Exclusive interview with outgoing Health Minister Jean-Paul Adam |21 December 2019

Photo montage showing Minister Adam during some of his overseas missions

‘Rumours that I am quitting because I refused to become President Faure’s running mate are completely false’

Jean-Paul Adam has decided to leave his post as health minister at the end of January 2020 to take up a new role – director for climate change, environment and sustainable development – with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (see lead story).

After completing his early education in Seychelles, Mr Adam received his academic qualifications in the United Kingdom, gaining a degree in English Literature and French from the University of Sheffield and a Masters in International Political Economy from the University of Manchester.

Following his studies, he began his political career at the Ministry of Foreign affairs, holding different posts – trainee protocol officer (1996-1997) and second secretary (2001-2004). He later served as director general of Presidential Affairs (2006-2007), principal secretary in the Office of the President (2007-2009), and secretary of state in the Office of the President (2009-2010), before being appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs in June 9, 2010 by former President James Michel. He was aged 33 years old.

On February 1, 2015, he became the Minister for Finance, Trade and The Blue Economy, and on October 28, 2016 was named the Minister for Health and Social Affairs before assuming the office of Minister for Health on March 15, 2017.

Following the news of his resignation, Seychelles NATION spoke to Minister Adam and we bring you the interview.

Seychelles NATION: Minister, State House confirmed this morning that you will be leaving your post by the end of January 2020. Do you think it is the right time now with the presidential elections next year and the National Assembly unwilling to vote for any new ministers to join the Cabinet?

Minister Adam: On these types of matters, the timing is not determined by me, nor the President – the offer from the UN was for now. Therefore, it is a question of what this role means for Seychelles in the grander scheme of things. This is a great opportunity for Seychelles. A recognition of Seychelles as a leader in sustainable development. If the National Assembly refuses to vote for a new minister, it will simply confirm to the Seychellois people that the opposition are not ready for power. The Constitution provides that if a candidate for the role of minister is to be rejected, it should be on the basis of a good reason. A Seychellois has the opportunity to join the UN, and this has created a vacancy in the Cabinet which should be able to be filled in accordance with the Constitution.

Seychelles NATION: Were you approached to take up the post of director for climate change, environment and sustainable development at the Uneca secretariat?

Minister Adam: Like all UN positions, there is a process and you have to apply. But I was encouraged to apply by numerous persons whom I have worked with in my international roles because I had the right profile, and because Seychelles has led the conversation around issues of sustainable development and the blue economy in Africa and the world.

Seychelles NATION: There are rumours that you have decided to quit because you refused to become the running mate of President Danny Faure in next year’s elections? How true is this?

Minister Adam: This is completely false. I discussed the possibility of taking this role with the UN with President Faure over a year ago. It has not been an easy decision to make, but one which is right for me based on what I think I can bring to the role. I have chosen to go for this role for this reason, and also because I think this role will be good for Seychelles. President Faure has a clear vision for Seychelles which is inclusive and based on the assertion that Seychelles is bigger than all of us. President Faure does not need to rush the selection of his running mate. In fact, I am surprised that LDS (Linyon Demokratik Seselwa) had to rush to announce their candidate and running mate – even before they had a convention to confirm the matter. This was perhaps to address divisions in their alliance. This was despite the fact that there were many people who perhaps could have been the leader and running mate for LDS, and maybe they didn’t get a chance even to come forward. President Faure faces no such pressures and is a unifier. He also can cast his net widely. He will make his choice when the time is right.

Seychelles NATION: You are well liked by young people and professionals as you were once a high level athlete and has become an intelligent civil servant and minister. Don’t you feel that you are disappointing them?

Minister Adam: On the contrary I want to show them that we should never limit ourselves. I hope that in all roles that I have occupied that I can inspire them in some way. I think the best example we can give is to be ourselves. We should not fetishise any particular title. Leadership is not about any particular position. It’s about the contribution you can bring to the table. In this UN role I will be giving my utmost contribution to help Seychelles, Africa and the world.

Seychelles NATION: You have assumed a number of portfolios as minister. Which one has been the most challenging and where do you feel you have brought the right changes?

Minister Adam: To be a minister is a great responsibility no matter the portfolio. I have found all my roles challenging but also rewarding. In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was operating in a field I knew really well. In Finance and Health I have had to read and research extensively and I have enjoyed that immensely. It has been a privilege to interact with great professionals in all these roles – I have learned a lot from them and I hope I have also contributed to their development.

Seychelles NATION: Which one of the ministries have you enjoyed working for the most?

Minister Adam: I can say frankly that I have enjoyed them all!

Seychelles NATION: How can you describe working under the leadership of President Danny Faure?

Minister Adam: President Faure has been very supportive. He expects all ministers and all civil servants to assume their responsibilities and he demands accountability. He leads by example. He also wants to make sure that professionals are empowered to give their opinions and advice. He is experienced, but also determined to give new ideas and young professionals a voice in his administration. He is also a unifier – always aiming to bring everyone together to move forward.

Seychelles NATION: Has it been easy working under the new political climate with the opposition-dominated National Assembly scrutinising the work of the executive?

Minister Adam: Scrutiny is healthy. The work of the executive should be scrutinised by the legislature. However, I think many people have felt that too often the approach has gone beyond scrutiny and debate on legislation. Time that could have been given to important legislation has often been wasted on point scoring. I have nonetheless appreciated the opportunities I have had in front of the National Assembly to showcase what the Ministry of Health has been doing – the improvements we are bringing as well as analysing the challenges.

Seychelles NATION: Seychelles has been championing the cause of the blue economy. What kind of help can Seychelles expect from you when you take up your new post?

Minister Adam: President Faure has been recognised as a Blue Economy champion in the region. The importance of the role I am taking in the UN is precisely so that the UN can support countries to achieve the sustainable development goals and support the development of the blue economy in the region. The Economic Commission for Africa provides capacity support to African countries as well as providing framework policies and guidance. I am excited to be part of that process.

Seychelles NATION: Thank you Sir and all the best.

Interview by Gerard Govinden