Tribute to “a gentleman of honour and integrity” |14 May 2014

I would like to support the message of condolence President James Michel has sent to the Sauzier family concerning the demise of former Chief Justice André Sauzier at the age of 90.

As a Lawyer practicing at the Seychelles Bar, I, of course, came to know him when he was discharging the function of Attorney-General of Seychelles. As expected, from the office of the Attorney-General, he moved to become a Judge of our Supreme Court until he reached the position of Chief Justice.

Ever faithful to the Roman Catholic faith, André Sauzier was respected as a gentleman of honour and integrity and found all parties' acceptance when he was appointed as chairman of the Constitutional Commission which decided upon the Constitution of the Third Republic. Perhaps the greatest contribution he made at that time was his famous declaration, “Plus ça va, plus c'est la même chose”.

This is certainly a statement worth pondering upon and I am sure Maître Sauzier, on the eve of his departure from us, shared the view that things have considerably improved over recent years although, of course, we could always do with his blessing from above for more improvement.
Au revoir Justice Sauzier, au revoir Maître Sauzier, au revoir confrère, au revoir André, mon ami respecté.

Sir James R. Mancham, KBE