Another election commitment has moved from promise to reality.
The promise of faster, more affordable internet has become a reality for Seychellois as President Dr Patrick Herminie's election pledge to introduce Starlink comes to fruition. Presided over by Vice-President Sebastien Pillay at State House alongside the Seychelles Communications Regulatory Authority (SCRA), more than an arrival, the soft launch marks another promise fulfilled under the President's election manifesto and a significant step in Seychelles' digital transformation.
Addressing the press conference, Vice-President Pillay described the launch as a significant step towards strengthening Seychelles' digital future. He highlighted the opportunities that faster and more reliable internet will create for education, business, innovation and public services.
The introduction of Starlink adds to a growing list of election commitments already delivered or progressing under the administration.
The President is putting the levers into motion.
National reconciliation has advanced through the completion of the TRNUC Committee process, with negotiations continuing as the country seeks long-awaited closure on unresolved national matters.
Support for workers has also been strengthened through the restoration of the 13th month salary, the reinstatement of the long service allowance, and gratuity payments for contract workers.
The government has expanded social assistance with financial support for elderly citizens and a new allowance for students pursuing their studies away from home.
Governance reforms have also gathered pace. Declarations of assets have been completed, while legislation protecting politicians from prosecution has been proposed for repeal to strengthen transparency and accountability.
Ministerial allowances have been reviewed, with housing and clothing benefits reduced as part of efforts to ensure greater value for public funds.
Institutional reforms continue within the National Assembly, where proposals seek to strengthen the independence of the Speaker's Office and broaden parliamentary representation. In the same breath, the President has given assent to the National Assembly Administration Act, 2026, to establish an independent administrative institution with full authority over its finances and personnel.
The administration has also advanced its commitments to accountability through the establishment of several Commissions of Inquiry to investigate long-standing national issues, including the Assumption matters, the prison riot and the CCCL explosion, as part of broader efforts to establish the facts.
Economic reforms remain a priority. Plans are under way to reintroduce the Unemployment Relief Scheme, strengthen workforce reskilling and abolish the environmental levy on small tourism establishments.
Still on economic reforms, despite global economic pressures as a result of the ongoing war in the Middle East, the administration has introduced measures aimed at easing the cost of living, including a reduction in bus fares and shielding domestic households from the latest fuel cost adjustment by exempting the first 400 kWh of monthly electricity consumption from the increase.
The administration has also strengthened support for vulnerable households through the reintroduction of the STC Card for low-income families, the expansion of the list of essential commodities to help ease the cost of living, and the re-establishment of the Department of Poverty Alleviation to provide more targeted assistance to those most in need.
The government has re-established the Seychelles News Agency (SNA) and has created a dedicated Mental Health Agency to improve responses to drug addiction and mental health challenges.
Young people are also set to benefit through the IGNITE and StepUp4Life programmes, designed to equip students with practical workplace experience before entering employment.
Against this backdrop, the launch of Starlink is more than a technological milestone. It is another practical step in expanding opportunities for households, businesses, students and entrepreneurs while advancing Seychelles' digital transformation.
As the administration continues implementing its programme, the focus remains on translating commitments into tangible results that improve the daily lives of Seychellois.