This was the underlying theme of President James Michel’s address to the nation on Tuesday evening as he announced far-reaching changes in his government.
 
“Today, as I look back on the period of 19 months from October 31, 2008, I can say with sincerity that, truly, we are a blessed people,” he said.

“While many countries that are bigger and more powerful are still reeling from the impact of the world economic and financial crises, we are hard at work. We are adapting to the new realities. We are proving our resilience and determination.”

Mr Michel said the people of Seychelles have rallied behind the economic reform and made it a success.

“I am proud that the Seychellois people have been able to put differences aside for the good of our country,” he said.

“If our economy has remained strong, and our tourism sector has been able to mobilise the industry to achieve a good performance in spite of the global recession, it is because we put Seychelles first.

“I am satisfied that we worked as a team. We have shown that when we stand together proudly as one people, one nation, all is possible. We have continually built on this team spirit.”

The President said that when he announced his new government on August 9, 2006, he put a lot of emphasis on the importance of teamwork and consultation. This ministerial team has played a key role during the period of change, he added.

“They accompanied me to the district consultative meetings, to listen to and be closer to the people,” he said.
“Together we listened to the voices of the people who, during the most difficult economic period, came together to discuss the future of our country and share their feelings with us.”
      
Mr Michel stressed that the government is here to serve the people. A government post does not belong to any individual, and it is appropriate and correct to bring about changes in the responsibilities of ministers or other authorities.

A minister or any other government officer may be asked to take on a new responsibility, as rotation brings about renewed dynamism and helps the Cabinet to gain more experience, he added.

“The team I am presenting to you today represents the continuation and reinforcement of the work we are doing to transform our country,” he said.

“It represents the pattern of changes we should always embrace in order to guarantee progress. It is, therefore, important that the Seychellois people give their full support to the team. I am also calling on all civil servants in all ministries to put aside their differences and work together as a team.”

A minister alone cannot make a ministry function but needs all the civil servants. It is this spirit of unity that enables us to progress, the President said.

“This is a team that will continue to promote the values needed to take our country forward. We must continue to work hard and become more productive,” he added.

“While my new team will be promoting these values, just as we are asking our people to live these values, it is also a team that will undertake positive changes when necessary. We must be ready to bring about changes that will benefit the Seychellois people.”

Changes that bring benefits to our country are the changes that the government will promote, Mr Michel said.
“All of us, together, are ready for the future. We are ready for the challenges that may arise.

“I wish all the best to all workers who are at the service of this nation and, once again, I thank you all for your contribution to the development of our country.

“With the grace of God, we will continue to work for the benefit of the people who have put their trust in us.”