President Wavel Ramkalawan has announced the appointment of the new Board of the Islands Development Company (IDC), effective 1st November 2024.
The full composition of the Board is as follows:
Ms. Astride Tamatave (Acting Chairperson)
Mr. France Tamboo
Ms. Brenda Morin
Mr. Jitesh Shah
Mrs. Delta Ward-Horner
Ms. Iris Carolus
Mrs. Denise Prea
Mr. Francis Lebon
The President also takes the opportunity to thank the outgoing members of the Board. 

​Green Island Construction Company (GICC) is incredibly proud to announce the successful restoration of one of Seychelles' most iconic landmarks – the Carnegie Library Building on Independence Avenue. This historic structure has been lovingly restored and was officially reopened in a ceremony yesterday afternoon.
Originally inaugurated in 1910 as Seychelles' first public library, the Carnegie Library served as a cultural hub with a library on the ground floor and an exhibition hall above. In 1964, the building found new purpose as the Natural History Museum, a role it fulfilled until its closure in 2019 due to structural concerns.
Our involvement in this project highlights GICC's deep commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of Seychelles. This is not the first time we’ve had the privilege to restore a significant historical site. Many of you may remember that GICC was entrusted with the renovation of the National Library, which reopened last year, reconnecting the community with a vital resource for learning and culture.
Our connection to the restoration of Seychelles' libraries runs even deeper – GICC was responsible for the major renovations of the Old Government Secretariat, now home to the Mayor's Office on State House Avenue. That building housed the National Library from 1978 to 1994 before the current library came into being.
Each of these projects represents more than just construction; they are labours of love, restoring the heart and soul of our island’s history. The Carnegie Building, once again standing tall, is a testament to what can be achieved when we honour the past while building for the future.

​The Islands Development Company (IDC) proudly announces the arrival of its newest aircraft, the Tecnam P2012 STOL, to Seychelles. The aircraft landed at Seychelles International Airport last evening, greeted with an impressive water cannon salute by the Airport Fire and Rescue Service.
The Tecnam plane, manufactured in Capua, Italy, embarked on its journey to Seychelles under the skilled command of IDC’s Captain Marcus Labrosse, accompanied by Francesco Frare, a seasoned ferry pilot from Tecnam. The aircraft’s journey was a testament to its resilience and performance, and included multiple refuelling stops at airports across northern and eastern Africa.
Renowned for its short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities, the Tecnam P2012 STOL is a strategic addition to IDC’s fleet. This versatile aircraft will enhance operations across all islands managed by IDC, particularly those with shorter airfields, thereby improving accessibility and operational efficiency.
To ensure seamless integration into IDC’s operations, six IDC pilots have undergone rigorous training and are fully qualified to operate the plane.
This investment in both technology and human resources underscores IDC’s commitment to advancing its aviation services, supporting the sustainable development of the outer islands of Seychelles.

​The Island Development Company (IDC) has commenced its biannual Island Managers’ Workshop today, marking the beginning of a significant two-day working session. The working session was inaugurated by IDC CEO, Mr. Glenny Savy, who addressed the Island Managers through Teams Conferencing from their respective islands.
The workshop serves as a crucial platform for Island Managers to share the difficulties they have encountered over the past year, propose viable solutions and discuss advancements in company procedures and systems.
Mr. Savy expressed his gratitude for the dedication of the Island Managers, which has been instrumental in consolidating island operations. He emphasised the need for IDC to build on its accomplishments over the next five years to achieve greater efficiency. Additionally, Mr. Savy announced a revised salary structure for the Island Managers, recognizing their hard work and significant contributions to the successful management of the islands.
This morning, departmental managers based at the head office will deliver presentations, followed by presentations from the Island Managers.

In light of recent discussions following an interview with Minister Flavien Joubert on Friday 7th June, the Islands Development Company (IDC) wishes to provide clarity on the issues raised. We were contacted by SBC late that afternoon for an interview, which we could not organise at the time. Therefore, we have opted to issue this press communiqué to ensure the public is accurately informed.

1. Construction of Cosmoledo Airfield

IDC submitted all required documents and plans to the Department of Environment and the Planning Authority for the construction of an airfield on Cosmoledo atoll. We received planning approval, which includes environment authorisation, in March 2021 to build the 605-meter runway on Grand Ile (Wizard Island). IDC has strictly adhered to all legal requirements for the building of that runway and any allegations of illegal construction are baseless.

Initially, two potential sites for the runway were considered and IDC meticulously selected a location on Grand Ile where no bird nesting was observed. It was only post-construction that birds began nesting in the cleared area. To minimise disruption, IDC refrains from operating flights into Cosmoledo during the bird-laying season, except in rare emergencies. The strategic decision to construct an airstrip on Cosmoledo was primarily driven by the need to ensure the safe and timely evacuation of staff and guests from the atoll in emergency situations. It is to note that sea crossing between Cosmoledo and Astove, the closest island with air access is practically impossible during certain periods in view of strong winds and rough seas.

2. Bird’s eggs collection, population and environmental efforts

Regarding the collection of birds’ eggs, IDC is not collecting birds’ eggs from any island, in adherence to S.I. 44 of 2024, Birds’ Eggs Collection Amendment Regulations 2024, which prohibits the collection of birds’ eggs from 1st June 2024 to 31st May 2026. IDC remains steadfast in our commitment to legal and ethical standards in all our operations.

Observations indicate that the Sooty Tern (Golet in Creole) population on Cosmoledo atoll remains stable compared to the past two years.

In 2007, IDC, in collaboration with Dr. Gerard Rocamora, successfully eradicated invasive species such as cats and rats from Grand Ile (Wizard) and since then, there have been no sightings of these species on that island. We can also confirm the absence of cats and rats on Goelette Island (Farquhar) and Desnoeufs, two other IDC islands with an important Sooty Tern colony.

3. Recent Bird Mortality

Recent sightings have indicated unexplained mortality among certain bird species, particularly the Brown Noddy (Makwa in Creole). Their eggs, along with those of the Sooty Tern, form part of the delicacy enjoyed by Seychellois. IDC is actively working with the Department of Environment, health authorities and the veterinary services to determine the cause. We are currently collecting samples for further analysis and will continue monitoring the bird population on the islands in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the Island Conservation Society (ICS) through annual censuses. This initiative is entirely funded by IDC.
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We hope this communiqué addresses any misunderstandings and reaffirms our commitment to transparency, environmental stewardship and strict adherence to regulatory standards in all our projects.

Since opening its doors in October 2015, the GICC Furniture Shop has been a cornerstone of the community, offering quality and lasting furniture. Now, after nearly a decade of serving our valued customers, Green Island Construction Company is embarking on an exciting new journey.
On May 29th, 2024, GICC will close its physical store and, within a few months, will transition to an entirely online shopping experience. This move is designed to meet the evolving needs of our customers, provide greater convenience and accessibility, and align with innovative trends in the retail industry.
Angelique Antat, the General Manager of GICC, shares her enthusiasm about this change: “We have cherished every moment serving our community in our physical store. This decision was not made lightly, but we believe it is the best way to continue delivering the quality and service our customers expect, in a way that fits their modern lifestyles.”

Residents of the fourth two-bedroom apartment block of the Perseverance Point Condominium have received the keys to their new residence.
The keys were handed over to the ten owners by Vice President Ahmed Afif and IDC CEO, Glenny Savy in the Presence of the Minister for Lands and Housing, Billy Rangasamy.
The fifth and last two-bedroom block is nearing completion.
So far GICC has built two three bedroom blocks and four two-bedroom apartment blocks consisting of 10 units each, benefiting 60 Seychellois professionals and their families.
A further three blocks of three-bedroom apartments remain to be built.
The project also comprise luxury apartments which are sold on the open market to subsidise the cost of the units for young professionals.
This Perseverance Point Condominiums project targets Seychellois graduates and young professionals first-time homebuyers.

​Plans are underway to make the Seychelles' outer islands more accessible and this will be done through a revamped airstrip on Assumption Island, which will include clearing facilities so that visitors can go straight to the island.
The chief executive of Islands Development Company (IDC), Glenny Savy, said, "The Assumption airstrip will have to be upgraded in two ways; it is too short, and it will have to be lengthened and enlarged to cater to international flights. We also intend to collaborate with SCAA [Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority] so that the facilities that will be added to the airstrip will be adequate for immigration officers to clear incoming visitors for example from private jets or cruise ships similar to the ones on Mahe."

​The Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island which forms part of the Waldorf Astoria, Hilton’s (NYSE: HLT) iconic luxury hotel brand, has achieved its highly anticipated debut in the country with the welcoming of its first guests today, following its opening on Monday.
It was President Wavel Ramkalawan who had the honour of cutting the ribbon at one of the villas to officially open the luxury hotel in the presence of First Lady Linda Ramkalawan; Hilton’s president for Middle East and Africa, Guy Hutchinson; and Hilton’s vice-president, Operations, Africa and Indian Ocean, Andreas Lackner.
Also present were Elias Pertoft, general manager Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, and other Hilton team members and guests.
The cutting ceremony took place in the morning.

The inhabitants of La Digue will soon receive specialised healthcare services with the inauguration of a new state-of-the-art, modern hospital.
Located close to L'Union Estate, the health centre will provide diagnostic services, such as laboratory, x-ray, ultrasound services, rehabilitative services, dialysis and small surgical procedures.
Construction work by Green Island Construction Company (GICC) started in March last year.
The inauguration ceremony of the La Digue hospital took place on 15th August to, coincide with the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
In his address, President Wavel Ramkalawan described the hospital as the most beautiful, modern and state-of-the-art hospital in the country at present
The plaque of the hospital was unveiled by President Ramkalawan, the Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, and the secretary general of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority, Hamoud Abdullah Al Junaibi.
The project has been financed through a $4 million donation from the United Arab Emirates government and R2 million from the La Digue Hospital Fund.
 

​Five years after it was closed down due to widespread fungus infestation, the National Library was officially reopened yesterday following extensive renovation works.
The work was done by Green Island Construction, a subsidiary of the Islands Development Company (IDC) whose chief executive Glenny Savy handed over the symbolic key to the building to President Wavel Ramkalawan and secretary general for the Seychelles National institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (Snicha) David André during the official opening ceremony yesterday morning.
The key was then handed over to two long-serving staff of the National library ‒ Marie-Cecile Radegonde and Christianne Domingue.
​The National Library, which includes the National Archives, was officially opened on June 18, 1994. In 2018 it was closed down due to widespread fungus infestation. With extensive renovation that started in February 2022, 17 months later the library was reopened yesterday. However it is not yet fully operational for the public.

​The late Mr. Antonio Constance, better known as Mazaren has been decorated with the Medal of Honour of the Republic of Seychelles. This medal is awarded to a person who has rendered exceptional or outstanding services of national importance to Seychelles.
The medal was presented to his widow, Alda, by President Wavel Ramkalawan in a ceremony at State House.
Mazaren, an ardent protector of the islands’ environment worked for 30 years with IDC. He sadly passed away in July 2022 at the age of 87.
IDC would like to congratulate the Constance family.

​In a ceremony at the IDC Aviation departure lounge at Pointe Larue, Pedro Junca and Francis Serpes were presented with their four bar shoulder boards as Captains on the Y12, while Joseph Pillay received his three bar epaulets as First Officer on the Beechcraft.
They were presented with their epaulets by the General Manager of IDC Aviation, Captain Marcus Labrosse and Captain Christiaan Sheffer, IDC’s Flight Operations Manager, who were their mentors throughout their journeys.
“This is a dream come true and a massive personal achievement since my childhood dream was to become a pilot” remarked Joseph Pillay, IDC’s new First Officer.

​Four students from the Seychelles Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture (SIAH) are on Desroches to gain first-hand experience working in agriculture on an outer island.
Their work based experience training programme has been organised by IDC in collaboration with SIAH.
Apart from work experience, this will also be an opportunity for the young aspiring farmers to enjoy the island life.
Kelvyn Gonzalves, Dylan Lusta, Alvin Pauline and Azarius Adrienne were flown to Desroches this morning. They will spend a month on the island in the company of a team of experienced personnel in the fields of livestock and crop farming.
This work attachment programme for the students is also part of IDC’s strategic plan to encourage young Seychellois to join the company and take up employment on the islands.

​IDC’s subsidiary, Green Island Construction Company (GICC) has handed over the Coast Guard hospital to the Ministry of Health.
This follows certain modification work to the external façade of the field hospital at Perseverance by Green Island Construction Company (GICC), which was necessary to deal with the weather conditions. As part of the project, GICC also built the support facilities which are essential in the efficient running of a hospital, such as consultation room, toilet and shower facilities.
The 60-bed hospital at the Seychelles Coast Guard base was a gift from the state of Qatar and the first phase of the project was carried out by the Qatari armed forces in September last year.
The completed project was handed over to the Minister for Health, Mrs. Peggy Vidot by the Chief Executive Officer of IDC, Mr. Glenny Savy in the presence of President Wavel Ramkalawan.

​Seychelles' Desroches island is consuming 90 percent less fuel thanks to the installation of a 2.5-megawatt solar farm commissioned by the Islands Development Company (IDC).
The solar farm on Desroches was inaugurated on Saturday by President Wavel Ramkalwan and chairperson of the IDC board of directors, Patrick Berlouis. The farm is the second-largest solar plant in Seychelles after the one on Ile de Romainville, a man-made island.
With tourism being the number one economic driver of the island, followed by agriculture, Desroches is home to a branch of the Four Seasons resorts chain which consumes almost half of the electricity generated by the solar farm. ​