31 December 2014 | State House.
Dear people of Seychelles,
It is in peace, solidarity and national unity that we celebrate the end of 2014. It is in the same spirit, and also with prudence, that we welcome 2015. With confidence in our capability to overcome obstacles. With love for our country.
We are a small country with huge ambitions. More than ever our unity and national cohesion remain crucial.
We have continued to make progress in the economic sector, although growth in 2014 was not entirely what was projected. However, we remain hopeful, but with caution, that 2015 will be a better year. The success of our macro-economic reform programme has boosted our confidence. We have to stay the course, and when necessary, undertake the readjustments according to the global economic situation. We have become a resilient people -- we have to work harder in order to build our prosperity.
We continue to increase our foreign exchange reserves. Our national debt is manageable. There are no shortages. Jobs abound. There are more business opportunities. It is the resilience we have built that renders us more determined and always ready to grasp the reality, and face challenges. The New Seychelles starts in our people, a stronger and more responsible people who are able to pick ourselves up and strive for our success, the success of our families, and success of our country. A people who think not only of today. A people who can look at the future of their development.
People of Seychelles,
During the last six years we have created a solid foundation to ensure the sustainability of our development, for ourselves, our children, and the future generations. We are not thinking only of tomorrow. We have to look far ahead. This is sustainable development.
Dear compatriots,
2015 is the year by which countries are to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development goals. In Seychelles we will celebrate the accomplishments of most of the eight Millennium Development Goals. It is because of the realization of some of the targets, which we achieved well before 2015 that makes us more optimistic of the future. We can now look beyond 2015, to focus on other opportunities that our country offers. To bring us higher quality development.
Today the world loves Seychelles! The world respects Seychelles! When we speak the world listens to us, with a lot of respect. We are proud. We will remain active on the international scene, and work in the interests of the progress of our people, in the interests of our development.
I have always said that we are better able to ensure our future when we come together, when we put our differences aside, and work for our beloved Seychelles. We want greater participation in the country's affairs. Seychelles is too small for division. We need to love our country, and put Seychelles above all else.
It is for this reason that Seychelles needs all its children. Seychelles is our homeland. It is our cradle. I call on all Seychellois, in every family, in every community, in every school, all of religious beliefs, in every voluntary organization, in every field of work, in every business, in every political party, to love and protect our Seychelles.
What is it that makes our country unique and so special?
Several answers to this are to be found in the preamble to our Constitution, including the fact that we inhabit one of the most beautiful islands in the world and that we are descendants of several races forged into one Nation under God, which, in this sadly divided world, epitomises unity, tolerance, harmony, peace and happiness.
Compelling reasons to love Seychelles! And there are countless more ...
We appreciate our success. We are on the right course. We are respectful of each other's origins and beliefs. Providence has smiled on us. It has blessed us with a country of abundant opportunities. We love Seychelles because it represents a people with an unyielding spirit, resilience and a determination that dignify us. We love Seychelles because despite our differences we remain as brothers and sisters in one, single Creole family bound by a common destiny.
We love Seychelles. This small country of ours that promotes and rewards hard work. We love Seychelles. A country of liberty, justice and social harmony. A land of equality. A land of democratic values. We love Seychelles. The islands of peace and happiness.
Seychelles is really special. It is for this reason that we have chosen the patriotic theme I Love Seychelles for 2015.
My wish is that during the course of the new year 2015, greater love for our country will inspire us in all that we do. Let us proclaim proudly to all the world what we stand for as a nation. A people who are peace with themselves and the rest of the world. A small country that is relentlessly championing environmental protection, the interests of the small island developing nations, and the emerging Blue Economy.
In the year of I Love Seychelles, let us appreciate what we have in our country and continue to mobilise our efforts towards progress. Let us practice our democracy with respect for the rule of law, in the spirit of tolerance and national unity. Let us not allow our differences of opinions to divide us. Let us teach our children the same.
The theme for the year encapsulates all that is dear to us as a nation. Always united, standing together, working for the same objective, for greater success. This theme will inspire and motivate us to do even more -- and better -- for our Seychelles. For the love of Seychelles.
I wish all Seychellois, here and overseas, a happy and prosperous New Year.
May God continue to bless and protect the Seychelles we dearly love.
