Letters to the Editor
Where is Justice?
Sir, In the Nation of the 25th October I read about the appointment by the President of a Consultative Committee on Law and Order. This may be a good development with respect to the future and its composition may reflect a certain degree of fairness but at the moment what the people are requesting is for the President to appoint a commission of enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the vicious assault committed against the Leader of the Opposition and its associate Mr Ferrari within the precinct of the National Assembly. The people are calling for justice and the accountability of the Commissioner of Police for the actions of its subordinates which caused grievous bodily harm.
The President must not be allowed to pull wool over our eyes anymore. The image of our nation has greatly suffered as a result of those ugly terrible photos which made international news. The people who are responsible must be punished otherwise the President would be deemed to be conniving and condoning serious crime.
Yours faithfully
A citizen with eyes open now
The apostle of peace and reconciliation
Sir, I refer to the article in your issue of the 20th October 2006 entitled “President Michel not really serious in opening avenues for dialogue” which concludes as follows “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
By way of comments I would like to refer to the press release which my office issued on Monday 26th April 2004 following a meeting which I had with President Michel at State House.
“It is with deep and mixed emotions that I met this morning with the new President of the
Everybody must be aware that ever since my return home in April 1992 following 15 years of forced exile, that I have been speaking about National Reconciliation and the need to put in place a Seychelles First policy. I therefore welcome President Michel’s declarations that National Reconciliation and
By admitting that the country is in need of going through a period of moral renaissance, that his administration will fight corruption, in-efficiency and promote good governance, the President has earned for himself what I regard as a “honeymoon” period in the life of his administration. For the current political marriage to last, he will need to demonstrate perseverance, determination and consistency with regards to his declared intentions. The challenge before him will be enormous but not one which cannot be achieved with determination, courage, sincerity and honesty of purpose.
I note that up to now President Michel has indicated that he intends to adopt a high level of transparency which means that the media must be encouraged to promote more discussions and debate on issues on national interest. In the quest to get the people better informed on national issues – for example on issues of law and order, environmental protection, SMB’s future, immigration, tourism and fisheries, among other, the President should ensure that SBC starts immediately to espouse a program of roundtable discussions, which will involve representatives of all political, social and religious players within our community.
Finally I do hope I can convince the President that in the medium and long-term future, a Government of National Unity would provide the best vehicle to consolidate peace and harmony and to attract much needed investments in our beloved country”.
This Press Release issued more than 2½ years ago is as relevant in its contents and purpose now as it was then.
Yours faithfully
James R Mancham
Loustau-Lalanne Awarded Damages
Sir, Mr. Maurice Loustau-Lalanne may be richer today by the damages he has received from the court against Regar for alleging that he was fishing within the Aldabra Lagoon. The learned Judge found out that his feelings and reputation as a conservationist has been injured and hence awarded him damage that will go a long way to restore his reputation as an honorable member of our community. However, if indeed Mr. Loustau-Lalanne wishes to prove himself a man of honour and integrity then he should forthwith resign from the Chairmanship of the profoundly controversial SBC over which he has accepted a new mandate of Chairmanship. He should realize how the feelings and reputation of so many decent Seychellois have been profoundly affected by the bias reporting of the SBC which is today at the base of the opposition claim to have their own radio.
Yours faithfully
Radio de la liberté et de l’honnecté
Lalanne reappointed SBC Chairman
Sir, President’s Michel reappointment of Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne as Chairman of the SBC is clearly indicative that he would like the SBC to remain the same partisan, one-sided mouthpiece of the SPPF.
It is as yet the saddest decision taken by a leader who claims to be interested in bringing about national unity.
Yours faithfully
D.C
FAMILY LINKS
Sir, I have been researching my mother’s family and have found strong links to the
My grandfather was Charles Armand Maurice Esnouf and my grandmother was Marie Eveline Savy.
I would be most interested to correspond with any members of the same proud lineage.
Nic van den Berg