Remembering the late Sir James Mancham |10 January 2017

Following the sudden and unexpected death of Seychelles’ founding President James R. Mancham early Sunday morning, messages of condolences from friends, colleagues and acquaintances have kept pouring in.

Seychelles’ honorary consul general in Bulgaria Maxim Behar recalls a private party he organised on January 1, 2017 at the Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove where Sir James was one of his guests.

“Sir James came to the party with Lady Mancham in a very good mood and had a long conversation with all of my guests … among them Vice-President Vincent Meriton, Minister for Health and Social Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, secretary of state Barry Faure, among many others,” Mr Behar remembers. 

“I met him also in the morning on January 1 at a beach at Glacis and when he came out of the car he embraced me and said: ‘Today is a great day! Have you heard the New Year’s message of President Danny Faure?

He dropped June 5 as a National Holiday and I am happy I am alive to hear this...’ Yes, he was. But not today... Sir James was a man of great scale, the greatest I had ever seen.

Friend, teacher, mentor and personality which will stay forever not only in Seychelles history, but also in the memory of the whole world,” adds Mr Behar.

As for former tourism minister Alain St Ange, he heard the news of Sir James’ passing while on a working visit in Europe.

“Upon hearing the passing of Sir James, I was reminded of his Opinion piece published in the Seychelles NATION newspaper but some ten days ago under the heading: ‘Loustau-Lalanne and St Ange on the tourism road ahead’. His words remain an encouragement and has given me more determination than ever to seek support of the international community for my bid to become the secretary general of the UNWTO,” says Mr St Ange.

“Mancham had become very much a mentor for me. He understood the need for visibility and he appreciated the work the team at the tourism board was doing to keep the island’s tourism industry working with success. He was a leader who inspired others to succeed and at our meetings in my office or dinners at his residence I always realised that I was lucky to have Sir James as a friend. Today I say thank you Sir James. Your endorsement of my candidacy means so much,” adds Mr St Ange, quoting Sir James as saying: “In the spirit that Seychelles should reflect the sentiments of a small country, with a small population, which thinks big, I personally have no hesitation, at this time, to sponsor Mr St Ange’s candidature for the position”.

In her message of condolence, Lady Carla Davis, MPH, says it was with shock and much sadness that she learned “of the passing of my dear friend and fellow UPF Peace Ambassador and GEP Minister, Sir James Mancham, KBE.

“His extraordinary leadership, devoted hard work, and tireless efforts to revolutionise the world’s ideology, energy, and resources towards PEACE, CULTURE, and PROSPERITY have been an inspiration to everyone who yearns for a more peaceful, equitable, and socially just world. If only more leaders shared his VISION, CREATIVITY, and HEART, the world would be a much better and more beautiful place!

“Sir James was a unique Seychellois, leader, statesman, and global citizen. His knowledge, skills, diplomacy, and brilliant business acumen lifted standards, built bridges of harmony, improved everything he was involved with, and brought world renown to his small island nation. His many prestigious awards, VIOAS magazine and fascinating books that he authored, provide a small glimpse into the life of this remarkable man.

“Sir James will be sorely missed by those who knew him.

“May his unique spirit and legacy to make our world a better and more peaceful place, along with his philosophy of ‘Right is Might’ live on, for many generations to come.

“My deepest sympathy to his lovely wife, Lady Kate, Alex, Ben and other family members, his devoted staff, and the people of Seychelles. May your fond memories of Sir James help comfort you during this difficult time.

“My good friend and SSU/GEP colleague, Dr Reza Chowdhury, (from MD, USA) who recently met Sir James at the GEP in Sri Lanka, also sends his sincere condolences to Lady Kate and the family and staff of Sir James,” writes Lady Carla.

On behalf of the National Assembly of Seychelles, and its secretariat, the Speaker, Hon. Patrick Pillay, has also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the late Sir James.

“Sir James R. M. Mancham will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of working or interacting with him. He was an advocate of liberty, and champion of human rights.

“Seychelles has lost a great missionary of peace and unity, a true loyalist.

“May his soul rest in peace,” writes the Speaker.

On behalf of the leaders of the Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS), chairman Roger Mancienne has conveyed sincere condolences to the family of Sir James on his sudden passing away.

“The news has been a shock to all the people of Seychelles,” he says.

On behalf of the leaders and members of the party, Mr Mancienne acknowledges the unique role that the former President has played in the history of our country.

“He made his mark in national affairs when as a young lawyer, he stepped forward to form a political movement that played a prominent role in the history of our country. His achievement in taking our country into independence with a coalition government marked a milestone in political developments and was a symbolic contribution to the ideal of national unity.

“Former President Mancham will be remembered for his ebullient personality, and in a phrase that became synonymous with him, his joie de vivre.

“LDS recognises with respect, and pays tribute to, the life and political engagement of the former President,” writes Mr Mancienne.