Mancham keynote speaker at African leadership forum in Nairobi

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Mancham keynote speaker at African leadership forum in Nairobi

04-April-2016
Seychelles’ founding President Sir James R Mancham has agreed to deliver a keynote address at Mr Manchamthe launching on April 12 in Nairobi, Kenya of the Joint Leadership Programme between Common Purpose and World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid “African Venture – a programme for emerging leaders”.
The objective of the programme is to create a new generation of African leaders equipped to lead at both the local and global level as well as to establish a network of leaders who could work together across countries and continents.
Sir James’ address will focus on the importance of leadership in Africa.
Common Purpose is an independent international not for profit organisation dedicated to leadership development. It has an established track record of working with leaders from all sectors, backgrounds and generations. Its works spans countries as diverse as Germany, the UK, Hungary, Turkey, India, China, South Africa and Brazil, and includes countries at different stages of development – from well established democracies to countries in transition such as Zimbabwe and Libya.
The World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid is the world’s largest assembly of independent political leaders representing over 100 democratic former presidents and prime ministers from more than 60 countries who act globally by voluntarily bringing their unparalleled political insights, experience and unswerving commitment to democracy to support current leaders as they address the challenges of today and tomorrow. Sir James was elected a member of Le Club de Madrid some three years ago.
This important historic conference will take place at the famous Sarova New Stanley Hotel in central Nairobi. The Sarova Stanley launched itself into Kenyan history in 1902 by becoming the first luxury hotel in Nairobi and over the years hosted prominent world leaders, renowned authors and international celebrities.
According to the organisers, the idea behind the initiative is to create and promote a leadership programme to transfer knowledge, know-how and inspiration across the generations involving some of the most inspiring leaders in the world today. Through focus, personal privilege and generous interaction between the rising generation of leaders and former heads of state from the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid, the programme is intended to develop emerging leaders from countries – big and small, developed and developing, struggling ad striving, established and in transition – across the world.
In a statement yesterday morning Sir James, who will depart for Nairobi next Sunday April 10, said Seychelles and himself should be proud that he has been invited to play a leading role in this vitally important initiative at this critical time of world history.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248963

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Mancham to receive Africa Peace Award 2016 at Nairobi African leadership forum

07-April-2016
Sir James (right) with Ambassador Hailu

Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham, who was awarded at the beginning of the year the Africa Peace Award 2016, will ceremoniously be presented with this prestigious trophy at a reception at the Intercontinental Hotel on April 12, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya on the occasion of the launch of the Joint Leadership Programme between Common Purpose and World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid.
The decision to present the award to Sir James at the Nairobi forum has been taken by the Regional Director of URI-Africa, Ambassador Mussie Hailu, in common accord with Common Purpose and World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid.
In a statement yesterday morning announcing the presentation ceremony of the peace award, Ambassador Hailu, who is also the representative of URI at the AU Commission (AUC), Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and UN Office in Nairobi, Kenya, and Special Envoy of the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the AU on Inter-faith, Inter-religious and Inter-cultural issues, states: “The Award is presented to Sir James Mancham, Founding President of Seychelles in appreciation and acknowledgment of his tireless effort in promoting a culture of peace, inter-religious & inter-cultural harmony, constructive dialogue among civilisation, reconciliation, social justice, good leadership and for his visionary and extraordinary leadership in building the image of Africa globally and for being spokesperson for the interest of Africa at international platform as former African President.”
URI Africa established the Africa Peace Award to recognise the committed and effective leadership exercise to bring sustainable peace, environmental protection, developments, democracy and good leadership on the African continent. The award celebrates, acknowledges and honours the accomplishments of individuals and organisations who have exhibited extraordinary leadership to build a culture of peace, environmental preservation, reconciliation and harmony among different religions and cultures and respect the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and bring positive change in people’s lives.
Previous recipients of the Africa Peace Award include the African Union (AU); UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation); IGAD (Inter-Governmental Authority for Development), UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme); H.E. Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria; H.E. Girma Wolde-Giorgis, former President of Ethiopia; Archbishop Desmond Tutu; Rotary International and Mother Theresa’s Missionaries of Charity and World Public Forum.
The URI is an international interfaith peace organisation with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council working to promote enduring daily inter-faith cooperation to end religiously motivated violence and to create cultures of peace, healing and justice for the Earth and all living beings. URI has 775 member organisations in 95 countries.
Through its 182-member organisations from 31 African countries, the URI-Africa is cultivating peaceful coexistence among different religions and cultures by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and their environment. In brief the vision of the URI is to see a united, prosperous and peaceful Africa where there is no religious strife.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248997

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Mancham, ‘The apostle of national reconciliation’, heads for Nairobi to collect peace trophy

11-April-2016



Sir James R. Mancham Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham left Mahé yesterday on the way to Nairobi, Kenya where he will be presented with the Africa Peace Award 2016 which he was awarded in January this year by the United Religions Initiative (URI-Africa) for his contribution to peace in Africa and elsewhere.
The presentation will take place at a reception at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi tomorrow, Tuesday April 12, 2016, on the occasion of the launching of the Joint Leadership Programme organised jointly by Common Purpose and World Leadership Alliance-Le Club de Madrid.
In an interview yesterday morning prior to his departure, Sir James said that he would have preferred receiving the award in Seychelles among the Seychellois people but considering logistical consideration and time constraint, he was happy that the event was taking place in Nairobi.
“Kenya is the African nation with which Seychelles has been historically linked for many years before we opened our airport. I can also claim the honour and privilege of having represented the Seychelles at Kenya’s independence celebrations,” Sir James said.
Founding President Mancham said, as he departs for Kenya, he would like to thank the many friends and associates who have sent him messages of congratulations but he believes that the one received from his longtime friend and associate, Lawyer Daniel Belle, reflects, generally speaking, ‘a fair and objective background of what has led to the award’.
In a message delivered on Friday April 8, Maître Daniel Belle, who is also Honorary President of L’Alliance Française des Seychelles states –
“Sir James, my dear friend,
What tremendous pleasure I enjoy today in partaking in the great honour and gratification bestowed on you – the Africa Peace Price 2016. For over half a century, you have dedicated your energy to satisfy meaningful hard work and charismatic leadership, in politics, humanities and international relations and to humanize the resolution of political armed conflicts and civil strife.
From our remote little Seychelles, you have travelled to continents and cities far-and-wide, at times without respite, to profess the values and merits of peace within a nation and among nations. As an apostle of peace, you maintain your firm conviction that international conflicts should be resolved first and foremost by soft power and by the values of right and not might.
I recall that when you started in politics in the early 60s, the motto of your Seychelles Democratic Party was ‘Peace, Progress and Prosperity’. It followed that the leitmotiv of your government in the 70s was ‘a friend to all and an enemy to none’. After you were deposed, you flew high in foreign skies like the albatross, immaculately white and not tarnished. Your signatory tune was ‘La Paloma Blanca’, a biblical symbol of peace, silvery white, like the Hemmingway beard that carves your own face. A face on which there appears no signs of hatred, no yearning for dominant power, but the eternal friendly smile that wrinkles in unison the great lines of your own life’s history. A history, so far, made of leadership and compassion, songs and poetry, political and philosophical writing, letters, articles and speeches from which flows your political wisdom – the wisdom of the accomplished altar boy of Lodge Street, who read law at Middle Temple, was founder President of our Republic and later stood out as one of the most eminent founding fathers of our restored democratic Constitution of our Third Republic. I remember you drafted its Preamble all by yourself one night and it was approved with unanimity the next morning by the Constitutional Commission.
I recalled that upon your return from exile in 1992, before a politically polarised Seychellois nation, you controlled your calm and contained your passion. As the ‘apostle of reconciliation’, you looked at the greater picture and you resisted the spurring for quick uncertain political power and the uncalculated risks it could entail for the people.
You may have lost dominant political power in Seychelles but you have, statesmanlike, contributed tremendously towards the political stability and related happiness that you commended and that our country and people are still enjoying today.
And my dear friend and mentor, you will soon receive the Peace accolade of the leaders of Africa who have already adopted you as one of their eminent wise men. Like a Gandhi, a Desmond Tutu, and a Mandela, your name will resound and will be defined as that of the man of the Peace for which the majority of humanity is craving for, and for which the people of Seychelles are still blessed to be graced with.
Congratulations Sir James and Peace be on you, too.”
Asked for a comment on Mr Belle’s eulogical message, Sir James said – “In life our greatest glory exists not in never failing but in rising every time we fail.”

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249038

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Mancham calls for the re-activation of the ‘Spirit of Harambee’

15-April-2016






Seychelles founding President Sir James R. Mancham has called upon the Kenyan Nation, the African continent and indeed the whole world to rise up to the ‘Spirit of Harambee’ in order to meet the challenges of tomorrow and create a better world for all.
Sir James was addressing a distinguished audience of Kenyan and African leaders, of diplomats and religious leaders who had turned at the Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi to take part in a ceremony organised by the United Religions Initiatives (URI-Africa) working in association with Common Purpose International and the World Leadership Alliance-Le Club de Madrid to present to him the Africa Peace Prize 2016 as an integral part of a Forum on African Leadership.
The presentation ceremony was followed by a reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador Joseph Nourrice, the non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Seychelles to Kenya, on behalf of the government and people of Seychelles.
The Master of Ceremony for the occasion was performed by Rattan K. Channa, Trustee to the Global Council URI-Africa.
The programme kicked off with a video message from Carlos Westendorp, Secretary General of the World Alliance-Le Club de Madrid which is an association of over 70 former Presidents and/or former Prime Ministers of democratic nations of which Sir James has been a member for several years.
Mr Westendorp noted that since becoming a member, Sir James has been one of the most articulated and active members of the Club and that the Club therefore fully endorsed the decision taken for him to be awarded the Africa Peace Award 2016.
“This could indeed mark the beginning of more involvement by Le Club de Madrid on the continent,” concluded Mr Westendorp.
The presentation was followed by a statement by Dr Elsbeth Dixon, chief executive of Common Purpose Africa which has been spearheading cross boundary leadership training.
Dr Dixon expressed her gratefulness to Sir James for accepting to deliver a keynote address on the ‘Importance of leadership in Africa’.
She said that after listening to Sir James’ address in the questions and answers sessions, she now knows why he so fully deserves the Africa Peace Award 2016 and would wish to assure him of the full support and commitment of Common Purpose Africa with respect to the challenges ahead.
Ambassador Nourrice, on taking the floor, said that Sir James had contributed very significantly to the progress of his country Seychelles, through his policy of national reconciliation and has certainly enhanced the international standing of the Republic through his noteworthy participation in several peace-orientated international forums.
The Ambassador further noted that this point of view is fully supported by the congratulatory message that H.E. President James Alix Michel sent when it was announced that Sir James has been awarded the Africa Peace Award.
Ambassador Nourrice then expressed his appreciation to all the ambassadors and friends of Seychelles in Kenya including three former Mayors in Nairobi who had accepted the invitation to honour the occasion.
Eric Chinje, chief executive of the African Media Initiative, took the floor to read messages of congratulations which had been received from all corners of the globe. He said these constituted a volume which could run into several more hours than the time allocated to him. Sadly he said he would not be able to read all messages but these would be accessed on line.
However, he randomly selected a few that were read out among which included the message received from the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mr Smail Chergui; the former President of Ethiopia H.E. Girma Wolde-Giorgis and Rev. Dr. Andre Karamaga, the Secretary General of All Africa Conference of Churches, whose presence that evening was acknowledged. All three in their messages had fully endorsed President Mancham’s achievement and work for peace and reconciliation in Africa and many parts of the world.
A second batch of selected samples of messages read were from: David Krieger President, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, California, USA; Glen Forbes, Principal Oceanuslive News network; Nachiket Dave, Senior Advocate Supreme Court of India, New Delhi, India; Asaf Hajiyev, Executive Secretary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Corporation (PABSEC), Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey; Professor Negoslav Ostojic, Executive Director, European Center for Peace and Development (ECPD), Belgrade, Serbia; Ben Boultbee, Director of BBI Media, Film and Television Company, Australia;
Olivier Giscard d’Estaing, Chairman International Movement For Relations between States and Religions, Neuilly-sur-Seine, France; and Professor Dennis Hardy, Vice Chancellor, University of Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles.
Before presenting the peace award to Sir James, H.E. Ambassador, Mussie Hailu – Regional Director of URI-Africa and Representative of URI at the African Union Commission (AUC); Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD); United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA); United Nations Office in Nairobi, Kenya and Special Envoy of Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the AU on Interfaith, Interreligious and Intercultural issues, said that as a political activist on the continent of Africa he had followed the activities of Sir James throughout the years from the time he became the Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles, through his exile in UK, an entrepreneur and as a promoter of reconciliation between and within nations and his subsequent return to Seychelles after 15 years in exile as ‘an apostle of national reconciliation’.
“I have at all times been impacted by his wisdom, his sincerity, his commitment for peace for a better world and his love for humanity. These qualities of this great individual are clearly revealed further in his philosophy of peace of mind, his poetry and the books he has written,” said Ambassador Hailu.
In an atmosphere of wide applause from the audience, Ambassador Mussie Hailu called Sir James to the podium to receive the prestigious Award. Sir James was first presented with a trophy in the shape of the continent of Africa, the formal recognition as the recipient of the URI trophy for Africa for the year 2016.
He was then presented with a plaque in appreciation and acknowledgement of his tireless efforts in promoting of peace, interreligious and intercultural harmony, constructive dialogues among civilisations, shared security, reconciliation, social justice, good governance and for his visionary and extraordinary leadership.
The final decoration came by way of the gold medal as a symbol of peace-leader of the year.
Against the background of continued applause, Sir James was called upon to make his acceptance speech.
Sir James on taking the floor spoke about his connection with the African continent when he visited for the first time in 1947 as a young boy of only 8 years old and his parents took him and his brother on a visit to Kenya. It was then that he discovered the beauty and potential of this great country. Sir James was especially applauded when he said that it was in Nairobi that he first ate an ice cream in a restaurant called ‘Polar Bear’ and at that time also consumed a lot of Vimtos that was on the market several years before the arrival of Coca-Cola and Pepsi on the continent.
Against this colourful background of abundance and prosperity there was the sad reality that Kenya at that time was being ruled under the policy of colour bar, continued Sir James. He said that in this context the Europeans were at the top of the social political and economic ladder, the Indian immigrant in the second tier while the Africans were third class citizens in their own country. Not unexpectedly therefore, there was a rise of nationalism within Kenya with all tribes working together and in unity to seek independence.
“It was against this political climate that we saw the birth of the Mau Mau Movement under the leadership of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. Much water had gone under the bridge since 1947 and it is with great honour and privileged that I returned to Kenya in 1963 to represent the Seychelles at Kenya’s independence celebration under the leadership of Kenya’s first President, H.E. Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. At this time, the most popular song in Kenya was ‘Harambee’ and I learned from my African friends that the lyrics of the song professed that now that the British have left Kenya, all Kenyans should now work together in fraternal harmony to promote and consolidate stability, peace and prosperity in the interest of all. There lies the ‘spirit of Harambee’, a spirit calling for national unity and national harmony which today must be made to prevail not only in Kenya but in Seychelles, the African continent and the entire world,” declared Sir James.
In conclusion, Sir James took the opportunity to express his appreciation to Seychelles President James A. Michel for his congratulatory message but more importantly for moving forward towards a policy of reconciliation and national unity.
The appreciation also went to URI-Africa; Common Purpose Africa; World Alliance-Le Club de Madrid; the Embassy of the Republic of Seychelles in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and its Consulate in Nairobi, Kenya and the Honourable Jude Loveday of the Seychelles Consulate in Nairobi, Kenya – the five organisations immediately concerned with the presentation of the award ceremony – but also to other international organisations with which he has been engaged over recent years in the cause of peace and the creation of a better world order – The World Future Council (WFC) in Hamburg, Germany; The European Center for Peace and Development (ECPD) in Belgrade, Serbia; The Institute for Cultural Diplomacy (ICD) in Berlin, Germany; The Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI), in Manila, Philippines; The Global Energy Parliament (GEP) in India; The Global Peace Federation (GPF) in USA; The Commonwealth; The International Chief Justices of the World Conference in India; The Ocean Exchange in Savannah, Georgia, USA; The World Entrepreneurs Forum (WEF) in France and of course his involvement as an elected member of the Committee of the Wise and Elders of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
“Finally, of course, I must express my appreciation to my wife, family, friends and staff who have encouraged and supported me over the years,” said Sir James.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249088

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Mancham looks beyond peace award

18-April-2016


In our issue of April 15 we published an article entitled ‘Mancham calls for re-activation of the ‘Spirit of Harambee’ which mostly dealt with the ceremony concerning the presentation of the Africa Peace Award 2016 to Seychelles founding President James R. Mancham in Nairobi on Tuesday April 12. We have now received from the office of Sir James a collection of congratulatory messages which Sir James has received for the occasion. The following are excerpts of the messages:

The Right Honourable Patricia Scotland, Secretary General of the Commonwealth:

“…Many congratulations on the Africa Peace Award and my very best wishes for the Nairobi forum. This is truly a world deserved award and testament to your commitment to advancing peaceful and harmonious societies in Africa. It would be a pleasure to welcome you to Marlborough House when you are next in London.”

Dr. Sashi Tharoor M.P. Member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on External Affairs, India:

“Warmest congratulations Sir James on your peace prize.”

James P. Flynn, International President of the Global Peace Foundation:

“It is heartening to see Africa recognise your statesmanship and contribution to the stability of peace in Seychelles among other parts of the world… We thank you for your commitment to our shared cause of African leadership in peace-building and good governance.”

David Caprare, International Vice-President of Global Peace Foundation:

“Our entire global community of Global Peace Foundation extend heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of your Africa Peace Prize Award”.

David Krieger, President Nuclear Age Peace Foundation of California, USA:

”It is welcome news at the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation that Sir James R. Mancham, founding President of Seychelles, is being honoured on April 12, 2016 with the Africa Peace Award 2016, He is a man who knows the great value of peace.”

Glenn Forbes, Principal Oceanus Live News Network:

“Watching from afar over a number of years I have had the honour and great pleasure to communicate with and in a small measure act as a quasi advocate of Sir James Mancham’s works on a wide range of matters of humanitarian development and peace-building. That he has been once more recognised for the tireless work to promote the well being of those in a less fortunate position throughout the African continent is no surprise… I am a retired Royal Navy Officer, I salute you Sir.”

Charmeen Crozier, Common Purpose Africa Venture:

“A heartfelt thank you for dedicating your precious time to spend with the Africa Venture participants in Nairobi, Kenya. It was a true honour to be graced by your presence and to witness your acceptance of the peace award. You are a true inspiration and your humanitarian efforts are admirable.”

Nachiket Dave, senior advocate Supreme Court of India, New Delhi:

“Let me start by saying that the contributions of Sir James are truly a boon to mankind. Very seldom do we come across men of such high intellect and a heart full of love that they tirelessly devote their lives for the betterment of humanity… A splendid quote that I had read somewhere presently comes to mind which says: ‘Let’s pray for a world where the weak are safe and the strong are just. The same sentiments are echoed by the efforts which Sir James undertakes each day of his life”.

Asaf Hajiyev, executive secretary of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) Besiktas, Istanbul, Turkey:

“I have the honour to sincerely congratulate you on the occasion of being awarded the Africa Peace Award 2016. I remember with particular pleasure your memorable visit in March 2015 to the PABSEC international secretariat in Istanbul when you delivered an outstanding speech confirming your will to see peace reign all over the world.”

Squadron leader Ankur Naik, former ADC to the President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam and Mrs Pratibha Patil:

“Sir James, founding President of Seychelles, is serving as an example and an inspiration to many people in Africa and beyond for ensuring the return of peace, democracy and development on the African continent and is truly one of the 20th Century’s most remarkable personalities.”

Ben Bolbi, director of BBI media film and television company Australia:

“Sir James Mancham has worked tirelessly in many capacities to bring about change in the world we live in. Peace is a glimmer of light at the end of a very dark tunnel in these times. Those striving for that light deserve to be recognised, Congratulations Sir James on this prestigious award.”

Erna H. Athanasius, M.D. FAAP Consultant Paediatrician, Seychelles Ambassador for Women and Children:

“I wish to convey my heartfelt congratulations to Sir James R. Mancham on all his wonderful achievements and statesmanship. He is a man to look up to and a role model par excellence. I always enjoy our conversations and look forward to meeting him again in the future.”

Professor Negoslav Ostojik, executive director of the European Centre for Peace and Development (ECPD), Belgrade, Serbia:

“It gives me great pleasure to inform you how happy we at ECPD in Belgrade is with the news that you have been awarded the Africa Peace Award 2016. You have indeed worked tirelessly in the pursuit of peace and your recognition is well deserved.”

Georgina Dillon, Editor-in-Chief of Kreol International Magazine:

“This year’s Africa Peace Award must be viewed in the light of the prevailing situation in a world with great tension, numerous wars, unresolved conflicts and confrontations on many fronts and not least is the imminent danger of the spread of nuclear weapons, degradation of the environment and global warming. The proud Seychellois Sir James R. Mancham has lived an intrepid life, an adventure that is far from over. Always an advocate of peaceful international co-existence, Sir James has become a truly global citizen fully deserving of this year’s Africa Peace Award.”

Bashir A. Currimjee Gosk, chairman Currimjee Jeewanjee and Co. Ltd, Port Louis, Mauritius:

“I wish I could be present at the award ceremony to personally applaud Sir James for his world deserved recognition for his dedicated and sustained engagement in bridge building to bring about reconciliation, understanding and harmonious development among peoples of different nationalities, cultures and faith.”

George V. Itty, chief executive and co-founder of Nahtam, philanthropic, charitable and benevolent organisation based in Abu Dhabi, UAE:

“We would like to extend our congratulations to Sir James for the recognition. Nahtam will be publishing the good news on its network.”

Olivier Giscard D’Estaing, chairman International Movement for Relations Between States and Religions:

“We have been impressed with the writings of Sir James and the value of his wisdom. That is why our board of administrators has decided to invite him to become a member of the Comité d’Honneur of our association. We are therefore happy to congratulate him on the Africa Peace Award 2016 which he richly deserves.”

Professor Dennis Hardy, vice-chancellor of the University of Seychelles:

“I was delighted to read of your latest success. Many congratulations. Let us now move forward with the idea of Seychelles as a hub for peace studies. I look forward to discussing further.”

Igor I. Kandrashin, President World Philosophical Forum (WPF), Athens, Greece:

“The WPF board representing the most prominent philosophers of the Earth are glad and support the decision of the URI-Africa to present the Africa Peace Award 2016 to Sir James R. Mancham. This decision is taken when peace on our planet is in great danger.”

Anthony Okonmah, chief executive officer African Trade Development Centre, Florida, USA:

“We at the Africa Trade Development Centre send our sincere congratulations to you Sir James. Your years of devotion to peace and prosperity in Africa deserves this important recognition indeed.”

Sydney To, Seychelles consul general in Shanghai, China:

“My heartfelt congratulations to Sir James for his long time work contributing to peace in Africa and the rest of the world.”

Lady Carla Davis, MPH Nutrition, Cabinet Minister, Environment, Global Energy Parliament (GEP), Contributing Editor, the NZ Journal of Natural Medicine:

“Your extraordinary leadership, devoted hard work and tireless effort to revolutionise the world’s ideology, energy and resources towards peace, culture and philosophy are an inspiration to everyone who yearns for a more peaceful, equitable and socially just world. If only more leaders shared your vision, creativity and heart. In fact the world desperately needs more inspiring leaders, statesmen and women like you, Sir James.”

Professor Dr Eva Latham, President Human Rights Teaching International, The Hague, Netherlands:

“Sir James has, notwithstanding all the pains the contemporary world contains, inspire “we the people and the leaders from different nations, cultures, religions and continents to build a culture based on inclusive thinking. His books, articles, interviews, speeches and advice are a moral compass for each and everyone of us – Human Rights Teaching International is proud of your achievements and respectfully says to you congratulations on the Africa Peace Award which you so well deserve.”

Governing body of the Global Energy Parliament, India and with blessing from its founder, His Holiness Swami Isa:

“It is rare to find a committed public servant who after demitting office, continues to travel the world preaching his vision of peace and reminding world leaders about their responsibilities to the planet and its inhabitants. It is rarer still to find a former President so humbly willing to go to any length to promote the cause of peace in all corners of the globe – to Sir James peace is not an election slogan, it is his very life blood. The continuing struggles of Africa and Seychelles are immensely important to him and are given a gifted global spokesman through Sir James’ magnificent intellect, charisma, poetic passion and moving personal story.”

Questioned by Seychelles NATION as to how he sees the future, Sir James said that receipt of the peace award marks the ending of a chapter but with God’s blessing he is hopeful that there are other chapters to write in the history of his life.

He said that this week he will focus on the launching in Seychelles of the 3D film called ‘Aldabra Once Upon an Island’ which according to him will constitute the most important event of this year’s Carnaval de Victoria.

“The publicity fall-out from the film is going to be enormous and Seychelles tourism must be geared to cope with an avalanche of interest in our archipelago as the film is shown around the world. Tonight (last night) I’ll be entertaining the Czech producer, my friend Petre Keller of Starlight Pictures, producer of the film on Aldabra who will be accompanied by the film’s distributor from Hollywood Lise Romanof. The week after he hopes to have follow-up discussion with Professor Dennis Hardy of the University of Seychelles on his ideas of promoting a centre for peace studies under the aegis of the university. In between this and another long list of commitments he hopes to find the time to complete a new book he is writing about his connection with Africa which will be entitled ‘Smile, Beloved Africa, Smile’. But while Africa as a continent is on his mind, he will be praying and will continue to pray for the re-emergence and consolidation of fraternal harmony within our nation.”

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249127

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Founding Seychelles President feted for peace efforts

19-April-2016
Front row: Ambassador Mussie Hailu – regional director, United Religions Initiative Africa; Dr Elsbeth Dixon – chief executive officer – Common Purpose, South Africa; Sir James R. Mancham; Mrs Sharon Loveday – spouse of Seychelles consul general in Nairobi, Kenya; Maram Ambar – senior programme officer of Le Club de Madrid

Back row: Honourable Jude Loveday – Seychelles consul general in Nairobi, Kenya and H.E. Joseph Nourrice – Seychelles Ambassador to Kenya and Permanent Representative to the African Union

Seychelles founding President James Mancham was in Nairobi to receive the Africa Peace Award from the United Religions Initiative Africa, one of the many accolades since he quit power 39 years ago.

And the former Head of State is as humble as they come. There were no hawk-eyed body guards hovering around the former president or menacing police officers in sight. Kenyans used to straight-jacketed dignitaries had a field day taking selfies and group photos with the former president without being elbowed by mean-faced security men. He freely signed autographs for those lucky to grab a copy of his latest book titled: ‘Seychelles, The Saga of a Small Nation navigating the Cross-Currents of a Big World’. The 400-page book traces the transition of the Indian Ocean country from colonial rule to the peace and stability obtaining there today.

His acceptance speech was peppered with humour and statesmanship. “Peace has been illusive on our continent for myriad but surmountable reasons and that is why we have lagged behind,” he said.
“I was dislodged from power in a coup d’Etat after only 11 months at the helm and I went into exile for 15 years, but returned in the spirit of humility and reconciliation when invited back by President Albert Rene who had led the coup against me. I had no bitterness because I knew the cold war pitting the West against the East had a lot do with it. My goal was to help improve and transform the country from where it was. “Right from my ouster, I set to help not only my country but Africa as a whole understand that there was life after office. I soldiered on out there without engaging in activities that would undermine my motherland.”

Mancham was ousted by Rene, his childhood schoolmate and Prime Minister while on a trip to London on an official assignment. He had earlier served as Prime Minister under British Colonial rule. He reminisces: “That was the time I promoted tourism as a leading foreign exchange earner. I oversaw the creation of an airport that would allow easy access to visitors from around the world and boost tourism.”


http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249139

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