Letters to the Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BUILDING A DIVIDED SEYCHELLES?

Sir, Looking back at the last three months since the presidential election of 31st July, 2006, all indications are that James Michel and Joseph Belmont are intent on establishing a politically segregated society in this country. In a participatory democratic system of politics the elected must look at their victory at the polls as a mandate to serve the entire population, in a manner that is fair, just and equal to all the citizens. Elections should not be about winners and losers, it is a job interview on a national level in which the electorate gets a temporary mandate, in our case five years, as the head of state.

Under normal circumstances the priority of the Head of State, immediately after being elected would be to unit the population under a single banner: “one people and one country.” This has clearly not happened in Seychelles. President Michel and his vice-president have taken an approach that has surprised even the most skeptical of observers. The refusal to face up to the reality of recent events involving the security forces is one of the most dispiriting and dangerous traits Seychelles is facing. There are far too many people, especially those in position of power, who remain in a state of denial about the nature of the threat, socially and economically, division will inflict on the country. A recent utterance from former President Rene, on the occasion of his 71st birthday, will not help an already dire situation.

Michel and Belmont might be tied down by loyalty to certain individuals, but it is to the entire population that they owe their services and allegiance. This is what they were mandated for at the last election. Permit me Mr. Editor to quote the great Mahatma Gandhi, “The things that will destroy us are: politics without principle; pleasure without conscience; wealth without work; knowledge without character; business without morality; science without humanity and worship without sacrifice.”

Joe Unity