We cannot find a better picture - this will have to do, we had wanted a picture of the 1976 Government and Assembly
Parliament - Assembly of Sechelles Seychelles
Seychelles Constitutions 1976
Again we cannot find a copy of SNM Constitution
We have been requested to come forward with a copy or a Constitution to register SIROP as an NGO in Sechelles Seychelles
In the first place it will/would do well to remember, recall that at the time of working out a constitution for SIROP, 1985 when the consideration began to present itself strongly, we and those involved had a much greater, important and historic agenda. The time and circumstance was the Communist era with the USSR working at its peak, the COMECON and Warsaw Pact in full function and their capabilities, the Communist and Socialist Block of OAU, Latin America, Gulf Region, North Africa, China and several Asian countries.
In exile we had four factions that had looked at, put together Constitutions for an eventual change be it by Military force or other wise. These included the faction of the former Government of then President J R Manchan - the original Sechelles Seychelles Constitution at Independence.
We had been involved in aspects of these process, namely our working association with SDP - the issues ongoing. Later those from certain European, USA and other Western government who had pressured us to put together a National government. Those important Legal experts in Britain, France, Belgium, South Africa, the USA, the Francophone and Commonwealth we had pulled together. Nothing solid, concrete had been put on paper.
After the formation and registration of UKSCA - its Constitution was drafted after long discussion with the legal expert of then NCVO, several individuals form our then Sechelles - Seychelles Community in exile from all faction, the SNM/MPR, DP faction, Mr Phillippe Boulle himself, those that had been involved with Mr Felix Houreau in registering our first Exile association in Britain, the Faction of Mr Andre Uzice. We refered to several NGO for advice also, including BRC, Hounslow Voluntary Action, several Grass Root ethnic communities well and long establish in Britain, none exile/refugee related and other wise, Importantly the Latin American communities in Britain, the Jewish Communities and the many then exile communities for the existing COMECON, Philippine, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Armenian and Africa proper. (Hence we acquired the nickname of John McEnroe for refusing to take anything dished out - we battled, quarrelled, argued until we were satisfied with what was on paper) We also referred to the Mauritian communities in Britain as well as Catholic communities, Christian and information form the relevant UNHCR and Amnesty International, the Red Cross again that was 1983/84. We had also look at the many communities in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Holland - their constitution, how they/it works.
After events of 1991 when we were forced to flee for fear of our lives from 87a Victoria Rd, Kilburn - Brent, beside a copy we left in France, Angers at SVP along with the main draft of SIROP concept. The British authorities, the police, the politicians - then Conservative government of PM Major, the Fraternal establishment who had our flat complete ransacked, everything was destroyed or stolen. We had taken refuge in Ashford - Kent in a Hotel, called Butcher Commercial and Private Hotel facing the current International Ashford Terminal. What we had communicated to several leading firm of solicitors already. There are members of our exile/refugee communities who may still have a copy of our UKSCA Constitution. We were required to submit copy to Hounslow Council, Westminster, Brent, Wondsworth for Funding - they may eventually have a copy - then of course Then Dr Henry Naiken may have a copy as he took over the Chairmanship. Mr Paul Stravens and Mr Paul Chow may also have a copy beside then Mr Ralph Volcer who served as Treasurer and Mrs Kathleen Pillay and Mr Phillippe Boulle who served as Vice Chair and Secretary.
After the assassination of Mr Gerrard Horeau Leader of SNM/MPR we got elected until it was disbanded for East Mahe what this represented and meant( hence what we have written, the dishonesty by the exiles when they returned in 1991 and after, their attitude, what took place and how greater life made them pay/account for their actions. Their actions, as if we had never existed, an unknown entity, everything had been invented.)
What we had done finally was take our old National Constitution at the time of Independence, take the Constitution of SNM and added aspects we judge and deemed important for future changes and working of the Nation.
- We had detail argument regarding amnesty, justice and the issues of revenge - those that had called for swift trial and execution of those involved in the many killing, disappearance, imprisonment and persecution. ( Several leading Western experts were against this clause - they wanted those involved to be tried and made to pay with their lives)
- We had detail argument as to compensation and return/repatriation of properties confiscated and taken by Force
- We had detail argument on how the Judiciary and Court was to be set up and working, accountability.
- We had argued for a None Aligned status as Nation with membership of those regional and international bodies as we could afford to join and be member. A status like Switzerland and Austria. Hence the concept and safety/security of not having to take/make Defence, Military Treaties to defend our Nation - however we would be looking a very closer working links with the then EU Institutions to safeguard our National entity and Sovereignty.
- We had argued and stated the putting in place of Muti party politic as our main aim and objective ( We took into consideration that short of something special happening - we would be forced, compelled into coalition with the SPPF or in the event of an/the national election, they in opposition) we had not planned or argument to destroyed and imprisoned or force in exile nobody - the Judiciary and Police, Democratic structure would do their work an those who failed would be made to account for. The pooling of policing expertise from other nations.
- We had argued given the uniqueness of Sechelles Seychelles - our origin, the nation of the Indian Ocean Mauritius, Reunion, Comor, Madagascar our ancestral heritage in India and South Africa to put in place a Senate System unique - where Democracy, national agendas, politic and issues could be debated adequately and the privilege, opportunity given to all parties involved in national politic to participate - the concept of an Elected Upper House and Upper House, beside local Councils. That was the fundamental departure from our first national Constitution and that of SNM Constitution for a National government.
- We had detail argument on how the Army - Defence Force was to be reorganise, restructured, run and accounted for/responsibilities.
- Our argument on the economy was very radical, it called for a major redevelopment and Reclamation Project, to reclaim Land form the sea - like Monaco Project and a few other regions, to save the vital agriculture land and Construction of a complete new Town.
- We argued for a strong Fishing, Tourism, Mineral/Oil, Servicing Industry, beside the strong encouragement of the Small Industry.
- We argued for a Strong Agriculture Sector and related industry, given that our heart is in there and close, our ancestral heritage - they were Framers and Cultivators.
- We had argued for a Link economic and Financial system - meaning not because we were a small nation and some 100, 000 inhabitants - given our important corporate and business connection just like one buy into real estate in other countries for investments - part of our working economy would be link to other selected dynamic country economic, to safe guard, maintain and create the due dynamic of our own development.
- We argued for the setting in place of strong working Central bank and associated financial institutions.
- We argued for the setting up of a Stock Market/ Exchange - the nature of the economy we envisage and to encourage that people, citizens to acquire interests and shares. We had planned/envisaged to be fairly radical.
- We argued for appropriate Offshore Development facilities and working - managed.
- We argued for control Gambling and such investments.
- We argued for adequate and proper news media and the setting up of a Second TV and Radio Station - liberal media function/politic.
- At the time 1984/5 the IT was an unknown entity. In Europe we had been involved importantly in those issues and the USA and Asia, we also formed part of those that challenged IMB and a few others - then IT development and to implement proper system in Seychelles. ( Then Cable and Wireless, the USAF Tracking Station)
- We had argued for the setting in place of higher management mechanism, their workings, the development and putting in place of working Institutions along the line and values of our ancestral fathers, enabling us to compete in the modern world and economy.
- We argued for the support and maintaining of strong social Values and Justice. ( The notion of Capitalist/super rich was buried for ever - as a Small nation we could not embrace this concept of only the few very rich and the rest poor or have nothing - the values of equality and our strong christian Heritage to put and support them in practice. )
- We had argued for a proper and fair election, due process, giving the right to vote of our Seychelles National where ever in the world they are and reside. Make due and necessary arrangements that they can vote. The involvement of international Observers.
- We argued for the building of a new National Assembly/Parliament.
- We had argued for the return of a President and Prime Minister Office, their respective roles and responsibilities, duties.
- We had argued for a modern Medical system, Private Hospitals, clinic and Care Homes.
- We had argued fro supporting National Housing Association by those interested.
- We had argued for a marked move from current construction trend and architecture - the motto the building you live and work in make you and the nation.
- We argued for the development of proper Motor way, eventually a Tran system or Train given the pollution of the bus and the Cars/Traffic.
- We argued for the reintroduction of our ancestral cultures, including Classical Music, Concerts and theaters, beside our current Creole heritage and other regional cultures.
- We had laid/paid important emphasis on the Development of NGO, Civic Societies, their structures, Funding, working and accountability, their important role in building the future Sechelles Seychelles.
- On Immigration given what we had faced, experienced, the Immigration approach, criterias we had argued. It called from praticularly in employment on Seychellois citizens, national being First. We opposed any form of racist and such discrimination on coulor of skin, ethnicity -but was firm that the interest of the Seychellois came foremost and first.
- We had argued for a return of Grammer education system as well as what is Term today as Polytechnique, the introduction of Universities and higher Education and due infrastructures.
- We argued for radical devellopment of the Outer Islands, infrastructures and small business and job creation in order to be self sustainable. Their role in the greater national economy.
- We had argued for a seperate Military landing facilities away from the civilian. (That was the Communist era then and the Cold War ongoing)
- We argued for the better management and diplomatic working of our Embassy and Consulates, such Economic reprsentation.
- We argued as a government to support those from our Communities who had establish in EU and other parts of the world - the emphasis, and that of the UN, the abilities and capabilities to help build their mother/father nation and statistics. We would support their aspirations and support them moraly, financialy and with other resources.
- With regards to our refugee and exile, knowing full well how and why the UN, UNIDO, UNDP, UNHCR works, the world Bank and IMF had proposes a marked need to set in place adequate bodies in Europe, the world and Sechelles Seychelles that/which would work, lobby, debate and explain what had taken place, our history from Europe and those from Africa and Asia the need to combat/fight to prevent that such horrible event never occure and repeat itself - not be ashamed as very many were and are in Sechelles Seychelles today. We would challenge the working of those institutions - ( hence they wanted us dead, nowhere near a government and real power)
- We argued equally for strong regional working of the Small Nation of the Indian Ocean, regional Universities, Military system and Airline to save and develop regional corporation and solidarity.
- We argued for strong emphasis of supporting and building our Christian values and as did take place rebuilding and refurbishment of several Church, encourage such education and moral values.
- We argued that as a Small nation for our working and growth would have to use work force from other regional nations - the immigration politic we would devlop and required to implement.
-We argued to forge stronger working, diplomatice and other working with the Small Nations of the region and South Asia, particularly New Zealand.
- We argued for a very positive and dynamic working with then OAU, Arab League and regional nations.
{Where would the money and Finance come from those who had insight and their reason to hijack that SIROP etc combined return program} meanwhile those who have made very vast fortunes and none accountable.
The above are greater points of the Constitutions we had outlined as far back as 1984/5 and changed them after events of 1987/88 when we began working on the implementation of the SIROP return program. ( Of course there were details like in all such national Constitutions when refugees and exiles aim/plan to return to their homeland and play a significant and important role in their national affairs.)
Having said this - we want to underlined the role that individuals like Judge EJ Stiven had played in the drafting and conception of the Kenya and East Africa Constitutions, that of Zanzibar - we had been privilege to listen, take part in discussion and listen. We have also seen certain documents.
Later as mention those in Europe we had encountered - particularly our choice of the Earl of Oxford and Asquith as advisor, Lord Beloff, indirectly that leading Scot politician who supported our exile/refugee work, current Lord Howe and others, their view on these and such matters. We had also undertaking reasonable research by three of Britain and world Leading Strategic Institute on matters of Military, politic and Constitution. Later our involvements, contributions to many important national issues of the changes which took place in the COMECON, their Constitutions and form of government, the USSR, the new Germany, France, Latin America, Asia, China, the Gulf Region and North Africa. They have been very rich experiences.
Equally important in the field of exile/refugee - we had been involved and contributed to very many regional and international issues, politic and outcomes as such our experiences. Including input in those international bodies and institutions that look after and manages such issues.
{Having stated our attempts to Start a brand new Colony on one of the BIOT Diego Garcia under Lady Tacther government, several exile/refugees communities involved, not just Illois and Seychellois. As such the experience - once in Seychelles advocated for the return of the Islands to the Chagossain unless a similar solution like we had attempted - thereby creating a new and dynamic entity in the Indian Ocean equation, not a Marin Park or /Russian or Chinese Military Base. There is a large Community of exile Chagossian on Seychelles/Mahe, we have worked and live with them. We know their aspiration and had supported them in Europe They have their Constitutions too, help them and support them that they too can go back to their native land}
We kindly request those following our issues, to point them to Lawyer Mr Phillippe Boulle, Mr Pesi Pardiwalla and Associate, Lawyer Lucie Pool, the many Judiciary and Court Officials, the Constitution Commission and Electoral commission, the National Assembly and other relevant parties. Including our national media.
-{ On a lighter note about Drugs - we would regulate prostitution. We mean regulate it. Drugs we would adopt the animal Farm concept feed them to the pigs. This posed one of our biggest challenges then 1983, the report then, that near 20% of UN money/working money was source/coming form Drug}
We have started a Facebook Cause Page as against a page:
http://www.causes.com/causes/620272-sirop-seychelles-international-refugee-repatriation-onward-program/about
