President Dr Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 18 February. During the meeting, Cabinet approved several legal and policy memoranda.
First, Cabinet approved the National Awards (Repeal) Bill, 2026. The Bill proposes to repeal the National Awards Act, 2022. However, it preserves the validity of national awards already conferred under that law. Cabinet said the change will maintain recognition already granted while removing the existing legislation.
Next, Cabinet approved the Health Care Agency (Repeal) Bill, 2026. The decision will integrate the agency’s operational functions and staff into the restructured Ministry of Health. In particular, these functions will fall under the Health Care Services Department. According to Cabinet, the move aims to align operations within the ministry’s new structure.
Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the empowerment of the Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act and the Environment Protection Act across Seychelles’ Exclusive Economic Zone. This step strengthens the legal and regulatory framework for the full implementation of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan. It also enables enforcement of Zone 1 and Zone 2 provisions under the Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act. Furthermore, it allows full application and harmonisation of the Environment Protection Act with the Marine Spatial Plan. Cabinet stated that the decision ensures the plan’s legal status and supports future implementation in line with the debt swap agreement.
In addition, Cabinet approved the issuance of an Internet Service Provider licence to Starlink, subject to specific conditions. This approval will allow Starlink to provide broadband internet services and related products in Seychelles. Cabinet confirmed that the licence includes regulatory conditions.
These decisions form part of ongoing legal and policy actions taken during the Cabinet meeting.