‘Let’s renew our resolve to continue building our country and nation as one’ |23 December 2016

The Leader of the Opposition, Wavel Ramkalawan, together with the other leaders of Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), extend the most cordial greetings to everyone in Seychelles on the occasion of Christmas. They express the best wishes for a joyous celebration of this day which is at the centre of our tradition and of the beliefs of the majority of the people of Seychelles.

Their message for the occasion reads:

“As we know from events around the world, the spirit of unity and peace in a country is not something that is guaranteed. It is a precious gift that we must work to receive and preserve.

“On this day, we are thankful that as a nation we have lived together in peace. Although differences have come, we have shown that we can overcome them.  We hope that on this day, everyone will renew their determination to continue with the work to build our country and nation as one.

“This year has been one in which we have faced particular challenges. We have tried to meet them with sincerity and wisdom. If we continue in this spirit we will succeed in overcoming these challenges and in building a better future for everyone.

“In that spirit, we dedicate our prayers to all those who suffer from civil strife around the world and hope that the light of peace and understanding will in the end shine to overcome the bitter divisions that exist.

“One of the lessons that guide us is that we live not only for ourselves but for others. And it is in our concern for others that we show the best of ourselves. Christmas symbolises this belief in the acts of giving and sharing. But let us not forget that the tradition of an exchange of gifts is only the symbol of our expression of care and love which should extend not only to our families and friends but to all around us.

“We know that we cannot reach everybody, but let us be determined to extend our compassion as far as we can. In our thoughts and prayers, let us remember those who are not in good health, those who face need and poverty, those who are the victims of injustice or unkindness and those who suffer from misfortune or mistakes in their lives.

“We take the occasion to offer our hand in friendship to all those in our country with whom we may be set apart because of our differences, whether political, religious or social.

“We extend these wishes to everyone in all our communities also on behalf our members of the National Assembly and our representatives.

“May our country and people continue to be blessed with the grace of the Almighty.

A Joyous Christmas to everyone.”