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"Youth The Agent of Change" |
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October 2008 Vol: 1 No 2 |
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In this issue: |
Previous Issues |
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1418: What prompted you to join the SNP? Nigel: Honestly, SNP was the most visible party to me during my childhood. Can you imagine, even then I understood that they were right in what they were doing? Despite my tender age, deep inside I felt that somehow, something somewhere was wrong.
1418: How old were you then? N: It was during the return of multi party democracy. I was 8 or 7 years old.
1418: You mean at that age politics interested you? N: You know, there is no specific age to take an interest in politics. During that time there was a lot of excitement in my community. I remember most adults were supporters of the ruling party, including my relatives. They kept on hammering the opposing for their stance. They were opposed to change. But I thought otherwise.
1418: What were you expecting then? N: Although many of my adult relatives were against change, it was evident then that they were frustrated with the system. Like any child we want to live in a perfect world, a place where no body is unhappy. Today as an adult I realize that there is no such thing as perfection. I'm convince that our country can do better and deserves the best.
1418: Last year you were in the SNP line up for the parliamentary election. Why did you accept the challenge? N: Just for the record I was not ask to, but choose to. I did so because I believe in change, but I know it doesn't happen unless we believe in it and work to make it happen. Contesting the election was my contribution and I'm proud of it.
1418: But you did not win, how does this qualify as a contribution? N: Suppose I had won? I would have been the principal voice of the Inner Island constituency. I prepared myself for that challenge. I was ready to take on that responsibility. I want to believe that my decision will encourage many other young people to come forward and participate in Seychelles political adventure.
1418: Will you encourage other young people to join SNP? N: Definitely yes, since youth is the agent of change, politics as an evolving process definitely needs their input. For those of you who are following what is happening in the USA today, will understand my point. Thanks to the youth involvement, Senator Obama is running ahead in the presidential race.
1418: Anything else u want to add? N: I wish to encourage more young people to follow more closely what is happening. Many of you have this belief that politics is boring and politician can't be trusted. This is a common opinion but one that should not be promoted until you've experience for yourself what politics is all about. It is not important that you become consumed and fanatical by it but it's important that you understand and participate in it fully. |
Mr Ramkalawan Congratulates Miss Intercontinental Africa 2008
The Leader of the Opposition Hon Wavel Ramkalawan has congratulated Miss Sophia Marie after her coronation as Mias Intercontinental Africa 2008.
Speaking live on SBC radio during the assembly's question time session on Tuesday 28th October, Mr Ramkalawan described Miss Marie's achievement as proud moment for the nation.
He was the country's first high ranking official to publicly congratulate the 21 year old.
The First Princess of the Miss Seychelles Island 2008 beauty pageant, left Seychelles two weeks ago to participate in that 37th Miss Intercontinental pageant. The 19 days pageant's final event took place on Saturday 25th October in the Musical Dom Zabrze, Poland. After several rounds of interviews with the judges, Miss Marie was placed in the first 15 out of 110 beauty queens from all over the world to win the Miss Intercontinental Africa title.
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In the News Seychelles will not host the Indian Ocean Island Games in 2010.
Sports minister Vincent Meriton stopped short of giving the whole truth in the National Assembly, then he said the matter was still under consideration. It has gone farther than that.
Seychelles will not host Indian Ocean Games in 2011.
The Seychelles Government has already conceded that it does not have the money to host the Games as scheduled. In negotiations with the IMF, it has accepted that it will not do so. It is a situation that Meriton did not have the courage to admit. Meriton conceded however that the country will not host the African junior athletics championship which were scheduled for next year.
The IO Games have been estimated to require R35 million as a minimum, although the bill can be quite higher when the cost of building or rehabilitation of facilities is included.
According to sources in sports, the Games may take place in Reunion, probably the only Indian Ocean location able to take it up at short notice, and Seychelles will have the option of hosting the next one after that, assuming that it is then out of IMF restrictions.
The cancellation will be a big blow for sportsmen, since the IO Games are the most prestigious platform for showcasing local talent on a wide scale. Sportsmen will be hoping that the country can get back to an international program that will help sports to thrive.
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As our Leader Mr Ramkalawan
Stated in his message to congratulate the next Presindent of USA, "Your life
story and your political campaign have been an inspiration to all and
particularly to the young political leaders in Afica for whom your story is
an illustration of the lesson that great achievements are possible if we
have the vision to set goals and the courage to work for them. I believe it
is no exaggeration to say that the whole world looks on this as a moment of
great significance, not only in the history of the USA but also in world
affairs." |
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The opposition are cautioning young MNAs from the ruling SPPF party not to fall in the trap of blind political obedience in the face of the mounting economic crisis. During recent debates in the National Assembly on various reforms the government is undertaking, the Opposition warned that democratic values are being oppressed. Among the 23 MNAs from the SPPF, five are below the age of 35. Opposition MNAs argued that current laws being passed by the Assembly should not be about protecting the current status quo. They should reflect the long term aspiration of a more democratic Seychellois society. Therefore, if those laws are bad ones, they should have the courage to say so. As young people, they should be upholding the basic principles of democracy and contributing towards a better Seychelles. More than 60% of the Seychellois voters are aged between 18 and 35 years of age. Therefore, expectations are high on the young parliamentarians to reflect the voice, concerns and aspiration of the young voters. However, to date the SPPF group has been a major disappointment, with their blind obedience for the status quo. Even at times when they should have supported the opposition on matters of national importance, they have chosen party line over patriotism. |
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"Don't you think kids should have the opportunity to vote? We are also affected by the decisions politicians take, so why can't we be trusted to vote too? " -- Jean-Claude, Anse Royale, Secondary School. Thanks for your question, Jean-Claude. I'm glad you're contributing to our newsletter by sending in such an interesting and important question. Unfortunately you and all of your peers have to wait until you are 18 to vote. The law says so and SNP respect that. Like the children of many of our party officials, I'm glad that you too would like to have a bigger say in what happens in your country. I hope you continue to pay attention to politics and learn as much as you can about the process. Please note that although you can't vote just yet, but there are many ways that young people like you can make a difference, whether it's writing letters to your MNA or talking to your parents, teachers and friends about the issues that matter most to you. |
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"SNP Youth wishes Senator Barrack Obama success in the race to the White House on November 4th 2008."
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Our Policy: Why does Seychelles need the SNP to bring about change? Only the SNP can bring about real change. The SPPF have been in power for 31 years. Today, they say they will bring change but most of what they say they are doing are the things that SNP has been proposing for a long time. The SPPF is late. They are doing things without conviction and not doing them well. In the meantime, life becomes more difficult for the ordinary Seychellois. Our economic situation continues to deteriorate and corruption among leaders has become a major problem. This is where we need change. SNP is determined to resolve the problems that we are faced with today. A dynamic party with new ideas will make a difference. Today the SNP can bring about real change that will mean a better future for you and for all Seychellois. -We will bring a new approach to Government which begins by listening to people and being there to serve every Seychellois. -We will bring all Seychellois together ? we believe in national unity and the President in a Government formed by the SNP will hold a dialogue with the Leader of the Opposition on important national affairs. -We will get international support. The world is expecting Seychelles to change and only SNP has the credibility to make the necessary changes. SNP will bring a sense of morality in the way the country is governed. We will lead by example. Yes. We have what it takes to resolve the problems that our country is facing. Only the SNP can do it.
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Copyright © Seychelles National Party 2008 |
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Back in
2006 at the age of 22yrs Nigel Rosette was probably made the youngest
candidate ever to stand for an election for political office in the
Seychelles. This is an achievement in itself, due to the fact that the
leadership of the SNP believes in the ability of the youth. 1418
spoke to Nigel about his decision to join politics straight after graduating
for Polytechnic.
