Seychelles – ‘a blessed nation united in diversity’ |19 June 2010

He made this declaration in his speech for the country’s 17th National Day at the Stad Linite in the presence of the guests of honour, Commonwealth secretary-general Kamalesh Sharma and his wife Babli.

“We are a blessed nation, the descendants of people from different continents,” said Mr Michel.
“We are a people who are the keepers of a country that is small in land area but with immense natural beauty. We are a people whom the world describes as warm and welcoming.”

The President said Seychelles is a small country that has not been spared the effects of calamities or world crises, but the key to the country’s success is the harmony enjoyed by its people.

“Our social, racial and religious cohesion has always been the assurance of our prosperity and progress. It is our unity in diversity that in the most difficult times enabled us to remain strong and full of hope,” he said.

A new generation of Seychellois is taking the country on to its next level of development by building on the achievements of the generation that fought for independence and liberation, he added.

“We need always to have a new way of doing things, with an approach that is innovative and sincere,” said Mr Michel.

“Our country has known much success. But we cannot simply remain where we are, say that we have done enough and that we don’t need anybody anymore. The world changes, people change and we, too, have to stay abreast of the realities of the world.

“Our National Day reminds us of the most important values we need to have – unity and harmony – in order to enjoy a higher quality of life.

“Our country is undergoing a transformation. We are seeing a Seychelles that is more open and a society that is more diverse. We are seeing a lot of consultation and debate at all levels. And we will continue to create the conditions that will enable our young democracy to develop further.”