Letters to the Editor

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Weekly Cartoon upsets Reader

Sir, I refer to the cartoon of your journal of 19th January ’07, where you cite the picture of apparently a well known politician claiming he is God.

Apart from believing that neither that politician or any other in Seychelles have claimed to be God, I question whether it is appropriate or responsible journalism to cite God such a way and more so to ridicule a politician. You may even risk agitating the sensitivity of religious people. You can imagine what would happen if you had said that of Allah.

I wonder what the heads of our religious faiths in Seychelles think of this, accordingly copies of this will be sent at least to the two leading faiths.

Yours faithfully

Edward Lesperance

Machabee

WHO IS FOOLING WHO?

Sir – I read from The People publication on Thursday morning that anyone wishing to meet with the President simply has to write him and request an appointment. I am actually waiting to hear from State House for an appointment to meet with Mr. Michel. I have been waiting for the last six months. The article on the front cover of The People has given me fresh hope that I will eventually get to see the President. I hope before the Presidential Election due for 2011. On Monday I will write to the President’s office and this time I will keep a copy of the letter just in case it gets lost or is misplaced by an over zealous member of staff at State House. When they see my name.

I would like to thank The People for revealing this vital piece of information to the public.

(Name withheld on request)

LOOKING AT THE BIGGER PICTURE

Sir – The issue of President James Michel meeting with the leader of Opposition is not as simple as The People newspaper is making out. Wavel Ramkalawan is not just anyone. His position is constitutionally recognised and it was undermined on that faithful in the precinct of the National Assembly, when without any provocation whatsoever he and other colleagues were violently assaulted by SSU officers. This is the issue!

We want our President to demonstrate his “Grandeur d’èsprit” and to concentrate on the bigger picture for the good of all in the country. By inviting Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan to meet with him, the President would have started the healing process of old wounds and in particular the fresh one of Friday, 3rd of October 2006, now infamously dubbed as “Black October”.

I am appealing to the President of the Republic, his Excellency James Alix Michel to rise above partisanship “Pou lanmour Sesel”. It can only be good for Seychelles. I am an SPPF supporter, but I fear that if I send this letter to The People newspaper the chances of victimisation is high. Please do not print my name.

SPPF supporter (name withheld)

THE BAD PRACTICES OF THE PAST

Sir, I think it is time for President Michel to start tackling seriously the issue of “mismanagement/use or abuse of State resources by some top people in his Administration”. 2007 is the year to finally end all these bad practises of the past!

We are all aware that certain individuals in Government are using State resources as if it were their own. The abuse has been going on for years under President Rene and now under President Michel. It is costing us taxpayers millions. Let us look at certain glaring areas of abuse:

1. IDC - use of planes, boats, fuel etc... For private excursions for fishing, pleasure, taking friends on trips to the “IDC” islands.

2. SMB - Use of plane.

3. Government and parastatals - use of vehicles and recently, the increase in the number of cars hired by Government Ministries and Parastatals.

4. State land - “sold” at preferential rates to friends, relatives and contacts. Good plots reserved for special groups or individuals.

5. Providence land – as above.

6. State housing - as above.

7. Government jobs and promotions - reserved for special individuals who are well connected.

8. University scholarships - as above.

9. Home carers - as above.

10. DBS and Seychelles Savings Bank loans - as above, and at preferred interest rates.

11. Air Seychelles - Preferred rates or free tickets for special groups.

12. Licenses - granted very quickly to some while others wait forever or is refused.

13. Seychelles Investment Bureau - Projects approved quickly for some

while others wait or when refused, no explanations given.

14. Foreign Exchange - Easy access for the connected ones!

15. Overseas treatment - special treatment for certain individuals.

16. Airport VIP lounges - Reserved for some.

17. Duty and GST concessions - Special treatments to the connected ones!

The list is practically endless. it is time to open up a debate on the matter and I am inviting the public to write in with information on matters of gross mismanagement and abuse going on in the public sector. At least by bringing it to the forefront, some might start to think about what it is really costing the people of Seychelles in the long run. And maybe, just maybe, some of the abuse will be curtailed!

( A Concerned Citizen)