by D. Finesse
Tuesday 9 December, 2025
“My work is not about getting close to any administration”
Nationality is not just a legal status. It comes with responsibilities: to respect our laws and institutions, to act transparently, and to contribute positively to the country, says Mr. Justin Etzin.
Mr Justin Etzin is an entrepreneur who made his name in real estate, hospitality, tourism, healthcare, and insurance. He first came to Seychelles as a baby and grew up here. He later lived in the United States and in 2017 moved back to the Seychelles he feels is home. For Mr. Etzin, Seychelles is not just a destination or a place to invest; it is part of his identity.
In this interview, we learn more about his connection to the islands, his vision for Seychelles, and his message to those who accuse him of contributing to politics.
How long have you been in Seychelles?
My connections to Seychelles goes back to my early childhood. I have been fortunate to call Seychelles home since I was a baby and have been a born-and-raised Seychellois since then. My father, the late Mr. Nicholas Etzin, lived and worked in Seychelles in the 1980s. He loved the island life here.
What were your first impressions of Seychelles?
My earliest memories are of a place that is breathtakingly beautiful but also very human and warm. As a child, I remember spending time in Beau Vallon and hiking the mountains and enjoying the incredible views.
Most recently, when I moved in 2017, I reconnected with old friends. Of course, like many of us, I reconnected online but then met them in person. The beauty of Seychelles is that people remember you, and they are sincere.
One of the things that struck me was how much the country had developed while still maintaining its natural beauty. Seychelles has evolved into one of the most peaceful and beautiful nations of the Indian Ocean. My later memories of Seychelles speak to that too. My father died here in Victoria on March 30 this year.
So, are you now a Seychellois, proudly supporting Seychelles’ national identity?
Being Seychellois means respecting Seychellois values. I am proud to say that I am a Seychellois citizen. The new laws introduced in 2021 made this possible for many, including someone like me. I was granted nationality through naturalisation. But I also want to emphasise that I have an emotional connection to Seychelles. My father lived here; my childhood was here; I feel this place is home.
To me, nationality is a sensitive and important subject. It comes with responsibilities. Just as Seychelles has given me a place to call home, my work is always aimed at giving back to the community.
I am now assisting the government and private sector through investments that will benefit Seychelles for generations to come.
Our public health system has benefitted greatly from your donations and your family’s support…
Absolutely. My family has contributed to supporting medical services in Seychelles for decades. After my father passed away this year, I donated SCR 350,000 worth of laparoscopic equipment for keyhole surgery and prevented many unnecessary patient transfers. Since then, I have continued to support the health sector through direct and indirect support. The donations funded equipment that was needed so the hospital no longer has to purchase that from overseas.
How would you describe your personality and life direction?
My approach with any government is straightforward: I do what I do, and that is work professionally. Seychelles has been my home since 2017 and I am here to continue working, investing ethically, driving job creation, and contributing to the economy.
My leadership and management style is founded on respect. I believe in kindness, compassion, authenticity, and transparency. My companies and I are known for compliance and for being above reproach. I do not engage in politics. My work is not about getting close to any administration; it is about serving Seychelles.
I have always been neutral and apolitical. I don’t support any side. My only allegiance is to Seychelles, and it will never be otherwise. The people know this. That is why my reputation is very strong.
Can you tell us about your work in Seychelles to help the Ministry of Health?
My involvement in healthcare investment in Seychelles is both personal and professional.
Over the years, I have been involved in building a modern comprehensive health insurance company designed for all Seychellois, which supports the medical protection systems and other insurance products. The idea was to create a modern system where services are properly protected, both state and private services have a safety net. Good healthcare builds a strong economy as well. For me, innovation in public healthcare is powerful. Improving health, protecting people, helps improve productivity and reduces the burden on our economy.
Do you feel welcome in Seychelles?
Yes, I do feel very welcomed here. Seychelles is my home. I grew up in its values, in its beauty, in its spirit of community. Seychelles’ beauty is not just the islands, it is the people. They have always welcomed me. I think being on television, doing interviews, being visible, has its challenges. But overall, I feel an overwhelming sense of hospitality from the people.
The kindness I receive from ordinary citizens is humbling. Every individual is their own person, so I do not form my view through politics. My relationship is with the people.
What is your relationship with the Government?
My relationship with the current government has always been straightforward. I know President Wavel Ramkalawan is a professional and respectful man.
I am encouraged with the emphasis on improving public services, strengthening the rule of law, and addressing the cost of living. The government is mindful that the people want stability and that today’s work will matter.
I am trying to do the same in healthcare. My projects have been aimed at reducing pressure on the public health system and offering services that benefit citizens and residents.
Whenever my projects can support the national agenda, such as medical equipment, access to treatment, or services, I am proud of that. With investment, formal agreements with government can be worked with. I have always acted independently and have not expected the government to help.
My newest project is a modern geriatric centre, which will be a first. Elderly care in Seychelles takes up most of the healthcare system’s resources. If we can improve elderly care, it will free up public healthcare capacity significantly.
My contributions to strengthen this sector in Seychelles are strong and important.
How is business going for you in Seychelles?
Business in Seychelles, like everywhere, is never easy. But I am persistent, I am used to navigating uncertainty. My businesses continue to grow. My airline will resume next year. My clinics are running. My hospitality business is very strong. Seychelles is attracting more visitors. Better data and trends show that. With increased tourism and direct foreign investment, we are seeing a more stable business environment.
For 2024, our focus is quality, not quantity. I have closed operations in some countries and focused only where we deliver excellent service.
There has been criticism that your growing profile may intimidate or frustrate some stakeholders. What do you think?
I am aware of the criticisms. I am aware that some feel uncomfortable with my presence or involvement. I find that unfortunate because everything I do is done transparently.
If someone is threatened by success or new investment, and instead of embracing it they turn it into something negative, that is because of their own mindset. If someone perceives me as a threat, it is because I am achieving more in return than others, and often faster. People who think like that are not my burden. I have never cheated anyone or used my position for anything. I am always supporting the current administration and providing government the same respect and neutrality. My direction is steady and strategic.
There are few allegations that you are trying to influence the environment of Seychelles. What do you think about that?
I am aware of the comments. Some people feel threatened by innovation. When you try to improve and expand their options, some resist because it means pressure to do better. It is not about me, it is about integrity.
I am not working with institutions to influence politics. I am a private sector investor with investments in people, services, and businesses.
My family has always taught me strong values. They raised me to respect people and be honest. My brother works in NGOs and UN agencies and is known worldwide. He is my inspiration and someone I admire deeply.
I choose to do my part to help Seychelles. That is what I have continued to support and invest in for many years now. And I work very hard.
When someone makes baseless allegations, the damage is not to me, it is to Seychelles.
There has been criticism around medical support and assistance during this administration. What is your position?
Yes, I have heard those criticisms. The truth is, I keep things very transparent. I always comply with the law. Everything I donate or support is done independently, without political direction, without expectation. For me, supporting the healthcare sector is not about which administration is in power. It is about protecting human lives.
I repeat, I work with any government that accepts standards, oversight, and transparency.
Regarding the donations, I fully understand that Seychelles is a small island nation with great needs and limited resources. I am proud to help.
I think a small group of political minded individuals from the social media will try to twist any positive act or gesture. But it becomes irrelevant when the public sees through that negativity. In return, what I get is gratitude, not hatred.
People appreciate quality. They appreciate kindness. They appreciate support. I was honoured to meet President Ramkalawan and his ministers and offer medical support to various institutions. They welcomed my gesture. That is what matters.
There are strong motivations behind your contribution. What are your views about the future of Seychelles?
I believe that the future of Seychelles depends on unity, innovation, and responsibility.
My vision is for Seychelles to become the best and the most reliable healthcare destination in Africa. We have the capacity. We have the talent. We just need to continue investing.
For businesses, Seychelles is an attractive environment. It is peaceful, stable, and safe. I am confident that Seychelles will continue improving.
Recently, I helped the government secure a USD 20 million health infrastructure donation. That is correct, USD 20 million, the largest philanthropic donation ever made to Seychelles in modern history. That project alone will reshape public healthcare and improve people’s lives.