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.