Message from Opposition Leader Wavel Ramkalawan

On behalf of the Seychelles National Party, I express sincere best wishes to all women in Seychelles on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

This annual commemoration which falls on March 8 should only be a reminder of all that we owe to the women of our country as mothers, wives and workers. It is an occasion for us to recognise and honour the special contributions that women make in our society. I hope that on behalf of men in our country I can express our solidarity and support as well as our appreciation for these special contributions.

I hope that we will continue to see women play the strong role they have been playing in many fields such as education, health, social work and civic leadership.

The contribution of women will be the key to finding solutions to the problems that we face with increasing concern today such as drug abuse, crime, prostitution, and domestic violence. This is firstly because the solution to these problems rests primarily on the fields in which they are prominent, in particular on education, in both the home and in our schools.

But secondly, it is because the solution rests so much on strengthening the moral values of our society which I believe women care deeply about.

I lake the occasion to congratulate young women today, who together with many young men, have dedicated themselves to strengthening moral and family values. Building strong families is one of the important tasks on which our future as a country depends.

The Seychelles National Party will continue to be guided in its policies and programmes by the needs and aspirations of women because we know that achievements and progress that they make will contribute to a better future for all of us.

I hope that all men will on Monday March 8, make a special effort to express respect, courtesy, appreciation, solidarity and support to the women in their families, their colleagues and those they interact with in whatever way.

SNP leader New Year message

SNP leader Mr Wavel Ramkalawan has sent out his New Year message to the people of Seychelles.

Mr Ramkalawan, said 2009 has been a difficult year for most of us.

“I take the occasion to express my solidarity with all those who have faced hardships and challenges,” he said.

“I hope that the experiences we have met with have made us stronger and better able to face the future. I also hope that everyone can look back on some personal achievement or a special moment during the year and have cause to celebrate.”

Mr Ramkalawan said he joined with all Seychellois whose work has benefited the country and added that special thanks are due to those who are taking retirement or who have had to change jobs.

“I wish you a new beginning which will lead to greater heights. As we look back, it is right for us to remember especially those who work for the benefit of others without consideration for what they get themselves,” he said.

Mr Ramkalawan said he shares the concerns of all Seychellois families as they contemplate the future and hopes families will come together in the spirit of responsibility and solidarity to support each other.

“As we work to accomplish our goals and achieve prosperity for ourselves, let us bring all our strength and energy together also to make our communities and our country a better place,” he added.

“Our special thoughts should be with our young people, because they are the ones we have to count on for the future. I express every encouragement for them in their studies or in their work.”

What young people do today will set the foundation for what they become and for what they can make of our country, he said.

“I hope that the New Year 2010 will be a joyous occasion for everyone in Seychelles as we celebrate with family and friends. May all our celebrations be in peace and good fellowship.

“I call on everyone to remember and pray for those who cannot celebrate as they should, especially those who are ill, those who are in need, those who are alone and those facing personal difficulties.

“May 2010 be a blessed and happy year for one and all.”