ABSTRACT
The economic convergence of René and his opponents after 1989 speaks much to the consequent stability of the country. The tourism model went in hand with the country's subsequent development of its place as an OFC and a continuing place for fishing. In a major personal change, René began slowly to yield to his own economists. The narrow loyalist James Michel was retained as Finance Minister after the 1993 election seemingly in part with the intention that René's socialist legacy would be undone with his future departure. René's reputation and retention of structures such as the SMB hindered for some time Seychelles’ ability to attract home the resources in the diaspora. The exilings, expropriation and marginalisation of much of Seychelles’ old middle class – those perceived as Mancham supporters – meant just an export of skilled Seychellois but a discouragement from returning of money and connections made abroad by the diaspora.
