Clifford Andre- The new clown in the National Assembly

In dissolving the National Assembly in the ‘State of the Nation Address’, March 2007, President Michel stated clearly that he was going back to the electorate to seek “En lasanble ki serye” (A National Assembly that is serious). And this reason was part (prominently) of the rhetoric which was constantly churned out on SBC and at political rallies during the last election campaign. The results of this election are evidence that the electorate did not buy into that particular cake, which President Michel was selling at the expense of democracy in Seychelles.

Judging by certain performances, so far, in the new National Assembly, the electorate was entirely correct in returning the verdict they did refusing to accord the SPPF an absolute majority, something they were willing to kill for. The biggest culprit has been identified as one Clifford Andre, proportionally appointed member of the National Assembly by the SPPF. Honourable Andre a relatively young, recently qualified lawyer practising from the Attorney General’s Chambers and an Army Captain by rank, did not waste any time making a fool out of the people who appointed him. 

Honourable Andre started his maiden speech by intervening on a motion presented by his colleague, Honourable David Payet, the elected representative for Glacis. The motion was asking the Government to provide adequate day care facilities in the districts. When his turn came to address the National Assembly, Andre did not take long to put his foot in his mouth. He was too quick off the mark, an eye witness observed. He quickly ran out of steam and began panting away like an old steam engine locomotive. Clifford suddenly without prior notice to chief comedian went off the rail completely. He went on and on about the “Jj spirit” – “kosto” -  “Konpetan”- “be what you want to be” and the fact that SPPF MNAs have “tenir pa large”. This partisan rhetoric which is arguably popular and apt in an election campaign to inspire the masses was certainly out of place in the National Assembly. Many was shocked by Andre’s approach as one of the brightest minds in the otherwise weak SPPF group, many was expecting the demonstration of a higher intellect and an intelligent and articulate well thought out speech. Even Mrs Gamatis, in all her wisdom, would have fared much better than our hapless Andre.   

The talks in the bars in Victoria and up and down the country are that Honourable Andre should be given another opportunity at proving his ability. Pundits believe that he is capable of better than that. It is common knowledge that he is ferociously ambitious and desperately wants to impress his masters. However, one observer commented: “Licking a... is one thing, but going further down is a big no no!”   It is abundantly clear however that our Clifford possesses some ability, enough to see out his 5 years in the Assembly with flying colours, but he will have to get over his sudden rise to the top, which is clearly going to his head.
June 22, 2007
Copyright 2007: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles