Opposition party holds convention |30 August 2005

The highlight of the convention was an address by the party’s leader Wavel Ramkalawan, who is also the Leader of the Opposition.

He unveiled a four-pronged strategy along which he said SNP would pursue specific goals to address economic, social, moral and democratic issues in the country.

He lashed out at those who have to be compelled to contribute for the maintenance of their own children, but also said that for them to be able to do so they need to be employed.

Mr Ramkalawan said that imprisonment of alimony defaulters does not help the situation much and said that prison inmates should be involved in skill development projects that should not only help ex-prisoners rehabilitate upon completion of their jail terms, but also contribute to the self-sufficiency of the country’s jails.

Talking on moral degradation, he deplored reported increases of people taking drugs and alcohol and the rising incidence of HIV/Aids.

He blamed such trends on people who wanted to make easy money, and exposure to morally damaging films.

He commended all organisations and individuals in the country who are fighting the social ills and said his party is willing to work with all who wish to safeguard the welfare of children.

He appealed to the interim leader of the Democratic Party Nichol Gabriel to join forces with SNP and not to allow their “joint resources to be divided.”

The party’s secretary general Roger Mancienne outlined measures which he said the party has taken in preparation of the next elections, noting that SNP has introduced new registration cards for its members and that efforts to enhance communication within the party have been stepped up.

He also noted that in line with the recommendations of the party’s convention last year, SNP has formed a new body for young people.

The party’s treasurer Annette George presented a statement of accounts as SNP re-appointed S & N Associates as auditors.

Two leaders of affiliate bodies within the SNP and representatives of the party in different organisations reported back on how they had fared in their respective tasks during the last year.

They were Gabriel Hoarau who represents the party on the Constitutional Appointments Authority, Pierre Grandcourt who represents the party on the Public Service Appeal Board, Jeanette Grandcourt from the SNP Women’s Organisation and Nigel Rosette of the SNP Youth.

The ceremony began with the playing of the Seychelles National Anthem.