Independence Day Thanksgiving Service |30 June 2023

A partial view of the audience attending the service

‘This is what the country needs to move forward’ – President Ramkalawan

The Seychelles Interfaith Council (Sifco) organised a historic ‘Thanksgiving Service’ on National Day (June 29) at the International Conference Centre Seychelles (ICCS) under the theme ‘Promoting Peace and National Unity’.

The event was attended by the Head of State President Wavel Ramkalawan, First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, Vice-President Ahmed Afif, ministers, Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, Chief Justice Rony Govinden, representatives of three political parties as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

After the two-hour service, President Ramkalawan shared that “it was emotional, spiritual and deep. This is what the country needs to move forward... Sifco is doing a wonderful service in bringing everyone together”.

The Independence Day Thanksgiving Service is a unique activity that has been organised by Sifco and the National Day Organising Committee (chaired by the Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari).

The theme chosen by Sifco reflected the preamble of our Constitution where it mentions how over the years, the ethnic groups have mingled amicably and harmoniously to blend into what we are today.

To remind us of the unity that prevails, three children from three different religions lit up a candle. The attendees were able to view a video presentation on the historical facts from Independence Day to present day followed by reflections from the Baha’i Faith, the Brahma Kumaris, the Budhist Association, the Hindu Faith, the Zoroastrian Society, Roman Catholic, Anglican Church and Evangelical Faith.

During the service, there was a presentation on ‘Working in Unity’ by the Executive (Minister Billy Rangasamy), Legislative (Speaker Roger Mancienne) and the Judiciary (Chief Justice Rony Govinden).

Speaking about how to work in unity, Speaker Mancienne shared that “our country is often described as a paradise and this is a big expectation. We have to realise that we are blessed as we have a beautiful environment, we are not separated by cast and ethnicity. We do not have divisions in religions and we have unity. Key of our foundation is unity but we have to accept that there is division and I will address the political division. Our main division is not because that we have different ideologies, our division is superficial and it relates to which party we belong to. And we can actually surpass that. We have done a lot and we can do more. The National Assembly is concerned with this as the National Assembly is the court for the political game. It is an important task for us to give the good example to the public and mainly to our children. Unity is the key”.

Speaker Mancienne promotes the values of humility, love, tolerance, truth, respect and sincerity to prevail and to make a happy place for the citizens.

CJ Govinden spoke about the importance of how Judiciary can help bring peace and harmony. “Judiciary listens to all the disputes and we have to use wisdom and resolve the issues with the preamble of our Constitution in mind. Another objective of Judiciary is to bring national unity and harmony among the different branches of government institutions under our Constitution. We are conscious of this noble task in front of us and being just will help bring peace in the country. In the justice system there are no losers or winners if the person is being treated with justice.”

However, CJ Govinden noted that unfortunately there is an increase of anti-social behaviour in our country. “The way to change this is to abide by the writings of the different faiths as said today. If we do not change, we will lose our identity. I am hopeful that we, as a Nation, will persevere and with determination we will pave the way for a better Seychelles. Let us give more blessings than curse! Let us change our hearts and keep our true identity.”

After the two beautiful messages, Minister Rangasamy reiterated the role of the Executive to bring forth projects for the wellbeing of all the citizens under the strict guidance of the Constitution. “We have to come out of our individualistic desire and ask God of what will bring peace to the whole country.”

The chairperson of Sifco, Reverend Danny Elizabeth, was elated with the success of the service. “Everyone who came, came with the spirit to unite. All the Faiths that did a reflection showed there is a common denominator which is the spirit of love, unity and the hope of being better. This is the first time Sifco organises such an activity and we want to thank all the attendees and the branches of Government. Another important reflection made was that Seychelles can have the peace that we all want and we are on the right track. Whenever there is something wrong that happens in the country, we need to address it but with respect and tolerance. We thank God for the success of this activity!”

During the programme, there was also the presentation of a Peace Symbol by the children to the three polical leaders/representatives.

The programme consisted of prayers, readings and songs. The National Choir beautifully performed ‘Isola Bella’, ‘The Lord will keep you and bless you’ and ‘Annou ofer kanmarad lamitye’. Pastor Robert Moumou interpreted ‘Beni i sa Nasyon’, Danielle Labiche sang ‘Lost and Found’ and Patrick Victor concluded the service accompanied by the National Choir with his beautiful and uplifting piece ‘Mon Krwar’.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Louis Toussaint