Exhibition commemorating President James Michel’s 10 years in office |15 April 2014
‘Outstanding successes by a remarkable man’
Vice-President Danny Faure has described the ten years of President James Michel in office as “a remarkable achievement by a remarkable man”.
Vice-President Faure said this when officially launching a photo exhibition commemorating this milestone.
The exhibition, launched at State House yesterday morning, is a tribute to the many achievements, success stories and hard work by the President over the last ten years.
Attending the ceremony yesterday were President Michel himself, former President James Mancham, Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Speaker of the National Assembly Dr Patrick Herminie, Chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, the President of the Court of Appeal Justice Francis MacGregor, ministers, Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet, Attorney General Rony Govinden, members of the National Assembly and of the diplomatic corps, and other high government officials.
Vice-President Faure said the occasion needed to be celebrated with joy but above all with a great sense of pride.
“A decade in the highest office is no mean feat. Ten years at the helm of our small but determined nation shouldering the responsibilities of meeting its expectations and realising its aspirations.
It is a remarkable achievement by a remarkable man,” said Vice-President Faure.
“Today we salute you, we pay tribute to your leadership and we celebrate with you this great accomplishment,” he added.
Vice-President said ten years have gone but however five words uttered by President Michel on Wednesday April 14, 2004 have not been blown away in the wind. The five words are ‘Judge me by my actions’ which he described as a very striking statement made then and which is still being realised to the fullest today as the photos on display in the exhibition speak for themselves.
“Making such a bold statement demands a strength of character, a spirit of great determination and a willingness for one’s decisions and actions to be questioned, to be weighed. Judge me through what I do is being courageous enough to lay oneself open to critics, but it is a statement that calls for transparency in one’s work and responsibility and accountability for the results,” said Vice-President Faure.
The vice-president noted that judging has an aspect of appraising, of evaluating and pointing out the weaknesses so that shortcomings can be adjusted and gaps filled, all in the spirit of wanting the best for Seychelles and the Seychellois people.
He said the statement also echoes the principles of democracy, asking to be questioned and being ready to listen, to respond and to deliver.
“This is what has happened during the past ten years. The nation has been consulted; citizens have taken part in decision-making and their views have been sought, listened to and taken into account,” said Vice-President Faure.
The vice-president said the exhibition depicts different distinct stages, eye-opening aspects and interesting episodes of President Michel’s remarkable ten-year journey with each of the photos being very compelling pictures telling a different story, capturing moods and moments; evocating of the nation coming into life; of promises made and accomplished; of the dedication, warmth and passion and wisdom of the leader, trust, love, fellowship of the people and the respect and high esteem of international community.
The theme and content of the exhibition are invitation to the viewers for active engagement and interaction, said Vice-President Faure, inviting all present to embark on this journey spanning ten years of progress, of achievements, of challenges overcome, of constitutional reforms implemented, of strategies adopted for economic recovery and growth, creating a more favourable environment for business and investment.
He also mentioned the major efforts invested in cementing international relations and advocating for environment conservation and protection in championing the cause of small islands developing states, in promoting the concept of the blue economy and strengthening our democracy, always with the same vision of wanting the best for the Seychellois people.
He invited all present to continue to reflect on and to continue keeping the theme of the exhibition in focus, describing it as an ongoing call which is taking us forward, ensuring a bright future for us all.
“The challenge taken on by our head of state ten years ago is relevant today and should live on as it is a shining example of a vibrant democracy. ‘Judge me by my actions’ should become the challenge of each one of us,” concluded the Vice-President, thanking President Michel for leading by example.
Yesterday’s ceremony also included a short drama performance on the achievements, success stories and opportunities under President Michel’s ten years in office by five school children from four primary schools and who were born on April 14, 2004 – Juliette Balette from Takamaka, Ryan Barbe (Bel Ombre), Diane Larame and Marsha Sinon (Beau Vallon) and Nashila Morgan (Au Cap).
The president interacting with the five schoolchildren born on April 14, 2004 who took part in the short drama performance
The exhibition itself falls under various themes like the President’s diplomatic activities both local and international which depict meetings with foreign leaders; Dynamic and Transparent Government showing local activities he has been involved in; Harmony; National Security; Style and also a section which shows the various awards he has received under international recognitions through the Seychellois people; Dialogue; Democracy, Climate Change; Fostering Youths, to name some.
Starting today, the exhibition will move to the first floor of the International Conference Centre (ICCS) until Thursday April 17. It is expected to attract people from various work organisations in the town area.
From there, the exhibition will travel to Anse Boileau and Bel Ombre, targeting people living in the south and north respectively.
It will afterwards move to Praslin and La Digue, where it will end on April 30.