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Seychelles: The Saga of a Small Nation Navigating the Cross-Currents of a Big World

Seychelles: The Saga of a Small Nation Navigating the Cross-Currents of a Big World
ISBN
9781557789150
Weight
1.50 lbs
Cover
Paper

Pages
464

Size
6x9

Date Available
2015/02/05


Index , Photos
        
Price:
$24.95 (24.95)
Qty

“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 inherently fascinating read and a very highly recommended addition to community and academic library International Studies reference collections in general, and Seychelles History and Cold War History supplemental studies reading lists in particular.”Library Bookwatch, June 2015

"...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.

“James Mancham has become a consistent feature of world political, diplomatic, and institutional gatherings since he became the first president of the Seychelles in the 1970s. In United Nations, world, and regional forums Mancham’s thoughts and reflections are recognized as important contributions to sensitive global issues. How has he achieved international status normally reserved for leaders of much bigger and strategically important nations? The answer is in the story of how all the instincts of human spirit and uncomplicated logic have been tested during the post-World War II and post-Cold War ambitions of much larger interests who lost sight of the importance of what is right and what is wrong in the way international ambitions disregard what is sometimes best for humankind. This is evident in this book that brings us the history of his period at an international level as well as his personal perceptions as a man who regarded famously the world as his village and taught many a world leader the wisdom of that thought.”—Christopher Lee, author of Sceptered Isle for the BBC, and Seychelles Political Castaways

“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 and with the help of the U.A.E.

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.

 

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements, Dedication to Liberty, Dedication to the People of Seychelles, Foreword

Part 1 The Birth of Seychelles Nation Glancing Back While Looking Forward, Coup d’Etat, Political Castaways, President Michel’s Search for a Legacy

Part 2 A Determined Nation on the Move Introducing the Team, The Economy, Tourism Development, Civil Aviation, Seychelles Fight Against Piracy, The Legislative Branch, The Judiciary, Education in Seychelles, Seychelles State of Health, Religions and the Development of Interfaith Relationships, A Real Paradise for Children, The Business of Trading in Seychelles, Seychelles at the Forefront of Information & Communication Technology, Sport in Seychelles, The Entrepreneurs, Shakers, and Movers, National Reconciliation, Learning from Others

Part 3 A Small Nation Navigating in a Big World Introducing Seychelles’ Bilateral Relations, Anglo-Seychelles Relationship, Seychelles-France Relations, Seychelles–U.S. Relations, Seychelles-India Relations, Seychelles-China Relations, Seychelles-Russia Relations, Seychelles-Africa Relations, Seychelles-Australia Relations, Seychelles-European Union Relations, Seychelles-U.A.E. Relationship, Indian Ocean Commission

Part 4 Seychelles Islands

Part 5 International Associations and their Global Resonance

Part 6 Incidental Anecdotes

Part 7 The Future and a Better World Human Nature and Democracy, “Might is Right,” Epilogue

Appendix: The Sayings of James R. Mancham, Photo Gallery, Index

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Customer Reviews

  • Author: Lady Carla Davis, MPH
    Seychelles: The Saga of a Small Nation Navigating the Cross-Currents of a Big World delights the reader with a wealth of information about the Seychelles, including its history, culture, and prominent citizens.  It reveals the political turmoil, power grabs, and intrigues; its 5 star development; the preservation of its remarkable nature; and Seychelles connection with the world’s super powers.  Glamourous Seychelles would not have the quality and high standard development it has, nor be the primo destination it is today, were it not for Sir James and all his efforts, expertise, and acumen.

    In his book, Sir James provides a gold mine of political wisdom and insight into his tireless peace efforts and the work he is doing globally.  He is charming and multi-talented with the culture of a poet, writer, publisher, and good music and song enthusiast. (See his DVD "Footprints on the Sands of Time, by James R. Mancham www.jamesmancham.com & VIOAS http://www.thevioasmagazine.com/ ).  He is the finest of diplomats with integrity.  He has a heart that warms the soul, the wisdom that enlightens the young and old alike, and an adventurous spirit that inspires all who read his books and everyone he comes in contact with.  Sir James Mancham, KBE is a true Gentleman and Statesman of the highest calibre who walks the talk.  If only more leaders were like him our world would be a more peaceful, better place to live in.

    This fascinating book immerses the reader into the odyssey, trials, and tribulations of a dynamic leader and what goes on behind the scenes in the political arena.  It is a great resource that tells many stories, yet it all fits  together like a beautiful symphony.  This is a book you will want to read more than once.  

    Lady Carla Davis, MPH,  Publisher & Author of http://www.NourishingBasics.com/, GEP Cabinet Minister for Environment, A Contributing Editor for The NZ Journal of Natural Medicine,  UPF Peace Ambassador, Widow of the former PM of the Cook Is.(Sir Thomas Davis, KBE)

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