President names team to promote Koste Seselwa |22 January 2009

Vice-President Joseph Belmont is its chairperson and Macsuzy Mondon, Minister for Employment and Human Resources Development, its vice-chairperson.  

In the letter of appointment, President Michel reminded them that the theme aims to bring all Seychellois together in the spirit of unity.  

“Seychelles needs all its children to surmount the challenges that lie before us.  These challenges are situated within the context of uncertainty around the world, as well as many changes in our own country,” he said.

 “Periods of transformation such as these require us to come together and remind ourselves of that which unites us, that which makes us a nation of Seychellois. Our national anthem Koste Seselwa plays precisely this role in synthesising all that we hold dear.”
 
The other members of the committee are Marie-Louise Potter, Bishop Denis Wiehe, Canon Lebrun Rabat, Albert Payet, Bernard Elizabeth, Alain St Ange, Odile Octave, David André, Patrick Victor and Kevin Vidot.

The President said it is his hope that this year’s committee will build on the work done in 2008 when we commemorated our Constitution. The new theme is derived from the national anthem, another unifying symbol of our nation.
 
“In 2009, we must further enhance the spirit of unity embodied in all our national symbols,” he said. 

“We should also encourage a reflection on this unity and on the different means that every Seychellois can use in his or her daily experience to create a better tomorrow for our nation.”

In announcing the setting-up of the committee, President Michel said it is important that we must always promote the values that bring our nation together, that promote solidarity and motivate our people to collectively build Seychelles as the bedrock of security in our lives, especially in times of anxieties all over the world.

The 2009 theme was also chosen against the backdrop of global economic difficulties and financial crisis. Seychelles, like all countries in the world, has been hit hard by the effects of the global financial crisis. The year 2008 was one of bold decisions to build a resilient Seychelles and direct the population towards increased opportunities.

“2009 is also a year of hope and determination – the hope that those things that are outside our control may improve for the better and the determination to improve and enhance all that is within our ability to do so. By coming together in unity, we create the conditions to ensure our nation will prosper,” he said.

“Koste Seselwa is an important theme. That is why I have appointed a high-level committee made up of representatives of key sectors of our society.

“We have prepared ourselves to overcome the challenges ahead. Koste Seselwa brings all of us together in unity and reminds us that in our country there is no place for division and hatred,” the President added, recalling words from his New Year message.