This 29th June 1976 is a unique day in our history and should be treated as such. It was on that day thirty years ago that you and I became citizens of the Republic of Seychelles. Before that we were mere citizens of the British Empire living in the Colony of Seychelles and we travelled around the world on a colonial passport.
I remember that day at ‘Stad Popiler’ as if it was yesterday. I was only sixteen then and I lived at Corgate Estate. My two brothers, Donald and Robert, joined me and we walked the short distance from Mont Fleuri to the stadium in Victoria, down to watch this momentous event. An impressive show it was too - for we had never seen anything like it before; bands played the traditional music, the police marched without missing a step, it was festivities all around. “La joie de vivre” on the people’s face was undeniable. We all had high hopes for the future of our beloved Seychelles.
At exactly 0000 Hrs the Union Jack came down as the National flag of Seychelles soil for the last time. It was replaced by our own pride and joy, our very own tricolour and the new National Anthem reverberated through the hills of what had become one of, if not, the smallest Capital City of the world , Victoria, aptly named after our colonial grandmother. ‘Montanny Trwa Frer’ rose majestically over the capital reminding all who gathered at ‘Stad Popiler’ that day that we would need to work together (“Travay koman frer”) to make a success of Seychelles. Kevin Rath’s rendition of ‘En Avant’ reverberated through the air.
The two political superstars of the time, James Mancham and Albert Rene took centre stage and basked in the glory of being the very first President and Prime Minister of the Republic of Seychelles. They pledged allegiance to the Flag and to the Constitution of the newly formed Republic. “We will work together for the betterment of all in the Republic”, was the common message from the two leaders. They held hands and embraced before the newly born Nation.
But this display of unity and harmony It was not to last. Barely eleven months later, and just twenty-four days short of our 1st anniversary as an independent nation, this unity was shattered by a violent coup one peaceful night. What took place after this fateful night is yours to reflect upon. I will not burden you with my pain – I am sure most of you have endured suffering of your own in the last twenty-nine years of cruel and arbitrary use of authority; rule by tyrants, who still want to extend their reign of power over a suffering population.
President Mancham’s message to us on the 30th anniversary of our independence has been that we take time to reflect over what has taken place in the last three decades in our country. I am in total agreement with President Mancham. This time we must reflect on the need to come together like we did on that night in June, thirty years ago, yesterday. Come together we must to save our beloved Seychelles. Come together we must to bring total liberty and to free our people once and for all. Come together we must to secure a bright future for the next generation. This is no time to bury our heads in the sand pretending not to see – what is happening to Seychelles is real and patriotism must be the order of the day. Together we must stand devoted, ready more than ever before to defend our country.
Seychelles loves us for it has provided us with warmth and shelter from natural catastrophes of this world and much more. It is now time to return this love; the time has come to free Seychelles from the clutches of oppressive and cruel rulers. The persons exercising power over us are excessive in the control they impose requiring that we beg for what should be fundamentally ours: a job, freedom of expression and choice.
Wavel and Annette have promised social justice, freedom and the rule of law, where no one individual is above anyone else – a society where respect will reign and victimisation will be eradicated. The weaker will be looked after and protected by society, where all able men and women will be expected to work for a decent living. The Seychellois will not be treated as second class citizens in their own country. Despite our diverse political views, religious beliefs and ethnic backgrounds, they have promised to unite the people of Seychelles. They deserve our support; to deny them of it will mean denying a people’s thirst for freedom and equality.
On the 30th of July you and I will be called upon to decide on the future of Seychelles, at least for the next five years. This decision should not be taken lightly; our personal wellbeing must be viewed in the context of the bigger picture involving all who live in Seychelles. We need to put others first; your actions must be motivated by compassion and true love for your fellow country, putting Seychelles First. The simple fact is that whatever we desire is also desired by others. PUT OTHERS FIRST. VOTE FOR CHANGE! FODRE TONBE LEVE POU SESEL!
Ralph Volcere
