High level delegation from the Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning visits the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) management
January 20, 2017
Friday 20th January 2017, VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES: Following the announcement made by President Danny Faure, informing that as from 1st January 2017 all financial transactions of the Department of Defense will be processed through the Government's Treasury Single Account (TSA), and not through commercial banks, the Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning, Dr Peter Larose met with Brigadier Leopold Payet of the Seychelles People Defence Forces (SPDF) accompanied with high level officials on Wednesday 18th January 2017 at the SPDF Headquarters at Bel Eau, Victoria. The meeting’s main agenda was to discuss the transition of operations for the Department.
This forms part of several measures relating to the commitment of the Government following the outcome of the 2017 budget discussion with the National Assembly. Minister Larose re-iterated the Government’s commitment, particularly that of the Finance and Trade Department’s responsibility to ensure the highest level of financial accountability and transparency in managing public funds.
The Minister also assured SPDF of a smooth transition of operations as they interface with the Government’s financial operating platform. The TSA is equipped to allow SPDF to manage their budget in accordance with their specific requirements. All commercial bank accounts that were in operation to cater the operational activities of the Defence forces are closed accordingly. It must be pointed out that Department of Defence is one of the departments, which has transited to a partial Programme Performance Based Budgeting (PPBB) model in 2017. Dr. Larose expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting and thanked Brigadier Leopold Payet and his team for their cooperation.
On his part, Brigadier Payet confirmed SPDF’s commitment to operate and follow the TSA system. He expressed appreciation for the Minister and his officials’ visit to SPDF Headquarters in finding a solution to their operational complexities.
It was also agreed that further discussions will be held at technical levels including the Procurement Oversight Unit to clarify the procurement processes that will apply to the SPDF as from now on.
The Department’s expenditure pertaining to 2017 budget allocation will be effected through the Treasury.
Present in the meeting was the Principal Secretary for Finance and Trade, Mr. Patrick Payet, Comptroller General for Financial Planning & Control in the Ministry Mr Damien Thesee and the Chief Accountant, Mrs Marcia Loizeau.
The delegation met with the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Clifford Roseline, the Defence Forces Financial Controller, Mr. Randimal Bopageand Senior Accountant, Mr. Paul Dupres.
Marie-May Bastienne
Public & Media Relations Consultant
Ministry of Finance, Trade & Economic Planning
prm@finance.gov.sc
2822168