Seychelles

“An inspirational story of a small country from colonial rule to nationhood and prosperity, as well as a vision for the future.… Mr. Mancham’s latest book clearly involved significant research, covering everyday life in Seychelles as well as history, geography, and strategic location in the middle of the Indian Ocean.”—Victoria Times.


"...an impressive work. I have no doubt that this book will allow its readers to gain a better understanding of the fascinating history of the Seychelles and how it has come to be the country that it is today."—HE Peter Tomka, President of the International Court of Justice


"... a masterpiece written by a remarkable and thoughtful leader of our modern time. It provides a rich account of a leader, who has a thirst to educate and share his knowledge with the rest of the world. The overarching message is that it epitomizes Seychelles as a small nation rising on the horizon with intellectual and leadership prowess. It is a must-read book, which should easily find its way in the library of any intellectual person who aspires to become a future leader in a very dynamic world."—Dr. Peter Larose, Executive Director, Africa Group 1, The World Bank Group


“The book is timely.… Seychelles needs good navigators to remain afloat. [Mancham’s] reputation of statesman is widely acknowledged, born out of a desire to place Seychelles first to progress.” —Minister Vincent Meriton.


“One difference between this and his past works is that this one is more of a philosophical lifetime’s summary-synthesis of his view of the world, how we humans ought to live, including his views on economic development, good governance, unity, peace and genuine human progress and happiness. A voice from a small nation with big lessons for the world.”—Dr. Jean Claude Ahweng, Professor of Nagoya University, Japan.


“Mancham is ambitious, politically shrewd, and a devoted Seychellois. He has the flamboyance of a Trudeau, the political determination of a Lee Kuan Yew, and the stamina for travel of a Kissinger.”—Alan Baily, The Times of London


One of the most beautiful places in the world, Seychelles is an island nation off the coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean that received its independence from the United Kingdom in 1976. Abandoned by England and betrayed by France, its founding president lost power in a communist coup spearheaded by the Prime Minister the following year. Following the collapse of communism and its own bankruptcy, Seychelles has been finding an exemplary path to political stability and economic development under the leadership of current president James A. Michel.


As that founding president, Sir James R. Mancham is in a unique position to tell the story of this transformation, details of the current nation on the move, and thoughts on the way forward to a peaceful and prosperous future. Mancham shares a goldmine of political wisdom learned in his wide-ranging global experiences that have taught him lessons about economic development, governance, geopolitics, friendship, and most importantly about not giving up when it seems the entire world has gone against you. The pristine islands that Mancham describes in this tropical paradise will make the reader want to visit the Seychelles.