Mr. Public wrote a letter last week in ‘The People’ questioning whether I have completed my training as a lawyer and wanted to know if I am going to remain this ‘half baked Zavoka’. For his information I have not, at least not yet. Currently I am fully involved in bringing a change of the people that have been running abysmally our country for the last twenty-nine years. I am of the opinion that they have over-stayed their welcome and it is time for them to step aside allowing Seychelles a fresh start, which is long overdue.

Mr. Public is also baffled by my ability to write as an informed specialist/authority on a number of topics. He should not be. Unlike Mr. Michel the presidential candidate for the SPPF, I was not ‘denied’ the chance to study beyond primary six. I attended the then Seychelles College up to ‘O’ level standard. On leaving ‘Seyco’ I joined the Ministry of Education and was asked to resigned by the then Minister when I refused to go on training in East Germany. The rest is history as they say. After having been sacked from at least three other jobs for not endorsing the one-party communist philosophy of that time, I was subsequently arrested and jailed at Mr. Rene’s pleasure (see detention order and more below). Like many of the SPPF’s national assembly candidates presented to the 22nd congress recently - I’ve also had the pleasure of attending university, paid for by the British Government. I am so sorry Mr. Michel was denied this opportunity.  

As for my association with the MPR in the UK – this is something that I have absolutely no shame or regret over and of which I am very proud. Because it was a noble struggle to restore freedom and democracy in the motherland, a cause worthy to be involved in. As for your threat Mr. Public that you are sure that my words will come back to haunt me, and that my acts do not find me out, I am not intimidated. If I go down seeking the truth and justice for my fellow country men like Gerard Hoarau did,  so be it.

For your information, my professorship Mr. Public was obtained in the University of Life on the streets where Joe Gouni ploughs his trade on a daily basis. From where you are standing Mr. Public I am sure you cannot see any blood dripping from my hands. ‘My hands are clean’. I would rather be a Jack of all trades and a master of none than a murderer and a faceless coward who cannot even put his real name to his letter for all to see. 

THE ESTABLISHMENT PUNISHES TAXI OPERATORS!

My friends at the taxi stands around the country are not at all pleased with the way the Administration has hit back at them for open expression of dissatisfaction with the system.

According to a reliable source, twenty-five new taxi licenses have been approved. In granting these licenses the people in government have totally ignored the plight of our taxi drivers. This is vengeance of the worst kind:“hit them where it hurts the most in their pockets” seems to be the thinking behind this decision. A political decision made I am sure by top people in government but a decision they are sure to regret. The taxi drivers are not receiving the respect they deserve from the ruling party, especially now during electioneering. 

The costs of running a taxi are exorbitantly high. With insurance premium, fuel and other expenses at an exaggerated level, taxi operators are finding it hard to meet other commitments; some are behind with loan repayments because they are not earning enough due to the lack of business.

The taxi operators are having to compete with ‘taksi pirat’, tour operators and certain car hire operators, which this government is allowing to encroach in areas usually reserved for taxis; like airport pick-up or hotel pick-up, etc…. Certain tour operators and certain tourism establishment are using car hire and even private transportation in circumstances where a taxi would have been preferable. The government is conveniently turning a blind eye whilst taxi operators suffer the consequences. This latest move is another attempt at hitting back at taxi operators – this is one move too many. It is going to back fire hurting the people responsible for this decision more than its intended target.

The contributions of taxi operators in the economic life of the country are being ignored and are unappreciated by this government. President Michel has not fully delivered on the promises made to them last year. The little concession afforded so far is hardly enough to fool the thinkers within the taxi service industry. The taxi operators are ready to judge President Michel and his government by their actions. This final slap in the face of taxi operators on the eve of an election is one slap too many!   

            Is the writing on the wall for the SPPF?

The ruling party representatives in the National Assembly have voted against a motion tabled by the Leader of Opposition, Hon. Wavel Ramkalawan this week. Unsurprisingly, all 22 members of the SPPF voted against the motion.

Ramkalawan presented a compelling argument as to his reasons for presenting the motion; pointing out that it makes a lot of sense cost wise and it is healthy for our economy in general to hold both National Assembly and the Presidential elections at the same time.

The SPPF majority rejected the motion outright, without even considering its merit. In fact, the leader of government business, Hon. Patrick Herminie was the only SPPF member who took to the floor on the orders of his masters to try and waltz his way out of a tight spot. It was a sorry sight watching the SPPF members curling up like lean fish in hot oil.  

It is clear, crystal clear in fact, that the SPPF is now back pedalling on their intended decision to try and hold both elections at the same time. Having now realised that Michel will loose the presidential election, the SPPF have decided to preserve whatever little advantage they can possibly preserve. Ramkalawan has made it obvious that he will dissolve the national assembly on winning the Presidential, at least that’s what transpired on presenting the motion in the National Assembly on Tuesday.