Editorial

These individuals must make a choice between self-interest or the people’s….

President Michel reduced the numbers of ministers in his cabinet from ten to eight this week. He has done away with the long serving Minister Syvette Pool. Minister Pool, it is said, has expressed her desire to retire. However, under our Constitution a Minister cannot ‘retire’. He or She must either resign or be sacked. In the case of Minister Pool we can reasonably conclude that she was sacked by President Michel. We, at  Le Nouveau Sychelles Weekly, wish Mrs Pool a happy ‘retirement’. We are appreciative of the positive contributions she has made over the years in local politics especially in championing the cause of women in what was formerly a male dominated field. She has contributed enormously to the cause of women both socially and politically.

The exit of Ronny Jumeau has surprised many. Jumeau, young and charismatic, was being tipped as a dark horse with the potential to challenge Danny Faure for the top job in later years. It is generally accepted that intellectually Jumeau is considered more superior than the former President’s heir in waiting. This might be the reason for exiling Jumeau as Seychelles Plenitentiary Ambassador and Permanent Representative at the United Nations. Former Minister Jumeau will also occupy the post of Seychelles Ambassador in the U.S. and South America and certain Caribbean countries, which in many ways is not at all bad for someone with the ambition of one day being President of his country. We wish Ronny well in his new capacity overseas. He will need all his beauty sleep!!!

We had expected President Michel to be far more radical in his restructuring, especially where Minister Joel Morgan is concerned. So far Morgan has been a lot of “huff and puff” but little substance. We are all hoping he will do a better job cleaning up the country and at oiling the transportation system of the country. However, we will never forget the 4.5 million USD, Minister. 

We are disappointed with the fact that President Michel did not take this opportunity to throw out top civil servants extensively involved in the private sector. We find it extremely difficult, for  example, to comprehend a situation where an individual is managing the monetary system of an entire country (a mammoth responsibility) and still have time to manage his multi-million rupee business empire on the side. These individuals must make a choice between serving their own interest (self-interest) or that of the people paying for their extremely well paid position (perks included) in government. 

President Michel cannot ignore this situation. It is an abuse of power and certain individuals have been milking the cow and the barn as well for many years. In the next four years President Michel will have to make a decision over this problematic area. President Michel has a choice over the loyalty of a few who are filling their pockets at the people’s expense or the loyalty to an entire Nation. If Michel decides to go with his friends currently sucking away at the system there is a heavy price to pay.  The voting public might decide that enough is enough, putting paid to this state of affairs which have dogged the economy of the country for the last thirty years.

Jeremie Bonnelame takes over the Chairmanship of the CAA left vacant by France Bonte. We are confident that Bonnelame will not disappoint as he is a man of integrity and credibility. However, the same cannot be said for the newly appointed President of the Seychelles Court of Appeal as he comes cloaked in the political gown of an SPPF Central Commitee Member. He will always be perceived as a politically tainted animal and doubt will always remain about his impartiality. 

We avail of this opportunity in wishing most sincerely everyone well in their newly acquired position, especially Minister Marie-Pierre Lloyd. She will be looking after our health; literally, she needs all the help and cooperation she can get. In only four short years the Ministry of Health has seen the back of  four Ministers, Patrick Pillay, Noellie Alexandre, Vincent Meriton and Macsuzy Mondon. This in itself cannot be a positive circumstance for the Health Service of this country. Our advice to the new Minister - get your Ministry out of the hospital if you want to succeed where others have failed.   

July 07, 2007
Copyright 2007: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles