Let’s come together, President says in New Year message |31 December 2008
“If there is a year when Seychelles needs, more than ever before, all its children, that year
In the televised message, which was broadcast on New Year’s eve, he said the theme brings all Seychellois together in unity and reminds us that in our country there is no place for division and hatred.
Mr Michel said as we welcome the new year, we should celebrate the harmony that exists in Seychelles which is derived from our diversity – a precious gift we are blessed with – and urged us to treasure and preserve it.
Noting 2008 was full of challenges and opportunities, he said last year tested the resilience, spiritedness and determination of the Seychellois people and was also 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,” he said.
The President gave examples of the many who lost their pensions, houses and jobs but said in spite of our challenges such things did not happen here and we are still faring well.
Mr Michel said 2008 was also a historic year for Seychelles during which we took a big step towards a better future, whereby Seychelles would, more than ever before, expand its opportunities.
Talking more about what to expect in 2009, he said Seychellois could avail themselves of increased openings for their development and each Seychellois can find new initiatives in 2009.
He said 2009 is a year full of hope when we will continue to see him determined in his work as ever.
“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,” he said.
He said 2009 will be a landmark year for the country when we will look back and find a people that held fast in adversity, came and worked together to make their country work.
“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,” he said, adding we will turn a new page in our lives, noting we are embarking on a new leg of our journey.
He said his wish he shares with the people of Seychelles 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.
Urging all Seychellois to come together, he said “with the grace of God nothing is impossible”.
Ending his message, President Michel wished all Seychellois here and all over the world, as well as residents and visitors, a Happy New Year!