High-level forum addresses key national issues
01.08.2009
Four issues of national importance were discussed by President James Michel and leader of government business in the National Assembly Marie-Louise Potter, at the latest high-level forum yesterday.
Meeting the media afterwards, Mr Michel said the subjects were law and order and the administration of justice; the fight against drugs and substance abuse; the cost of living; and the possibility of a salary increase.
The talks at State House were held in the absence of opposition leader in the assembly Wavel Ramkalawan, who had once again turned down the chance to take part.
Commenting on their discussion of the reforms now taking place in the police force and the judiciary, Mr Michel said while the country carries out its economic reforms it is also important to change the way things are done in other sectors to bring them into line.
He said reforms in the police and the judiciary are important and have to be carried out at the people’s request to meet today’s challenges and their high expectations.
Mr Michel said the reforms are taking place gradually and action is being taken against officers who are tarnishing the image of the force and affecting their hardworking and law-abiding colleagues.
He said the process is not an easy one, but the people will see for themselves the various changes that need to take place to tackle crime.
Addressing the issue of the chief justice’s appointment, once and for all, Mr Michel said the decision has already been made and a full debate has already taken place.
In reply to opposition accusations that he does not know the Constitution and must cancel the appointment of the new chief justice, asking the Constitutional Appointments Authority to recommend a Seychellois chief justice, Mr Michel said he is being asked to violate the Constitution because, according to it, the CAA is responsible for making recommendations for him to approve or reject.
He said the opposition should resolve the issue with the CAA and not with him.
Mr Michel said it is a pity the leader of the opposition has once again missed an opportunity to discuss issues of national interest and importance.
He said the exchange has allowed for the leader of government business to bring to his attention various concerns raised by MNAs of the majority party, which will help to improve matters at community level.
Commenting on the present economic situation, the President said the results of the reforms are remarkable and the prices of goods are gradually going down as the rupee stabilises.
He said this will continue, and if everybody carries on working hard and productivity increases, the Minister for Finance will be in a position to announce a salary increase during his next budget presentation.
Meanwhile, Mr Michel has called on local producers of building materials to review their prices as the costs of raw materials like cement are going down. He called on them to be honest and review their prices in the interests of the people.