"20 YEARS LATER.".... By Wavel Ramkalawan.. This year marks 20 years since I have been in-volved in party politics in the country. But of course the actual commitment to seeing change in our country dates further back. It has been 20 tumultuous and exciting years standing against a corrupt and violent system, ready to hurt, discriminate, punish and divide in order to remain in power. It has taken a lot of courage for those engaged in the cause to continue to this day. Many are the strong ones who have thrown in the towel for whatever reason, be it out of discouragement, tiredness, new opportunities or sheer frustration. Whatever is the case, we have to continue with the fight. So much has been gained through the devotion of so many. As someone stated some weeks back.. ‘It is sad, but in many ways it is the same old necks that are still jutting out to fight for the people of Seychelles.’ I guess, that person, together with so many of us are part of those old necks. We have managed to push the country forward in so many ways, be it economically or democratically. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go, and it is for us, as a people to seize the moment and continue to wrestle with the obstacles that are still in the way, free her, and create the necessary foundations for us to be able to say, ‘Free! We are free at last!’ !!! The SNP party convention on Saturday will be another occasion for us to reaffirm our commitment. I will once again state with new vigour, that together with others I will continue in the fight against the present system for Seychelles to once again be-long to the Seychellois with every child of our land having the same opportunity to fulfil one’s dreams through hard work. What happened to Ralph, Ian, Robert and John on Monday is a clear indication that we have to forge ahead. Detention for peaceful protest, then release without charges must come to an end in this country. The country is going backwards and if we are not careful we will end up with a new police state, except that this time, foreign democratic countries that are pushing their personal agenda will support the system. The commemoration of the 3rd October, when so many supporters and myself were brutally beaten by the police because we were fighting for the freedom of expression was again a reminder that because of our blood, today we have the first independent radio station. However, it was also a reminder that we still have a long way to go before the reforms and the new Public Order Act are passed and we can make another step towards democracy. My dear friends, my commitment to this country is 100%. As we celebrate this important milestone, I call on all of us, true believers in democracy to step forward and take our place on that stage. If we remain in our small corner, nothing will happen. We need to save our country from all the evils that are crouching at its door and devouring its people. Our people deserve better. Let us show strength in the midst of all adversity. Let us put an end to dictatorship and claim this land as our mother- land.. !!!
Posted on: Sat, 05 Oct 2013 08:45:34 +0000