Church leaders calls on Leader of Opposition

A group of church leaders from the Indian Ocean islands meet SNP Leader Wavel Ramkalawan at Arpent Vert today.

Bishop Denis Wiehe of Port Victoria (Seychelles), Bishop Maurice Piat of Port Louis (Mauritius) and Father Alain Harel of Rodrigues, were amongst those who paid the courtesy call on Mr Ramkalawan.

Mr Ramkalawan says their discussions centered on the social ills the country is facing such as the degradation of moral standards and the increasing rate of poverty as a result of the IMF imposed economic reforms.

The visit signifies the church’s recognition of the opposition in Seychelles.

The religious leaders are meeting in Seychelles for the annual Episcopal conference (CEDOI).

Swiss ambassador calls on Mr Ramkalawan

The Swiss Ambassador to Seychelles Georges Martin paid a call on the Leader of Opposition today at Arpent Vert.

Mr Georges Martin and Mr Wavel Ramkalawan discussed the country’s economic situation; 18 months after the introduction of the IMF imposed reforms.

The SNP Leader briefed the ambassador on his party’s plan for the reformation of Seychelles, a plan that he will propose to in the upcoming presidential elections.
Mr Martin is based in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

Our Country... Our Future: A call for Seychelles

A lot has been said about the need for all Seychellois to come together for the benefit of the country. Many calls from the current leaders of our land have gone unheeded for various reasons, the main one being a lack of sincerity and honesty. However, our country is indeed in a position where she needs all her children to gather and pull together in order to save her from the present difficulties and challenges.

On Sunday 11^th April at the SNP conference for activists, the theme chosen was ‘A Call for Seychelles.’ It is not by sheer hazard that this particular theme was chosen. It was both a rallying call for our activists and supporters, as well as a wake-up call for the whole nation.

For the Party, it was a reminder that we are the ones on the frontline advocating real change for Seychelles. Having been bestowed with such a huge responsibility, we have to come together and define how we go about fulfilling this task in order to make our nation live in unity, prosperity and hope. The dark cloud of despair that presently hangs over on us has to be dispelled. The SNP has to lead the way.

On the other hand, our people have to become aware of what is exactly happening around them and having taken stock of everything, need to become proactive in defending not only our birthrights, but also those of generations to come. We are all guardians of our land. Unfortunately today our lives are being rocked and if do not wake up, in no time we will indeed become second-class citizens in our own country.

The call is an urgent one and is not to be taken lightly. For if we do not move now as a nation, we will soon discover that we will no longer be in control, but others will have taken this land as theirs, doing whatever they want in their best personal interests. There has already been too much of this. They talk of small empires, when their real aim is to set up their one, big empire and rule this place as they please. Are we simply going to sit down and allow this to happen?

Already we see that foreign powers are establishing themselves and doing whatever they want. Our quiet little place is being carved out among those who have enough money to buy us with their pocket money. On the other hand, others, again not Seychellois, want to pretend that they love and care for Seychelles better than we, the true sons and daughters of our beloved home.

The danger is real. The threat is on our doorstep. Every Seychellois of goodwill must stand up and prevent our country from being colonised again. The power of money must not be allowed to conquer the Seychellois spirit that has allowed our grandparents to value hard work, honesty and high standards of morality.

The task ahead is enormous, but rebuilding our country is not an option, but a must. We don’t have a choice. Seychelles belongs to us Seychellois. This is our right, and the SNP is determined to see our people take control once again of our country. The beauty of our land, the traditions of our ancestors and our way of life cannot be destroyed. Every Seychellois must see to it that this never happens. In order to preserve all this, we have to stand up and be strong. We have no problems in sharing what we have, but please don’t try to take it away from us!

Our country needs us. Join the SNP in the struggle and together, let us declare boldly our intention of keeping Seychelles for Seychellois. We have heard our motherland calling us. Our response is: Here we are. Ready for the battle!

May God bless this land.

Ensuring democracy for Seychelles

“Only a peaceful transfer of Government through the ballot box would set Seychelles firmly on track to build the institutions that are needed for a better future,” says SNP Leader, Wavel Ramkalawan.

Speaking at the Party’s national conference, Mr Ramkalawan told Party activists they had a mission to ensure democracy in Seychelles for the future.

“SNP is committed to building the solid and enduring institutions that would enable the country to respond effectively to the challenges facing it,” he said.

Over 700 activists enthusiastically packed the International Conference Centre (ICCS) and rallied to SNP’s call for Seychelles.

During the three-hour event, the Party also unveiled its new logo, website and songs which expressed the SNP spirit. Several new faces also came forward to express the Party’s renewed commitment and determination of members.

Mr Ramkalawan touched on recent events such as the water pollution catastrophe at La Misere, the debacle of the SCCI elections and the persistent threat of piracy.

“Seychellois has to remain in control of the management of their country and ensure that generations to come would enjoy the same Seychelles that we have known.”

The meeting was a mobilisation call towards the next presidential election which is due almost exactly one year from now.

SNP Leader Congratulates Coastguards

SNP Leader Wavel Ramkalawan has renewed his expression of congratulations to the Seychelles Coastguards and in particular to the crew of the Topaz who were decorated with military honours this week.

Attending the award ceremony on Thursday at State House, Mr. Ramkalawan conveyed his support to the forces involved in the campaign against piracy. He has also expressed his solidarity with all the Seychellois who have been hostage to pirates who may have been placed in danger because of their activities.

“I am fully behind our coastguards in this case and also reiterate my support for the national commitment against piracy”, Mr. Ramkalawan said.

At the same time, Mr. Ramkalawan called for President Michel to stop misleading the Seychellois people with statements and insinuations that are false only to make political gain out of the issue.

“I want to state clearly that I and the SNP have always been in favour of building up our Coastguard force in order to meet the need to defend our islands and territorial waters. This is on record in many speeches, statements and policy documents.”

“In the past, we have criticised the use of the army uniquely to guard the President and his family and its use as a political tool. I am pleased to see our defence forces take on a more meaningful role and it is wrong of the President to suggest that we are against this. He knows very well what we meant when we criticised the army in the past. I call on President Michel to stop making misleading references and accusations if he really is not intent on playing cheap politics” Mr. Ramkalawam said.