Civil Society Festival tomorrow

[Sirop14]

Civil Society Festival tomorrow

25-November-2016
To coincide with the second anniversary of the Citizens Engagement Platform, Seychelles (Ceps) in partnership with the Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) is organising a CSO festival tomorrow at the Freedom Square from 9am to 6pm.
The official opening will take place at 10am.
The aim of the event is to showcase the work of the civil society sector which is a non-state actor involved in national development, meeting with the citizens and mobile volunteers and celebrate the contributions of volunteers.
A total of 40 civil society organisations will take part and SBC will broadcast live from the fair and in the afternoon popular artists will perform including Christmas carols.
The event will include animations, musical performances, exhibitions, Jojo and friends fun stall, recruitment of volunteers and Ceps will also offer a special (CAB) citizens advice bureau service.
Ceps is the only national umbrella organisation for civil society in Seychelles. It has 60 non-governmental organisations as members. They come from a variety of sectors and thus, Ceps has organised them thematically in commissions. There are seven commissions.
Ceps was launched in November 2014 as the national umbrella for civil society organisations. Prior to Ceps’ existence, a national unit for non-government organisations (Lungos) was operational under a liaising role.
The next major event that Ceps is organsing is the Volunteer’s Award which will be held on December 7 to coincide with International Volunteer’s Day on December 5.

http://nation.sc/article.html?id=251928

[Sirop14]

Good morning NGO/ONG of Sechelles/ Seychelles

As you attend this Festival we are going to add four links of our then 1981 Seychelles exile/refugees working in Britain and France in particular, then Cold War and the one party political system in Seychelles -  then UN, Europe, Francophone, Commonwealth and OAU.

Then only Seychelles Refugee organization SEA, registered,  funded by UK and Chaired by Mr Felix Houreau of Swansea, former Councillor and Prison of Seychelles in Exile.

In Britain and France the respective view of our 4/5 political factions beside our older Communities in UK. Three attempted coup d'etat had failed to change Seychelles One  Party System - beside corporate issues we had been involved, that Indian Ocean Industrial Investment research - taken by then parties to form the foundation of the current COI, then Dr M Ferrari and its secretariat in Mauritius. We had already had some 3/4 years contacts with Austrian NGO, France and Italy.

Based upon UN report - upon our being forced to take political asylum in London 1981, in Particularly then Mr Gerard Hoareau - SNM/MPR Leader and had been close to Mr Felix Hoareau - my talk and meeting with Mr Felix Hoareau in Swansea on our overall Community situation - upon his tragic death, his them Family and Mrs Hoareau - began to lobby then many relevant British NGO and other Grass Root and Exile bodies that we do not know exactly how long our community would be in Britain - that we need to plan,  build long term Grass root working, Connectivity and acquire the due expertise and resources. Then Mr Philippe Boulee and Ms Kathlen Pillay in London, This policy was not very welcome - the majority held the view this was distraction from our main objective and dilute our capacity - still we pressed on and laid the foundation for SCA/UKSCA, with the important back bone support, advice and debate/dialogue of those Seychellois families in exile and our older Seychellois Community in Britain, including Mr Paul Gobin  - then Wondsworth Council, the Sir James Mancham resident in Putney - Dodar Rd by the Bridge. Then Councillor Fiona McTagart. Then Refugee Council, Amnesty International, then NCVO with the Queen as Patron and LVSC. Their Ethnic and Grass Root Unit then. (Then Zanzibar Exile Community in Britain)

Very important then,  the Exile/refugee landscape of Britain/London and International and the older Grass Root and Ethnic Communities in London. ( By the Way then Princess Diana -may be just some day when we are very old will share some of the Issues) We later found space for our activities by in the Old Town Hall/next door to the Police Station, then Mr Peter Challum of Mauritius News paper. Then Wondsworth Forum - then President of Ghana. My person had also been a member of SNM/MPR,  later elected for Mahe East until the return of Multi party in Seychelles.

With the help and support of the Latin American exile Community - beside then Solidarnos and other East European underground Community, the Pan African congress in London, then Many Irish communities in London - was helped to get a permanent one bed in BRC property, 87a Victoria Rd, Kilburn - Brent, then GLC and Mr Ken Livingstone we had gone to meet to explain our vision and politic.

We had also known the Philippine Community Voluntary organisation particularly the Nurse and their Research Center in Kilburn.

On account of thee state of things and violent situation in then London we were adopted by the Irish Community of Kilburn - Brent , one of the biggest in London and the Latin America House. Those who had advocated we develop the right resource with the view/objective including then South Africa, Israel Embassy, Australia and the USA to implant work, toward a very effective implantation of NGO/ONG working in Seychelles beside our Government and the Church. The British/USA,  Intelligence were aware and supported this policy/politic.

On a very human and positive note the families who gave/provided us with warmth, shelter, home cooking and love  all along - including the younger one of our then Community, then Miss Simone Horner who would go out of her way and make apple Cider to cheer us up.

Very Important the support of Mr and Mrs Hooper and their many advice - recommandations - the Family imput.

The many positive advice of the Stravens Family and in particular Mr Marcel Pothin, them Monty Family - Mr Olaph Monty and his children .

The Decomarmond Family also very close/special   impute -

We do not want to be brash this morning - former Minister D Joubert and former Minister A Uzice suport and advices.

All those from our North London Community who helped and supported our ideas 


We had not wanted to mention this in public - those Seychelles Police and ex army Officers in then exile who knew their police counter part and the constraint of then London their support and help.

What about the expat British communities of Seychelles crazy us - their respective conections and impute. Then Lord Oxford families and many acquaintance - the Princess Diana connection and Princess Magaret.

We do not intend to offend anybody - those who knew old East Africa, the Agha Khan people in East Africa - their very special Center in London and the Agha Khan personal support - those who had played the part and recommandation.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_London_Council

http://www.londonirishcentre.org/

http://www.casalatina.org.uk/en/

Then President F Mitterrand government - then NGO in France

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_B%C3%A9n%C3%A9volat

[Sirop14]

Former Cuban president Fidel Castro dies
The revolutionary leader's death is announced on state television by his brother and current Cuban President, Raul Castro.

http://news.sky.com/story/former-cuban-president-fidel-castro-dies-10672353

A respectful Barack Obama leads the US in bidding farewell to Fidel Castro, declining to replay old grievances
The Independent - ‎37 minutes ago‎
The United States greeted news of Fidel Castro's death both with familiar disparagement of a “tyrant” whose revolution consigned Cuba to decades of totalitarian oppression as well as respectful expressions of hope that his passing will speed political ...
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/barack-obama-donald-trump-fidel-castro-death-us-embargo-cuba-diplomatic-thaw-a7441251.html

Castro, Cuban ruler who defied 10 US presidents, dies at 90
http://www.businessinsider.com/ap-castro-cuban-ruler-who-defied-10-us-presidents-dies-at-90-2016-11?IR=T

Alietty Castro is a guide at the sugar plantation where Fidel Castro was born. On a visit to Cuba in 2014, we asked locals what they thought about Castro's legacy. Here's what this Cuban historian had to say.
https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera/videos/10154902976488690/


Fidel Castro est mort, une page de l'histoire du XXe siècle se tourne
Le Figaro - ‎il y a 1 heure‎
«Fidel est mort» et «Hasta la victoria siempre, Comandante» s'affichent en une des journaux boliviens au lendemain de sa mort. Crédits photo : AIZAR RALDES/AFP. VIDÉOS / EN IMAGES - Le père de la révolution cubaine, qui dirigea le pays pendant cinq ...
http://www.lefigaro.fr/international/2016/11/26/01003-20161126ARTFIG00126-fidel-castro-est-mort-une-page-de-l-histoire-du-xxe-siecle-se-tourne.php

Le Havre : un cachalot de 14 mètres découvert mort dans l’estuaire de la Seine
http://www.paris-normandie.fr/breves/normandie/le-havre--un-cachalot-de-14-metres-decouvert-mort-dans-l-estuaire-de-la-seine-MB7535583#



Maradona pleure la mort de Castro : "Il était pour moi comme un second père"
http://www.eurosport.fr/football/maradona-pleure-la-mort-de-castro-il-etait-pour-moi-comme-un-second-pere_sto5962292/story.shtml


Amnesty erinnert an Menschenrechtsverstöße in Castros Kuba
http://derstandard.at/2000048262527/Amnesty-erinnert-an-Menschenrechtsverstoesse-in-Castros-Kuba


Fidel Castro: Der Revolutionär und der SchmetterlingDeutsche Welle
http://www.dw.com/de/fidel-castro-der-revolution%C3%A4r-und-der-schmetterling/a-36536079

[Sirop14]

CEPS in partnership with Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB) and the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), came together for the first edition of the festival . Forty-seven Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) participated in the event, held at the Freedom Square. The chairman of CEPS, Mr Jules Hoareau along with the MCB Managing Director Mr Bernard Jackson, addressed those present. The festival was officially launched by the Principal Secretary in the Vice-President's office, Mr Alain Volcere. Present at the opening ceremony was Vice-President Vincent Meriton , CEPS Board members, MCB staff, members of CSOs and the general public.
Various items were on sale, as part of fund raising for the organisations themselves. and many of the participants showcased the activities and projects. SBC transmitted the event live on Paradise FM.
The event which started at 9am, came to a close at 6pm.

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/15179224_1317598741605142_7637806755574771847_n.jpg?oh=2902b8f50a43a0ea87121570e9237740&oe=58BC08C1

Dear Friends, colleagues, visitors please ask then not to delete this historic comment - we/I had made this comment not knowing that former President Fidel Castro had passed away - 7 AM British time - the night before the comment about the thanks giving in Germany and East Europe and the past US Presidents. Seychelles is supposed to be a great friend of Cuba and its people - that SIROP program was not a military program - it require the engagement of Civil society to bring changes in East Europe, USSR, Africa, Latin America and the Indian ocean - because those who write history and those who had come from Cuba to help Seychelles during the One party System - how we mapped out that Program and how planned it to change Cuba politic land economic system and then president Fidel Castro was aware/knew as did president FA Rene, then President Gorbachev and other East European Leaders. Those who organized that 2nd Festival for NGO/ONG ought to be proud - the component of ONG/NGO is still incomplete - we saw and wanted the NGO/ONG of Seychelles as unique in the Indian ocean and structure, develop and an economic entity, where by the government and other regional bodies sees it as part of our economy and manage is as such. The education system, the higher Education system, the politicians and the media and the church involved too. Just as in Europe in some countries the NGO/ONG make up one third of the national economy, its demand, constraints and management, politic and enhancement. When one write/put together such a program the demand/requirement of follow and monitor the respective goals achieved and implemented and there is a very great deal regarding that program and Cuba and Latin America we have not shared in public we had wanted the UN, the EU or African with their resource to help us do this. (We have noted the large percentage of the participants are female this need to be redressed. ) Thank you for the pictures.

[Sirop14]

Civil Society Festival celebrates volunteers’ work and contributions

28-November-2016

Forty civil society organisations (CSOs) showcased their work, engaged with the public and recruited new members during a festival to celebrate volunteers on Freedom Square on Saturday.

http://nation.sc/article.html?id=251962

[Sirop14]

Bernard Elizabeth et Patrick Victor dédient leur doctorat honoraire à leurs collègues

05-December-2016

Attribués un doctorat honoraire par l’Université des Seychelles (UniSey) la semaine dernière, Bernard Elizabeth et Patrick Victor ont dédié leur titre à leurs collègues pratiquant les mêmes activités qu’eux.
Messieurs Elizabeth et Victor avaient reçu leur diplôme des mains de la présidente du Conseil de l’UniSey Margaret Pillay. Le registrar de l’Université Michel Denousse a expliqué que le titre de doctorat honoraire décerné par l’Université des Seychelles viendra désormais récompenser des personnages de haute intégrité ayant fait une contribution exceptionnelle dans la société. La décoration dit-il, qui servira de bon exemple à la jeune génération.

http://nation.sc/article.html?id=252070

[Sirop14]

Message by President Danny Faure on the occasion of Human Rights Day ‘Stand up for someone’s rights today’
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252134

The past year has seen Seychelles continue steadfastly on its journey towards the full realisation of the human rights of all persons, including through:
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252124

JOURNÉE DES DROITS DE L'HOMME AUJOURD'HUI : Le plein soutien de l'UE pour défendre les droits de l'Homme
http://www.lemauricien.com/article/journee-des-droits-lhomme-aujourdhui-plein-soutien-lue-defendre-les-droits-lhomme

[Sirop14]

Cep’s response to Budget 2017

13-December-2016
The Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps), which represents civil society organisations in Seychelles, has welcomed the opportunity to comment and make suggestions on the Budget Address by the Minister for Finance, Trade and Economic Planning last Friday.

Noting that it appreciates the support from the government towards the civil society sector, Ceps says it welcomes the announcement made by the President for more transparency and accountability at all levels in the government.

Having scrutinised the different individual and line allocations to ministries, agencies and other organisations, and in recognition of the need for accountability and transparency, Ceps has made the following general observations and recommendations.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252158

[Sirop14]

CEPS i ganny met azour lo proze de lwa ‘Drwa a Lenformasyon’

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252389

[Sirop14]

Steering Committee to promote National Theme
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252409

Ceps chairman Jules Hoareau’s end-of-year message
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=252408

[Sirop14]

Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles added 16 new photos from January 20.
January 20 · ·
CDWS hold Human Rights Symposium
Citizens from various walks of life have today attended a unique symposium where various speakers talked about democracy and human rights.
The symposium was organized by CEPS accredited member Citizens Democracy Watch Seychelles. As part of the organisation’s mission to promote and strengthen democracy and good governance by creating awareness on rights and values.
The symposium was launched by Vice President Vincent Meriton.
While one presentation dealt with the Seychellois Charter Of Human Rights, six other presentations dealt with focus areas which included gender equality, Children’s human rights, worker’s rights, right of people living with disabilities, civil rights and equality of lesbian, gays, bisexual, and transgender and lastly Rights And Dignity Of The Elderly.
Participants came from governmental departments, the legislature, and judiciary as well as from civil society organizations.
The symposium not only empowered participants but also permitted them to know the various agencies and bodies working to promote and protect these different rights. While for some it was an eye opener, for many other attendees there was a call for these various rights to be given more visibility through education and empowerment sessions with the rest of the population.
Following the symposium, participants pledged to respect other people’s human rights and to actively promote rights and equality.
https://www.facebook.com/seychellescivilsociety/photos/pcb.1392262914138724/1392260730805609/?type=3&theater

[Sirop14]

World NGO Day, February 27

27-February-2017


Seychelles observes World NGO Day for first time

Seychelles is for the first time observing the World NGO Day – which is commemorated every year on February 27 – under the patronage of Ceps, the national platform for civil society organisations.

In a message for the occasion, the chairperson of Ceps and President of SADC Council of NGOs Jules Hoareau has called on all NGOs to push for greater accountability, transparency and good governance on the part of the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=253046

[Sirop14]

CEPS i lans son progranm zenn volontarya
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=253201

[Sirop14]

Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles added 3 new photos from February 1.
February 1 · ·
CEPS PRESENT MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT WITH THE COMPLIMENTARY PROJECT FOR CAP TERNAY.

Representatives from the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS) has presented the Minister of Environment, Energy and Climate Change with copies of the complimentary project documents for the Cap Ternay site. This presentation was done as part of a meeting that took place between the two bodies.

CEPS was represented by its Chairman Mr Jules Hoareau, accompanied by the CEPS Commissioner for Environment & Natural Resources, Dr Marie-Therese Purvis, CEPS Programmes & Events Manager, Mr Michel Pierre and the CEPS Communication & Membership Manager Ms Tessa Henderson. Representatives from the ministry included Minister Didier Dogley, Principal Secretary Alain De Commarmond and Mr. Flavien Joubert, Chief Executive of the Seychelles National Parks Authority.

It was the Chairman of CEPS and Commissioner Purvis who presented Minister Dogley with copies of the document. Following a brief presentation on the three reports that constitutes into one that the Minister Dogley encouraged CEPS to share the contents of the report with other stakeholders. P.S De Commarmond expressed that he really liked the idea ideas put forward through the report and that the contents of the report could contribute toward the current policy on reserves and protected areas.

Minister Dogley attended the meeting held in April 2015 when CEPS formally met with governmental representatives to officially discuss CEPS’ view on the original plans for Cap Ternay. The Minister and his team was therefore very impressed with the fact that CEPS not only drafted a report on the projects that would compliment governments own plans for the site, but two other documents additional reports. One of the documents details the historical aspects of the site and the other provides details of alternative sites that can be considered for the hotel project, originally planned for the Cap Ternay site.

[Sirop14]

CEPS has today launched its 2017 Volunteers of the Award. The ceremony took place at the Constance Ephilia Resort at Port Glaud, in the presence of the CEPS board members as well as the country's Vice President and sponsors.
As part of the ceremony, the four main sponsors of the 2017 Award signed pledges as a sign of commitment towards this CEPS initiative.
Vijay Construction has once again pledged to be the main sponsor for the 2017 event. Mr Vijay Patel pledged R150,000 of which Rs100,000 goes to the winner and Rs 50,000 going to the runner up.
Constance Ephilia Resort has also pledged its support this year and will host the award ceremony and ball which is to follow.
Air Seychelles's CEO Mr. Roy Kinnear signed the pladge on behalf of the national airline and pledged two return tickets to any Air Seychelles destination for both winners.
The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority has pledged to support CEPS again this year. Last year the SCAA sponsored the videos of all the nominees.
The CEPS Ambassador, Mrs Rose-Mary Elizabeth looked back on the 2016 ceremony and traced the various activities that have so far been initiated by CEPS following the 2016 award and the plans for the coming months.
In his address, the CEPS Chairman, Mr Jules Hoareau thanked all the partners for supporting CEPS for both 2016 & 2017 award. Speaking about the qualities that is required in a volunteer, he recognized love for others as the main strength of the volunteer followed by a desire to help others while getting no payments in return. He went on to thank all volunteers, especially those who are members of CEPS accredited associations.
Following the signing of the pledges, the Vice President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr Vincent Meriton launched the 2017 Award. In his address, he thanked CEPS for taking this initiative and recognised the sponsors for pledging to sponsor the event. The Vice President took the opportunity to thank all volunteers for their hard work and stated that while we have busy lifestyle, citizens needs to make time for volunteerism for the betterment of our country.
The CEPS Volunteer of the Year Award 2017, is schedule to take place on the 08th of December.

https://www.facebook.com/seychellescivilsociety/photos/ms.c.eJwzNLE0NzQ2tTAxMDa0MLA01zMEC1gaGhqbmRoaGhgDAHIqBqw~-.bps.a.1497135076984840.1073741840.843059579059063/1497135840318097/?type=3&theater

[Sirop14]

President’s speech to the National Assembly

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=255076

[Sirop14]

Arid expresses concern over cases of missing persons

28-August-2017
The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy (Arid), through its chairman Jules Hoareau, has expressed its concern over the recent reported cases of missing persons.

The full text of a communique sent by Mr Hoareau to that effect reads:

“The Association for Rights, Information and Democracy is concerned with the recent reported cases of missing persons. It is the responsibility of the state to protect all its citizens and to uphold the charter on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

“Arid is calling on the government and the National Assembly to consider appropriate and immediate action on this issue. In line with the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance,we must take all necessary measures to ensure that disappearance constitutes an offence under our criminal law and in line with the declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in its resolution 47/133 of 18 December 1992.

“There are growing concerns from the citizens over the reported cases and the capacity of the police force to effectively investigate the matter. In addition to the two recent reported cases, over the past years we have had other outstanding cases of missing persons or enforced disappearance which the police have not been able to bring any closure to nor prosecute anyone connected to these cases.

“Arid is calling on the police force to review its protocol on ‘reporting of missing persons’ and to consider removing the time frame of 24 hours before an official report can be made and activated as a missing person. To enhance public awareness and sensitisation on missing persons and to establish direct links and network with regional police forces for timely intervention.

“We are also calling on the communities to assist the police with reliable information and to support family members of the victims.

“In conclusion, Arid commends all citizens involved in the civic search operations done especially in the case of Marvin Asba. As citizens, it is our obligation to assist all the relevant authorities and to report anyone involved in such criminal activities.”



Disclaimer:

The views expressed in this communiqué are those of the writer and association and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=255427

[Sirop14]

Ceps seeks to boost cooperation with Mauritian counterpart

06-November-2017


The Citizen Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) has for the past two years been pushing forward to have a regional platform for civil society that will allow civil society organisations within the region to network and mobilise funds together for common purposes.
During President Danny Faure’s State visit to Mauritius last week the vice- chairperson of Ceps, Jude Fred, who was part of the delegation, held talks with his counterparts from the Mauritius Council of Social Services (Macoss).
The president of Macoss, Paramasiva Chengan, along with the Macoss executive committee members, met Mr Fred.
During the meeting both parties agreed on the importance of strengthening their good relations through a memorandum of understanding that was signed in October 2015.
“This will be in the area of exchange between the two countries’ civil society organisations, sharing of best practices and enhancing the democratic values within the two countries,” Mr Fred said.
In the meeting both parties also agreed to finalise the regional framework.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=256413

[Sirop14]

Sanmenm pei bez annan CEO: CEPS inn annonse lapwentman Msye Michel Pierre Konman zot nouvo CEO, Msye Pierre pour ranplas Msye Marcel Roselie kinn demisyonnen dan son post depi le 31 oktob 2017, CEPS inn osi ofisyelman anons demisyon Msye Jules Hoareau Konman Chairman Board, li osi son demisyon ti pran lefe le 31 oktob, dapre menm kominike Jude Fred i ansemoman nouvo Chairman board par enterim, dan menm kominike inn annons demisyon trezorye lo board CEPS sa i Msye Steve thelermont, CEPS I espekte fer for AGM Le 30 Novanm 2017 .

[Sirop14]

Ceps chair and CEO resign

11-November-2017
• Michel Pierre new CEO

The board of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps) has announced the resignation of its chairperson as well as that of the organisation’s chief executive.
In a communiqué released yesterday, Ceps says Jules Hoareau has relinquished his position as chairperson effective October 31, 2017 while chief executive Marcel Rosalie ended his employment with Ceps as of October 31, 2017.
Meanwhile, the board of Ceps has appointment the vice-chair of Ceps, Jude Fred, as the acting chairperson while Michel Pierre has been appointed as the new chief executive effective November 1, 2017.
In emails sent to the board members, outgoing chairperson Mr Hoareau, stated that his decision is taken in the best interest of the organisation and on the principles of good governance.
He further stated that he has taken new responsibilities and given his current workload he cannot proceed on the extended mandate as per the adoption of the resolution in the last AGM held in April 2017.
However, Mr Hoareau remains an active member of the civil society.
Ceps has wished Mr Hoareau all the best in his future endeavours.
Ceps has also announced the end of the mandate of treasurer Steve Thelermont, as of November 8, 2017.
Ceps’ new CEO, Mr Pierre, has worked for the civil society sector for the last 10 years and he has a vast knowledge of the civil society sector, the operations and functions of a civil society platform.
Mr Pierre was the former projects manager of Lungos (Ceps’ predecessor) and former programmes & events manager of Ceps. Under his leadership he successfully managed the transformation project which transformed the Liaison Unit of Non-Governmental Organisation in Seychelles (Lungos) into the current Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (Ceps).
His appointment comes at an ideal time to re-look at Ceps’ medium and long-term objectives and develop the necessary goals, strategies and action plans for the realisation of the vision.
Ceps acknowledges the different challenges the civil society is facing but nevertheless it remains committed, active and engaged as a key partner in nation building

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=256490

[Sirop14]

Justin Freminot wins Ceps Volunteers’ Award 2017

▪ Germaine Gill, Chet Hoareau win 2nd, 3rd places respectively Justin Freminot, the chairperson of Haso and a dedicated volunteer for several decades, has clinched the Ceps Volunteers’ Award... Read More
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=256902

[Sirop14]

CEPS i anvoy en mesaz lannen
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=257156

[Sirop14]

Ceps discusses new strategic plan for upcoming years
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=257470

Letter to the Editor - The eyes of the ordinary man

30-January-2018
People of Seychelles, salve to put on your eyes, so you can see! Be mindful of the future, for the time is near, even nearer than we may think.
The time has come to wake up my people, remember what you have received and heard, obey the WORDS and repent. For if you do not wake up, our LORD will come like a thief; and you will not know at what time HE will come to you... Wake up, for the end is near…… (Reference: Rev 3:3)
Behold, the Eyes of the Ordinary Man perceive National Unity as one nation as a whole formed in a one complete nation. Many people of different castes live in the same nation. They speak different languages. They have different modes of living and different religions. In Seychelles we have a combination of Africans, Europeans, Asians, even Americans, etc. living together under ‘one roof’, as we continue our move forward towards a more unified country.
The Eyes of the Ordinary Man looks at power underpinned by unity, not through diversity. The ordinary man sees a thin thread as being very weak for even a child can break it. But when a number of threads are woven into a thick rope that an elephant cannot break, hence that what makes a feeble thread so strong. The eyes of the beholder see Unity as strength or power.
If beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, then the ordinary man, who is observing that beauty, gets to decide on what is beautiful. As a nation, we need to portray and endorse the beautiful sides of life to our people in meeting their aspirations and dreams.
Unity brings peace and development. If there is peace the development works can run smoothly throughout the country. We ought to have stability, permanence, solidarity in our undertakings and enhance the togetherness in our daily practices.
Nowadays, the ordinary man perceives that we have a sustainable peace but the development works has not been run to its full potential. There is still political instability and wrong ideology; people are being divided into groups in the name of constituency, castes and even religions. Our country has showcased poverty is increasing day by day and corruption is far more a reality than a perception upon the scrutiny of the Budget by the 6th Cohort of our National Assembly.
As the ‘National Unity Advocate’, I am urging my people to realise the value of National Unity, the need for us ALL as Seychellois to work together for the betterment of our Nation and country, as we take on the long and winding road of the Cohabitation period towards our common destiny. The eyes of the ordinary man foretell that on our own we shall not make it, but binding in Almighty Love and with the love for one another, spiritually we can achieve the impossible.
Let no man become a prisoner of his own will, stashed to the cage of poverty by virtue of corruption and lack of basic necessities. For our LORD, our GOD gave us all in abundance. The account of Genesis 1 and 2 makes it clear that God planned for humanity to enjoy the beauty, abundance and fruitfulness of creation.
In the idyllic setting of the Garden of Eden, the first humans found a rich, fertile place, and humanity was intended to prosper in every sense. GOD provides an abundance of resources and means for humans to flourish. God graciously provides exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think.
Genesis 45:16-28 shows us GOD’s abundant provision for His people. GOD provides for Jacob and his sons far beyond what they had ever dreamed.
The eyes of the ordinary man see National Unity as an important concept for our country’s welfare, with the three guiding principles for nation building. These are: - unity, faith and discipline. The beholder sees unity in the first place among the three, as this is the most precious principle to make rapid and lasting progress in collective life.
The feelings of national unity are crucial to lead the nation towards progress and prosperity. Unity promotes peace, love, compassion and respect in a nation. Where people are united, they can put efforts in elimination of vices like corruption, embezzlement of funds, fraud, money laundering, etc. It gives people a sense of security for they are able to know each other better and understand each other's sensitivity. Unity promotes co-operation and opens opportunity to excellence. The spirit of national unity and good governance plays a crucial role in enhancing the pace of a country's economic wheel. Various countries – those that are quite similar in terms of their natural resources and social structures -- have shown strikingly different performance in improving the welfare of their people. Much of these are attributable to national unity and ethical standards of governance.
The eyes of the beholder observed the ‘striking’ event which took place in Seychelles during the period of the New Year to January 8, 2018. The incumbent President Danny Faure started a weekly exercise initiative at Stad Popiler on Thursday January 4, 2018 in the evening, to bring awareness of the importance of regular exercise in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This in itself is a sense of encouraging Unity among the people of Seychelles through exercise.
Salutation: In winding up my write-up, I wish to extend my sincere praises to Dylan Sicobo (track and field star sprinter) who was crowned the Sportsman of the Year 2017 for the first time and our sporting model Lissa Labiche (high jump specialist) crowned as the Sportswoman of the Year for the third time.
A special mention of congratulation goes to our rising star Clementina Agricole for her tireless efforts, devotion and perseverance. She deserves much! Thumbs up & chapeau to all our athletes and sportsmen. You remain true eloquence of Unity through diversity in Sports and the Seychelles youth of today look upon you to continue to play the exemplary role as our sports ambassadors and of which your successes are being emulated by our young generations.

Jacob Terence Madeleine
Writer, National Unity Advocate

Disclaimer:
The views expressed in this letter are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Seychelles NATION newspaper.

[Sirop14]

Ceps elects new committee
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=258139

[Sirop14]

President Faure meets new CEPS chairman
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=258278

[Sponsored content]