2007 had all the promises of a new era about it, a newly elected president who had given his words to deliver on his promises. He painted a rosy picture for all to visualize, Seychelles had come of age and we were about to live the dream, reap the rewards of our hard work. With investors coming in from all corners of the world and tourism finally back on track. It looked promising, foreign exchange was about to overflow the banking system. We were on the right path, so they told us. We had a strong rupee, our new President had assured us that he will keep it strong. It sounded cliché, smelt like old cheese - Seychellois are known to have short memories. “I will never devalue the Seychelles rupee”, President Michel promised to popular applause. Little did we know that we were being taken down the same old road all over again.
It did not take them long to shatter the dream. After the legislative elections suddenly they started speaking in another language, one that very few could understand, “readjustment”, “competitive”, “restructuring”, so on and so forth. The only word that kept eluding them, you guessed correctly, is ‘devaluation”. It took a while, but, eventually it dawned on us that the bubble had finally burst. Everything in the shops increased, from a toothbrush to powdered milk. Human Rights have deteriorated, violence is widespread, substance abuse is on the rise, the poor is getting poorer, the wealthy, wealthier. Plundering our resources because normal practice. Still they continue to hide the facts by lying to the populace.
The Leader of Opposition despite everything, wants closer collaboration with the incumbent; a statesmanship gesture one would think. Unfortunately, he did so by abandoning those who stood by him during difficult times. This left a sour taste in the mouth of most. And this he says is being done in the name of great principles. Our reality is being turned upside down with the truth twisted as lies and fabrication are construed as fact. It is time for this Country and its people to turn to Jesus. Christmas is the perfect opportunity for us to do so and to put our differences aside. 2008 is a new beginning let it not be a missed opportunity.
In the New Year we must rise above self importance and petty mindedness, cultivate respect and tolerance. Let us treat everyone with dignity even the man who begs for a piece of bread, he is no less a human being than yourself. Our leaders must start leading by example. As for the citizens, responsibility does not only lie with the leaders of our country or with those who have been appointed or elected to do a particular job. It lies with each one of us individually. Peace and respect starts with each one of us. We need to be at peace with the people around us. However, peace does not mean that we have to be subservient, it is a two way traffic. Only then will we be able to fight for what we collectively believe in. Reason, courage, determination, and the desire for freedom can ultimately win. In our struggle against forces of violence, oppression and victimization on one side, and peace, reason and freedom on the other, the latter will eventually win the day. We are filled with the hope that one day we too, the Seychellois people, will once again be happy and totally free!