Did You know?

That James Michel has PROMISED and has DELIVERED!

In 2004, James Michel in his inaugural speech said ‘Through a working style based on dialogue and consultation, we will create the structures to allow us to bring our ideas together to solve our problems as quickly as possible. In the coming weeks I will hold a series of meetings and consultations with representatives of different sectors of our society. This will enable my Government to have a better understanding of the expectations of our people. It will allow us to work together - as a team – to strive for greater progress and prosperity.’

On July 2005 – Seychelles Nation:

Accompanied by Vice-President Joseph Belmont and the district’s administrator Doris Estico, the Head of State on Thursday July 28 went to Les Mamelles where he saw for himself a steep and long set of steps mentioned by a pensioner during one of the meetings.

The President’s team then braved steep terrain and walked down a sharp decline on a narrow road said to be slippery, despite the fact that the stretch was wet immediately after some showers had fallen.

President Michel then proceeded to Roche Caiman Phase II Estate, whose residents have asked for a shelter at the local bus terminus.

Accompanied by the district’s administrator Wilbert Omath, President Michel witnessed that a set of dustbins which had been cited as a source of nuisance and rodents has been removed.

During his visit, the President also patiently rendered a listening ear to residents who sought to have a word with him over personal or community grievances.

Officials at the site said that the steep steps at Les Mamelles will be completely redesigned and rebuilt, and a turning point will be provided along the steep road which will be provided with a new access and be resurfaced with less slippery material.

President Michel said that while he will not be able to visit each and every area regarding which certain issues are being raised, he is satisfied with the strategy of listening to people’s grievances then going to the ground to personally see that action is being taken to alleviate difficulties cited.

He agreed with the media that as a result of his personal intervention, different departments have stepped up their performance towards meeting people’s requirements.

He said he was touched by the pensioner, Elise Charles, particularly because of her age, when she raised the issue of the steep steps, hence President Michel started his spot visits with the site she had referred to at Les Mamelles.

“You have seen for yourself that I am a man of action, I do not just stay in the office, I go round, I meet people, I talk to them and listen to their problems and I try to resolve their problems as much as possible,” the President said.

“This is the cornerstone of my style. I will continue to be at the service of the people as and whenever it is necessary,” he said.

“It is good to lead by example, and by ensuring that things are done quickly and properly is an example for other ministries and departments to do the same,” President Michel said.
He said that the process of consultation has proved to be good and is working, and will continue to work in the future.
Speaking in his capacity as the Minister for Transport, Vice-President Belmont said that the many complaints raised regarding roads or transportation did not imply that the relevant departments are failing.

“There is simply a lot to be done in the country, which is developing fast,” he said, giving the example of the need for shelters at new bus stops, but adding that priority would for example be governed by the density of specific populations compelled to wait for transport under the rain or hot sunshine.

Vice-President Belmont, who is sitting at the district consultation meetings with President Michel, demonstrated that he too has a sharp recall of what the people are saying, by referring the district administrators to specific issues or locations referred to by members of the public during the meetings.

“There was also a request for a shelter at such and such a bus stop,” the Vice-President was heard telling them.