President James Michel’s message for the New Year 2009
‘Come together Seychellois, our country needs us’
Dear Seychellois brothers and sisters,
The time of the year when families get closer, friends meet, when we forgive and make up, and celebrate together, is here again. We say goodbye to 2008 and welcome a new year. We renew our hope in the future and reflect on past events.
2008 was full of challenges and opportunities. The year tested the resilience, spiritedness and determination of the Seychellois people. It was a year when we showed our courage.
We had to take tough decisions. Like all countries in the world, big and small, we were hit hard, indeed very hard, by the effects of the global financial crisis. There are people in the United States, Europe, Japan and other countries who have lost all their savings. Many have lost their pensions, houses and jobs. Happily, here in Seychelles, in spite of the challenges, in spite of the difficulties, we are still faring well.
2008 was also a historic year for Seychelles. It was a year when we took a big step towards a better future, whereby Seychelles would, more than ever before, expand its opportunities. The Seychellois could avail themselves of increased openings for their development. Each Seychellois can find new initiatives in 2009.
Although there is some apprehension, there is no reason for us to be scared. There is no reason for us to be worried.
There are only two months from the time we introduced our reform and already we are seeing results. While other countries have to deal with new crises that are surfacing every day -- bankruptcy of banks, the collapse of major companies, ordinary families having their houses repossessed -- in Seychelles we have taken the measures necessary to prevent us from facing similar situation.
• The value of our rupee is stabilising. We are the ones who will add value to our rupee. Through our work, the effort of each individual, our country is becoming more productive.
• Even now there is work for those who want to work. The hotels are looking for Seychellois. Contractors are looking for Seychellois. Banks and the financial sector continue to generate new openings. To those who are still idle, the year 2009 gives them the chance to stand up and take positive strides towards a better future.
• Yes, the cost of living has gone up. But we are beginning to see positive signs in certain sectors. I salute those farmers and fishermen who recently did all they could to offer good local produce at reasonable prices. The Seychellois people appreciate this. The traders, too, should offer their customers a real choice in prices and should not go after unreasonable profit. Some increases are inevitable, but when we work together, we are able to look for the best ways for us to help our fellow citizens. We all need one another. The traders need customers as much as the customers need the traders.
• Government continues to give its full support in the social sectors. Our housing construction programme is not being shelved. Education remains free. Health remains accessible to all. If we do not invest in our people, then our people will not be able to develop themselves. This social commitment always remains the first priority of my government.
Despite our difficulties, there are opportunities. Together, we will seize these opportunities.
But I will never forget those who, for one reason or another, cannot grab these opportunities.
Today, my thoughts are with the families who are struggling as a result of the tough decisions the country had to take; the single mothers, the children and the elderly. You are the ones for whom I have the greatest concern. I am concerned because I know it is not easy for you. If there was another way, we would have done so. The economic reform programme we are implementing is our only option. We have to make it through the storm for us to reach calmer waters. We have to work harder and with discipline. There is no other choice. We are undertaking the reform with a social conscience. The new Welfare Agency has been set up to help those who are vulnerable. It is there to give assistance to those who are finding it difficult to make ends meet.
I wish to sincerely thank all sectors of society -- the church, civil societies, the international community, the young professionals, the students and the people of Seychelles in general -- who are giving me their support during the economic reform. I feel encouraged and proud! Thank you for the support! Your love for our country is clearly evident. It is during such times that the Seychellois people show their resilience. When things are good, everyone loves their country. But it is during the bad times that we are able to discover the true patriots.
Dear Seychellois brothers and sisters,
The year 2009 will bring new challenges and opportunities. The important thing is that we remain united as one nation. The important thing is that we understand what is happening around us. The important thing is that we continue to stand by each other and work harder still.
The opposite of these is there for us to witness everyday -- greed and unbridled ambition are destroying humanity, some countries are ravaged by war, societies are engulfed in hatred and poverty, nations are torn apart by division.
At midnight when we sing Ozordi Lannen (a traditional New Year song), let us celebrate the harmony that exists in Seychelles. The harmony that is derived from our diversity is a precious gift with which we are blessed. Let us treasure it, let us preserve it. In the new economic climate, the year 2009 calls on all Seychellois to come together.
Come Together Seychellois is the national theme dedicated to 2009. It brings all of us together in unity and reminds us that in our country there is no place for division and hatred. If there is a year when Seychelles needs, more than ever before, all its children, that year is 2009.
In 2008 we celebrated our Constitution, our country’s supreme law which, since 1993, has been our guide in good governance and ensuring that each Seychellois has a stake in our development process. I am grateful to the committee that worked to promote greater knowledge of our Constitution and also to look at ways to strengthen it.
Our Constitution which was adopted in 1993 marked a new beginning for our country. 2008 is another year of new beginnings, which mark the start of a transformation. Times of transformation need to be accompanied by a spirit of unity and sharing. Our National Anthem -- Come Together Seychellois -- is precisely a unifying symbol. It brings all Seychellois together. It depicts our unity in diversity. It shows what makes us the Seychellois nation.
2009 is a year full of hope. 2009 is a year when we will continue to see a determined President at work. I will continue to work on sustainable solutions for our country. The programme we are committed to will bring positive results. We will transform our country. We will succeed if we all come together and work.
We will continue to support the less fortunate through our social programme. We will all need to give a helping hand so that no one is left behind in this process.
We will increase our fight against abuse, corruption and waste. We will continue to promote good governance and transparency. In that context we will consolidate the mechanisms already in place. We will intensify our fight against the scourges affecting our small nation. We will continue to develop cooperation with all partners, local and international.
I give my commitment to you, to every Seychellois, that my government will stand side by side with you, to find solutions for the challenges ahead of us. I am convinced that when we will look back, we will find a people that held fast in adversity. They held on together, worked together, and came together to make their country work. We will say it was worth it.
We, the Seychellois people, will claim victory.
I have full confidence in our people. Today, the challenge is weighing down on our development. It tests our national character. But come tomorrow, we will see that the courage we’ve invested to overcome the challenge will crown our success. Together we will enjoy the fruit of all our efforts. We turn a new page in our lives, we embark on a new leg of our journey. My wish which I share with my people for the new year is for a nation that is united and industrious, a nation that works to serve the interest of each and everyone, a Seychelles that is peaceful. Come together Seychellois, with the grace of God, nothing is impossible.
Come together Seychellois, our country needs us.
Come together Seychellois, together we will raise our flag.
I wish all Seychellois here and all over the world, as well as residents and visitors, a Happy New Year!
May God continue to watch over us and protect all Seychellois.
Thank you.
Source: Nation