Letter to the Editor-Truth and Reconciliation Commission |22 February 2008

As far as I can recall, SNP was a party who from day one derided and ridiculed the same call made many years ago by then leader of opposition, James Mancham, then as well leader of the then main opposition party DP (Democratic Party), almost echoing the reaction of the previous administration in its own derision, and that attempt never gained momentum. At that time it was not politically expedient for the SNP to support such a move by the DP Leader for it would have surely removed the storm winds of 'saboule' from their sails had the attempt by Mancham been successful.

Now that the roles are reversed, we see the SNP Leader almost imitating Mancham in everything that Mancham did then, today. However in true form and fashion, all ideas generated by Mr Ramkalawan are his (Mancham’s) ideas and since they are his (Mancham’s) ideas, are by default great and good!

Yes, Seychelles needs a Truth and Reconciliation Commission and I would hope that the idea, this time floated by Hon. Ramkalawan, is taken up.

Another interesting point for me to note is that now the SNP, in a Regar article, is calling for the Rupee to be made stronger! Wonderful. Back then, the approach was to link their reforms to a 'devaluation' as a way to save Seychelles, unless I am mistaken. When a move is done today with the results which it is producing, the SNP now find it politically expedient once again to call for our Rupee change, this time and as mentioned, to be made stronger!

Yes Seychelles needs sustainable practical development so that it manages to stay above global economic tides. For this to happen, Seychelles will need to find its 'perfect niche' requiring support and ideas from all. Playing politics with our lives, no matter from which quarter, is not and never will be practical nor beneficial for the people.

On the 'Rekonsilyasyon' proposal of Mr Ramkalawan, perhaps there has been and continues to be contact on this latest attempt between the SNP Leader and former President Mancham, who by the way still champions 'National Reconciliation' and 'Seychelles First'. 
 
Raymond K. St Ange