|
|
National Day Address by President James A. Michel
18th June 2007
Stad Linite
His Excellency Mr. Festus Mogae, President of the Republic of Botswana,
President Rene,
Distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Distinguished guests,
People of Seychelles,
The 18th June is a date on our calendar when we gather together to celebrate our
country, cradle of our identity as a nation, the land of our ancestors, these
small islands which are our motherland, our country. It is a reminder that we
indeed share one Seychelles. In spite of our differences, the spirit of unity
always reigns amongst the diversity of opinions and beliefs.
In less than a year, we have participated in two elections, where the world had
its eyes turned towards us. Once again on two consecutive occasions we have
shown our wisdom and intelligence, exercising our rights in a calm and peaceful
atmosphere. I thank the people of Seychelles for reinforcing our democracy
peacefully. Yes, we are a young democracy, but we are also an example for many
countries.
In all humility, I also take the opportunity to thank the people of Seychelles
for the confidence they have expressed in my government and also for the
confidence they have shown in their representatives for the National Assembly.
The elections are now over and it is time for us to move on and work in national
unity for the national benefit. Our different political opinions should now
serve as constructive criticisms for the betterment of our country. Above all,
let us use our debates to promote progress and unity.
Our National Day is a celebration of unity and solidarity, It is a time to share
with friends and neighbours our successes and challenges which we have in
common. On behalf of the Seychellois people I would like to express our sincere
appreciation to H.E Mr. Festus Mogae, President of Botswana and Mrs. Mogae who
are participating in this year’s celebrations and reflections. Your presence is
testimony to the importance of this day not only in terms of our national
history, but also in terms of the development of a community of successful
African democracies. We are proud to have a pioneer of development ,democracy
and stability in the region share this special moment with us.
Strategy 2017-Our ambition as a nation
The 18th of June marks the birth of our Third Republic as well as the adoption
of our new constitution. Our constitution is a rich document. It is our supreme
law, marking our rights and responsibilities, and equally important, it marks
our aspirations as a nation. A nation’s identity is based on its history but
also on its ambition- how far we want our nation to go.
Our constitution offers a commitment for us to always strive for a better life
for all Seychellois.
It is this ambition for the nation’s betterment that has forged the process of
gradual reforms in our economy. In various areas we have seen results. In
others, the results are more long term, but in all these reforms we have and
will continue, to place the well being of every Seychellois worker as the first
priority.
Transforming the way Seychelles works
People of Seychelles,
We are transforming the way we work. It implies a strategy which brings along
transformations in various ways.
Firstly, we are transforming the way the country works; where necessary, we will
undertake several reforms in government departments. These changes will be
announced next month and they aim at creating a more efficient civil service
which brings government closer to the people.
We are creating conditions for everybody to participate in wealth creation for
themselves and their families. We are placing the economic tools in the hands of
our workforce.
Let us use these opportunities responsibly.
Empowering the districts-The focal point in our development
Secondly, as announced during my last state of the Nation Address, we are
empowering the districts.
We want our districts to be vibrant centres for our people’s development. They
need to have more power to be able to assist their people more efficiently and
faster. The focal point for our national development is the district.
The District Administration will provide more and more services for the
residents, and where necessary, we will reinforce its role and responsibilities.
This will in turn improve the quality of lives for our families. I wish to see
better all round participation including increased participation in decision
making.
Empowering our districts is also a key factor in our efforts to eliminate social
ills in our country. We are all aware of the damages that substance abuse such
as illegal drugs does to their victims especially the youth. It is sad to note
that drug traffickers continue to rob our youth of their innocence and future.
We need several weapons to combat these issues- including treatment, prevention
and increased coordinated effort amongst the different law enforcement agencies.
I call upon all to join me in condemning these practices and banishing them from
our communities.
We need to improve and promote the implementation of social programmes,
including through the promotion of improved lifestyle choices through sports,
cultural activities as well as good neighbourliness.
Our communities are our families. And families need the right support in our
districts. In last year’s budget address, I announced the construction of ten
new day-care centres in districts. The construction of these Daycare centres is
due to start later this year. In addition my government will establish a
procedure to subsidise the cost for these daycare services. This will further
enhance family life, help mothers who are in employment and also create
employment in the districts.
In the context of increased support to families as the core of a community, I
have also decided to increase provisions for maternity leave from 12 weeks to 14
weeks. This will take effect from 1st January 2008.
Businesses have a responsibility towards the community. Each development project
should have a social corporate component to improve the lives of people in the
community in which it is situated.
Allow me to also take a moment to speak briefly on the subject of cleanliness
and the environment in our country.
The Seychellois have always been known for being environmentally conscious, ,
for the cleanliness, their sense of pride and simplicity of living.
It is a sad reality that the beauty of our country is being scarred by the
increasing amount of litter everywhere. Waste is being thrown away with no
concern for its effect on our neighborhoods or on public health.
We must reverse this trend. The authorities concerned in the Department of
Environment will be re-organised more efficiently. Measures will be taken to
ensure that the law is enforced. The Police will ensure that those who do not
respect the laws relating to littering are prosecuted. Serious action will also
be taken against those who behave indecently in public. All citizens should take
on their responsibility. Let us show the appropriate respect for ourselves and
others.
Let us also join forces to enhance the beauty of our small capital. We are
actually in the process of working on a new plan for the development of
Victoria. We should protect and promote its heritage while also ensuring that it
becomes the modern commercial centre that we need for our future development.
Better services- Efficiency above all
The third transformation that we are witnessing, is in our approach regarding
services in general. We are developing our resources in such a way as to bring
services closer to our people. A Government at the service of the people. Our
commitment is to efficiency above all.
We have made a commitment to build 5,000 houses in the next five years. We are
making it happen!
We have given a commitment to improve health services at all levels. We are
making it happen!
Economic Empowerment
Our fourth transformation, and possibly the most visible one, is in our economy.
It’s a transformation already underway, but with still a long road ahead.
Our strategy for 2017 has given the commitment of my Government to double GDP in
the next ten years. This may seem to be a great challenge. But looking at our
economic performance, we can see the road being mapped out. In 2005 we were able
to achieve growth of 1.2%, consolidated in 2006 at a rate of 5.3%.
The reforms introduced in the last three years are ensuring that our economy
continues to grow. We are working hard to bring about a sustained annual growth
rate of 8%, which will ensure we meet our objective of doubling GDP. Direct
investment continues to rise- the 2006 figures are 48% above those of 2005, and
we expect a further rise of 40% in 2007. Less than 3% of the population is
unemployed.
These successes enable us to put more emphasis at this point on participation in
wealth creation. All Seychellois are getting opportunities to work for their
share of the wealth our country generates.
The tourism sector is performing well- to date arrivals are up 17% over 2006.
The revenue generated by tourism is also rising and we are expecting an annual
rise of 10% in tourism earnings.
However, we need to work hard to increase the stakeholding of Seychellois
businesses in the sector.
Reforms will be undertaken soon to ensure that all investment concessions are
applied across the board, and in the same way. This means that small Seychellois
owned hotels are set to benefit in the same way as a large five star hotel.
A fishing and sea-faring tradition is in our blood. And we can build further on
this tradition. We can develop new products and research new markets. Our fish
is among the best in the world in terms of quality, and we are positioning
ourselves on quality. We are developing a Seychelles brand to enhance its value.
We are constantly improving our small regional ports to encourage the rise of
entrepreneur fishermen. Yes, we can sail much further in terms of our fisheries.
Financial services are the third pillar of our economy which is continuing to
grow. We have true potential to be a regional financial and banking centre. We
have already established our reputation as a dependable jurisdiction in the
offshore sector. We also intend soon to develop an institute for training in the
banking sector to improve the participation of young Seychellois in the
expansion of this sector.
We aim to further develop the entrepreneurial spirit in our country, and to do
so we need to give attention to our small business roots. Small businesses are
coming up all over our country. But there are also many more oportunities to be
taken. We are developing several measures to facilitate this, for example:
1) The same benefits for all companies- no matter what size
2) SIB to take all application procedures under its umbrella- eliminating the
need for days spent traipsing around Victoria between the various authorities
3) Certain categories of business reserved only for Seychellois
4) Reducing the cost of doing business
Currently in Victoria, many opportunities exist for business development, but
rents are often exorbitant. This is a barrier for the development of small
businesses. We need innovative business models in our capital to make it more
vibrant.
It is my Government’s intention to build in collaboration with Pension Fund,
several buildings in Victoria and other strategic locations, to provide business
spaces at affoprdable rents. Let us give Victoria the full commercial scope it
deserves!
Small businesses are the motor that will enable our economy to continue to grow,
and accelerate its rate. They can also ensure the participation rate that is so
essential to the success of our strategy.
Through the cottage industries project, we have seen a lot of the creativity,
the entrepreneurial spirit that exists in our country, but which does not always
show itself. The women of Seychelles particularly have been pioneers in this
area, and they have created new openings and opportunities. I salute them today
in their efforst to improve the lives of their families and fellow countrymen.
The structure for the disbursement of concessionary loans is also being reviewed
to enhance its effectiveness and rapidity in disbursement- this includes YES
loans, small businesses and cottage industries. The money available in this fund
will be increased, allowing the cottage industry start up loan to be increased
from SR 10,000 to SR 25,000.
I can also see great potential in the arts in our country. We are seeing an
explosion of music, culture, art and dance that has taken over our country. Our
music and culture are truly alive! Our cultural industries can also take their
place on our economic platform. Many of our artists have already made an impact
internationally. Many more have the potential and the talent. A special credit
facility will also be made available for all artists (with loans up to SR
50,000) under the auspices of the National Arts Council.
Our general programme for the promotion of business is based on simplicity and
efficiency. The same principle applies in the creation of the new revenue
authority in charge of collecting Government dues. Tax reform through this
authority will also allow us to take certain measures relating to the cost of
living.
A more efficient revenue system will allow us to reduce the social security
contribution by each individual. This means more money in the pockets of each
Seychellois at the end of the month!
Seychellois brothers and sisters,
A small iberalised economy can always lead to risks of rises in costs of living
where there is a lack of competition. Consumers deserve good quality products at
reasonable prices. It is my hope that increased competition will continue to
improve conditions for our consumers and in this light we will continue to
promote the establishment of more supermarkets in our country.
Our strategy for the next ten years is founded on the principle of work. We have
been blessed with one of the most beautiful countries on earth. But it is only
through our hard work that we will be able to derive benefits from our good
fortune. My Government and I, will continue to provide opportunities for
Seychellois to work to create wealth for themselves and their country. I believe
in Seychelles.
Recently we have learnt of the possibility of our natural beauty being
complemented by possible reserves of oil and natural gas. Our potential as an
oil exporter is there. We are not in the habit however of counting chikens
before they are hatched! SEYPEC has worked hard over the last ten years to
establish itself as a force in the region with a net value estimated in millions
of dollars. We have to continue to look at the sector as a whole and reinforce
the devlopment of our tanker fleet, increase our possibilities for stocking,
bunkering and re-export. We will not simply allow our potential to remain
dormant.
Building a knowledge-based society
All the transformations I have mentioned will allow us to achieve our goal. But
we need to drive those transformations. It will happen only with the development
of our most important resource -- our human resource.
We need to have continuous training for the young generation that will take our
country forward, both in the private sector and in government. That is why I
have decided to launch a scheme of ‘Young Leaders’ in order to identify young
graduates with the potential to become leaders and innovators. Under the scheme,
which will be in the President’s Office, young graduates who are identified as
having the right potential will receive mentoring and training. They will
acquire the necessary experience to prepare themselves to take up key positions
in our country. Youth of Seychelles, we are entrusting the future of our people
in your hands. And the future starts today!
Our country has to become a knowledge-based society. The process will increase
productivity and add value to the work of the Seychellois. We see already that
the rate of employment creation is outpacing our capacity to fill all the job
vacancies. In our country today we have employment opportunities for all
Seychellois who want to work.
The Seychelles Strategy 2017 will require a lot more manpower, and even more
qualified personnel. As a consequence, we have to implement a shift in our
tertiary education system. We have to facilitate advanced studies for a larger
number of our people. Our ambition is to train our people, for them to become
modern professionals and to assume their responsibilities at all levels, in the
technical as well as in the management areas.
We today have one of the most educated workforces in the region. Our ambition is
to do better still.
We have reached the stage in our development where we to take bold and daring
decisions to take Seychelles and the Seychellois to the next level.
The times have changed from when we said that Seychelles was too small to have a
university. Our Seychelles may be small in size, but we have grown. We have
grown in maturity, we have grown as a people, we have grown in our capacity.
Today, we resolve to develop this capacity further.
We will set up a foundation to create a Seychelles university. The foundation
will comprise of local and international partners to develop a high-level
institution of training for Seychellois, as well as foreigners. Our university
will develop centres of excellence, for example for studies in the
environmental, tourism, maritime and financial services sectors.
This is what I want to achieve for the people of Seychelles. This is my wish for
our people. I call on all our people to rally behind this cause.
Young people of Seychelles, this is the future I am offering you.
Conclusion
People of Seychelles,
On the occasion of the celebration of our national day today, let us spare one
moment to appreciate this blessed country which God has given us. Let us
continue to safeguard and promote the peace and stability which have allowed us
to attain the level of human and economic development which, in several aspects,
is becoming a model for the world.
Peace and stability are vital for the realization of our aspirations. My biggest
wish, during the mandate which you have given me as your President, is to see
the fulfillment of the potentials of our people and their prosperity.
Let us strengthen our moral and spiritual values. We have to bear in mind that
when we are working to improve our standard of living, we need also to enrich
our culture and way of life. Let us not forget the spirit of sharing which is
very much part of our culture and in the heart of our community.
Our country is increasingly open to influences from all corners of the world.
These can bring a lot of benefits, but also challenges. Together, we can protect
ourselves against the bad influences, and where appropriate, benefit from global
trends.
Dear people of Seychelles, join me and together let us promote One Seychelles.
I’ve always been the President of One Seychelles. I have dedicated my life to
One Seychelles. I work for One Seychelles, and for as long as I am President,
there will always be One Seychelles.
I have confidence in the people of Seychelles. Confidence that they will go a
long way, as long as we share the same ambition to see our small country
prosper.
Happy National Day to all Seychellois who are here tonight, as well as those who
are overseas, who are following the event on television, radio and the internet.
Thank you and may God continue to guide us in making the right choices for the
future of our children and country.
Let us celebrate together, for the love of Seychelles!
|
|
