AGP Executive Report

Seychelles–Russia Cultural Exchange: The first Seychelles–Russia chess tournament took place at the Seychelles National Library in Victoria on 12 June, timed for Russia Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with Russian Embassy representatives welcoming local players. Local Arts & Community Events: Seychella Beach Society is set to return on 15 August at East Beach, St Mary, with a Love Island-inspired theme called “The Beach Becomes The Villa,” after its first run drew over 1,500 patrons. Public Health & Innovation: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one finger-prick visit to screen for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—an arts-and-culture-adjacent “wellbeing” story with real local impact. Tourism & Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, focusing on connectivity, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. Wellness Lifestyle: A global wellness trend report highlights “cognitive fitness” programs rolling out at luxury resorts, including Seychelles, aimed at improving focus and mental energy.

International Yoga Day: India’s Embassy in Switzerland (with AYUSH) set a Guinness World Record for the most viewers on a YouTube Live yoga stream in Basel, spotlighting wellbeing and mindfulness through diaspora community events. Seychelles–Russia Culture & Sport: A first Seychelles–Russia chess tournament took place at the Seychelles National Library in Victoria on 12 June, timed with Russia Day and celebrating growing local participation. Seychelles Public Health: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one visit, one finger-prick test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B to support triple-elimination goals. Tourism & Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, with priorities including connectivity, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. Local Lifestyle: Beau Vallon’s free beachfront outdoor gym reopened after renovation, restoring an accessible community fitness spot. Arts & Entertainment (Regional): Seychella Beach Society returns on 15 August with a Love Island-inspired beach experience. Tech & Access (Regional): Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African users.

Seychelles–Russia Cultural Chess: The first Seychelles–Russia chess tournament took place at the Seychelles National Library in Victoria on 12 June, timed for Russia Day and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, with remarks from the Russian Embassy’s Dmitrii Iordanidi and Seychellois participation. Beach Pop-Up Returns: Seychella Beach Society is back for a Love Island-inspired experience on 15 August at East Beach, St Mary, after its debut drew over 1,500 patrons through word-of-mouth and social media buzz. Health Milestone: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one finger-prick visit to screen for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—aimed at cutting mother-to-child transmission. Tourism Policy Push: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council in Toledo, focusing on foundations, collaboration, capacity building and sustainability for island destinations. Local Sports & Fitness: Beau Vallon’s free outdoor beachfront gym reopened after renovation, restoring a popular salt-air training spot for residents and visitors. Arts on Screen: A documentary film screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, celebrating Russian–Seychellois friendly relations and featuring local artist Lyndsay Payet’s reflections.

Seychella Beach Society returns: The Love Island–inspired beach party is back for a bigger August 15 edition at East Beach, St Mary, after its February debut drew 1,500+ patrons through word-of-mouth and social buzz. Community fitness: Beau Vallon’s free outdoor gym reopened after renovation, bringing back a beloved beachfront training spot for residents and regular beachgoers. Music spotlight: French-Caribbean dancehall star Blaiz Fayah delivered a high-energy Seyfest show at Music Stadium on May 30, leaving fans wanting more. Film & culture: A Pushkin-themed documentary screening, “We Believed,” was held in Victoria on 8 June with local artist Lyndsay Payet sharing her take afterward. Sports leadership: The Seychelles Hockey Federation elected a new executive committee at its AGM, with a clear focus on reviving hockey from grassroots. Health & travel context: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted a WHO-prequalified integrated antenatal test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—while broader travel chatter includes Ebola-related destination anxiety affecting bookings.

World Cup Culture: The Ivory Coast take on Ecuador in a low-scoring Group E clash on Sunday, with draw odds leading the talk and the match framed as a confidence test for both sides. Local Beach Life: Seychella Beach Society is back on 15 August at East Beach with a Love Island-inspired theme, “The Beach Becomes The Villa,” after its debut pulled in 1,500+ patrons through word of mouth. Sports & Community: Beau Vallon’s free outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring a go-to seaside training spot for residents. Arts & Film: A Pushkin-themed documentary screening, “We Believed,” was held in Victoria with Seychelles artist Lyndsay Payet sharing her take afterward. Seychelles Tourism & Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s 2026–2029 Management Vision, stressing connectivity, workforce development, resilience, and sustainability. Health & Innovation: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified integrated ANC test for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B—aimed at faster, one-visit screening for triple elimination.

LGBTQ+ Innovation Spotlight: A new feature looks at LGBTQ+ pioneers behind major breakthroughs—from computing and internet search to medicine and biotechnology—reminding readers that creativity and identity often shaped the world’s biggest advances. Seychelles Court & Crypto Rights: A Seychelles court ruling says KuCoin can’t label unwithdrawn delisted tokens as “abandoned,” ordering payment of over $2M to a Swiss investor—an important local precedent for digital asset accountability. Public Health Milestone: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, enabling one finger-prick visit to screen for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B—aimed at cutting mother-to-child transmission. Tourism Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, with priorities on sustainability, connectivity, workforce development, and stronger institutional foundations. Community & Sport: Beau Vallon’s free beachfront outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring a beloved training spot for residents. Arts & Culture: A documentary screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing reflections after the film. Music: Dancehall star Blaiz Fayah’s Seychelles show drew a major crowd, leaving fans wanting more.

Seychelles Court & Crypto Rights: A Seychelles court ruled KuCoin can’t label unwithdrawn delisted tokens as “abandoned,” awarding a Swiss investor over $2m and setting a clear warning for exchanges. Seychelles Sports & Community: Beau Vallon’s free beachfront outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring an accessible training spot for residents. Seychelles Arts & Film: A Victoria screening of the documentary We Believed marked Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing reflections after the film. Seychelles Culture & Music: International dancehall star Blaiz Fayah delivered a high-energy Seyfest show that left fans wanting more. Seychelles Governance & Tourism: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029, focusing on stronger foundations, collaboration, skills, and sustainability. Health & Maternal Care: Seychelles and Eritrea adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified integrated test for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B—aimed at “one visit, one test, three results.” Food & Hospitality: Michelin Guide recognition went to Stradomska 12 at Stradom House Hotel & Spa, spotlighting modern Polish cuisine.

Public Health Breakthrough: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO-prequalified Determine Antenatal Care Panel, a rapid “one visit, one test, three results” finger-prick screening for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—aimed at cutting mother-to-child transmission. Tourism & Policy: Seychelles endorsed UN Tourism’s Management Vision 2026–2029 at the 126th Executive Council, with priorities including connectivity, workforce development and sustainability for island destinations. Wellness Trend: A new wave of “cognitive fitness” retreats and spa programs is pushing brain training as the next wellness status symbol, with Seychelles mentioned among participating properties. Community Sports: Beau Vallon’s free beachfront outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring an accessible training spot for residents. Arts & Culture: A documentary screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, featuring Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet’s reflections after the film. Local Sports Governance: The Seychelles Hockey Federation elected a new leadership team, with an urgent focus on reviving hockey at grassroots level. Tech for Everyday Life: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to more African markets including Seychelles, bringing AI search and understanding features to wider audiences.

Public Health & Innovation: Seychelles and Eritrea have adopted Abbott’s WHO prequalified 4th-generation integrated ANC Panel, enabling one rapid finger-prick test for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B—aimed at strengthening antenatal care and triple-elimination targets. Community Sports: Beau Vallon’s free beachfront outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring an accessible training spot for residents and beachgoers. Arts & Culture: A film screening of We Believed in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing reflections after the documentary on Russia–Seychelles friendly relations. Music Spotlight: Dancehall star Blaiz Fayah returned Seychelles fans to the dancefloor at Seyfest (May 30), delivering a high-energy set that left audiences wanting more. Local Sport Governance: The Seychelles Hockey Federation has elected a new leadership team after its AGM, with a clear focus on reviving hockey—especially at grassroots level. International Arts/Heritage: A regional workshop in Mauritius explored preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, linking communities through shared histories and heritage documentation.

Live Music Spotlight: Dancehall star Blaiz Fayah turned Seychelles’ Music Stadium into a late-night singalong on May 30, drawing one of the biggest crowds of the year for Seyfest. Community Fitness: Beau Vallon’s free beachfront outdoor gym has reopened after renovation, restoring a popular salt-air battered training spot for residents and visitors. World Cup Buzz: A guide to watching FIFA World Cup 2026 “for FREE” is circulating, alongside prediction-market hype for fans looking to play along. Arts & Culture on Screen: A documentary screening in Victoria marked Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing reflections after the film on Russia–Seychelles ties. Sports Leadership: Seychelles hockey has a new federation executive after its AGM, with a clear push to revive the sport at grassroots level. Athlete Achievement: Rodney Henriette added another international medal, taking bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026. Heritage & Memory: A Seychelles-linked workshop in Mauritius focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean. Ocean Conservation: Canon South Africa highlights coral restoration work in the Western Indian Ocean, partnering with local conservation groups including Nature Seychelles.

Seychelles in the spotlight at Fleet 2026: More than 20 foreign delegations, including Seychelles for the first time, are taking part in Russia’s International Maritime Defense Show Fleet 2026 in Kronstadt, with bilateral meetings planned during the June 10–14 event. Film & culture in Victoria: A documentary screening in Seychelles marked Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing her impressions after the event organised with the Russian Embassy. Sport leadership at home: Seychelles Hockey Federation has elected a new executive committee after its AGM, with a clear push to revive hockey at grassroots level. Local athlete success: Rodney Henriette won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026, adding another international medal to Seychelles’ bodybuilding achievements. Ocean governance conversation: IOI-Nigeria and NIOMR used World Ocean Day to call for inclusive, sustainable ocean governance—an angle that resonates with Seychelles’ own blue-economy priorities. Seychelles-Russia sport ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says Russian-Seychellois cooperation in sport and training continues to grow, including infrastructure support.

Ocean Governance & Culture: Nigeria’s ocean institutes marked World Ocean Day (June 8) by calling for more inclusive, sustainable ocean governance—balancing conservation, social equity and ocean-based development. Film & Literature in Seychelles: A Victoria screening of the documentary We Believed on Russia–Seychelles friendly ties was held to coincide with Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing her take after the screening. Sports Leadership & Performance: Seychelles Hockey Federation elected a new executive after its AGM, but leaders say the urgent task is reviving hockey at grassroots level; bodybuilding also made waves as Rodney Henriette won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026. Local Sport Heritage: Seychelles NATION marked its 50th anniversary by revisiting June 6 sporting archive stories, spotlighting the people and events that shaped national sport. Tech, Travel & Tourism Signals: Global travel and tourism coverage ranged from crowd-management moves in major European hotspots to cruise and aqua-tourism growth themes.

Film & Culture: A documentary screening of We Believed on Russia–Seychelles relations was held in Victoria on 8 June, timed to coincide with Alexander Pushkin’s birthday, with Seychellois artist Lyndsay Payet sharing her impressions after the showing. Sport Governance: The Seychelles Hockey Federation elected a new leadership team at its AGM, but the federation’s biggest task remains reviving hockey at grassroots level. Bodybuilding Spotlight: Rodney Henriette won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026 in Alicante, adding another international medal to his Seychelles Male Athlete of the Year credentials. Arts, Youth & Skills: A five-day gabion construction training programme built local capacity for watershed restoration and erosion control, involving young participants from SIT and partners including GAEA Seychelles. Travel & Heritage: A Seychelles-linked cruise diary highlights Stone Town’s UNESCO-listed history, while a regional workshop in Mauritius focused on preserving indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean. International Arts & Diplomacy: Seychelles’ Minister of Youth and Sport Kalsey Belle said Russia treats Seychelles as an equal partner, pointing to sport training and education cooperation. Digital Safety (Local Audience Interest): Bitget launched Anti-Scam Month 2026, reporting $32.3m recovered for users and major fraud-prevention activity during 2025.

Seychelles Hockey: Sharo Valentin has been elected new chairman of the Seychelles Hockey Federation after its AGM, with a fresh executive team tasked with reviving the sport—especially at grassroots level. Bodybuilding: Rodney Henriette, Seychelles’ reigning Male Athlete of the Year, won bronze at Amateur Olympia Spain 2026 in Alicante, a major NPC Worldwide Pro Qualifier that offers IFBB pro cards. Sports & culture at sea: Cruise and event tourism coverage highlights how meetings and incentives are increasingly moving onboard, while AROYA Cruises announces a strategic distribution partnership with Lufthansa City Center International to expand its international reach. Seychelles in the spotlight: Russia’s Youth and Sport minister Kalsey Belle says Russia has long treated Seychelles as an equal partner, citing training exchanges and sports infrastructure support. Local heritage & skills: A Mauritius workshop focused on indentured labour heritage across the Indian Ocean, while Seychelles-based training saw youths gain gabion construction skills for watershed restoration and climate resilience. Media freedom debate: Seychelles’ new bill is reported as a threat to SBC independence, raising concerns about funding and control over a public broadcaster. Global travel policy: Sweden urges the EU to tighten tourist visa rules for Russians, arguing leisure travel should not continue amid the Ukraine war.

Cruise & Trade: AROYA Cruises (Red Sea/Eastern Mediterranean) announced a strategic distribution partnership with Lufthansa City Center International, aiming to reach new international travel agents after welcoming guests of 117 nationalities. Tourism & Heritage: Caribbean Week in New York wrapped up with ministerial talks, media and trade showcases, and a new CTO Tourism Supply Side Committee focused on stronger regional linkages. Seychelles–Russia Sports Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle said Russia treats Seychelles as an equal partner, highlighting athlete and coach training cooperation. Media Governance: Seychelles’ Public Media Alliance warns a new bill could threaten SBC independence via funding and spending controls. Environment & Travel Policy: World Tourism Network backs targeted sanctions but argues against broad Russian tourist visa bans that could harm tourism’s peace-building role. Local Sport Spotlight: SSL Gold Cup sailing coverage notes Seychelles Vann Swet’s race-day challenges as the Golden Thursday series continues. Arts & Culture (Regional): An Indian Ocean workshop in Mauritius focused on preserving indentured labour heritage, building a shared regional roadmap.

Seychelles–Russia Sports Ties: Youth and Sport Minister Kalsey Belle says relations with Russia “have never been stronger,” highlighting athlete training, coach development, and Russian-backed sports infrastructure. Media Independence Under Pressure: A new bill is raising alarms over SBC independence, with critics warning funding and spending controls could weaken the public broadcaster’s autonomy. Heritage Across the Indian Ocean: A Mauritius workshop brought UNESCO and heritage experts together to strengthen preservation and documentation of indentured labour heritage, building a regional roadmap for shared histories. Tourism, Crowds, and Nature: World Environment Day coverage argues travel is shifting from “green choices” to destination-wide protection of beaches, reefs, forests and wildlife systems. Sailing in the SSL Gold Cup: Seychelles Vann Swet faced setbacks on Lake Neuchâtel, including an early shock and race-day penalties affecting qualification hopes. Arts & Culture Spotlight: Italian artist Franz Cerami’s “Jute Portraits” puts Kenya’s coffee workers at the centre of an international exhibition, blending art, technology and storytelling. Global Beach Buzz: Corona’s “Beach 100” list ahead of World Oceans Day spotlights top coastlines worldwide, with Seychelles readers likely watching for regional inspiration.