Happy National Day and Happy Independence Day to all Seychellois here in Seychelles and all Seychellois who live abroad. Our hearts beat for Seychelles and we are proud to call ourselves Seychellois no matter where we are. We are Seychellois and we will hoist our flag as high as we can anywhere in the world.
Today, we gather to celebrate the 48th year of our Independence and the National Day of our beautiful Seychelles.
As we hoist our Flag and sing our National Anthem, let us reflect on the values which unite us as one nation. Our Constitution recognizes our diverse beginnings as the source of our strength and that is what makes our nation unique and vibrant. We come from different races and colours, speak different languages, practice different religions, but we are united by love for our country and our commitment to build a strong nation to forge a better future for all generations of Seychellois.
Today, we reaffirm our profound desire to uphold the principles of democracy, freedom, responsibility, respect, law and justice upon which our society is founded. When we look at our progress as a nation, we are proud of our successes and we will continue working hard to keep moving forward and making progress. It is this spirit which makes us a model of development and resilience for the whole world despite our being the smallest country of the African continent, an island state with a population here in Seychelles of less than 100,000 inhabitants.
We are all invited to work together to build a society where all Seychellois have equal opportunities to achieve their potential and contribute to the growth and prosperity of our nation. It is therefore important for each individual to realize that to build this more just and prosperous society, it is only together, with great effort and individual determination, that we will overcome the challenges so that we can fill our country with positivity and transform it. Whether it be in the public or private sector, Seychelles is our country and we are one nation.
Today is our National Day, we also acknowledge our history, our culture and the beauty that makes Seychelles truly unique. Our identity with all of its mixed origins which turns us into this rainbow nation is an asset which we must protect. Let us use our different abilities, talents and enthusiasm to strengthen that which unites us and make us supportive of each other in both adversity and success. Our achievements in the profound desire to protect all that is ours, including our environment, is the key to our success as islanders. I take this opportunity to commend everyone who is protecting our heritage. I am also respectful of our youth who have taken up the vocation of becoming custodians of our environment. Continue to keep Seychelles beautiful and protect it at all cost.
In this spirit, we are deeply grateful for the wisdom, guidance and sacrifices of our mothers and fathers, grandfathers and grandmothers, great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers. They have laid a good path for us, instilling in us the values of hard work, honesty, courtesy, resilience and sharing. Their dedication to our nation has created the foundation for the progress and success which we today enjoy. Thank you for your contribution. Let us seize this moment to recognize and to say thank you for their immense contribution to our society. We, this younger generation, will continue to take care of you and assure your comfort.
I have a special word for our generation of active workers. You are the driving force behind the growth and success of our economy, the pillars of our communities and very brave leaders. Your passion, innovation and determination are crucial to move Seychelles further ahead in this competitive world filled with challenges. As our economy grows, society will continue to support you and provide a framework for you to continue to make a positive impact on our society. I invite you to also pass on to the next generation the values which you hold. At the same time, I appeal to workers who are not giving 100% to use this occasion to renew their commitment to work for Seychelles and for all Seychellois.
Youth of Seychelles, it is you who are the guardians of our country’s future. Our nation is counting on you to take over this charge which will ensure that the progress and successes of today are maintained and advanced further forward and higher. It is you who will bring the torch of progress and innovation and our people counts immensely on you. It is our responsibility to nourish and accompany you through the tools and opportunities that you require to come out victorious.
We are listening to your voices as we provide a framework for your dreams and invest in your potential. It is through your energy, creativity and passion that Seychelles will continue to progress. Do not let yourself be misled by bad influences which will destroy your future.
Our National Day brings us together to support our motherland. Let us once again find out what we can do for our country. Ask every day, ‘what kind of contribution can I, as an individual, bring so that human development, the realization of economic progress, better services, moral and ethical development, the creation of a healthy, safe environment and everyone’s wellbeing is realised? Am I able, as a parent, to give more for my children? What can I do to help my community and remove the scourge that affects the youth and destroys their future? Can I give more in my workplace? Am I able to better compensate my workers? Can I be less selfish and bring down the prices of commodities and the services which I provide in order to improve the lives of the people of Seychelles?’
People of Seychelles, Seychelles is our country, et us together maintain the highest standards possible that will keep us as a people, proud and blessed. Together, let us keep our country clean, stand against all the scourges which destroy life, work hard, and act in solidarity to help our brothers and sisters.
In conclusion, let us, each of us through our actions, our words and our decisions seek how we can sow more love. Seychelles is our country. When we come together, we will make it rise and our country will truly become the cradle for all of us. My Seychelles, You above all.
Happy Independence Day! Happy National Day!