New Year message from the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly |03 January 2014

‘We will pursue our policy of dialogue’

The leader of the opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, who is also the leader of the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), has said that his party will continue with its politics of constructive opposition and policy of dialogue and debate.

“We will continue to seek our strengths and build on them while we also highlight the weaknesses so that together we can address them and turn challenges into opportunities,” says Mr Pierre in his New Year message to the nation.

The full text of Mr Pierre’s message reads:

“Each new year signifies a new hope, a new beginning for a better tomorrow. As we say goodbye to 2013 and welcome 2014, it is important my dear Seychellois brothers and sisters, that we take a while to reflect over the past twelve months and what we expect of the coming twelve.

“2013 has left us with many lessons. Be they in the way we approach our existence as a nation, or in the grander scale of things -- our place as an independent people in the community of nations.

“With each coming year we make resolutions -- some we are able to keep but many dissipate and fade away as the year lengthens. As I start wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous New Year 2014, I cannot help but think of how the past year has allowed me, as leader of the opposition in the National Asembly, to contribute to the development of my country. So today I am grateful for the opportunity that you have given me to serve my country at this level and it is with this service in mind that I acknowledge that despite our scarce resources we have been able to progress as a nation. I am also mindful that there is still much to achieve.

“Over the past years, since the return of multiparty democracy, our nation has grown. Today no one in Seychelles should be afraid to have and voice an opinion. We have learnt to respect and tolerate the views of one another even when we strongly disagree. We have decided that we do not want the path of confrontation but have instead chosen to agree to disagree in the best interest of Seychelles.

“This my fellow citizens is what we must always do -- put the country and the nation first and foremost. In this way we will always be able to meet challenges head on with pride and confidence.

“When we look around us in the region and across the world we see how violent dissent tears nations apart, how destructive the force of war is and how the innocent ones are the most affected. This somber picture emphasises why we in Seychelles must always keep on putting peaceful coexistence before our individual ambitions, because peace and respect for all are of primary importance for us to be able to really forge ahead at an acceptable pace.

“The future promises much, but it is also telling us that it is not going to be easy. As our country faces the difficulties which are sure to surface in 2014, we should always bear in mind that nothing worth having is ever easy.

“If we are determined to identify where we still have to improve and work towards that, while the going will be tough, we will be tougher still and in the end we will achieve what we want.  We have to stay focused and never lose sight that the prosperous society which we want depends on each and every single one of us doing our part.

“In those areas where we want to see positive changes, we are the ones who must bring about that change. When we see our brothers and sisters falling by the roadside, it is up to us and our duty as Seychellois and above all as Christians to reach out and extend a helping hand.

“It is my sincere wish that in 2014 the government will work diligently for the betterment of the people as a whole; that our cultural, racial, political or religious differences will never be the yardstick for access to services and facilities. We have made tremendous progress in that aspect and in 2014 let us go even further still.

“As a people let us not wait upon government to be all and do all for us all. Let us spread our wings as the talented individuals we are and let us soar high.

“Youths of Seychelles, my special message to you all is that never lose sight of the fact that our very existence depends on you. Our country has no future without its youths, therefore you must grab all opportunities which present and give the best account you can of yourselves. Be confident in yourselves, believe and in believing you will be able to avoid the pitfalls of drugs, alcohol abuse, prostitution, lethargy vices and crimes, which unfortunately are luring so many of you and leading you astray.

“Youths, look up to your peers and look after each other. The best advice a young person can get comes in the form of an example from someone his or her own age. The youth who succeeds is an inspiration to other youths, so be bold, dare to dream and above all dare to realise your dreams.

“We the parents and the middle-aged are the backbone which is supporting our country. Wherever we are employed, be it in the civil service or in the private sector, let us be productive. Let us not be bashful to put our points forward, but also let us keep an open mind and be receptive to what others have to say.

“The economic burden of the country lies mainly on our shoulders, so we cannot afford to falter. Each step we take must be assured and our resolve unshakable. Where we see things going wrong, let us criticise constructively and let us offer feasible alternatives. We do not have to agree with everything but we can be constructive in our disagreement.

“For us to be successful we have to be healthy and the health of our nation depends on the lifestyle we each adopt and on the quality of care and service the government’s health system delivers. As we ask for a better health standard from the government let us also choose, as individuals, to first and foremost personally take better care of ourselves.

“When we do need recourse to the health services, it is my wish that in 2014, the authorities find the means to deliver to the expectations of each and every Seychellois. This is a tall order, but there is no getting around it. As a nation we expect the best from those who have pledged to lead our country, so attentive care should be keywords for the new health agency and the ministry of health itself.

“We rely on our police force to maintain law and order, but we must recognise that our country’s stability is only as strong as the weakest family in our community. In 2014 let us renew our determination to strengthen our family life and in so doing consolidate our social fabric. Crimes and criminality will only reduce when our families get stronger. To those of us entrusted with civic duties, with great power comes great responsibilities. Let us lead by example. We can no longer tell people to ‘do as I say’ but rather be examples others will want to follow in what we do.

“When our police force has to intervene in situations let them be guided always by compassion and fairness and always remember that each individual is a citizen with unalienable rights. May our police officers always choose the peaceful resolution over being heavy handed, so they can truly become the citizens’ custodians.

“In 2014 I sincerely wish that students will grasp the opportunities they have to learn and that teachers and government will go the extra mile for each and every single child so that we truly leave no child behind.

“We, at the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), will continue with our politics of constructive opposition, our policy of dialogue and debate and our vision to always promote peace and understanding among the Seychellois. We will continue to seek our strengths and build on them while we also highlight the weaknesses so that together we can address them and turn challenges into opportunities.

“Once again I call upon all my brothers and sisters to join together and let us take on the future in unity, for our unity is our strength. Let us become the nation which is bigger than its size and let us always let God guide our paths. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let us take that first step as one. One nation bounded by unity.

“I wish every single Seychellois a very happy and prosperous New Year 2014.

“Bonn ane tou Seselwa!”