Editorial... By// Gervais Henrie.. source// LSH.. SPEAKING UP... Today I want to pick up from where I left off last week. As you may recall, I was urging my fellow citizens to stand against what is wrong. One of the most obvious and direct approach of doing that is by speaking up. Faced by settled oppression and unjust treatment, people should be able to access all forms of available media to speak out freely against the suppression of their opinions. I find it frustrating in the present Seychelles, that far too often, politicians have the upper hand in everything, and seem to be the only people with creditable opinions. So, where are all the other leaders hiding??? Doesn’t everyone have a say in the future of Seychelles??? Why should it always be the Government shaping our opinions on all spheres of our lives and opposition politicians influencing our responses??? What about the Church leaders, Community organisers, non-governmental organisation figures, academics, business persons, trade professionals, local sports and entertainment celebrities and media personalities??? Can’t they give speeches, write articles, and sit on committees or volunteer to raise awareness about specific issues??? All local leaders have a moral duty of adding their voices to the disturbing issues our nation faces today. Not everything should be left for politicians to address or resolve. Even they, could benefit from outside but constructive interventions to help the country move forward, no matter how hard it might be for them to acknowledge. It is human nature to want the respect and acceptance of those around us. But in Seychelles, it is not solely that which makes most of us tend to collaborate with those who share our views. It is the constant fear of political victimisation or reprisal that shut most people up. Believe me, when I say this; as a journalist, I speak to a countless number of people on a daily basis. Since my newspaper is not privileged to access the official sources of information, I have to rely on several sources to write a simple 300 word news story.... This is how I get to know firsthand the level of fear that grips people when-ever they are asked to speak their mind. I would strongly accentuate on the fact that it is every leader’s responsibility to rise to every occasion and re-assure their fellow Seychellois that it IS a “Right”, if not “alright” to express oneself without fear of discrimination, especially pertaining to the future. It takes courage and determination to break free of this apprehension and talk fervently but respectfully about our greatest concerns. Therefore, people need to feel safe when voicing out their heartfelt reservations so that the fear of retribution and loss is eradicated once and for all from Seychellois. Many individuals, particularly professionals in the public sector are afraid of being criticised or appearing dense before others, especially in front of politicians. The combination of the allure of acceptance and the fear of looking foolish is overwhelming. That is why most take the comfortable approach of remaining silent, agreeing to everything regardless of what it is, and becoming a “yes person.” Usually, it takes much time and self-confidence before people break the silence, feeling safe enough to speak up. And the good news about that is that speaking up has been the genesis of what has made many democracies what they are today. As a small island state, Seychelles’ priorities should be intensively forging lasting solutions to our challenges and vastly improving our health and education systems, cutting down on un- employment and localising all positions being occupied by expatriates and provide safety and food security for all. I feel it is my responsibility to encourage all leaders to speak up for others. When our local leaders are unwilling to speak up, they lessen the people’s chances of happiness. Since we all have the right to a good life, it is high time we start living those rights, by showing everyone, including all leaders, that even if they may never see eye to eye, they can still work towards a common goal, that being: Listen with an open mind to the plight of the citizens, and where possible do something worthwhile to solve those issues. If this is possible, nobody would need to hide in somebody else’s shadow. The way forward would be to rid oneself of the fear and doubt and speak up.!!!!!!
Posted on: Fri, 31 Jan 2014 15:22:54 +0000