2015 national theme officially launched |18 February 2015

Mon Kontan Sesel, the national theme for the year 2015 was officially launched yesterday at the International Conference Centre amid songs and dance performances.

President James Michel, who revealed the theme during his New Year message, was the guest of honour at the ceremony during which national theme committee chairperson Idith Alexander, who is also the Minister for Labour and Human Resource Development, launched the theme.

Also present were former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton and other ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Herminie, President of the Court Appeal Francis McGregor, acting Chief Justice Durai Karunakaran, members of the national theme committee and other dignitaries.

The theme is translated into English as ‘I Love Seychelles’ and into French as ‘J’aime les Seychelles’.
The ceremony was a spectacle of light and sound, with music from famous artists like Jean-Marc Volcy, Joe Samy, John Wirtz, Jean Ally and Elijah. Dancers from the School of Dance also enthralled the audience.

The Mon Kontan Sesel national theme logo, designed by Rene and Ivan Labrosse-Rolston, is represented by a heart which symbolises love. Love for our country, love towards one another, peace, and solidarity for all Seychellois. The thick outline surrounding the heart symbolises our strength and resilience. The colours of the logo and the white space inside the heart represent the colours of our national flag. The way the colours merge into each other represents unity and harmony – Seychelles as a nation in all its diversity.

Expressing her joy to have had the chance to address all present, Minister Alexander said the national theme for the year 2015 reminds us that we will continue achieving much if we put the interest of our country first and have pride in all that we do.

Ms Alexander urged all to continue working together regardless of our differences, maintain the good direction our country has taken and choose the best for our country.

She added that therefore the national theme ‘Mon Kontan Sesel’ increases our patriotism fervour and unity now that this year will be the first time our national day will be celebrated on June 29.

“Yes this year’s national theme is special. It brings about lots of optimism and hope. It echoes the love that we have for Seychelles. It reminds us of the various reasons that make us love Seychelles,” she said.

Ms Alexander went on to say that this year’s national theme also echoes the commitment of the government of Seychelles in being involved in international issues that directly impact our country.

She said it makes us acknowledge that while we love our country, we should also love and co-exist with other countries in harmony.
Ms Alexander was making reference to Seychelles, a small island developing state that is not only known for being a tourism destination.
“Today the world loves Seychelles because of its leading role on the international scene in defending the interests of the Seychellois people and also the causes and survival of small island states,” she said.

She made special mention of the country’s accomplishments in meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goals as testimony that the government wants the best for the country and its people.

Every Seychellois has a role to play in building this New Seychelles. She also urged workers to be more productive and said the determination and struggle of our old people for the betterment of the nation should remain a source of inspiration and motivation.

The minister also mentioned other national accomplishments in education, health system and the opportunities that will arise from the Blue Economy concept – all in the love for Seychelles.

She also noted that saying ‘we love Seychelles’ is not really enough but we have to demonstrate the love we have for our country.
“The year 2015 is dedicated to a renewal of our love for our country Seychelles,” the minister added.

“The theme is a call for all Seychellois, at home and abroad, to rally together and show more appreciation for and dedication to our nation. Let us come together, put aside our differences, and imagine a brighter life for our nation, a life which we have all had a hand in creating, and a life with greater success for our children,” concluded Minister Alexander.