LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Sir,

The SPPF is certainly not respecting certain natural rules of decency when it comes to maintaining political power – staring defeat in the face they are making use of unconventional tactics even if it means dividing the country further. “United we will move mountains”, the President professed recently, however, the actions and utterances of his political machinery are contrary to achieving this noble objective.

The SPPF cannot be trusted in any manner or form anymore and they have realized that power is slipping away. They have embarked on a campaign of lies, misrepresentation and fear. This is their only hope at retaining power, scaring the people into voting for them. They are sure to fail and fail miserably. The people now understand the fabrics of political life far better than they use to and will not fall for the cheap brew being distributed by the SPPF influence-peddling machinery.

A while back “The People” publication deliberately lied to give the impression that government is providing funds to the opposition for campaigning purposes leading up to the election. This strategy is aimed at depleting whatever little resources the opposition has access to and infuriating people towards the SNP and DP. The office of the Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Gappy has since made clear that the only money made available to the opposition is SR228,500 per annum, which is calculated at SR19,041 per month, a pittance when compared to what the SPPF have access to. The SPPF is abusing their position as the ruling party to access government funds for their political campaigns, an offence under the law.

Lately the SPPF has been saying that certain individuals will lose their job if the opposition were to win the election. This is another scare-mongering manoeuvre aimed at scaring people employed within government to voting for them. They will not succeed because civil servants cannot wait to free themselves of the fear imposed upon them by the SPPF. An SNP/DP government is fully committed in establishing a civil service that will be beyond the jurisdiction of politicians. The Civil Service Commission to be established on SNP/DP assuming office will take full control over employment within the Civil Service. No politician will ever again be able to cause the termination of employment of anyone on political grounds or otherwise.

This is one more reason why a vote for the opposition makes perfect sense.

Name withheld

“In Support Of Seychelles”

Sir,

On the 27th April 2006 the Togolese people celebrated their nation’s first independence-day celebrations.  Togo as one would know became independent from France over 40 years ago.

Following its independence the constitutional head of the country, Togo’s first president, was assassinated.  Following this tragic event the new regime chose instead to mark the day of this assassination as its day of independence.  For the next 40 years the country was ruled by this regime until the death of President Eyadema, and for 40 years the regime celebrated a death rather than the constitutional birth of a nation.

On the 27th April 2006, and in a spirit of reconciliation and independence, the Togolese people gathered to celebrate their country’s birth.  The new president, son of President Eyadema, and Opposition Leader Olympio son of the assassinated president, who for reasons of security lives outside the country, were both in Togo at the same time to recognize this new important beginning for Togo.  Much water has flowed under this bridge as the people of Togo gathered to refurbish their long neglected monument to its independence.

On the 29th of June 2006 Seychellois too will have an opportunity to gather and celebrate our nation’s 30th independence.

It will be a moment to celebrate as a nation and to reflect on what has been.  It will be a day reserved for all Seychellois without distinction to race, creed, religion or political affiliation for just that moment.

Much water has flowed under our bridge as our nation was built with all hands contributing in their own way the mortar and block needed to get to where we are today.  By far the Seychelles is not a perfect country but which country is?

At the 31st anniversary celebrations of our independence will be yet another opportunity to gather to celebrate as a nation and to reflect on what has been.

The Togolese people have been denied the right for 40 years to fully appreciate their independence and to celebrate it as a nation.  They now have their opportunity to appreciate that it is about the people constituting the nation and that this is worth celebrating.

On the date of our independence, 29th of June, let us once again be reminded that this date is significant because it is all about our continuing story of being Seychelles and continuing to build upon what has been.  Let us not be denied and let us understand our ‘independence’.

Kersley Raymond St Ange

                                                                                                                               Supporter of Seychelles.

ALL SEEING EYE

Sir,

This last week Seychelles community has been confronted by two issues facing many in the workplaces, particularly young people: AIDS and sexual harassment.

These two issues although somewhat different, nevertheless have links to each other: one, a conference on AIDS prevention and the other the passing of new laws of employment protecting employees from sexual harassment.

It was most interesting to listen to those who enjoyed a high public profile during the various debates in the national assembly, television interviews and other events surrounding the two issues. Listening to several of the interventions and input I was drawn to reflect upon the many victims of both these issues and left to wonder as to the veracity and commitment of a few of those given to defending the cause of AIDS victims and young people harassed in the workplace.

Many of our leaders, who are supposed to set an example to us on these issues and who proudly and publicly proclaim their support are the very same leaders, whose lifestyle and lack of concern for the impact of their inability to control their lust, has led to young people falling victim to one or both of these community problems. Not wishing to point the figure by singling out any individual, I wonder just what the young women who were threatened with dismissal or offered promotion opportunities feel, when they see one responsible for sexually harassing them in the work place, preaching the virtues of protection from sexual harassment and extolling individuals to change their sexual behaviours? 

These unfortunate victims sought justice only to find their harasser shifted for a time from their place of work, only to return a short time later in a far more responsible position, again in a far more secure position from which to dominate the unfortunate victims.

The laws are there now and they afford a degree of protection to the victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. I urge all young women to become aware of their fundamental rights and stand up when they feel pressured, harassed or intimidated by those with “power” and “authority” over them.

It is the only way to prevent this kind of victimization from continuing.

Name withheld