If Seychelles ever introduces a new Olympic event called “Strategic Ship Jumping and Political Survival”, Naadir Hassan would already have his gold medal framed, polished, and insured.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the nation’s favourite youthful shopkeeper from Anse Royale. The man who went from stocking shelves to stocking government coffers has done it again. Naadir Hassan, the ex-Minister for Finance, Trade and the Blue Economy, has now resigned from his second big chair this time as the Chairman of the Islands Development Company (IDC).
The man clearly doesn’t sit still for long. It’s as if every time the chair starts getting warm, he grabs his life jacket and jumps overboard.
Let’s rewind. It was 2020. Seychelles was reeling from the excitement of regime change, and suddenly, out of nowhere, came a new face at Liberty House, a youthful, soft-spoken shopkeeper from Anse Royale. The story goes that his appointment as Minister for Finance came courtesy of a “sponsored ticket,” part of a five-year deal that was celebrated in true Seychellois fashion with whiskey, champagne, and cakes worth more than a month’s salary of a civil servant.
Rumour has it that the real cherry on the cake wasn’t edible; a certain blonde from Baie Lazare was apparently on the guest list too. The “Unity House” party that followed was said to have had all the right ingredients: merchants, a Chinese trader, expensive booze, and a few familiar hyenas waiting for scraps from the political feast.
Fast forward four years and one month — and poof! Naadir announced that he was leaving to “spend more time with family.” Seychelles collectively rolled its eyes. Family, really? Since when did anyone resign from Liberty House voluntarily unless the “family” happens to be in a corporate boardroom?
The gossip mill was quick to churn. Some said he was going back to his old home, CWS, where 22% was waiting like a lottery jackpot. Others whispered about the unfinished “mission” and secret deliverables that had already been… delivered. But then, like all good soap operas, the plot twisted. The “22%” turned into a scandal, and our young financial wizard had to find a new escape route.
President Ramkalawan, ever the man of prayer, reportedly begged his Finance Minister to stay. But the sea was calling, and Naadir, now fully certified in political navigation, jumped ship mid-ocean and somehow landed at the Islands Development Company, the place where “development” and “secrecy” often go hand in hand.
It was the perfect safe harbour, or so it seemed. That is, until the morning of 24 October 2025, when Naadir handed in yet another resignation, this time just a day before Ramkalawan himself had to vacate State House. Timing, as they say, is everything.
One can only imagine the farewell scene:
Wavel, clutching his rosary, saying, “Naadir, please don’t go…”
Naadir, already halfway out the door, replying, “Sorry, Father, the tide’s coming in.”
And now, word on the coconut wireless is that our former Minister-turned-Chairman-turned-Expat-in-Waiting is preparing to set sail once again, this time to Greener Pastures. Or should we say Green Land?
One insider joked that if “Big Chang” happens to be out fishing near Assumption, Naadir might wave him down for a lift back to Mahé — straight to Seychelles Yacht Club, of course, where his next “strategic opportunity” might be docked.
Whatever happens, one thing is certain: Naadir Hassan has become a master of the disappearing act. From the shop counter to Liberty House to Assumption, he’s always one resignation ahead of the storm.
So, bon voyage, Mr Hassan. Whether it’s Liberty House, CWS, IDC, or Greenland — may your next landing be softer than your last. And don’t forget the life jacket. Seychelles waters, as we’ve learned, can get very, very choppy.
