The first full length biography of former President of Seychelles France Albert Rene has been launched.

The book, entitled ‘Albert Rene – The Father of Modern Seychelles’ was officially launched yesterday morning at State House by President James Michel in the presence of Mr Rene himself and his family; Vice-President Danny Faure; ministers; members of the National Assembly; members of the diplomatic corps; other high government officials and Dr Kevin Shillington, author of the book and his wife.


In his speech to launch the book, President Michel said:

“A reflection of his life and achievements, this book makes for compelling reading, revealing in the process the strength of his character, his charisma and the intimate side of him. Some would not agree with the protagonist’s or, for that matter, of the author’s, interpretation of events.  But the least that can be said is that this biography of Seychelles’ second President cannot leave one indifferent. The author admits as much. ‘Albert René,’ he writes, ‘is a towering figure of modern Seychelles who arouses intense emotions in both admirers and opponents’.”

President Michel congratulated Dr Shillington for his “gripping biographical narrative”, highlighting that Kevin was helped considerably by Vice-President Faure who helped coordinate the project locally.

Giving a brief history of President France Albert Rene’s hard work and struggle to bring freedom to Seychelles and the Seychellois people, President Michel said it all started fifty years ago when a young lawyer and economist returned to Seychelles from London where he had already made a reputation for himself there in certain circles – circles that were considered by some to be “undesirable”.

“His sharp intellect, his caustic wit and his advocacy of self-rule for the colonies – including Seychelles – had earned him as many allies as adversaries,” said President Michel.
   
President Michel said Mr Rene’s reputation had preceded him and even if he had few worldly possessions to his name, the education and experience that he had gained in Europe were to serve him well in his chosen profession, in his political career and in government.

President Michel pointed out that upon returning to Seychelles on June 2, 1964, Mr René was keenly aware that the situation, which had barely – if at all – changed since he first left the country, could not be allowed to fester. Moreover, the independence movements, which had already gained momentum on the African continent, reinforced his conviction that the only option for Seychelles was self-rule.

The president said as freedom from colonial rule, social justice, the eradication of discrimination in all its forms, equal rights for every Seychellois … became his rallying call to the Seychellois people, they were enshrined in the manifesto of the party that Mr Rene founded, the Seychelles People’s United Party (SPUP) which he said set a new chapter in the history of Seychelles.
 
He said that it was thanks to Mr Rene that Seychelles achieved independence and that under his leadership, the people of Seychelles gained freedom and respect, recovered their dignity, a new social order was established which was an equitable one, providing for equal rights for all Seychellois, free health care, decent housing, free and compulsory education, a safety net for the more vulnerable members of our society, protection for our children and the elderly …

While not claiming to be a ‘compagnon de la première heure’ of President René, President Michel said that what he knows about Mr Rene is that he is a man of few words, but given to deep reflection; a man of vast experience and wisdom, but also of wit.

“That much I know of President René. But I also know him to be a man of deep conviction – uncompromisingly so – and demanding where loyalty, commitment and devotion to the cause of Seychelles is concerned. A canny leader, obstinate and sometimes impatient. (Many of us will remember the placard in his office that read: “Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way”!) Last, but not least, I know of France Albert René as a courageous patriot and a true son of Seychelles,” said President Michel.

President Michel noted that although he is knowledgeable of this “icon of modern Seychelles”, as a close associate of Mr Rene he felt that the story of the man and his accomplishments needed to be told from a somewhat different perspective,  from a different vantage point to bring him closer to the hearts of all Seychellois, revealing in the process – to some extent – the complexities of his character, his strengths and his frailties, his triumphs and tribulations, his zest for life and his passion and enduring love for Seychelles…

“This needed to be recorded for posterity. This much – and much more – we owe him,” he said, referring to the biography.

President Michel then commended ‘Albert René – The Father of Modern Seychelles’, to everyone and to Mr Rene he had this to say: “President René, this is your story and very much the story of the land that you love so much. The land, whose modern history, you have played a significant part in shaping. I present to you, as a measure of our deep respect, gratitude, esteem and affection for you YOUR book. YOUR story. The story of France Albert René.”

As for Dr Shillington, he said that Mr Rene never tried to steer directions when he was being interviewed for the book.

He said one of the many things that have really marked him about Mr Rene’s biography is when he asked the president on how he was going to deal with that multi cultural and melting pot that makes the Seychellois nation like Kreol nwanr, Kreol Sinwan, Kreol Malbar, Kreol Eropeen Mr Rene answered: “What in fact I am doing is creating a nation and not the establishment of a group of nationalities.”

The book launch ended with the song ‘Lekel Sa Pei’ composed by the late François Havelock but sung by DJ Junior (Dean Estico).

The song is one of Mr Rene’s favourites.

Dr Shillington is also the author of the 242-page book entitled ‘History of Modern Seychelles’ published in 2009.

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