Meeting with the Japanese ambassador
This week, the mayor had the honour of welcoming Japan’s ambassador to Seychelles, Mr Sakuta Makoto, to the mayor’s office, highlighting the importance of this diplomatic engagement. Held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, the meeting provided an opportunity to explore promising avenues for collaboration, including joint tourism initiatives, fisheries development, and a potential twinning partnership between Miyazu City and Victoria. Known for its rich history and strong tourism appeal, Miyazu presents valuable perspectives that could help inspire Victoria’s ongoing growth and development. The Mayor also expressed admiration for Japan’s exemplary waste management systems and the exceptional cleanliness of its
Victoria’s New Mayor Sets Decisive Pace with Bold Early Actions
Since taking office two weeks ago, the new mayor of Victoria, Josy Michaud Payet, has moved swiftly to engage stakeholders and conduct site visits, setting the tone for an ambitious “Greater Victoria” vision. She has been actively present across the capital, meeting stakeholders, identifying challenges and opportunities, and discussing plans to transform Victoria into one of the most attractive capital cities to live in and visit.
Courtesy Call with the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Lin Nan
Earlier this week, the mayor received a courtesy call from the Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Lin Nan, where discussions focused on the longstanding 50-year cooperation between the two countries and the People-to-People exchanges between our two countries. The Ambassador highlighted China’s continued support for the mayor’s office and the need to revisit certain twinning programmes to benefit our cities. So far, Seychelles has signed 9 twinning agreements with China, and only 2 are currently active. The mayor, in turn, expressed interest in revitalising these partnerships and exploring new avenues of collaboration to support her vision of a more vibrant
Engagement with Key Stakeholders
Over the past weeks, the mayor has met with several key stakeholders, including business owners in Victoria, artists, and well-wishers who are showing solidarity with the new Victoria vision. During visits to the temporary Victoria Market, the Mayor met with vendors and the public to address concerns about the market’s early closing hours. A key concern, which the mayor says she will table with stakeholders, is the proposal to extend operating hours during the working week to better serve both vendors and customers.
Celebrating weddings and love
The new mayor commenced her tenure wrapped in love. As a wedding celebrant herself, she has officiated civil weddings at the mayor’s office, a personal commitment in which she engages with newly married couples, offers words of wisdom, and commemorates their special day with official photographs.
Revitalisation of the Clock Tower
Among the projects currently under discussion is the restoration of Victoria’s iconic Clock Tower, in time for our 50th anniversary of Seychelles Independence. Plans include reinstating its chimes, sandblasting it for a fresh coat of paint, and elevating the structure to enhance its historic presence and grandeur. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Department of Culture and the Seychelles Heritage Foundation to complete the project in time for the 50th anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence. As a member of the National Day Committee, she is also overseeing the programme for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Seychelles National
