President Michel launches new book |15 April 2014

‘Island Nation in a Global Sea: Making the new Seychelles’ is the title of a new book written by President James Michel.

A collection of speeches and analysis of those speeches, the book is the third from the Seychelles’ president after ‘A Man of the People’ (2010) and ‘Distant Horizons, My Reflections’ (2011).
The book was officially launched in a short ceremony at State House yesterday evening.

Former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Herminie, Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, President of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor, ministers, members of the National Assembly and other guests had honoured the president-writer with their presence.

The launch was part of activities marking President Michel’s 10 years in office.

Mr Michel said his new book recounts an extraordinary story of the many challenges and sacrifices in the making of the New Seychelles and the Seychelles brand and also of the delivered promises of the past 10 years.
 
He however added that it is the story not only of himself, but also of the people of Seychelles.

He stated this same reason for writing the book.

“It is in this way that the march along this historic road could be documented. […] I have drawn on a selection of my speeches and these are included in the volume as well as the narrative. Yes, in part this is a story of my own presidency. 

But it is, no less, a story of the part played by all Seychellois. It tells of how far we have come in embracing and confronting the challenges of globalisation, of how far we have come along the road to the New Seychelles," said President Michel.

He added that the book charts the history of Seychelles in the modern world, as an island nation with an international reputation.  

"It is about the transition of our nation to a knowledge-based economy.  It is about the responsible use of the ocean’s resources. It is about responsible and transparent government.

It is about the reinforcement of our democratic institutions. It is about national unity and harmony. I look back to the past 10 years but also forward to the future.  The story continues to unfold. And I have no doubt that you will continue to be part of it."

The book was introduced by respected lawyer, politician and chronicler Bernard Georges. Mr Georges said that the new book serves a purpose for being an important record of the last 10 years in the history of the nation.

"It serves to nail you to a particular benchmark […]. This benchmark will serve as a pivot for two things – for those who wish to build on your ideas to have a foundation on which to work to, but no less  important, for those who wish to criticise your methods to have a reference point for doing so. Both are equally important for it is the lot of the politician and leader to stimulate both followers and detractors to greater things, for the greater good," said Mr Georges.

During the evening, President Michel presented signed copies of his new book to his guests.
 
The 400-page book will be put on sale in Seychelles soon.