31 December 2024 | State House.
Seychellois Sisters and Brothers, Hope for a better tomorrow depends on what we build and put together today. Our achievements, successes and hard work during 2024 will determine how 2025 turns out.
Despite unexpected events, our resilience, planning and determination will allow us to overcome obstacles, convert challenges into opportunities and turn negativity into positivity. I have no doubt that this is the true Kreol spirit and heart which beats in us. I want, therefore, to wish all Seychellois and everyone with a connection to our beautiful Seychelles the very best, what puts a smile on our faces and that which gives us the courage to wipe off the dust of defeat and restore courage and determination as principles for moving forward.
First of all, I want to thank all Seychellois who have given their hearts to our beautiful Seychelles to make it forge ahead. Every single worker who has worked conscientiously to raise Seychelles and the Seychellois as high as possible every day. Whilst working, you did not keep your eyes on your watch or the clock but rather looked for ways to complete and deliver on the task and service before you today, rather than tomorrow.
Whether you work in government or in the private sector, you have done one thing: Put Seychelles first. Congratulations! and I wish you renewed courage. To our young people who are still studying, whether you are in primary, secondary, post-secondary or university and in other institutions, and who have worked hard in 2024, you have also done it for Seychelles.
Youth who set a good example, young entrepreneurs, our professionals, those who in their career in leisure give us the best, those who make the flag of Seychelles rise high in sports, and all young people who believe in this Seychelles and are giving everything, you all have contributed in making Seychelles move forward. Thank you very much and keep on this right path. Don't back down, and do not turn back. There is only one way to go: Forward for Seychelles!
I would also like to recognise all Seychellois who have retired. You, our elders, mothers, fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers, in whose eyes shine the light of success through your contributions to bring Seychelles to where it is today. I thank you. Continue to share your wisdom, knowledge and guide us in the right path always. For all you have done for us, we will never forget.
On the contrary, in 2025, our society will continue to support you and take care of your needs. Keep Seychelles and all its children in your prayers every day.
Dear friends, in 2024, we have worked hard for our country. In many areas, we have done well and even become a regional and global example. In 2025 we must continue to walk this path of positivity. All opportunities are there for every Seychellois child to succeed. It is up to each one of us to grasp everything that is put before us, to apply ourselves and forge ahead.
Remember that it is not the road that causes accidents, but the way we use the road that is the cause of accidents. And so just as we do when we are going to drive, let us prepare ourselves well: Make sure we are sober, we are in control and that we commit to respecting others who use that same road and that we will follow the appropriate laws. In this way, each one of us will have success as our treasure, and we will all together enjoy the benefits of our work, reap all the good that society puts at our disposal and live well in harmony and love.
We can make this happen in our beautiful Seychelles. I wish us all the courage to hoist our flag and our country as high as possible. In 2025, I pray that each of us stop creating prisons for ourselves.. Meaning, let us seek what is good for ourselves, for our families, for our children, our communities and for our country. Renounce the addiction to vices that make of us slaves and prisoners, but even worse make those around us also become prisoners and forcing them to live in suffering.
Let us break out of addiction to drugs and alcohol, addiction to casinos and gambling, addiction to crime, addiction to causing suffering and hurt to the lives of others, addiction to living outside the law. Let us become citizens who respect our neighbours and realise that every right we hold comes comes hand in hand with responsibility. The simplest examples that will help us is to remember that it is our right to go to the beach for a picnic, but it is our responsibility to take all our garbage back home with us. The result: Our country will be clean. It is our right to play and enjoy our music, but it is our responsibility to take into consideration our neighbours who are studying, who are sick, who are grieving, who have to get up early in the morning to go to work. The result: We will live happily as good neighbours.. So, shatter those prisons and become Seychellois who show respect and get respect in return.
As in 2024, in 2025, the government will continue to deliver for its people. Of course, we expect our citizens to make their voices heard where things are wrong, and we in turn, will do what is in our power to correct, change and improve. I expect all workers in both the private and public sectors to use their salary increase in the best possible way. I also count on all programmes designed for people with special needs to be implemented towards their greater comfort and happiness.
Our country is investing in its population and I have no doubt that the people of Seychelles will use these advantages to their benefit, to improve their own lives as they also look to everyone’s well-being. Of course, we will also continue to look at our country’s infrastructure so that we can build more houses, more land will be made available to our population and other means destined for the greater comfort of our population will also be accomplished.
But as the government develops these facilities, I simply make an appeal to our population to preserve these same facilities so that they last longer. Consider that expediture on those infrastructure is made from workers’ contributions. When we break or abuse anything, we are the ones who have to pay again later. And instead of building new facilities, we need to rebuild existing ones and this certainly will delay our development.
Seychellois brothers and sisters, we are the ones who will be unveiling 2025. We will welcome new Seychellois and we will say goodbye to many Seychellois. Joy, sadness, excitement, disappointment, smiles, tears, and every emotion will embrace us.
My prayer is that each one of us stands strong, that we carefully analyse this life, make good choices, and pick what will help us move forward to fulfill our dreams and ambitions. Use this gift of life well – learn to share at all times, take good decisions and allow ourselves us be guided by our creator whom we all recognise.
Bear in mind that we need to take control of our lives and make good decisions. Life has no ‘rewind’ button, ‘reverse gear’ or ‘delete’ button. But life always gives us a second or even a third chance. Use them well and in 2025 let us fulfill our personal dreams, strengthen our families, our communities and our country.
Let us create a better world where peace, joy and smiles welcome us every day. I wish all Seychellois who live in Seychelles and abroad prosperity, happiness, good health and wisdom. May the light of Almighty God greet us at the threshold of 2025 and accompany us at each moment of every day. May Almighty God bless Seychelles and all Seychellois.
Wishing you a blessed and prosperous 2025
Bonn Ane 2025
Bonne et Heureuse Année 2025
