Every effort will be made to give Seychelles a breakthrough that will make it succeed more in the world this year.

 

Mr Faure addressing guests at Saturday's ceremony

 Vice-President Danny Faure said this during the launch of this year's national theme - Winning for Seychelles - in a ceremony held on Saturday evening at the International Conference Centre.

President James Michel, First Lady Natalie Michel, former Vice-President Joseph Belmont, chief Justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende, ministers, members of the diplomatic corps and of the National Assembly were among the guests present.

The event also saw the unveiling of this year's logo which features the colours of the national flag.

The 2011 theme song was sung for the first time, while Deacon Louis Agathine and Reverend Danny Elizabeth prayed for the nation's success during 2011.

Mr Faure commended President Michel for choosing the theme which he said should inspire every one of us to work hard.

"We recognise our country is greater than us. None of us individually makes up Seychelles, but together we all make up the country, which needs all of us regardless of our political colours," he said.

"We live under the same sun and stand on the same land which is known as Seychelles.

"Because of our love for Seychelles, we refuse to stay divided.

"We love peace and stability and we have not yet realised all the dreams we have for our country," he said.

He said different generations have made and are making their contribution to the nation and regardless of what any one of us happens to be, the country awaits our further contribution to raise it higher.

Captain Francis Roucou, who was among the people taken hostage by pirates and liberated last year thanked the government and all Seychellois who did their most in prayer, negotiation or military intervention to rescue him and others who had been captured.

"Our release was a victory for us, for our families and all who took part in the rescue effort," he said.

Major Simon Laurencine who led the soldiers who rescued the hostages at sea said the Seychelles People's Defence Forces will always be there to serve Seychellois, noting rescue efforts have so far been successful.

He said the forces will always be there to remove obstacles like those the pirates were putting in our way towards greater progress.

There was an impressive display of military tactics by cadets from the Defence Forces Academy.