President Ramkalawan reflects on his two years in office   |20 October 2022

President Ramkalawan being interviewed by our journalist Laura Pillay

‘I am positive about the direction in which Seychelles is heading’

Two years on from his historic election win, Seychelles NATION caught up with President Wavel Ramkalawan to recap his experience over the past couple of years in the hottest seat of the land, and his outlook for the remaining three years of his mandate.

Mr Ramkalawan succeeded at securing the presidency on his sixth attempt, racking up 54.9 percent of all valid votes cast on October 22 to 24, 2020, thereby ousting United Seychelles’ (US) Danny Faure, to become the fifth president of Seychelles.

The opposition’s winning streak extended as far as the legislation, as his political party, Linyon Demokratik Seselwa (LDS) also claimed a National Assembly victory, securing 25, or two-thirds of the seats, over US’ 10 seats.

Seychelles NATION: As you approach your second year milestone in office, what has been the highlight for you thus far?

President Ramkalawan: It is difficult for me to identify one or two things, as it has been like a voyage. This voyage started off in 2020.

We must always remember where we were in October 2020, something which a lot of Seychellois have forgotten. In October 2020 the majority of businesses were not operational, and it was through the Financial Assistance for Job Retention (FA4JR) that most people were receiving their salaries. A number of people had also lost their jobs, and a USD ($) was at R22. Government’s account was almost at zero, because there was no revenue. The airport was closed, Seychellois were unable to move, and we were all wearing a mask and somewhat lost. This is the situation in which we came into government; we could not even have a proper celebration.

It is now, two years on, that we will be holding a celebration, but, of course, the excitement is not as it would have been when we had just claimed a victory in the elections. It is for that reason that I describe it as a journey.

In relation to public health, we had all the restrictions, we had a curfew, and we have tended to forget this. We had economic problems, our children were not going to school. As such, all the restaurants, bars and discotheques had closed, so we were almost like prisoners in our own homes. Therefore, we have been on a journey together, and I have been here to guide us on this journey, in the position that the Seychellois citizens have entrusted me in.

The journey towards vaccination, the journey towards giving people back the sense of confidence to face Covid, which had by then been transmitted to the community, for us to reopen the country not too long after, in March. And for us to, towards the end of 2021, manage to bring 189,000 visitors back to our country.

And when I look at certain programmes which could not even be initiated due to lack of funds; housing programmes, programmes relating to the development of our people. We had to suspend the thirteenth month salary because we lacked the funds. In terms of hospitals, we only had the Victoria Hospital and Anse Royale Hospital, and when we had admissions, we discovered that if we focused only on Covid, we would not have been able to admit patients suffering with other illnesses. Therefore, for us to build another hospital at the Coastguards over a 17-day period, to have a facility comprising 40-beds for our patients, this meant that the Victoria and Anse Royale hospitals could go on as usual.

And then of course, through donations, we managed to build a hospital of 60-beds in 27 days. Of course, vaccination and everything else that worked, we have been blessed, as up until now we are yet to pay a cent for any vaccines.

And despite all of this, we have managed to complete housing projects which had started and which had been stalled due to funding issues. We have managed to send two cohorts of students, and let's think back to 2020 when nobody was sent to university. We had taken this as a commitment and in 2021, amid all the difficulties, we managed to send all of our students to university.

We have also managed to, despite all the difficulties, placed emphasis on health. Of course, our local services were under immense pressure but, still, for those who needed medical assistance, we even chartered Air Seychelles to transport them to India to undergo their treatments.

If we are looking at freedom of expression, how these days Seychellois feel much more free to express themselves. We no longer hear of victimisation, that one did not secure a job because of their political colours, or that they were dismissed for such a reason. For me, in a certain sense, all of these are accomplishments, and where we have also been recognised majorly internationally.

These days, concerning the environment, as soon as Seychelles is mentioned, they know there is a strong voice, and even for me, the way I have been welcomed – for instance for the United Nations (UN) to have me on a High-Level committee  – this once again is recognition of what Seychelles is doing.

Socially, the fight against drugs, encouraging people to take their jobs seriously, to move off welfare and to get a job, but at the same time, people have not really understood this. They have seen it as a means of us punishing them, but we are not punishing them. The only way for us to build a nation is for the nation to rise in the morning and head to work.

So, it has been an adventure in itself, but I am happy that today a USD is R15 and a Euro (€) is also around R15 as well. I am talking to you without a mask, and in general, we are making good progress.

Seychelles NATION: Having fought relentlessly for thirty years to reach this seat, is it what you were expecting it to be?

President Ramkalawan: I did not expect that things would be as bad as when I started out. In fact, I used the expression ‘kales kase’ and it is true.

Looking at how decisions were being taken, when we look at how Seychelles has lost a lot of money and assistance which we were given but that we failed to follow-up on. If we consider that there is still some feet-dragging, which causes frustration, but these are all things that we need to look into.

I see that, and today, the cabinet continues to see it, when it comes to certain things, it's like everyday there is a new discovery.

Therefore, I did not expect it to be this bad, but, I am a worker, I like to give all of my energy. When I make a commitment, it is always 100 percent, so I am happy to see that we are moving, but, of course, people, because they have been through these experiences, expect things to happen quickly. But, it doesn't work this way, and I am happy that we are also involved in many projects, and these projects have to do with the Seychellois nation.

For example, in terms of fisheries, today, under our administration, we have opened a new market at La Retraite, Glacis has a market, Cascade has an extraordinary facility which opened only recently, on Praslin there is an ice plant at Grand Anse. We have another market facility opening soon, which is nearing completion.

At Anse à la Mouche, we have opened a bay for the fishermen. During the two years we have not heard of fishermen encountering difficulties in getting ice, something which we heard often in the past. Today, there is ice on La Digue, Praslin has ice and Mahé has ice for all the fishermen. On La Digue, we are about to start digging the bay for the fishermen, and we are erecting pontoons so that they can properly moor their boats.

Still talking about La Digue, the new hospital, which was a promise for over 20 years I think, today, the hospital is progressing and early next year we will open the new La Digue hospital.

At the port on La Digue, we are constructing new facilities to separate cargo operations from passenger operations, something which will serve to decongest the area. A sewage system is being installed for the entire La Passe area since the water on La Digue currently is polluted. And hopefully, we can sort this out.

Now, we are going towards photovoltaic electricity production, to make La Digue 100 percent green. Regarding the schools, we are signing the final documents to commence the construction at the soonest.

And even on Mahé, on the highway we have seen four lanes, even if there were some challenges. The new West Coast road is about to start. There have been many projects. As of now, as announced by the minister (Billy Rangasamy), numerous housing projects are about to start.

The way I see it, the past two years, we were still working to reconstruct the foundations. And during the same time that we were reconstructing, we have ensured to strike the balance to cut costs so we can fix it all.

Today, our economy is faring well, and inflation is less than what we were expecting. Our growth is higher not only in terms of Africa, but probably globally, in this difficult time.

So far this year, we have already received over 230,000 visitors, and next year, hopefully, God will bless us and we will get more. So, yes, it has been challenging, but, we have come to change a difficult situation into a better situation; even if people do not necessarily see all of this, and people complain because of a small frustration, because they called an office and did not get a response. But I want to tell Seychellois that we must always look at the big picture, for us to see how we can move forward.

It is also important for us to note that our democracy today is solid, and we see a lot of things happening. People feel free, whether it is on the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation's (SBC) platforms, which was considered as a station controlled by State House in the past. SBC is now free to make all sorts of programmes, journalists are not asked to go and cover this and that, but they are free to make their choice. They are free to do this, and in general, this is what resulted in Seychelles coming out top on the African continent. Journalists have no fear, as we changed the law and removed criminal defamation.

I personally see positive things before me. I am positive about the direction in which Seychelles is heading, and I think that for the remaining three years of my mandate, we will witness many more positive things.

Seychelles NATION: The past two years have required a number of tough decisions. How do you go about making such tough decisions?

President Ramkalawan: Well, firstly, it is about knowing what direction you want to head in. I was elected based on a manifesto, and I remain true to our manifesto, which guides me in decision-making.

Secondly, I realise at all moments that I was elected to be the President for all Seychellois. Therefore, in my decisions, I don't focus on political considerations, because when you do, you are always thinking ahead to the upcoming elections. I am not thinking about the upcoming elections, but I am focusing on Seychelles, and working for Seychelles. This is the mandate I was given.

When it came the time for us to phase out the Unemployment Relief Scheme (URS), it was a serious political decision, since there were many youths on the scheme. If I made decisions with politics in mind, I could have said no, to not touch it but to instead inject more money there, since these youths will in a few years be casting their votes, and that I want them to vote for me. But, I did not take the decision based on political consideration, instead, I analysed what is best for the country.

When we decided to cut the FA4JR, despite the effects on businesses, the country was unable to sustain this, so a decision had to be made.

All decisions taken by me, and taken by my government, have not been based on politics, which is why we have been able to reach such decisions. Looking back, these were some important decisions, I am happy that I took these decisions.

Today, I am happy that many more people are joining employment, businesses are faring very well. This is what has motivated people to become aware that it first and foremost starts with them. I want to continue with this dialogue that is not up to the government. A significant proportion of people are changing the mindset that if they want to grow cassava, the government will provide them with their first piece of cassava. We need to change this mentality, and I would like that this is a part of my legacy, that I helped the Seychellois nation to stand on their own two feet without thinking of the government, who will surely step in with its safety net to assist in the event that they fall.

If we can become people who are focused, I don't think anything can stop us as a nation.

Seychelles NATION: Is the Seychelles in which we are living the same Seychelles which you had envisioned?

President Ramkalawan: We are heading there. It is a work in progress; things are working and I would say that we are heading in the right direction.

I like to listen to people's reflections about Seychelles, but, at the same time of course, I am conscious of the frustrations that people have. This is where we are emphasising on performance. It is the performance of public servants which will serve to remove the frustrations of the nation. When a receptionist who is supposed to answer calls does not do so, unfortunately it reflects on the government, and on me. I understand the frustration when a document takes too long to be prepared. It is an ongoing journey, and we are starting off with the thirteenth month pay, whereby 50 percent is based on performance. One can get 100 percent, but to do so, we must deliver.

We are emphasising on performance, and as from next year, we will go all out in being performance-based. I hope that all this will help to bring about this transformation.

Seychelles NATION: The global political landscape is marred by disinformation and propaganda. Is this undermining or affecting your presidency?

President Ramkalawan: I am very aware of what is going on and I will not act as though I do not. A campaign is being financed by individuals involved in the missing USD 50 million case, and they want to give the impression that I initiated the case, that I am leading a witch hunt. They are tarnishing Seychelles’ image. Luckily, we are also reacting, and whenever it is necessary that we correct certain things we do. Luckily, large media houses contact us prior to publishing certain information, and we can give them the other side of the story.

In relation to the missing USD 50 million, when I have been accused of leading the witch hunt, we have made it clear that the incident happened so many years ago, and that it was the previous administration, former President Danny Faure, who initiated the investigation, and contacted the European Union (EU) and UK government. When I came into administration, all of these processes had already started.

It was Mr Faure who changed the Seychelles Marketing Board (SMB), now the Seychelles Trading Company (STC) liquidators, which is what opened up the avenue for a broader investigation. When I came, the investigation had already commenced, and I did not interfere in it.

During the investigation, arms were also discovered. Let us not forget, that in 2021, I, unknowingly, but with a mind to collect unlicensed firearms and ammunition, gave a week-long amnesty for any individuals with arms to come forward. If Mr Valabhji and his wife had come forward with information that they have arms, they would have benefited from the amnesty, and there would not have been a case commencing in December. We offered an amnesty.

There was also an article about how I was financed by Russia, but the individuals named are those who were granted nationality by the former government, under Article 5.1 of the Immigration laws. I am yet to grant a single person nationality under Article 5.1. However, the media does not necessarily cover this. The only people who have been granted nationality under me are those who have married a Seychellois for fifteen years or over; these are the only citizenships which I have approved. I think that the National Assembly will clear this up, and the minister can come and clarify.

So, yes, there is an ongoing campaign that is trying to tarnish Seychelles’ reputation, but I think this is out of desperation. These people want to give the impression that there is no justice.

Seychelles NATION: How has your administration set the scene for, first of all, the major corruption case before the judiciary, and the recently filed petition by the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, Ombudsman and Bar Association who are challenging the Tenth Amendment?

President Ramkalawan: Both of these go to show that I do not interfere in the work of these institutions. If I interfered with the Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS), there could have been certain corruption and things could have been swept under the carpet as was the case before. Otherwise, I could have cautioned certain institutions not to act, but, it all goes to show that the Seychelles we live in today is one where these institutions are free to discharge their functions. This is encouraging to me.

For instance, the court case against the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which is being challenged on the grounds that it is unconstitutional, I laugh it off sometimes. When I was in the opposition, I was the one who brought cases to court. When there was the Public Order Act, I did not have the Ombudsman or Bar Association coming forward to file a case to challenge the law as unconstitutional. Those two institutions were, however, in existence, although the SHRC has only recently been established. I fought the cases in court, and I won. But I am happy to see that these institutions are taking cases to court, and I say to them ‘That’s the spirit. Let us continue’.

I am glad that these institutions are playing their roles because of the things I have always said, even when I was in the opposition is that we must not place our trust in people, but to place our trust in institutions. Let us establish strong institutions that will help us to move forward. I wish them the best of luck before the courts, and let the judicial system decide on the merit and come to a conclusion.

At the same time, this does not stop me from thinking how when the law was passed to effect changes to the Defence Forces Act to give authorisation to the Coast Guards, a branch of the Seychelles Defence Forces, to make arrestations at sea, which is effectively the work of the police, nobody brought the matter to court. Is there a difference then between soldiers on a vessel, and soldiers on land? These are all things that cause me to laugh a little, considering the contradictions.

Nothing much has changed. During the Covid pandemic, the Tenth Amendment had not yet been introduced, but who carried out patrols with the police? Was it not the military? Who guarded the quarantine centres? Was it not the military? Who set out to stop vessels carrying drugs into our country? In fact, looking at two of the biggest drug busts, they occured before the Tenth Amendment came into force.

The work continues. The military have always assisted the police in different circumstances and what is happening now involves nothing more than usual. It is just a matter of some people making noise because they have the platform to do so. But, I have work to get on with, and I need to eliminate drugs in our country.

Recently, a Brazilian national was arrested with 6 kilogrammes of cocaine, followed two days later by a Tanzanian with 3 kilogrammes of heroin. A Nicaraguan national was also arrested with 6 kilogrammes of cocaine during the morning, while a Nigerian was arrested the same afternoon after ingesting bullets of cocaine. This is what we have set out to do.

I am working for Seychelles. I just came from consultations with the EU, and we were applauded for the way we are handling human rights in general, democracy and freedom of the nation, and how we respect our people’s rights and freedoms. Seychelles is considered as the number one country on the African continent regarding human rights. For those who think we have human rights abuses, I would tell them to take a little tour of the continent. We no longer hear of police personnel abusing people’s rights as we would hear and see in videos a while back. This is no longer the case, and we no longer hear of people being incarcerated for no valid reason.

This is what the journey is all about, working to put our country on the highest possible standard, to respect human rights and move forward.

Seychelles NATION: How would you describe your administration, considering rumours of fall-outs within your political party?

President Ramkalawan: Members of the National Assembly (MNA) form part of the legislative branch of government, while I am in charge of the executive. Of course, MNAs are also dealing with their constituents, so automatically, they have to question certain decisions. We have no restrictions on the questions and it is evident from the sessions that they sometimes ruffle the feathers of cabinet members. Of course this is because they wish to see progress within their districts.

Even as a high-official within the LDS party, I do not interfere in their work. When we have consultations, for instance if government is proposing a new law and they are seeking clarifications, or if there is a point the party wants to make known, there are discussions, which is perfectly normal. I have not divorced from the LDS party. LDS and I are happily married.

In fact, on October 3, I, along with the MNA’s went back to the National Library, to commemorate the day that we were beaten when we were fighting for freedom of expression. 

We need to, in Seychelles, come to the understanding that when you have a responsibility, and I have one, it is not the case that we must always agree with one another. We can talk it out and try to find a way forward, as you are striving to satisfy your constituents. They are the ones who know of the issues affecting their public and then they bring this to my attention. It does not mean that because they pose questions or disagree with something in the assembly that they are against the government, or that we are fighting among ourselves. Rather, it is a healthy situation that we are able to continue this dialogue.

Seychelles NATION: If the elections were held tomorrow, are you confident that you would be reelected?

President Ramkalawan: If the population weigh things up properly, I think I would be reelected. Let us remember that my mandate is for five years and I have just reached the two-year milestone. I have three years left ahead.

If someone has been given five years to construct a house, but comes across various other problems when digging the foundations, it would not be fair to say that he is yet to construct the house after two years. I have not been given two years to build the house, but have been given five years, and I will build the house which I have promised to the Seychellois people. I hope that the people go back to the manifesto.

I am happy that I was elected under the theme ‘Seychelles for all of its children’, and I will on this day say that I have kept my loyalty to the theme, and I am loyal to the theme. Up until today, all Seychellois have the confidence that they have kept their jobs, regardless of their political affiliation. I have signed off to renew the contracts of numerous high executive officials even if some of them did not vote for me. But, this is not what interests me. What interests me is the unity of the Seychellois people, respect for each citizen, and confidence in their ability to work for the Seychellois people.

All those working within the government, I tell them that they are not working for Wavel Ramkalawan, but they are working for Seychelles and the Seychellois people. Let us serve this nation well.

Seychelles NATION: Do you feel that the nation is united?

President Ramkalawan: I think the Seychellois people want to head in a certain direction. We are united in the sense that we all want a satisfactory standard of life, we do not want disagreements and fighting, and we want peace. We want to be able to have distractions, for our children to grow up well, so that our children get the best possible education and that they don’t go into a life of drugs. We have a common dream, you, me and everyone, has the same dreams for their families. 

But unfortunately, I feel that there are certain people who presently want to divide us. As such, rather than analysing and working things out, we find dividing factors to cause people to fight. In fact, if we used our energy, we could take our country from where it is now and bring it much further ahead, and we could even go as far as transforming politics. We could transform politics in the sense that elections are not a cause for fighting among us, but rather, an opportunity for us to listen to the different agendas and plans. It would then be left up to Seychellois to decide what they truly want and focus on what the politician is bringing to the table, and how it would benefit them and their families.

Seychelles NATION: What have you got to say about the criticisms regarding your government’s performance?

President Ramkalawan: I want to remind all Seychellois that everything is done transparently these days. One of the criticisms is the allowance for ministers to suit up, but is it not nice when we have a visiting EU delegation who are so well-dressed, and we are these days up to par? For us to get there, we needed to invest some money.

What is interesting is that these allowances are not reserved only for the executive, but the National Assembly are also beneficiaries. We do not want our NA members, when travelling abroad to represent us at the Pan-African Parliament, or a Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) meeting overseas, do so in a tired little shirt. We want them to ‘represent’ us nicely. This is a part of our culture.

If we look back in time, we have traditionally dressed up. Our men dressed up and suited up to attend church and special events, and the same applies to our traditional clothing.

It is all transparent, and no members of cabinet are given allowances under the table, as was the case before.

In the past, in the national budget, there was a line for ‘Security’, a fund which was given to Presidents to use as they wish. There was much abuse, and we have evidence of this. Presently, everything which the Minister and the President benefit from is done in a transparent manner which can be questioned in the National Assembly, and which is presented in the National Budget. This is one of the strong points of our government. We are transparent, and this is also an opportunity for some to try and politicise the matter. I wish them luck, but at the same time, such cheap politics does not contribute towards the advancement of our people. I find this sad.

But in terms of corruption, no one can point a finger towards me or the administration. I ensure that as I promised, I work the right way, and I am convinced that nobody can put a finger to my nose to accuse me of corrupt acts. All things are above board, which is why I speak openly to the media, and invite them to ask whatever questions and any questions, because I speak the truth.

Seychelles NATION: What lessons have you learnt from the past couple of years?

President Ramkalawan: I think that everyone who comes into this office in future will have to remember that it is a job that requires much energy, much personal engagement, as it is not one of those jobs that is about the title. One must not think of the glory and honour that comes with the position. It is important that they remain humble and true to oneself.

I decided to open up the State House for public visits, since it does not belong to me, but to the Seychellois public. At the same time, I hope that I can help the people to make the transition towards standing on their own two feet. This will be instrumental to my successors, as if we continue on the political path alone, the state will always be in a position to give and to make subsidies here and there. But I will also say that the population can be difficult in their expectations. At times I try to find the means to explain to people things in a simple and clean, understandable way. But, at times, our people are the type who do not return to say ‘thank you’ after getting what they wanted. If we could make the shift, it would help us a lot and would help Seychellois and the country to move forward.

Seychelles NATION:  Will you be sitting for the next elections?

President Ramkalawan: I have three years left ahead of me. Do not ask me this question now, but ask me closer to the end of my mandate. I am currently in the middle of the construction, so let me reach a position where I am roofing the house, and then we will decide if I will be building another house.

There is still a lot of work to be done, and I am not thinking only in terms of politics. I am not thinking about remaining at the State House. I have a five-year mandate to do the work and I want to do the work. I am satisfied with the way things are going for the moment, and I have three years left. Those three years will allow me to do much more, and hopefully, the frustrations which are being felt by the people now will have been dealt with.

I want that when 2023 comes around, the Seychellois people are feeling less frustrated, that they feel a certain sense of growth, that they feel happy that their government is working for their good, and that we are heading in the right direction. This is my wish. I am here as someone who is working for Seychelles, and not just placing emphasis on remaining within the President’s office. If it comes time for me to go, I have no issues. It will depend on the people, and I think that within the three years, the nation will give me an indication if they want me to remain or not, just as they gave me the 55 percent, I think they will make it clear if this time around they will exceed 60 percent.

Seychelles NATION: What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

President Ramkalawan: I would like for people to remember me as a President who helped the Seychellois people, who helped to reconcile the people, and who helped them to stand on their own two feet. I’d like to be remembered as a President who did not cause any division, who did not reproduce any victimisation or emphasis on political opinion.

I would like for the people to remember me as a man who came to work for his people, who treated them with respect and dignity, and that we are here as one nation.

Laura Pillay