Interview with one of the country’s forefathers Georges Bibi   |18 June 2023

Mr Bibi

‘The architects of our Constitution deserve better recognition’

This Constitution is the supreme law, or the governing document of Seychelles, while the Constitution Day on June 18, which is the anniversary of its ratification, celebrates the importance and the authenticity of the document.

While our small nation is enjoying the rights, privileges, not limited to the responsibilities provided by the supreme document, it is equally important to remember those who sat down to discus, consult and draft the document, before it was presented to the people for its approval.

One among the individuals who worked on the Constitution is Georges Bibi who was a member of the Democratic Party at the time of the exercise.

Well-known for his involvement in sports for several decades, Mr Bibi joined the field of politics after having been identified as someone who is intelligent, vibrant with potential to bring meaningful contributions toward the development of the country, following the re-introduction of multi-party in Seychelles in 1992.

He was among those hand-picked by the late Sir James Mancham to represent the party on the committee to draft a new Constitution for the country, before serving two mandates as a member of the National Assembly (MNA).

Thirty (30) years down the lane, Mr Bibi has expressed discontentment, and sadness for lack of recognition, not only for himself, but all his colleagues who worked on the country’s supreme document.

He said, over the 30 years, not once have they been recognised, let alone been mentioned in any forum, while there are no educational materials on the subject matter, when our children are learning about the World Wars and other related subjects, instead of being taught their country’s history.

Described as our forefathers, the architects of the Constitution deserve better recognition, according to Mr Bibi.

He explained that in every local ministry’s headquarters, the photos of past ministers are displayed on the wall, and even at the entrance of the National Sports Council (NSC) office, the photo of every winner of the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year are displayed on the wall.

“What about those who worked on and designed the supreme laws of our country? Are they not that important?” asked Mr Bibi. He added that it is obvious that they did a good job, otherwise the document would not have lasted 30 years.

He clearly explained that it is not about fame, but rather about recognition for their contributions.

Mr Bibi further noted that as the country’s “forefathers” and their contributions made they should be included in the country’s protocol order of precedence.

An order of precedence is a sequential hierarchy of nominal importance and can be applied to individuals, groups, or organisations, and most often it is used in the context of people by many organisations and governments, for very formal and state occasions, especially where diplomats are present.

Mr Bibi also added that such decision should not involve, or be based on personal feelings or emotions, but rather on merit.

“You do not have to like me as a person, but it is your obligation to respect me, based on my work and contributions towards the country,” noted Mr Bibi who added that a complete re-education programme is necessary if we are really serious and sincere, when addressing the issue of Constitution, especially around June 18 each year when the word is everywhere.

“Speaking on my own behalf, I have never been invited to any official ceremony commemorating Constitution Day,” said Mr Bibi who jokingly added that, maybe his colleagues have.

“Ask any random adult you see on the streets, let alone student about who wrote the Constitution, I bet none of them will know,” concluded Mr Bibi.