05 August 2019 | .
Designated Minister
Ministers,
Member of the National Assembly,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning and welcome
It is with great pride that I stand before you today to launch Vision 2033 and the National Development Strategy 2019-2023, the first of 3 documents which will guide us through to 2033.
We have spent more than 2 years on this visioning exercise, giving ourselves the space and time to reflect on and imagine the kind of Seychelles we want for ourselves, for our children, and our country in 2033. We held numerous consultations with a diverse cross-section of society. We met with students, the private sector, civil society, retired citizens, and civil servants. We met with residents of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
It all culminated in these two documents: Seychelles’ Vision 2033 and its accompanying National Development Strategy, which together present a clear view of where we are, where we want to go, and over what time frame. It is a vision that will take Seychelles into the future and that will guide us to fulfil our ambition to improve the quality of life of our people.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one who has participated and contributed to this exercise. I am grateful for your input, and happy that so many people share a passion for the progress of our country.
We all want to do better for ourselves and improve our quality of life. We want what is best for our children; we want them to have a good education, lead healthy lifestyles and stay on a good path. We trust that with good education, good upbringing and good health, they will go on to fulfil their great potential.
As Government, we have the same ambitions, but on a larger scale. We want all our citizens to succeed and prosper. We want what is best for our people, for our families, for our communities, and our country. So that each generation can look at the one that came before and be proud that they have done better. So that each generation can look at the one that is coming up and lift them even higher.
As we develop, Government becomes a facilitator rather than a participant. Through the principles of Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance, this is possible whilst staying on an upward, positive path. This National Development Strategy document outlines the path, or our roadmap, towards a resilient, principled and prosperous Seychelles.
For each area or pillar, the Strategy looks at where we are now, where we would like to go, and how we will measure our progress as we move forward. The Strategy presents our plans formally to the population, all of whom are represented here today.
I trust that these documents inspire each one of us. After all, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that Vision 2033 becomes a reality. Each one of us has a role to play in ensuring this vision guides our future development.
The long term goals of where we all wish to be in 15 years’ time is easier to agree on. But when budget is constrained, the amount of land upon which to grow is finite, and manpower resources limited by the size of our population, deciding what gets done first becomes important.
We have had differing views through the consultative process. Priorities are often in direct conflict with each other. And this is exactly why this document is so essential – it is a place where the diverging views can be weighted, put into context, and reconciled.
The NDS sets out what the population would like us to work on between now and 2023. I am launching a call to each and every member of society to help us toward this vision. This Strategy is not just about Government and services. It is a roadmap for all of us – regardless of whether we are in public sector or private sector. Whether we are retired, or whether we are studying. Whether we are an accountant or a social worker. Each and every one of us need to get involved for our country to unleash its true potential.
Next year will represent 250 years since the first settlers arrived onto these islands. We have covered a lot of ground in that time, overtaking older, more established countries.
Numerous global indices indicate the progress that we have made;
On the environmental front we have also made great strides – as a global advocate for climate action and sustainable development, a champion for ocean conservation. We are pushing the agenda on Oceans and the country is now the Blue Economy Champion for Africa. There are many others.
However, progress is not a destination. One never finishes progressing. Indeed, as one gets ever more advanced, documents such as these become ever more important as an important tool to synchronise our efforts and work towards a shared vision. As everyone understands where we are headed, it will be easier for us to work together toward it.
We are a diverse but united family of less than 100,000. We are custodians to one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. Our unity in our diversity is our greatest strength, and what distinguishes us as a shining example across an increasingly divided global arena.
We are a young nation, but we are strong, and we are resilient. If we all work together, in the same direction, we will go further. Much further, together.
Thank you.
