Editorial
SBC still peddling one-party state propaganda
The state controlled broadcasting media, it appears, are still living in an era of the one-party state. At that time the official line was that the Seychellois who died during World War II gave their lives working for the British Government. This line was repeated by SBC television last Sunday night in its prime time evening news broadcast in Creole.
In November 1977, then President Rene, ruling by presidential decree, refused to send any government representative to the official ceremony of Remembrance, traditionally held at the Mont Fleuri cemetery. The ceremony itself was held under a state of emergency declared since 5th June. The country was under a night to dawn curfew.
The police band, which traditionally played at the ceremony was officially not available to provide the atmosphere of solemnity for the occasion. As a result, only the ambassadors of UK, America, France and India and a handful of ex-servicemen came to mark the occasion in silence. Even the Scouts were absent, as was the tradition. The movement had been effectively abolished because it was a symbol of British colonialism. It was only after the multi-party system was restored and the new Constitution came into force in 1993 that the scout movement resurfaced.
In November 1977, the Duke of Edinburgh Way (Bel Eau) had just had its name changed to Liberty Road the Queen’s Building to Liberty House and Victoria Stadium to People’s Stadium, Gordon Square to Freedom Square. But Albert Street, named after Queen Victoria’s husband, not Mr Rene, got no name change. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme too was abolished that year to be replaced by the President’s award Scheme, even though he was only a caretaker president – at least that was the official line.
The official policy line of the party was subsequently concretised in the policy document Onward to Socialism: The Front (SPPF) identifies itself with the international socialist community and the working peoples of all countries. It shares the just cause of all peoples still struggling under the yoke of colonialism, foreign domination and racism. The Front (SPPF) is anti-imperialist and actively supports the economic decolonisation of all countries, especially newly independent states, and the creation of a new world economic and information order.
Of course, since 1977 our history has been distorted to suit one political divide. This history has yet to be corrected so that the new generation can learn the truth, not just about our country but the world in general. For instance, the truth that all the brave Seychellois who died during the Second World War gave their lives for our freedom. They did not die for the British Government. Although
The best qualified person who, ironically, is in the best position today to undertake this re-education of our children is Bernard Sham Laye the Minister of Education. Sham Laye is a graduate of history from a British university.
France Albert Rene’s 71st Birthday
