Doctor V. Ramadoss, legend has it, came to Seychelles apparently in flip flops in the early 1980’s and got a job as the official doctor of the Seychelles People’s Liberation Army (SPLA). His rise to the top of the club of 10 wealthiest businessmen in
He got his lucky break when he was “par hazard” introduced to Ramadoss who promptly gave him a brand new car, a business, “Poster Plus”, a newspaper, “The Independent” and a fat salary. He was later given a room on full board basis at Coco D’or Hotel, to put the icing on the cake; all courtesy of Doctor Ramadoss. However, Percy Ah-Mane’s treasure trove did not come cheap. He was under specific instructions to destabilize the opposition by all means through his paper since it was felt that “The People”, the SPPF’s mouthpiece, was not effective at all. Percy Ah-Mane promptly obliged, savagely attacking Ramkalawan, the SNP, DP, and members of the leadership of both opposition parties. Mr. James Mancham, Wavel Ramkalawan and in particular Ralph Volcere, the Editor of Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly, were specifically targeted and became the butt of his cruel jokes, ridicule and caricature.
Percy even created a page in “The Independent” newspaper for the so-called “DP Dissidents” like Kenneth Nalletamby, Christopher Gill and his brother. These dissidents were recruited by Percy to emulate his style and to attack the opposition. However the whole thing backfired when the dissidents started to attack the SPPF instead. That was not part of the script and Percy was quickly ordered by his masters to pull the plug on the dissidents. They swiftly disappeared into oblivion as quickly as they had emerged.
In the meantime, Mr. Mancham, who has won substantial damages against Percy Ah-Mane and Conrard Berlouis in a libel case against “The Independent” newspaper sometimes back has now grown tired of Percy’s antics and has finally decided to enforce his judgment debt. Mr. Mancham stated that the only reason he did not enforce the Judgment against Percy Ah-Mane was because Percy pleaded poverty and bankruptcy when he appeared before the Judge. He was asked to show cause why he should not be committed to Civil Imprisonment for failure to pay his debts and he quickly claimed insolvency. Since “The Independent” has re-emerged trading under the same name and company, Mr. Mancham, is of the view that the Company is indeed solvent and as such should be made to pay its debts by the Supreme Court. Mr. Mancham has already instructed lawyers to proceed swiftly and expeditiously against Percy Ah-Mane and summons are expected to reach the doors of “Poster Plus” at
In the meantime, Doctor Ramadoss has recently closed down his hospital canteen apparently in anger over the Minister’s decision to remove him as her advisor. The Minister has appointed Doctor Bernard Valentin in his place. The Ministry of Health is of the view that Doctor Ramadoss’ appointment as advisor to the Minster was merely ceremonious and no real contribution was being made by Doctor Ramadoss in the form of advice or otherwise to the Minister. Thus, the appointment of Doctor Bernard Valentin, who is known to be a talented individual. Doctor Valentin is now assisting the Minister with administrative duties such as writing the Minister’s speeches and personally attending to the Minister’s affairs on a regular basis; something which Ramadoss could not or was not able to do.
The demise of Doctor Ramadoss vis-à-vis the Ministry of Health is insignificant since officially he was not a paid member of staff. His business interest now remains his priority and his removal as advisor to the Minister would give Ramadoss plenty of time to devote to his business empire.
