OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PRESS RELEASE
28.06.2012
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT ON THE OCCASION OF INDEPENDANCE DAY – 29TH JUNE 2012
Seychellois in every district in our country, on all islands and everywhere in the world are marking, with great pride, the 36th anniversary of the day our islands became independent. On 29th
June 1976 we took the first big and bold step towards building a
Seychellois society that today proudly stands among the thriving nations
of the world.
Independence gave us the unique Seychellois national identity. It is a source of pride for our people.
We
took our destiny in our own hands. We became responsible for own
development and progress. We were a backwater group of islands, small,
but we had big aspirations. In 36 years, our free people joined hands
in unity to move our country forward, fast.
On 29th
June every year we thank the patriots –who have preceded us for
determination and perseverance. Above all, they firmly believed in the
capability of their compatriots to transform our country for the
better. They laid the foundation for the modern and democratic
Seychelles that is our comfortable abode today. We pay tribute to them
for their confidence in their own Seychellois. Their courage,
resoluteness and strong belief embody the true Seychellois spirit of
always striving to attain our goals. This is the spirit we have
inherited from them, that we are passing on to our children, that is
driving our country forward. We want that spirit to endure.
Independence
also brought us dignity as a nation. Surely, all Seychellois, wherever
they are, are proud of our accomplishments as a republic. We are now
moving to the higher stage of our development. We continue to nurture
our democracy, grow our economy, develop our human resources, improve
the health sector, strengthen the social safety net, give more
protection to our environment and boost our security. We have
reorganised government for more effective public service delivery. In 36
years we have developed into the top country in Africa in human
development and e-government. We are a leader in sustainable
development. We are a world example in environment protection. Our
democracy is thriving. We are in the forefront in the fight against
maritime piracy. Our active diplomacy is making Seychelles more visible
on the world stage. Our republic is contributing to world peace. These
are among the many achievements of our independent nation that are
earning us friends, the respect and admiration of the international
community.
Challenges remain, and we will face new hurdles. That is why we are rallying our nation around the theme of Striving for our Seychelles.
With our unity, hard work and the resilience we have acquired over
time, nothing is insurmountable. We are the Seychelles’ children. Our
pledge to our beloved Seychelles today is to continue to do our utmost
to protect it from harm, to keep it on the road of progress. We love
our motherland. When we raise our flag at the Voice of the Nation
monument on Independence Day, and we all stand up to sing the national
anthem, we do it with a sense of patriotism. It is a solemn reminder
that we all share the duty to make our Seychelles a land of values. We
renew our commitment towards building a New Seychelles that is more
prosperous, more united, compassionate and pleasant to live in.
The
independence anniversary is traditionally the day of the inter-schools
athletics competition. It is dedicated to our youth and children. Every
June 29, and under our national symbols, they test their strengths. It
is from events like the 29th
June athletics competition that we produce strong men and women who
bring honour to our country. We lived great moments last year during the
Indian Ocean Islands Games competition we hosted. Our Seychelles was
the smallest nation, yet, with determination and courage, and filled
with the Seychellois spirit, we emerged as the second best nation in
this important regional competition It is feats like these that mark us
as a successful independent country.
I wish all schoolchildren and students success in the competition.
On
Independence Day today, let us give a special thought to our two
compatriots who remain captive at the hands of pirates in Somalia. We
continue to pray for their safe return home.
I wish all Seychellois a happy Independence Day anniversary. May God continue to bless Seychelles.
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