EDITORIAL
As the Curtain Falls...
This issue is our last for the year, in just nine days the curtain will fall on 2006. What an eventful twelve months it has been. The election of President Michel should have been a milestone for local politics; unfortunately it was overshadowed by events of the 3rd of October. However, the highlight of the year for us here at Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly without a shadow of doubt was the birth of Mr and Mrs Adams’s quadruplets in September.
The new year, 2007, will present the country with a fresh opportunity to reconcile itself and help heal old wounds. Those with authority and influence, whether over the political, religious or corporate dimensions of Seychelles life should lead the way in resolving our differences – by setting an example. Because it is to them the rest of the population are looking for inspiration. If the right climate is cultivated in our land then our children’s generation will be the inheritors a well developed country with the facilities and opportunities that will keep home grown talent at home and attract it from elsewhere. The future is there to be influenced positively; and our duty is to try…….
In all sincerity we would like to wish President Michel, Vice-President Belmont and all members of the Cabinet and their family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We would also like to wish the Honourable Wavel Ramkalawan and all at the SNP, a Peaceful and Joyous Christmas and Happy New Year! Your devotion to bring about justice and equality for the people of Seychelles does not go unnoticed; it is appreciated by all here at Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly. To all the people in Seychelles we say “Merry Christmas and may 2007 bring you all that you wish for!” To our patrons we say a special “thank you”, without your weekly purchase it will be impossible to survive, we are grateful and we look forward to your support in 2007.
Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly has long been an advocate of peace, harmony and reconciliation amongst the people of Seychelles. For the entire twelve months of 2007 we will endeavour to promote unity and citizenship amongst all in our society. Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly will adopt an approach of engagement to achieve peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Seychelles. The shameful atrocities of the past will be revisited only if absolutely necessary, because ultimately we are dedicated to allowing harmony a chance at flourishing.
We pray that during 2007 the good Lord will guide and bless our country and all who reside here. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you all!
US$65 million Dollars – Now you see it, now you don’t!
It came somewhat as a surprise when a delegation from Tokyo – Mitsubishi bank visited Seychelles recently and we were duly informed by SBC that the bank has loaned Seychelles US$65 million to be used for Tsunami relief.
This was certainly the first time we were informed that US$65 million dollars were borrowed by the Government from the Tokyo – Mitsubishi bank for that purpose. Funds were already made available to Seychelles by the European Union, the IMF and World Bank to alleviate the burden of Tsunami related devastation and damage.
It is not clear therefore why this substantial additional sum was needed and if it was, how was that money spent? In the spirit of transparency and accountability the Minister of Finance should therefore explain to the Seychellois public how the US$65 million dollars loan was actually spent. This loan in particular was shrouded in mystery and secrecy. If there is nothing improper or underhanded going on then we implore the Minister of Finance to do the right thing and inform the people how each single dollar was spent?
This is the least we deserve and can expect from our Government since the loan was taken in our names and on our behalf.
