President James Michel has pledged to clean up corruption in government and the private sector, crack down on drug trafficking and abuse and address areas of inefficiency in the public service.
Speaking in his National Day 2011 address at Stad Linite on Saturday, President Michel also announced that he will launch a national dialogue soon in which representatives of all districts and communities will take part.
The role of the Opposition, social corporate responsibility and devolution of power to the communities were among other issues that President Michel talked about in his address.
Besides President Michel’s speech, the highlights of the ceremony to mark the country’s 18th National Day under the Third Republic was a parade and cultural show (see accompanying story).
The colourful ceremony, which as usual drew a large crowd, was attended by President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania and Mrs Salma Kikwete as guests of honour, as well as a host of local personalities including former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, among others.
Speaking about the need to eliminate all bad practices which can hold back the development of the country and damage its international image, President Michel said he will take “harsh measures against xenophobia and systematic propaganda which sow hatred in the name of freedom of expression”.
He also said that he would target corruption.
“I say it loudly that corruption in the New Seychelles, in both the public and private sectors, will not be tolerated. It is not a phenomenon that is widespread in our administration and our country in general, but I will cut its head off once and for all if and where it exists. Firm action, without pity, will be taken where we hear there is corruption undermining us, and where we have proof of it.”
The President spoke about the devastating impact of crime in communities, where drug trafficking and drug abuse are often the reason for crimes.
He said that in the context of the government’s policy of zero tolerance, preparations are taking place for a new initiative which will target traffickers and consumers.
“We will be harsh and pitiless against traffickers. We will show compassion towards consumers and give them the opportunity to rehabilitate. The Police, NDEA, FIU, Judiciary and of course our communities in general, are all included in this new initiative. It consists of several components such as education and public sensitisation, increased financing, more resources, additional training for the law and order agencies, the detention of traffickers on an outlying island, amendments to the laws to reinforce and speed up prosecution, the confiscation of the proceeds of crime, and a comprehensive rehabilitation programme for consumers in a special centre where they will also receive help to undergo detoxication and reintegration into society.”
The President said he is proposing that one or two judges are appointed to deal specifically with drugs cases rapidly, as he believes it is not acceptable that hundreds of persons who have been arrested for drug trafficking and possession “remain free and continue with their business of poisoning our nation”.
On the national dialogue the he will launch soon, President Michel said:
“We will hold debates and find the cure to the diseases gnawing away at our communities.
This national debate is the first priority on my agenda for the next five years. It will provide the basis for all the decisions that government will take to enable all of us together to find strategies to fight the social ills in our country.”
The President said that the national dialogue will also address the health service in order to address concerns of service delivery and re-establish confidence in the health system.
“Where it is necessary to eliminate weaknesses, we shall do so. Where it is necessary to strengthen or replace existing structures, we shall do so. We must, in particular, put in place a new management system for the health service. But we also have to assume our personal responsibility for our own health.”
The President said that the public service must aim for excellence in the context of a “New Seychelles”.
“I will not tolerate mediocrity and laissez-faire. It is important that we undertake positive changes that address public concerns. In the New Seychelles, we shall clean up wherever it is necessary. I have always said that I do not work for election only, rather all my decisions are based on what is good for Seychelles and the Seychellois people.”
The President said that in his first meeting with the Cabinet of Ministers, he gave instructions that each ministry should undertake an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and challenges that it faces. The ministries are expected to present these analyses and an implementation plan to improve services and eliminate bad practice.
The President announced that public service professionals will be given appropriate schemes of service in order to ensure that they stay within the public service. The Department of Public Administration has been instructed to start preparing the schemes.
The President said that there will be major changes in the public service early next year and that such an exercise necessitates the allocation of a budget, changes in certain regulations and policy, in order to put in place facilities to guarantee the change in the public service.
The President called on the private sector, both Seychellois and foreign-owned companies, to play a greater role in supporting the communities, by contributing to their development.
“Our country has given you the opportunities to succeed and thrive, so do not let Government alone shoulder the burden of supporting communities. Let us assume our responsibilities.
For example, adopt a school in the district. Adopt a playground. Adopt a clinic. Get more involved in the community. In our New Seychelles, everyone has to make a contribution. And we count on you.”
The President also spoke about the need to have a constructive Opposition and its role in society in criticising the government. The President said that he is willing to work with the Opposition if it adopts patriotic values.
“As for me, my arms are wide open. My heart is open. We need all the sons and daughters of Seychelles – without exception – in building this great enterprise. Let us, in this New Seychelles, promote more dialogue and consultation. There is no place for hatred, contempt, xenophobia, violence and insults.”
The President said that he aims to put more power in the hands of our communities, and announced that he intends to create District Councils which will be elected by the inhabitants of each district.
“It is the elected representatives who will solve the problems that people bring to them.
This too, will be addressed by the national dialogue which will decide on how to proceed with this proposal. We feel the great need to decentralise services. We have already made some starts towards decentralisation. We have started, but we must ensure its efficiency.”
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