Alain St-Ange: “Sir James Mancham played an important role in Seychelles”

Sir James Mancham passed away on Saturday 7 January, aged 77. He was the first head of state of the Seychelles and became president when the archipelago obtained independence from Britain on 29 June 1976. News on Sunday called Mr Alain St-Ange, former Seychelles Minister of Tourism, now a candidate for the post of Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation and also a regular visitor in Mauritius to comment on the death of Sir James Mancham, who is remembered in the archipelago as the one who gave the Seychelles its independence.

What is the mood in the Seychelles after the death of Sir James Mancham? 

Nostalgia would best summarise the mood. Programs on national television showed the life of Sir James from his early political days, his style and ‘joie de vivre’ which were so apparent. The people of the Seychelles appreciate the influence he had on the island’s political affairs.

What has been the reaction of Albert Rene after hearing the news?

Albert Rene sent a public message on the demise of Sir James Mancham. He recorded the respect he had for the latter and said he acknowledged the important part played by Sir James in the political life of the Seychelles.

What is his legacy?

Sir James Mancham will be remembered as a flamboyant political personality of the Seychelles. Under the British colonial era, he was the archipelago’s Chief Minister, Prime Minister and after the Independence of the Seychelles, James Mancham became its first President. He was an advocate for unity and promoted ‘Putting Seychelles First.’

What was your personal relationship with Sir James?

Though in my early years Sir James Mancham and my father Karl St-Ange were on opposite sides of the political divide, I grew up admiring his charisma. In my own political life, I opposed the Democratic Party of Sir James, even though we were both in the opposition. That did not stop me respecting Sir James Mancham. When I assumed the position of Minister in the James Michel government, I was able to develop a close working relation with Sir James Mancham. We both believed on increasing visibility of Seychelles and we both remained friendly. Sir James was the flag bearer for the Seychelles and was a great Ambassador for the archipelago. Sir James and I met often socially and in the office and we appreciate each other.

On the 30th December, Sir James wrote a piece entitled ‘Opinion – Loustau-Lalanne and St-Ange on the tourism road ahead’. That was only days before he passed away. His words remain an encouragement and give me more determination than ever to seek the support of the International Community for my bid to become the Secretary General of the UNWTO. The bad news came while I was on a work-related trip to Europe.

You mentionned his role as an Ambassador?

Sir James Mancham had become very much a mentor for me. He understood the need for visibility and he appreciated the work the Team at the Tourism Board was doing to keep the island’s tourism industry working with success. He was a leader who inspired others to succeed and at our meetings in my office or dinners at his residence, I always realised that I was lucky to have Sir James as a friend. 

Regarding his Opinion piece on your candidacy at the UNWTO, what can you tell us?

His endorsement of my candidacy means so much when he wrote “In the spirit that Seychelles should reflect the sentiments of a small country, with a small population, which thinks big. I personally have no hesitation, at this time, to sponsor Mr St Ange’s candidature for the position”.

Sir James also wrote in the Opinion article of 30 December 2016: “So it is now public knowledge that Alain St-Ange has resigned as Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine and that President Danny Faure has submitted the name of Mr Maurice Loustau-Lalanne to the National Assembly for his appointment as the new Minister for Tourism” before adding: “As for the outgoing Minister St-Ange, who had once been an active member of the Seychelles National Party (SNP), which was in Opposition to President Michel, the latter having taken note of his public relation talents offered him the opportunity to prove himself as the head of the Tourism Authority. […] His special achievements have been the success of organising annual events like Carnaval International de Victoria and Festival Kreol. Recognising the potential of the Seychellois living overseas in promoting their native land with pride and conviction, he started engaging the Diaspora as tourism ambassadors within the foreign cities they happen to be residing. They developed the slogan: “If you cannot take the Seychellois out of Seychelles, you also cannot take Seychelles out of Seychellois”.

I personally felt flattered that whenever I met him to congratulate him on some of his initiatives and achievements he would immediately respond: “Sir James, I am only taking a few pages out of your book”. St-Ange never forgot that I was the person who opened up international tourism in Seychelles when I made history by disembarking from the first wide-bodied plane that landed here in Seychelles – a British Airways VC10 in 1971 – and historically became the first Minister for Tourism in the country. I personally have no hesitation, at this time, to sponsor Mr St-Ange’s candidature for the position as secretary general of UNWTO.