Launch of Equator Institute
President James Michel has said that the newly launched think tank, the Equator Institute, will propose ideas and share professionals’ experiences.
“It will offer a further avenue for the sharing of ideas, proposals and experiences. It is a think tank for our nation,” he told a large gathering of professionals at the International Conference Centre on Friday during the launch of the institute.
He said it is a new voice for professionals and noted he has always put a lot of emphasis on consultation and discussion since he assumed office in 2004.
“I have used consultations with the people to formulate many of the policies of our government. I strongly believe that when it comes to sharing ideas there can be no hierarchy, or monopoly on ideas.”
As a think tank, the Equator Institute is mandated to create an independent platform for policy research driven by Seychellois professionals and academics and is the result of the recommendations of the Parti Lepep conference held last month that highlighted the necessity of having a dedicated institution for professionals.
Mr Michel noted the institute is very important for the economic development of the country.
“We have no minerals to export. We have limited amounts of land. We have a limited population.
The key to our success is therefore the continued development of services within our economy. And we must also continue to develop a knowledge based society, which is the basis for us to be competitive in the global economy. This is only possible if we continue to nurture and grow our pool of dedicated professionals. The Equator Institute has a critical role to play in this regard,” he said.
Mr Michel said that over the years Seychelles had invested heavily in education and that this investment had reaped its rewards as today the country has a large number of successful professionals who now have the opportunity to contribute their knowledge and ideas to policy formation and give advice to the government on the future planning for the country.
“We must also facilitate the sharing of valuable experiences. Many of our professionals have acquired experience that can prove invaluable to the successful development of our country... Through our institute we will foster a blend of innovation and experience to be able to make proposals which are astute and strategic for our country.”
He said the government would continue to invest in education and that this was one of the strongest, surest investments the country has made and will continue to make.
“I have always regarded education as an investment in the future. And education is always the most secure of all investments. There is no depreciation in this investment. The value of education can only grow over time,” he said.
The chairperson of the institute’s steering committee, Dr Henry Egbert Telemaque said the professionals forming the new body have come together to make a difference for our country bringing intelligence and experience from as varied fields as arts, agriculture, forensic science, farming, engineering, medicine, religion and politics.
“We have the common desire of taking Seychelles to its next stage of development,” he said, adding President Michel’s leadership has brought about change that now enables people who have never been consulted before to give their ideas.
“Change is happening in this country, and more than ever before we need to pool together our forces to make the changes a success,” he said.
He said the new institute is made up of experts in their own fields who will give the government in power their views allowing professionals to take a greater part in the country’s decision making process.
“The institute is a Parti Lepep affiliated organisation by design and it groups professionals who believe in the fundamental philosophies of the party without being directly involved in it yet they may have a lot to contribute.
“Such a model is the practice worldwide, for example the Labour Party in the UK and the Democratic Party in the US,” he said, adding the new approach in Seychelles marks the beginning of new dynamics in the country.