A new Board of members of the Praslin Development (PDF) was appointed this week by the Vice-President of the Republic, Mr James A. Michel.

Mr Michel Gardette continues in the office of chairman and Mrs Mitzie Larue as the vice-chairperson.

Mr Ahmed Afif remains as treasurer and Mr Brian Commettant as the secretary.

The other members are Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne, Mr Raymond Brioche, Mr Karl Tamatave, Mr Norbert Lepathy, Mr Jose Confait, Mr William Rose and Mrs Sophie Pool.

Set up in 1997 the PDF has the objective of generally helping the island to develop in a sustainable manner, bearing in mind its fragile ecosystem, natural beauty and cultural heritage.   

The Fund’s involvement in Praslin’s development is highly visible in the beautification programmes at Grand Anse and Baie Ste Anne, an activity that has turned the two districts into smart and pleasant places. PDF is also responsible for the landscaping and maintenance of the grounds around the new airport at Amitie. The beautification programmes generated employment for over 75 Praslinois.

It is the body that is managing the Fond Ferdinand Reserve.

PDF provides guidance to the planning authorities as part of its function to ensure that developments on Praslin are in harmony with the island’s natural aesthetic features.

The Board was influential in government’s preparation of a land use plan for the Baie Ste Anne reclamation.

Also thanks to the participation of the PDF the body has, in conjunction with government agencies, speeded up a number of projects such as the installation of pavements, resurfacing of roads and building of bus shelters, that are now benefiting several communities on the island. In cases where funding had not been earmarked for the infrastructural projects, the Board sought the financing for the proposed developments.     

VP Michel has thanked the outgoing members for their contribution which “has added great value to Praslin’s progress and the future of its inhabitants”.

Mr Michel said the appointment of new members on the 2003 PDF Board was to promote wider participation in Praslin’s development process. The Board is made up of people from a cross-section of society including parliamentarians, environmentalists, private businessmen and economists.

The Board is expected to meet for its first meeting in mid-February. 

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