26 June 2020 | State House.
Seychellois brothers and sisters,
Today marks 44 years since Seychelles became a free and independent country. On 29 June 1976, our country took its place among sovereign states in the world.
This year we must celebrate our National Day differently given the public health emergency, and we all have to respect the guidance to avoid large public gatherings during this period. I thank you all for your understanding and spirit of solidarity.
Let us take a moment today to remember all Seychellois who worked with passion, courage and dedication to build the foundation of our country. Today, we pay tribute to them and we thank them.
During these 44 years, Seychelles has accomplished a great deal. Seychellois have worked very hard and sacrificed a lot to bring our country to where it is today. At the start of this year, our economy was at a point where we were confident that this year would be our greatest success. Unfortunately, the world and Seychelles was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Seychelles and countries around the world have been badly affected; and as a small country, we are suffering from the severe impact of COVID-19 on our economy.
But I am confident that faced with this challenge, Seychellois will not give up. I have great confidence in the people of Seychelles to do everything that is necessary to overcome these difficulties together. What is important is that we stay a united people, one that is proud and stands together in solidarity.
Moments of crisis are also moments of opportunity, and in this difficult time, let us take the chance to reflect on what we can do – individually, as a family, as a community, and as a nation – to get through these difficult times and reclaim our path to progress.
In those moments of silence and reflection, let us stop to listen to our country calling us; the call of our motherland that has nurtured us and allowed us to prosper.
Our Independence Day is a date that unites us all and is a powerful symbol of our national unity. Let us renew our commitment as citizens to reinforce our national unity. Let us promote this unity and spirit of working together to ensure we get through this storm together as a nation.
Seychellois brothers and sisters, together we have built a strong foundation. And now that we are starting this new page faced with the greatest challenge of our time, we need all the strength and values that we possess to continue building our country. Let us remember our children and their futures, and do everything we can to ensure it is one that is bright.
Today is a moment of pride for our small blessed country. The Seychellois Nation has accomplished a lot in these 44 years. Despite the difficulties, despite the tough times, we will continue to go even further.
With unity, with devotion to our motherland and the willingness to pull together for Seychelles, we will triumph. This is the key to our wellbeing and our future.
Come together Seychellois.
To all our Seychellois brothers and sisters, here and around the world, I wish you all a happy Independence Day.
May God continue to bless our country and protect our people.
