Seychellois People

The People of Seychelles

The people of Seychelles are known as Seychellois. The Seychellois people are a unique blend of Créole, Indian, Chinese, French and British Bloods. They lead a very simple life. The main languages are French, English and Creole. On first meeting, shaking hands is the customary form of greeting. Seychellois are friendly people who openly invite guests into their homes. It is a common gesture to present a gift when visiting someone's home.     List of Seychellois People This is a partial list of Seychellois people of note and of some notable individuals born there, alphabetically within categories: Arts Aimo Fontenot Highly respected independent film actor, notable for his generous donations to charities dedicated to end the divide between rich and poor in Seychelles. Jean Marc Volcy Chart topping musician, credited with having imbibed old style creole music with a modern touch. Maggie Faure Seychelloise multiple award poet. Michael Adams His unique style of painting adorns everything from book covers to the Air Seychelles livery. Tom Bowers Produces exquisite works in bronze, sought after by the globe-trotting well-to-do. Business Albert Payet Former head of Cable and Wireless, Seychelles, now chair of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry and vocal supporter of a greater, more dynamic and transparent role for the private sector. Joe Albert Entrepreneur, owner of local quarries and a major player in the tourism industry through ownership of Creole Holidays and Travel Services Ltd, as well as foray into 5 star hotels. Kathleen Mason Tourism pioneer, who in her twenties created what became the premier Seychellois tourism destination management company - Masons Travels. Runs Denis Island as a luxury resort. Guy Savy Tourism pioneer. Set up the first and most succesful island eco-resort-Bird Island-in Seychelles. Popular with locals and international visitors, Bird island is low impact, supports conservation and run by a wholly Seychellois team. Civil Society Kantilal Jivan Well-known businessman, guru, naturalist, folkorist, historian, photographer and vegetarian cook. Guy Morel Accountant, former Governor of the Seychelles Central Bank and Chairman of Air Seychelles. Founder of the Seychelles Institute of Management. Passionate advocate of education for the less fortunate and for school dropouts. Nirmal Shah Leading environmental expert, writer, fund raiser and civic leader. Advocates for sustainable development and civil society participation through local and regional NGOs, international fora and the media. Guy Lionnet Former Director of Agriculture and author of many works on the history and flora and fauna of Seychelles. Mathew Servina Former Minister of Agriculture. Now is the leading voice for human rights in Seychelles and runs the Centre for Rights and Development. Lindsay Chong Seng Executive Director of Seychelles Island Foundation, expert on flora and fauna, naturalist, botanist.   Politicians Gerard Hoareau Vocal dissident of France Albert René's regime. He was assassinated outside of his London home in 1985. James Michel Current leader of the ruling SPPF party. He was previously vice-president to Albert René. Wavel Ramkalawan Current leader of the main opposition party in Seychelles, the Seychelles National Party (SNP). Although an Anglican Priest by profession, he is currently on sabbatical leave from the Church to pursue his political career. France Albert René Ex-President of Seychelles, and arguably the most controversial figure in Seychellois politics. René and his political party, the SPPF, seized power of the country through a coup d'état, and has been accused of numerous human rights abuses, land seizures and fraudulent activities for which nobody has ever been held accountable. (born 1935)