 |  SNP leader sends Independence Day message - 30.06.2009
The leader of the Seychelles National Party, Wavel Ramkalawan, sent a message yesterday wishing all the people of Seychelles a happy Independence Day.
“This day is a precious symbol of the identity and unity of the Seychellois people,” he said.
“Despite our diversity of race, religion, class or political affiliation, we are proud that we live as one nation, in peace and under the rule of law. We have our differences but we know we are all of one family – brothers and sisters – and as such we have to live and work together for the common good.”
Mr Ramkalawan said as long as we are able to uphold democracy we can work out our differences and achieve what is best for all of us.
Independence Day should, therefore, be an occasion to reaffirm our commitment to democracy that was expressed on the creation of our nation 33 years ago on June 29, 1976, he added.
“I would, therefore, like to take the occasion to call on all Seychellois to continue working to build our democratic institutions, to strengthen them so that they provide us with the means to govern ourselves with truth, justice and openness, ensuring the rights of every Seychellois and equality of opportunity for every one of our people,” he said.
The day is also a symbol of our place in the family of nations, reminding us that even as a small island we are part of a wider world, with obligations and responsibilities but also with links of friendship and cooperation to other nations and peoples, Mr Ramkalawan added.
“We are proud to be Seychellois and we value our place in the world. In our modern world, these relationships across the seas and continents are vital to our lives and our wellbeing,” he said.
“Our challenges will only be met successfully by strengthening these relationships and helping to build a better world.”
The SNP leader said he was sending special good wishes to the children of our country as they competed in the Inter-School Athletics Championships.
“Their endeavours in this event represent the spirit in which we should live and work, striving to do our best individually but in friendship and love for one another,” he said.
He also thanked the teachers who have dedicated themselves to forming these young people into good citizens. | 
