Full English version.

NOV 23 2024 · 16:01

Full English version. It wasn’t easy to speak up, but my community freed me to. You too can speak up & ask questions, #Seychellois this is your heritage. We must exercise our rights: Articles 22 (Freedom of expression) & 38 (Right to a safe #environment) & fundamental duty: (e) to protect, preserve & improve the environment. When I was home, I was asked a tough & valid question: “Is it worth fighting for #Seychelles' environment abroad when projects like those on #Assomption disregard rules & destroy our environment?" I did everything I could not to shed a tear. It’s the right question & one I have spent many sleepless nights over. As someone representing Seychelles, I cannot stay silent on such #environmentalinjustice. It's like fighting a fire abroad while my home burns. I must fight for both, but home comes first. If I didn’t, I would be hollow & not live up to what has been entrusted to me. Seeing others defend #Asssomption & understanding this development’s implications for #Aldabra & #Seychelles, reminds me of my duty. I owe much to #Aldabra & speaking truth to power. I hope my voice lends itself to the voiceless & those in government, & civil society who know there are serious issues here. People have spoken out. But speaking out has a price. Some face bans, others fear for their jobs. I fear there is intimidation & silencing taking place. Like many, I submitted my concerns to the @m_a_c_c_e on the Proposed Tourism Development on Assomption Island. Chief among my concerns was biosecurity whereby although there are procedures since 2015, I have not seen them implemented, this was a grave threat to Assomption & Aldabra. This & other aspects of the project, especially speed, well documented by @sbc.sc Gran Reportaz should make us all pause. But is this happening? I am not against development, we need it (it could even allow restoration). But we need good development, which benefits our people & heritage d. Bad development leaves people behind, creates problems, & erodes trust.