SYLVESTRE RADEGONDE REVEALS ALL IN INTERVIEW
In a no holds barred interview published in the Seychelles Review in its edition of March 2007, the erstwhile ambassador has broken away with tradition and revealed the real reason behind his so-called resignation. Mr. Radegonde who was used by the SPPF as a political football recently, in a manner that only the SPPF can, stated:
“First let me point out that it was never a case of me resigning. It was a result of political pressure resulting from the fact that I had found the courage to speak my mind during the last Presidential Election, I felt compelled to terminate my appointment. At this moment I am holding a senior position in a foreign company in UK and the beauty of it is that when interviewed for the job there was never a question of my political affiliation whatsoever. My family and myself feel happily settled in Oxfordshire but although far away personally my heart is still in my beloved Seychelles.”
Answering a question about his appointment as Chief Executive of Seychelles Tourism Board by President Michel, Mr. Radegonde had this to say:
“Whilst I was appreciative of this unexpected promotion, I did not feel totally happy in moving in that direction as there were many controversies of and concerning different aspects of the tourism policy which the government was pursuing.”
Mr. Radegonde said he was “shocked” when President Michel unexpectedly offered him the job of ambassador at Brussels again. He says: “Considering that I was operating under serious budgetary constraints and all the ongoing political turmoil, I also felt I was doing a great job. I was therefore shocked when offered to go back to Brussels as Ambassador. I found it difficult to convince myself that I was being sent there because of my proven diplomatic credentials. Obviously it dawned on me that my policy of speaking my mind was not to the satisfaction of everyone. I had openly made clear my position on the proposed hotel development at Anse Source D’argent on la Digue. No doubt this did not please those who had a vested interest in this development. But I decided to stand behind my principles whatever the cost.”
Mr. Radegonde obviously paid a dear price for his principles and unlike former Ministers, William Herminie, Dolor Ernesta and Mrs. Simone DeComarmond, who were all sacked by Rene for presumably incompetence, has dared to speak out against the widespread practice of victimization which continues unabated within government.
