President Michel’s National Day address |20 June 2014
‘Our biggest asset is our national unity’
President James Michel has said that our biggest asset is our national unity and that he will continue to dedicate his life, his energy, his work toward the promotion and strengthening of this cause.
“This is the only way to reach the new frontier. I know – and I am proud to say – that I can count on the great majority of Seychellois in this great enterprise. The New Seychelles depends on us. Let us do it together for the New Seychelles. For our children,” President Michel said in his speech to mark the 21st anniversary of the National Day on June 18 at Stad Linite.
The President also said that Seychelles should become a society of good values, based on mastery of knowledge and we should strive to transform it into a high income country.
President Michel noted that Seychelles is a dynamic country which is moving rapidly and facing new challenges.
“We have the capacity, courage, energy and resilience to overcome these challenges. We are doing it together, for the wellbeing, progress and prosperity of Seychelles. Seychelles is today considered an upper middle income country. Can we transform Seychelles into a high income country in the next few years? Yes, we have the potential to do so. We have the potential to diversify and grow our economy. And this has been confirmed by the World Bank. A new study recently published has placed Seychelles among six middle-income countries with a high probability of transiting to a high-income economy in the years ahead,” said President Michel.
He added that this is a source of pride, satisfaction and motivation for us. But this transition will not happen by the waving of a magic wand. “We need to organise ourselves! We must become more productive. We need to deepen our knowledge. Work harder. Become more creative and innovative. Attract more investment, local as well as foreign. Be smarter in the way we do business. Be smarter in our relations, and in the way we interact with the rest of the world. Be more responsible. Eliminate our weaknesses. Change our mindset,” remarked Mr Michel.
The Head of State also pointed out that we need to harmonise our laws in line with our Constitution, modernise our legislation in conformity with best international practices, while taking into account our specificities, our culture and our traditions.
At same time, he said, we need to consolidate our gains.
“We must continue promoting an inclusive development, which touches all sectors of our society. We need to continue nurturing sustainable development, which includes our preoccupation with the protection of the environment, and which is aimed at a higher standard of living for the Seychellois people. An important aspect of our sustainable development policy is the judicious management and exploitation of our blue economy, as a major contributor to our wider economy in the future. Several projects to enable Seychellois to participate in the blue economy are in progress.
“Our objective is a society of good values, based on mastery of knowledge. A society in which Seychellois assume key positions in all sectors. This is what will facilitate our transition to a high income economy. I am convinced that we will attain this objective. As and when we attain this objective, we will have more resources at our disposal. This will allow us to invest more in the strengthening of social as well as physical infrastructures.
Mr Michel also said that the government would increase housing loans. The increases are as follows: Housing Loan Scheme from R500,000 to R750,000) and Second Housing Loan from R300,000 to R400,000. There will also be an increase in Housing Extension Scheme, and a review of the criteria for the Home Savings Scheme. The measures will become effective from July 1.
The President also talked about the creation of a consultative forum that will contribute to the government remaining connected with the people.
“This high level forum, which I shall chair myself, will include certain individuals – irrespective of their political affiliations – who have distinguished themselves by their knowledge, their experience, their goodwill and service to the nation. The role of this forum will be to deliberate on all issues which directly impact the national interest, and to make concrete proposals which government will consider seriously….Consultations are the key to national unity. Consultations assist government in making good decisions. Through consultations democracy emerges victorious,” said President Michel.
He also made an appeal to all ministers, National Assembly members, district administrators and civil servants to stay connected with the people, discharge their responsibilities, improve their work productivity and add value to it.
“Treat people with respect and serve them well. Treat all people equally. The laws and regulations must apply to all people equally, without distinction, without discrimination and without preference. The government of a dynamic society attaches great importance to democratic values. This government respects and practices the rule of law. It is conscious of its duty, its responsibility, to guarantee all its citizens order, peace and security. It is conscious that democracy needs to evolve. It looks for all means, in consultation with the people, to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions. This is what defines my government. It is a government that remains alongside the people. A government that remains connected with its people,” added Mr Michel.
This year marks the last time that June 18, which marked the start of the Third Republic when the Constitution of the country was adopted, is celebrated as the country’s National day.
As of next year, June 29, the day the country gained its independence from Britain in 1976, will become the National Day. June 18 will be known as Constitution Day as from 2015.
