reefs in the world. I think ... the scale is way too big, project cofounder and marine biologist Astrid Kramer told me recently on the TechFirst podcast.

But what we can do at some places is two things: its buy time by placing these structures, we can protect fragile low-lying areas that are suffering from erosion or flooding because the reefs are dying. And we are placing substrate for research purposes, because a lot of scientists are working extremely hard to find those species that can withstand higher temperatures, and they will grow into new reefs that can adapt to climate change.

A coral reef (not one built by 3D printing)

Coral reefs are in massive decline globally, and some scientists estimate we could lose 70-90% of our reefs due to warming ocean waters.

That has all kinds of negative consequences: a quarter of the worlds fish live in and around reefs, reefs are critically important protectors of beach communities threatened by high waves and tides, and they support a massive amount of biodiversity.

Thats led Kramer and her cofounder Nadia Fani, a computer scientist who led the building of the first large-format concrete printer, to start Coastruction.

Of course, no-one is printing corals themselves. Corals are tiny sea creatures who build exoskeletons of calcium carbonate. Put billions of them together over decades, and giant reefs form.

But the corals need an anchor: some place to attach. Floating around in sandy-bottomed waters, theyll never be able to settle down and start to build. Give them something to cling on to, and they might just start a colony.

Even small beginnings have big impact, says Fani.

So even if you start on a small scale ... a square kilometer already, it could have a great impact, Fani says. It could really protect a coast, a beach, a resort, like an area where there is a community living and they need protection because the sea is rising.

The first steps are being able to print reef substrate in about cubic meter sizes (think a sugar cube measuring about three feet by three feet by three feet). Being able to 3D print is important, because you match individual sites. Every location is different, Kramer says, with different hydrodynamics, different fish, different algae, and different coral species.

Its like everybody has a different house, Kramer says. You can take into account habitat requirements of not just the coral but also the herbivorous fish that live nearby and that keep the corals clean. You can take into account maybe the function of wave breaking, of providing habitat for octopus or sea urchins, also very interesting species when you look at reef ecology.

Their current technology can print complex shapes by delivering a binding agent, which can simply be water, over a powder mix. After finishing a layer, the machine deposits more powder, binds it again, and repeats. The result can be a stunningly natural-looking artificial rock with plenty of nooks, crannies, and crevices for both corals and other reef flora and fauna to attach themselves, make homes, hide out from predators, and start building.

A sample Coastruction reef substrate section.

Another thing thats unique: the local community.

The Coastruction founders dont think they can possibly scale for global demand, so their goal is to provide the tools like the 3D printer to local people and design the technology to use cheap and locally-available materials including cement, sand, and various binding agents to create the artificial coral reef substrate. No high temperatures or chemical additives are required, and any loose power or sand material not used in one print will be used in the next. The 3D printer works on-site, so theres no transport of finished blocks required.

Currently the team is working with communities in Hawaii, Fiji, and Seychelles, as well as local authorities in the Netherlands. Nature Seychelles, an environmental organization in the Western Indian Ocean, is testing some of their samples.

Its not just the Netherlands, with huge portions of its land famously dredged from the ocean and protected by dikes, or tropical islands that can benefit.

Fanis currently living in Florida, and her home literally sits four meters (about 12 feet) below sea level. Large portions of the US and other wealthy nations also sit below sea level, and if reefs erode because corals are dying, increased wave action is likely to increase flooding and storm damage. She grew up in Italy, which is fighting to save Venice from sinking into the Adriatic Sea.

The ultimate goal?

Restoration of damaged reefs, protection of communities, and habitat for at-risk ocean species.

Subscribe to TechFirst; get a transcript.

More here:

Can 3D Printed Reefs Save Fish, Oceans, And Beaches? - Forbes

Come for the pristine turquoise beaches. Stay for the granite boulders, bold curries, wild hiking, and warm-hearted people.

I had my eye on the Seychelles for some timethe archipelago of 115 sun-soaked islands in the Indian Ocean, 1,200 miles off the coast of East Africa. From my native New York, its a journey to get there, but from my adopted home in Nairobi, its only a three-hour direct flight. And during the pandemic, it ended up being exactly what we needed from a family vacation.

My husband, 1.5-year-old daughter, and I spent almost two weeks exploring the Seychelles three main islands. We explored the beaches with their signature granite boulders and clear warm water. We snorkeled alongside neon tropical fish, a stingray, and a needlefish. We hiked through dense jungles, feeling sweaty and serene. The flavorful curries had me eager to buy fresh spices so I could recreate them at home. We met some of the most generous and relaxed people on the planet.

And I will always think of Seychelles as the place that unlocked my daughters voice: She sat on the shoreline and started confidently telling stories in toddler babble.

The islands physical beauty is undeniable; even if you dont identify as a beach bum, the Seychelles will turn you into one, by showcasing how diverse this biome can be. Beyond the natural attractions, the country exuded a sense of casual peacefulness, which felt like a salve during this time. I could see why most of our fellow touristsusually from Europewere visiting the Seychelles for the 3rd, 7th, or even 12th time.

The country was closed to international visitors for nearly a year, until March 2021; in the meantime, many people lost their jobs and relied on COVID relief from the government. But now, with about 80 percent of the country fully vaccinated and no required quarantine period for visitors, tourism seems to be getting back on its feet. David Germain, regional director of the Seychelles Tourism Board, says the country saw 185,000 visitors in 2021, including 6,000 who visited directly from the United States. (For comparison, the Seychelles had 384,000 visitors in 2019.)

We flew from Nairobi to the biggest island, Mah, home to the international airport. (Qatar, Emirates, and Etihad all fly from New York to Mah, usually via Dubai or another Middle Eastern stopover.) The archipelago has three main islands: Mah, Praslin, and La Digue; many of the others are uninhabited, home to a single resort, or serve as bases for fishing expeditions.

Our trip lasted 12 glorious days, during which we stayed in three guesthouses. We started our trip on the north side of Mah, in the town of Beau Vallon. After a few days, we took the ferry to La Diguevia a pit stop in Praslinand spent five days on this three-mile strip of boulder-studded beaches, shallows, and lush hills. We concluded our trip on the south side of Mah. It was the perfect amount of time to get a taste of the country, while leaving me a wish list of places to explore on my next visit.

Given how vital tourism is for the economy, Seychelles is full of hotels, all-inclusive resorts, and self-catering holiday homes. We opted for the self-catering option throughout our stay: our favorite, Domaine Les Rochers in La Digue, was a family-run garden oasis minutes from the town center. The bungalow we rented felt cozy in the best sense: The bedding was comfortable and stylish, the wraparound porch was perfect for reading when it rained, and the well-appointed kitchen included some ingredients like oil, spices, and fresh fruit. My daughter spent the early mornings chasing the resident cats and chickens. We felt right at home.

For a more upscale stay in La Digue, Domaine lOrangeraie has dozens of rooms at various price points, an infinity pool, two restaurants, and a full-service spa on a hilltop. In Mah and Praslin, the Constance Hotels (Ephelia and Lemuria, respectively) offer similar amenities, and on the north side of Mah, in Beau Vallon, the Savoy and Story resorts are popular hotel options.

Mah is home to about 90 percent of the Seychelles approximately 100,000 residents. Its the largest island in the archipelago4 miles wide and 16 miles longand the most developed. Over the coming days, Id come to appreciate the shift from Nairobis urban craze to Mahs island speed, the lilting Creole Seychellois accent, and of course, the tropical weather (most days were in the 80s and sunny, though there were a few rainstorms). We spent our days exploring beaches, hiking, and learning about Seychelles culture and history. We ate well. We drank rum. And we made friends along the way.

Seychelles beaches have the seemingly requisite pristine white sand and turquoise water, but even more striking are the large granite boulders and secret cove-like settings. All of the countrys beaches are public, even ones accessed through hotels, which made our wish list all the more extensive.

Barrier reefs protect many of Seychelles shorelines, which means calm water by the shoreperfect for our beach babyand ample snorkeling. Our last few days in Mah were dedicated to beach-hopping, armed with our trusty paper map, the thorough website Snorkel Report, and a book, Seychelles 20 Most Beautiful Beaches.

Mahs larger beaches offer a unique charm. Fun beach bars and restaurants flank Beau Vallon Beach, likely Mahs most famous beach; from here, I witnessed one of the most colorful sunsets of my life, with views of the majestic Silhouette Island. On the other side of the island, the wide expanse of Anse Intendance features large crashing cerulean waves and a mountain backdrop. Great for surfers, less ideal for toddlers.

We enjoyed Port Launay, a half-moon beach close to the five-star resort Constance Ephelia and located within a Marine National Park. Though most of the coral is sadly bleached, the bay is still home to colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. The beach offers silky sand and plenty of shade from indigenous takamaka trees. Anse Soleil is a small, picturesque cove beach on the other side of the island near the Four Seasons Resort (that was harboring a multimillion-dollar yacht when we visited). Anse Gouvernment, Sunset Beach, and Anse Forbans were other favoritesbut above all, Anse Major was the star.

On our first full day in Mah, we did a short, moderately difficult hike to Anse Major. The path alternated between climbing exposed rockface, with views of the azure ocean below, and trekking through a jungle. The trail spat us out onto a tiny beach rimmed by palm trees and boulders. The water was warm, someone had hung up a rope from a palm tree to swing on, and a tiny jungle bar sold fresh coconut water. I felt like I was in a movie. We later learned that the trail continued to two other beaches, that people sometimes grill seafood on the third beach, and that you could also arrive at the beach by boat taxi. But we were so enamored by the secret cove beach that we didnt venture further. (Tip: Drive on the paved road past the official trailhead to where the trail actually begins, close to the hotel Calm Sorento. That will save you about 20 minutes of walking on pavement each way.)

The winding, mountainous San Souci Road is dotted with trailhead markers. We opted to trek Morne Blanc, a steep out-and-back trail to a great viewpoint, from where we could see half the island, neon blue water, and white paradise flycatchers soaring in the sky. Copolia Trail is another popular, and less intense, trail in this area. The website AllTrails is an exhaustive resource for walking enthusiasts.(Note: I wore normal sneakers and didnt see a need for hiking shoes. We carried our daughter in a baby carrier for most of these hikes. Bring ample water.)

Many people visit the Seychelles, stay in a resort, and leave having only had European-style food. In doing so, travelers will miss the complex, rich flavors of Creole cooking, the casual fun of takeaway barbecue joints, and the coconut-forward desserts.

My most memorable meal was at Le Jardin du Roi spice garden, on a hilltop in the center of the island. The set lunch menumuch of which was sourced from the gardenincluded a few appetizers, such as star fruit marinated in olive oil and breadfruit braised in coconut milk. The main course featured fresh fish, flavorful curries, and tenderly cooked lentils. (You can buy packets of its curry powder before leaving.) Entry to the garden comes with a map, which can serve as a guide around the verdant, untamed property. I saw my first coco de mer tree, a highly protected tree that grows a nut that can weigh over 40 pounds and is shaped like a womans bottom, as well as my first aldabra giant tortoise.

We had another indulgent meal at Del Place, close to Port Launay Marine Park. It features local artwork on the walls and a seafront view (complete with an island to admire!). We loved the melt-in-your-mouth red snapper, fried eggplant, and sweet potato mash. We further treated ourselves to the dessert degustation, a tasting menu of six cakes, tarts, and mousses.

Other restaurants I would recommend on Mah include Le Perle Noir and La Scala, both upscale Italian restaurants in Beau Vallon; Marie Antoinette, a family-run Creole restaurant; Baobab Pizzeria, a casual pizza eatery with a fabulous view of Beau Vallon Beach; and Kafe Kreol, which offers a mix of cuisines and creative cocktails.

Finally, we had a lovely time at the Takamaka Rum Distillery, a family-run distillery making rum for about 20 years. We toured the medicinal gardens, learned about how rum was produced, and tasted six productsincluding white, brown, and spiced rums. It was 11 a.m., but the tour guides clearly knew how to start a party anytime. As we sipped the spirits, they gave us recipes for pina coladas, rum raisin ice cream, and mojitos.

My travel style is to see fewer places for a longer time, and use that time to get a sense of what it would be like to live there. For example, I checked outSir Selwyn Clarke Market, a covered food market in the heart of the countrys capital, Victoria. Built in 1840, the market showcases vendors selling produce, specialty foods like giant cinnamon sticks and vanilla essence, and Seychelles souvenirs.

I did feel a bit of culture shock in the market as I watched vendors wrap all the produce in plastic bags (Kenya banned plastic bags in 2020). There was far more single-use plastic throughout the country than I anticipated, particularly bags and water bottles, especially considering that the Seychelles are in the middle of the ocean and boast some of the cleanest beaches in the world. According to Germain from the tourism board, the importation of single-use plastics has been banned as of February 2021, and vendors are using up their supplies. There will be a gradual shift to paper bags and glass bottles over the coming years.

Part of the reason the country has such a small population is that humans didnt settle on the islands until the late 18th century, when French traders realized that the archipelago occupied a strategic location between Mauritius and India. Though the French formally ceded control of the islands to Britain in 1814, the French influence has remained strong until today, in the Creole language and the cuisine. In 1835, slavery was abolished throughout the British empire, and liberated people were able to get jobs on plantations in exchange for food and wages.

The Seychelles didnt shy away from discussing its complicated pastin fact, places like Mission Lodge have a statue honoring the children of formerly enslaved people who attended school there. Germain says the country will soon be restarting a program called A day in the life of a Seychellois, in which you visit the market and cook a meal together with a locala chance to better understand Creole identity and history.

What La Digue lacks in sizethe island is three miles long and two miles wideit more than compensates for with relaxed vibes, jungle hikes, and the most breathtaking beaches Ive ever seen. Its home to only 3,000 full-time residents and a handful of motorized vehicles, making it somehow feel larger.

We spent almost a week on this spit of land, and I would seriously consider renting a house and staying for a month or two. (Luckily, the island has a small hospital, and the more developed island of Praslin is only 15 minutes away by ferry, in case anything were to go wrong.) I have happy memories of cooking fresh eggs for breakfast, setting out on our bicycles with a loose plan, our daughter giggling when we went fast, and discovering something beautiful every day.

La Digue has what is believed to be the most photographed beach in the world, Anse Source dArgent, accessed most easily through LUnion Estate. It was the busiest beach we visited on our whole trip, but we were able to find a quiet spot for reading and napping. The atmosphere is surreal, with massive boulders that look golden at sunset. The water was so clear that you could see giant fish swimming by your ankles. We spent several hours here, and I cant wait to return and admire this beach again.

We also enjoyed Anse Severe, particularly around sunsetthough beware of sea urchins! I wish I had brought water shoes with me. Anse Patates has some of the bluest water I have ever seen, and lots of hidden spots between rocks to lay out a beach towel and read a book. One day, we rode our bicycles to Grand Anse, where the waves were even bigger than the boulders. There are trails from there to sister beaches, but a huge rainstorm had us cycling back to our guesthouse.

We trekked to the highest point on La Digue, Nid dAigle, which I would rate as moderate to difficult, as it was steep and slippery in parts. The views made up for the unsure footing: between the viewpoints, we had a 360-degree view of the area, including Praslin and the tiny islets surrounding La Digue. Next time, Id plan to hike to the beaches Anse Marron and Anse Cocos, though due to the unmarked trails, they are best visited with a guide.

My two favorite spots to eat on La Digue were among the more casual: Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway and Chez Jules. Thinking about Rey & Josh makes me smile: the owners were warm, the chef was clearly passionate about good food, and though the atmosphere was simple, it made people feel comfortable. If youre lucky, you may even learn about secret menu items based on what ingredients the chef was able to find. We enjoyed it so much that we returned for a second meal.

Chez Jules is a classic Creole restaurant, an open-air straw hut located opposite Anse Banane on the northeast part of the island. It had an extensive menu, bold flavors, chile sauce that turned my ears hot, and friendly service.

Other favorites include Mimis Caf, famous for its coconut cheesecake (though I preferred the coconut ice cream); Belle Vue, which offers a set menu paired with a sunset view halfway up the mountain; and Le Repaire for a more upscale Italian experience.

We didnt stay overnight in Praslin, but took advantage of the few hours we spent here. We visited the Valle de Mai, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. The nature park is home to over 1,400 endangered coco de mer trees, called as such because sailors first thought they grew in undersea forests, as well as the rare black parrot. At Pirogue Restaurant and Bar, we enjoyed grilled fishand Creole-style pasta.

Next time, I hope to spend some time at Praslins famous beaches, including Anse Lazio, which has been called the most beautiful beach in the world, and Anse Georgette.

There are two main ways to travel between islands: ferry and airplane. The Cat Cocos Ferry links Mah, Praslin, and La Digue. It takes about an hour to travel from Mah to Praslin, and another 15 minutes to La Digue. Alternatively, Air Seychelles offers flights between the islands, as well as to smaller islands across the archipelago (the flight from Mah to Praslin takes 20 minutes).

To get a real sense of Mah and Praslin, Id recommend renting a car and packing a folding paper map (I know, so retro); Google Maps will work just fine, though. We put stars next to all the beaches and hiking trails we wanted to check out, along with notes from people we met along the way. We cherished the freedom of driving around Mahs windy roads and spontaneously stopping at farmers markets, beachside cafs, and art galleries. However, if you dont feel comfortable driving, taxis and public buses are available.

Commuting around La Digue is more fun: The tiny island has few cars, and the best way to get around is by bicycle, which you can rent from a few shops near the ferry. Our daughter loved sitting in the baby seat and zooming down the islands handful of roads. Alternatively, you can walk or hire a motorized buggy.

Im already planning my second visit to this unique archipelago. I would spend more time on La Digue. Between the relaxed lifestyle and the wild beaches, the tiny island has a special place in my heart.

I would plan for a few days in Praslin, which feels somewhere in between Mah and La Digue in terms of development. Id explore the Valle de Mai more thoroughly, snorkel at Anse Lazio, and discover hiking trails. Meanwhile, my husband would certainly go scuba diving, either on Praslin or Mah.

I didnt get to check out one of the country's resort islands, such as Denis Island, whichaccording to every person I met who has beenis otherworldly. Id also spend some time on Seychelles less inhabited tracts, such as Silhouette Island and the islets surrounding La Digue.

And I would return to spend time with the warm-hearted people I met. Perhaps I would assist in a beachside barbecue, learn a few steps of the traditional moutya dance (now recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage), and make daiquiris for everyonewith local Takamaka rum, of course.

Our trip did have a rocky start. International travel is complicated these days, and Seychelles is no exception. Long story short: We didnt have the required PCR test for our daughter and ended up having to turn around and rebook a flight for two days later. (If youve ever been to the airport with a baby, you can appreciate how stressful this was.)

Learn from our experience and have a smoother trip by following these steps:

>>Next:The Best Underwater Cameras, According to Divers

Read more:

Island Hopping in the Seychelles - AFAR Media

In its effort to expand boating access, options and experiences for families, Your Boat Club (YBC) announced it is now partnering with Navigare Yachting, which has locations in 12 different countries and fleet of more than 300 yachts in the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, Croatia, Greece, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Sweden, Seychelles and the USA. Guests board a sailboat charter, catamaran charter or luxury crew charter equip with a preferred level of staff dedicated to excellence in ensuring guests feel at home while enjoying exotic locations from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and everywhere in between.

The partnership with Navigare will give YBC members access to exclusive trip discounts, expanded benefits and concierge booking services. Whether its a trip to one of our regional lake destinations, or a sea adventure halfway around the world, were all about making boating experiences accessible, enjoyable and easy, says Luke Kujawa, Co-Founder of Your Boat Club. This is really just the beginning in terms of expanded locations, experiences and benefits our members will receive as a result of our exciting new partnership with Beneteau.

In July, YBC announced a partnership with Groupe Beneteau, a worldwide market leader in boat manufacturing. The company took a minority stake in YBC to accelerate the partners strategic national and international growth plan.

See the original post here:

Your Boat Club partners with Navigare Yachting, goes international - Boating Industry

P. Louis. Honourable Prime Minister of Mauritius,Pravind Kumar Jugnauth launched the national population-based survey report among people who use drugs on 10 February 2022 at the Sir H. Vaghjee Hall in Port Louis. Her Excellency Mrs Christine Umutoni, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius and Seychelles; WHO Representative, Dr Laurent Musango; Dr S. Appadoo, Coordinator, National Drug Secretariat and other personalities attended the official ceremony.

The World Health Organization and the UNRC office collaborated with the national authorities in addressing the lack of evidence-based information on drug use at the national level through the recruitment of an international expert to conduct the survey as well as several Integrated Biological and Behavioural Surveillance Surveys among drug users from December 2020 to May 2021.

The Prime Minister said that the Government alone cannot fight the drug war and the magnitude of the drug problem requires all stakeholders to engage in collaborative platforms to ensure that policies and strategies are implemented based on evidence-based information.

The findings and recommendation of the survey report will provide policy-makers, programme managers, and practitioners, with information that will improve understanding of the causes of drug abuse for target actions to delay or prevent initiation of substance use and reduce harms related to drugs, said Hon. P. K. Jugnauth.

Evidenced-based information will help to shed light on changing patterns of drug use and set the pace for stronger monitoring of programmes and policies, said the Prime Minister. The latter acknowledged the contribution of the UN Resident Coordinator Office and the World Health Organization and the International Consultant, Dr Lisa Johnson in this initiative.

The national survey report complements further the existing materials and documents such as the National Drug Control Master Plan 2019-2023 elaborated by the Government of Mauritius with UNODC support. The four pillars of the Plan being drug Supply Reduction, embracing law enforcement and financial crimes; drug Demand Reduction, comprising drug use prevention, drug use disorders treatment, rehabilitation and social reintegration; harm Reduction, such as methadone maintenance therapy and the needle Exchange programme; and finally a coordination mechanism relating to legislation, implementation framework, monitoring and evaluation and strategic information.

Her Excellency Mrs C. Umutoni advocated for concerted effort to address this global problem and emphasized that it is in this spirit that the UN forged a partnership in Mauritius. She expressed satisfaction as regards the people-centered and participatory approach put in place by the Government to address the drug problem in the country .

The UN Resident Coordinator underlined the importance of engaging in measuring and surveillance to efficiently tackle the drug issue. Evidenced-based information available in the report will help to save lives and enable targeted interventions at the policy-making level.

Dr L. Musango, the WHO Representative, in his address stated that the launching of the survey report on drug use in Mauritius is a milestone in terms of the availability of evidence-based information on drug use. The survey report is filling a gap that was often highlighted in the past, he said.

The situation in Mauritius regarding the drug phenomenon is constantly evolving, especially with the rise in the trafficking and use of synthetic drugs during the past recent years, highlighted Dr L. Musango. He added, the availability of evidence-based information is crucial for timely mobilization of resources and upstream actions to reduce and eliminate the health damages caused by drug use such as overdose and loss of life.

Dr Musango underlined the vulnerability of young people to start using drug very early at the young ages, that is less than 24 years old, and how they are targeted by the market. He stressed the emotional, health, and social impact of the drug problem among youth in society.

WHO Representative extended his support in implementing the recommendations of the report especially in the national efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination of people with drug user disorders as this can be a barrier to access services; to promote access to appropriate, affordable, and friendly treatments so that drug users can successfully come out of this problem and lead a healthy and safe life; promote a multisectoral, integrated approach and support to address drug use among the population; and to monitor changes in drug use behaviors and evaluate the impact of interventions so that we know where to best direct our efforts.

Dr L. Musango expressed on my behalf and on behalf of the Regional Director of the African Region, Dr Moeti and the Director-General of WHO Dr. Tedros, his appreciation to the Prime Minister of Mauritius for his leadership and commitment and the efforts of the Government in addressing the drug problem in Mauritius. The leading role of the Prime Minister in chairing the COVID-19 High-Level Committee and leading actions to fight the pandemic as well as in promoting physical activity; in the prevention and control of Noncommunicable Diseases, and in improving the health infrastructure and equipment in Mauritius, among others, was highly appreciated by WHO. Dr Musango reiterated the commitment of WHO in supporting the country at the three levels of the organization, that is the country level, regional, and Head Quarters level to protect the population from the drug scourge and promote a healthier population.

Mauritius has set have set out a series of policies and actions to address the proliferation of drugs including law enforcement to combat trafficking under the National Drug Control Masterplan in 2019-2023, developed in collaboration with the United Nations. The authorities have set up a dedicated centre for the rehabilitation of youngsters with substance use problems in 2018 and five Addiction Units are operational in the different regions to facilitate access to health services. A Drug Offenders Administrative Panel will be set up by the country, an initiative based on a human rights approach in the treatment of people having substance use disorders, to improve treatment and rehabilitation. The national response to the drug issue is overseen and led by the High-Level Drugs And HIV Council since January 2019.

Go here to see the original:

Launching of the national survey report on people who use drugs by the Prime Minister of Mauritius in the presence of UN Resident Coordinator and WHO...

Valentines Day is nearly here and if youre looking for an extravagant way to show your love, then how about a romantic getaway to a sunny island.

In time for Valentines Day, Emirates has launched special fares to five paradise islands so you can take in the day in luxury.

And, if youre a Skywards member you can get an additional 10% off! Log in or join Emirates Skywards and book using the code ISLANDS by February 14 2022 to save an extra 10% off.

Prices start from 499 and include locations such as Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and many more.

Emirates passengers can take advantage of the special fares by booking a return trip here from February 7 to February 14 2022, with fares available in both Economy and Business Class.

Valentine's holidays (Emirates/Shutterstock)

Whether youre seeking a beach getaway, a relaxing retreat or simply soaking up the sun, its the best time to take a romantic island holiday.

Emirates currently operates high-frequency flights to the Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri-Lanka, Maldives and Phuket island in Thailand, from its hub, Dubai International Airport.

Emirates advises customers to check their latest government travel guidelines and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination.

For more information and how to book, visit the Emirates website.

Read the original here:

Five romantic islands to escape to with Emirates this Valentine's Day - East Lothian Courier

The Seychelles national football team represents the Seychelles in international football under the control of the Seychelles Football Federation (SFF). The football association was founded in 1980 amd became fully affiliated to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1986.[1]

The following list contains all results of the Seychelles' official matches since joining FIFA and the CAF.

As of 6 February 2022[2]

Positive RecordNeutral RecordNegative Record

.navbox-abovebelow,.mw-parser-output tr+tr>.navbox-group,.mw-parser-output tr+tr>.navbox-image,.mw-parser-output tr+tr>.navbox-list{border-top:2px solid #fdfdfd}.mw-parser-output .navbox-title{background-color:#ccf}.mw-parser-output .navbox-abovebelow,.mw-parser-output .navbox-group,.mw-parser-output .navbox-subgroup .navbox-title{background-color:#ddf}.mw-parser-output .navbox-subgroup .navbox-group,.mw-parser-output .navbox-subgroup .navbox-abovebelow{background-color:#e6e6ff}.mw-parser-output .navbox-even{background-color:#f7f7f7}.mw-parser-output .navbox-odd{background-color:transparent}.mw-parser-output .navbox .hlist td dl,.mw-parser-output .navbox .hlist td ol,.mw-parser-output .navbox .hlist td ul,.mw-parser-output .navbox td.hlist dl,.mw-parser-output .navbox td.hlist ol,.mw-parser-output .navbox td.hlist ul{padding:0.125em 0}.mw-parser-output .navbox .navbar{display:block;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .navbox-title .navbar{float:left;text-align:left;margin-right:0.5em}]]>

National football team head-to-head records

Read more:

Seychelles national football team results - Wikipedia

Valentines Day is nearly here and if youre looking for an extravagant way to show your love, then how about a romantic getaway to a sunny island.

In time for Valentines Day, Emirates has launched special fares to five paradise islands so you can take in the day in luxury.

And, if youre a Skywards member you can get an additional 10% off! Log in or join Emirates Skywards and book using the code ISLANDS by February 14 2022 to save an extra 10% off.

Prices start from 499 and include locations such as Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and many more.

Emirates passengers can take advantage of the special fares by booking a return trip here from February 7 to February 14 2022, with fares available in both Economy and Business Class.

Valentine's holidays (Emirates/Shutterstock)

Whether youre seeking a beach getaway, a relaxing retreat or simply soaking up the sun, its the best time to take a romantic island holiday.

Emirates currently operates high-frequency flights to the Seychelles, Mauritius, Sri-Lanka, Maldives and Phuket island in Thailand, from its hub, Dubai International Airport.

Emirates advises customers to check their latest government travel guidelines and ensure they meet the travel requirements of their final destination.

For more information and how to book, visit the Emirates website.

More here:

Five romantic islands to escape to with Emirates this Valentine's Day - Oxford Mail