VIZYON, the popular creole newsletter of the SNP, has taken the extraordinary step to react to an article which appeared in Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly three weeks ago. In the article the paper had suggested that Ramkalawan is set to step down as Leader of the party after losing four consecutive Presidential elections and showing a clear inability to bring electoral success to the party.
Le Nouveau
1. If I do not win the Presidency, I will go and plant bananas.
2. The handle of the saucepan is too hot to handle.
3. I am sure President Michel has many sleepless nights as President of the country.
4. I missed the opportunity to spend time with my family and my son has grown up very quickly without me noticing.
5. I am glad I was not elected President.
Those negative remarks had led many to conclude that Ramkalawan was sending signals that he may step down soon. In fact, Ramkalawan himself stoked the flames by secretly meeting with President Michel on numerous occasions; something which he vouched not to do unless there are real change on the ground and a level playing field. However, Ramkalawan seems to have changed his mind after SPPF made him an offer he could not refused when Minister Danny Faure announced huge salary increases together with a fat pension for Ramkalawan as Leader of the Opposition. This was done in his customary budget speech in the National Assembly on the 21st December 2007. Ramkalawan, who is currently emulating Dr. Ramadoss by building his own private empire, has since tone down his vitriolic criticisms of the SPPF government and seems quite at ease and at home in their company.
In its article in Sirondann, Weekly had suggested that Bernard Georges, Jean-Francois Ferari or even Alain Ste. Ange may be more aptly suited to take over the helm of the party. This seems to have rattled Ramkalawan who felt compelled to come out with all guns blazing in Vizyon to dispel any notion that he may be stepping down and to reassure everybody that he is not going anywhere any time soon. The impressive Bernard Georges got the highest number of votes in the SNP Convention last year and seems to be the most probable heir apparent to the throne. However, this would not be a simple affair as, if, Ramkalawan has his way, he would stay as Leader of the party for as long as possible; ejoying an unprecedented financial package which would guarantee him a privileged and comfortable life to the end of his days.