October 20, 2006

PRESIDENT MICHEL NOT REALLY SERIOUS IN OPENING AVENUES FOR DIALOGUE

The issue of dialogue between the political parties has become paramount especially now that individuals are taking it upon themselves to decide on how best to remedy recent conflict and/or disagreement between the party in power and the parties in opposition. The Commissioner of Police Mr. Gerard Waye-Hive will have a lot to answer to if this situation gets out of hand. Last week he went on SBC TV and Radio to express the seriousness associated to a communiqué in circulation, from ‘The Brotherhood’. Under present circumstances Mr. Waye-Hive was probably right to do so. But, only a day or two after the Commissioner had expressed his concerns over that particular communiqué from the Brotherhood, another communiqué appeared only this time it was from a group, ‘Red Devils’, identifying themselves with the ruling party (SPPF). It carried the same kind of threat as the first communiqué from the Brotherhood, but Mr. Waye-Hive was no-where to be seen.

It is to be expected that both sets of individuals mentioned in the two communiqué value their lives and it is up to the local police force to protect both sets of individuals if ever their life was in danger. The Commissioner of Police said, during his interview on SBC TV last week, that he would be offering protection to the people mentioned on the communiqué released by ‘The Brother’. However, no such offer has been made yet to those mentioned on the communiqué from ‘Red Devils’. The reason for that is not known and this newspaper has not succeeded in its effort to obtain a comment on the subject from the police.

In the meantime President James Michel is playing politics; instead of inviting the Leader of Opposition to meet up with him in a demonstration of solidarity before the people to discuss pressing matters (security) of national importance, his office has announced the setting up of a consultative committee to look into issues regarding the respect of law and order in the country. This initiative has one aim and one aim only, and that is for President Michel to avoid meeting with Wavel Ramkalawan, the elected opposition Leader. President James Michel must rise above petty political games if this country is to gain back the peace and stability which existed before 3rd October, 2006! His behaviour or probably that of his advisors is threatening the fragile peace we have enjoyed in recent years. They are simply pussy-footing around the issue. These little games designed to win political mileage over others is the stuff of small boys playing at red-Indians and cow-boys. Statesmanship is what is required; maybe Mr. James Mancham, the apostle of peace and reconciliation can be of help in this hour of need for our beloved Seychelles. Personal egos and pride is holding our country to ransom. Let us all pray for Seychelles.   

Copyright 2006: Seychelles Weekly, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles