African islands must have a stronger relationship with the government of the United States of America (USA) which should create innovative ways to include small island states in its investment programmes.

President James Michel said this during the US-Africa Leaders Summit at the State Department in Washington on Wednesday -- the last of the three-day meeting -- when he addressed US President Barack Obama and fellow African leaders. 

President Michel spoke about the importance of two issues for the summit: the small island states of Africa and the blue economy.

"I think we must not forget that Africa is not only the mainland Africa but is also made up of African islands...These islands should not be marginalised as we develop the concept of partnership, because we are small, we don't have the economies of scale, sometimes we are left aside," said President Michel.

The President gave the example of the US' Power Africa programme, in which there are plans for the creation of dams and railway lines which will benefit different countries of mainland Africa.

"But these railways cannot reach our islands, and the power cannot reach the islands, but we exist, we are part of Africa. We should develop models, innovative models to make sure that African islands do not lose out; that we become part and parcel of this initiative," added President Michel.

He called for the islands of Africa to be included in future programmes such as solar energy and other partnerships.

President Michel said the summit had discussed the exploitation of resources that exist on the mainland; such as mining, oil exploitation and agriculture, but he added that the ocean is an important resource for Africa.

"The ocean consists of 18% of Africa's territory, unfortunately today not enough benefit is being derived from development of our oceans. But then again it needs to be developed sustainably so that it remains vibrant, it remains healthy for future benefit of other generation," said President Michel.

He commended the US government for the Oceans summit which was organised in Washington recently as well as the work of the African Union to promote the blue economy concept.

"There is vast potential for development of the blue economy and the United States has a lot of experience in oceanic research and this can help us develop mechanisms to be able to develop and harness the potential of the blue economy, which is very important for the future of our continent."

President Michel said that the small island states are striving to survive in this globalised world and that the islands have put an emphasis on environmental protection.

"We have kept about 55% of our land territory as natural reserves, because we believe in the protection of our environment, we believe in the sustainability of our development and believe in saving the planet. And your initiatives to try and reach an agreement on climate change will help especially coastal areas and the small island states to ensure that we save the planet, which is our only home."

He said that development is based on the stability of African states and that this is achieved through the stability of the democracy and good governance.
Mr Michel shared the experience of Seychelles economic reforms which he said was accompanied by government reforms, which empowered the Seychelles democracy.

"Empowering our democracy, developing a consultative democracy, functional democracy which works well and empowering our people which was successful. And today, the international community, our partners are starting to see the efforts that we've made..... You talked about empowerment of our young people, which is key, we cannot have a future without empowering our young people. And your initiative about the Young Leaders programme is commendable, but I think more than that our individual countries should come up with concrete programmes."

The President spoke about the Seychelles' Young Leaders Programme, where academic study is complimented by education in the communities, where 'the communities are their classroom.'

In his response to President Michel’s speech, President Barack Obama said: "Thank you so much, those are excellent points. Obviously working together on maritime issues, issues with respect to enormous resource that are our oceans, dealing with pollution, dealing with making sure that fish stocks in the oceans are sustainable, dealing with climate change, those are all areas where we are seeking cooperation."

President Obama had earlier said in his speech to launch the US-Africa Leaders Summit that with some of the world’s fastest-growing economies, a growing middle class, and the youngest and fastest-growing population on Earth, Africa will help shape the world as never before.

He once again highlighted Africa’s potential, particularly as an untapped trading partner for US businesses. He said that even though the continent faces significant challenges, “a new Africa is emerging”.

“Moreover, Africa’s progress is being led by Africans, including leaders represented here today. More governments are embracing economic reforms, attracting record levels of investment. Gains in development, increasing agricultural production, declining rates in infectious diseases are being driven by African plans. African security forces and African peacekeepers are risking their lives to meet regional threats. A new generation of young Africans is making its voice heard,” noted President Obama. 　
He added that Africa’s rise means opportunity for all of us -- including the opportunity to transform the relationship between the United States and Africa.
“As I said in Cape Town last year, it’s time for a new model of partnership between America and Africa --  a partnership of equals that focuses on African capacity to solve problems, and on Africa’s capacity to grow. And that’s why we’re here,” he said.

Gerard Govinden in Washington

Forrás: www.nation.sc