Dear Sir,
Please allow me a space in your esteemed paper to comment on the cost of living ravaging the country at the moment and today I would like to ask Mr. President, how far this will go and what has happened to all his promises.
Before the elections, when the political campaigns were rife, there were two parties, the SPPF and the Opposition. On one hand the SPPF promised heaven and at least the alliance/opposition the purgatory. Today we find that both have landed us in hell! And believe me I am glad the alliance broke up, at least the few democrats left still have their dignity and pride.
What I find strange, knowing how much the supporters of SNP was against the government, how come the leader of the opposition had meetings with the President and on two Sundays ago he was seen on National TV whispering in the President’s ear. I wonder if this was to show us how chum, chum they are! To top this up Mr.Sandy Arrisol, elected member of St.Louis proudly presented his views on the Porte Ouverte. Yes the door has opened and you, SNP National Assembly members, have stepped inside and landed straight in the boiling pot. You too, are responsible for the hardship we are going through when you devotedly voted for the budget to protect your own skin.
Today, I am going to ask the President just one question “oli sa larzan ki ou ti pou met dan pos Seselwa?” “Olye met larzan dan pos kreol toulezour ou pe fouy en trou dan nou pos, e la I reste zis nou kannson pou ou tire lo nou.” Where are your supporters who cried and shouted yes, today, the lights are off at 7.30 p.m. because they are struggling to save on electricity. Today they are going back to the river for their washing to cut on the cost of water and electricity. Today WE are like six year old kids, being taught how to take our bath, as the government has decided to teach us all about wastage! Today, some of them are buying ‘di riz lisyen’ as they find the cost of premium basmati has increased by 60%, today they stare at the meat at meat corner because the price of beef is now R76- a kilo, even oxtail cost R50/-, condensed milk has become a luxury, my mother used this since I was a baby.
Today, the elected members of the National Assembly have forgotten where most of their supporters live. I am waiting for mine to visit, as I am going to tell him that I have a small path in front of my house, you can only get out. For him, he will better be out than in, because “kat par de” still exists!
Even if I wanted to become patriotic and wanted to consider that these necessary measures to improve our economic problems why you, your Ministers and members of assembly got an increase of more than 60% in their salaries? You all deserve 60% while we deserve an increase from R500/- R100/-, I never knew that in
Mr.President, how far will this go, as I heard there will be another round of devaluation? Do we expect to buy a sack of rice for R100/-soon? There are a lot of questions to answer, but maybe your supporters should do so. You have failed in your promises, your approach and your governance. You have only taken all the people on a merry-go-round!
You are a disappointment!!!
Thanks for the space and letting the world know about my plea.
Dear Mr. Editor
I have heard a lot over the past month about Wavel’s meetings at State House with President Michel. I must say, it came as a shock to many of us who supported him over the years. Mr. Ramkalawan must learn to be patient with us.
At the end of the year 2007 when Mr. Ramkalawan announced that he terminated his last meeting for the year with President Michel, he was happy and smiling and looked very confident. The same day, SBC announced the PUC increase in tariffs by 47%. I wonder what Mr. Ramkalawan was happy about? Perhaps he was happy his new increase in salary by 34% would offset his electricity bills in January 2008. Well, to his defense Mr. Ramkalawan said he did not discuss the 47% increase in PUC bills and SBC did him wrong and distorted the truth. In a phrase they used him like a dirty old rag.
On the other hand, President Michel said to the Public that the matter of increases had in fact been discussed that same day with Mr. Ramkalawan and he did in fact know of the increases and agreed to them, but Mr. Ramkalawan said nothing on his behalf when SBC interviewed him in his end of year interview after visiting State House.
The only question I have now, is if SBC and State House did Mr. Ramkalawan wrong so badly as he says, why is he now, as in last week, whispering in Mr. President’s ear in a St. Louis Branch District get together? I am beginning to believe Mr. Ramkalawan is being treated very well by State House in spite of what he says. In fact, he may be treated so well, that it is beyond the norms and practices of a modern democratic society.
It may be, SPPF is destroying Mr. Ramkalawan politically, with sugar and spice and everything nice. If so, Happy Valentines SPPF! Mr. Ramkalawan will be your Valentines! We will pay the electricity bills and the meals for Valentines Dinner. At least try to buy your own drinks.
Dear Editor,
I have read, with great interest, your article in Issue No2 of Le Nouveau
To say that I was shocked by the figures you published showing the salary increases of the Constitutional Appointees is an understatement. And you omitted to mention the other perks: free car and chauffeur, security, etc. I cannot believe that in this day and age some people are still hoping to take this nation for “fou bet”. I can understand that Mr. Ramkalawan would have wanted to keep this from general public knowledge.
I can recognise that, as part of an overall package of measures, there should be a review of salaries across the board but what justification can there be for the fat cats to share the exorbitant salary increases among themselves, even before the Commonwealth, which I understand was working on a review, had even completed the exercise?
I recognise and understand that SPPF was being consistent with themselves in grabbing as much as they can whenever they can. This is the story of their lives. This is why our country is where it is today. But why did Mr. Ramkalawan find the need to join them and, worse, keep very quiet about it? The honourable thing he should have done, in my view, is decline the increase for himself and the SNP members of the Assembly. It should have been a question of principle and in solidarity with the thousands of suffering Seychellois, at least until Commonwealth completed its work and government had reviewed the meagre pittance it has just given people in the form of salary increase.
People have been supporting Mr. Ramkalawan through thick and thin because he had been presenting himself as a man of principle wanting to do things differently.
Could it be that principles are alright as long as it does not involve money, especially big money?
Could it be that it has come to a stage of “bef dan disab sakenn get son lizye” or is it a question of “If you cannot beat them join them”?
It is clearer now why Mr.James Michel saw the need to invite Mr. Ramkalawan to State House only a few months after praising those who cracked his skull. It is equally clearer why Mr. Ramkalawan saw the need to grab the opportunity with both hands. I had smelled a rat all along. “Zwazo menm nik and Kakatwa menm bar” are apt sayings that come to mind.
It is therefore no surprise that Mr. Ramkalawan has declared that he was happy at not being elected President. He gets to enjoy a fat monthly salary, a fat annual gratuity, an even fatter end of term gratuity in 2011, plus a more than generous monthly pension when he leaves the assembly. And all this without the responsibilities of being President. He can indeed, as he implies, “dormi an pe”….and very happily at that!
All this has not only left a bad taste in the mouth of many people but has also reinforced their cynicism in politics and utter distrust of politicians.
People have lost their lives, others have been victimised and sacrificed so much for CHANGE.
For what????