Unity must be our goal as we celebrate Independence Day
By Lewis Betsy
Unity in our beloved Seychelles is my personal goal, and as we celebrate independence I want us all to reflect on what has gone before and how we must make things better.
This is the 47th year since Seychelles became a republic and we have seen a lot since then.
We have been divided since the Coup d’ Etat led by France Albert Rene on the 5th June 1977.
It took decades for Seychelles to elect a more compassionate Government, yet the struggle to achieve fairness and harmony continues.
As the Independence day celebrations break out, now is the time for us to actively strive for unity for the sake of our people, particularly the younger generations.
There is still division in the country, and I fear that the actions of the United Seychelles delegates in the National Assembly encourage ill-tempered dissent.
Constant walkouts and protests are not part of a civilised debate.
After all that time of repression during the tyrannies of Rene and James Michel I had hoped that lessons would have been learnt.
The history of United Seychelles through SPUP, SPPF, and PL is not one to be proud of. It has been a relief to have a more tolerant and caring government under President Ramkalawan.
It is true that his LDS is less than perfect, many people say they are very unhappy. They feel that this government is infected with the bad traits of previous administrations.
But the Ramkalawan government is democratic. It is what the people voted for.
And democracy, fairness and compassion is what is needed most at this significant time in our history.
Many people seem obsessed with money and I just want them to stop and think. I want them to think of others.
Today, I’m launching an appeal and calling on all politicians to stop the infighting and put Seychelles first.
Let’s turn a fresh page so we can save our beloved islands.
Politicians of all parties must have this goal: Think unity.
I wish every single Seychellois at home and abroad a happy anniversary and in doing so, I ask this one thing of you all too.
Think of unity.
So, please, everyone, join together to make sure our paradise homeland is safe and secure, not just for now, but for all time.
I urge you all again: Think of unity. Believe in unity.
It is our destiny.
