On Thursday 10th April 2025, the Media, Youth, Sports And Culture Committee (MYSCC) conducted a site visit to the Beach Soccer Arena, Roche Caiman, which is currently undergoing the final phases of preparation for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup. Leading the overall visit of the facilities was President of the Republic of Seychelles, and Patron of Football, H.E. Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan. Chairperson Hon. Wavel Woodcock was accompanied by Vice-Chairperson Hon. Phillip Arissol, Hon. Georges Romain, Hon. Gerard Bijoux, and Hon. Valdana Sultan. Assistance was provided by Committee Secretary Mr. Vincent Quatre, and Assistant Secretary Ms. Michelle Cupidon. Also in attendance was the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Gervais Henrie, Hon. Sathya Naidu, Hon. Anne Bistoquet, Hon. John Hoareau, Hon. Norbert Loizeau, Hon. Francois Adelaide, Hon. Andy Labonte.
Invited by MYSCC were a few of the new Youth Members of the Parlement Régional des Jeunes de l’Indianocéanie (PRJIO), namely Ms. Camilla Cupidon, Mr. Steve Monnaie, Mr. Fredo Dubel, Ms. Nadisha Malbrook, Mr. Fabian Jeanne, and Ms. Elgin Crea.
The visit commenced at the Palais des Sports, where the Minister for Lands and Housing Mr. Billy Rangasamy, Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Mrs. Marie Celine Zialor, PS for the Youth Department Mr. Ralph Jean-Louis, CEO of the Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) Mr. Jitesh Shah, and other stakeholders led the visiting delegation. The Palais des Sports has undergone a transformation including new flooring, changing rooms and facilities, a new roof, and other safety measures. The Committee expressed their satisfaction with the progress of the development, with the estimated completion date of all repairs set for mid-April 2025. The tour then saw the completed resurfacing of the Tennis Courts and Facilities, which are now up to standard. The Judo Dojo also saw renovations, with the installation of a new roof.
A visit to Stad Linite gave the Committee the opportunity to view the progress of several key infrastructural developments, such as the installation of a new tartan track which was briefly delayed by a broken water pipe. Other elements such as repainting and the renovation of changing rooms and facilities have yet to be completed by the Football Federation. Finally, the delegation was brought to the Beach Soccer Stadium which has been in construction for 24 days and is nearing 100% completion. On the 27th of April, it is confirmed that the stadium will be ‘handed over’ to FIFA for the final preparations.
Due to the Football Federation not achieving the minimum financial requirements, the Government of Seychelles intervened to ensure the continuation of organisation and construction. MYSCC commends the swift action of the Government in taking ownership of the projects and maintaining the credibility of Seychelles in the international sports forum.
