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Book Release: Seychelles Global Citizen
Written by UPF International
Monday, March 15, 2010
Paragon House published the autobiography of Sir James Mancham, Seychelles Global Citizen. Based on the book, Sir James was selected by the International Council of Jurists to receive their 2010 award for his contribution to global peace.
There is growing competition for power and influence in the Indian Ocean which is considered the world's pre-eminent energy and trade interstate seaway at the time when China and India find themselves locked in an "uncomfortable embrace." No one is better qualified to tell this story than Sir James R. Mancham KBE, Founding President of the Republic of Seychelles, the archipelago of 110 idyllic islands, who was overthrown in a Marxist coup in 1977 while he was in London to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. Sir James was also the lawyer for Philco-Ford, Pan Am and RCA when the US Air Force decided to build a strategic tracking station in Seychelles to gather military intelligence about the former Soviet Union during the Cold War.
As Prime Minister of Seychelles, Sir James witnessed very closely the establishment by the USA of its most modern naval, air and military complex on the island of Diego Garcia. But Sir James' autobiography Seychelles Global Citizen is more than a political treatise about the conflict for power and influence in the Indian Ocean and about Seychelles' internal political intrigue and turmoil. it is also the story of a colorful human being who has been dubbed "The Trudeau of the East" and who has also been called "The Ernest Hemingway of the Indian Ocean."
“James Mancham is the first President of Seychelles, one of several firsts achieved by this remarkable man. There is no doubt that here is a man with the capacity for high office —not only in his own country but also internationally.… He 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
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A selection of reviews:
Reviewer: Phil Keeler
I first met Sir James in 1964 (he was “Jimmy” then) and he was only 25. He was just coming into prominence as a political force when I arrived in Seychelles as the Base Operations Manager for Pan American Airways, involved with the U.S. Air Force Tracking Station.
The recent history of Seychelles has in many ways been a sad one. Less than a year after independence, Mr. F.A. René, who had become Prime Minister on the day of independence, engineered a coup while President Mancham was in London to celebrate the jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The coup saw the introduction of the One-Party State Government which itself saw a generation of youth lost to theft and crime because they were denied association with the religions which had before played a vital role in the life and education
of their parents.
Sir James, nonetheless, returned to Seychelles on 12th April, 1992, as the ‘Apostle of National Reconciliation – advocating Peace & National Unity.’ Yet, the important role he has played and continues to play in the history of Seychelles are given short shrift in the current (April 2009) CIA World Fact Book Pages on Seychelles. As an American citizen who has followed closely political development in Seychelles over the years - I am extremely disappointed by the unrevealing nature of the CIA Pages concerning the political situation in this beautiful country. I am therefore looking forward to reading “Seychelles Global
Citizen” which I have no doubt, will be informative and most revealing.
Reviewer: J C Ahweng
This autobiography has been long awaited, especially by people who have read Sir James’ earlier books as well as by people who have had the privilege of knowing this ‘one and only one’ and very unique Seychellois and global citizen, not only in terms of the character of the man himself, but also in terms of his extraordinary life journey that has seen him evolved from a simple local boy, local lawyer, the first president of his country, international entrepreneur, apostle of national reconciliation in his country, ambassador of peace and world statesman. The traces left behind by this journey have depicted him as a man of grandeur d'esprit, joix de vivre, compassion, insight, inborn charisma and leadership. This autobiography is a collection of the highlights of that journey as seen from the eyes of the man who made that journey. When a man of such caliber speaks, wise men listen.
Reviewer: Jon Sigurdarson
It is good news that the global citizen, Sir James Mancahm, has found time to write his autobiography and I can hardly wait to read the book. All his previous books have been worth reading and reading over again. Not only are they entertaining and informative of his beloved islands but also bear a witness to his intelligent and analytical mind. During his remarkable life Sir James has befriended an amazing number of interesting people from all walks of life and he has developed a passion for peace and democracy that is unique. I hope that his new book will be widely read, we can all learn from Sir James.
Reviewer: Claude Bonte
I'm looking forward to reading the book. Sir James Mancham is a warm, intelligent, inspiring human being and a true inspiration to all who've ever had to overcome gigantic challenges in life. His commitment and perseverance for peace and democracy are exemplary to all Seychellois living in Seychelles and overseas. I very much enjoyed reading Paradise Raped, Adages, War On America As Seen From The Indian Ocean, and Piece of Mind. I can't wait to read Seychelles Global Citizen. The lessons from all these books are a rare treasure…
Reviewer: Ankur Naik
Sir James Mancham has become the ‘face’ of Seychelles tourism around the world.His charming personality and vivid interests in this global scenario motivates us all to become a better citizen of the world.His being the president and member of so many councils around the world dictates his authority and command over all spheres of life.I am looking forward to get a hand on his autobiography. Sqn Ldr Ankur Naik, ADC to The President of India
Reviewer: Amy Code
Having heard Sir James' passionate speech about the struggle for power in the Indian Ocean, many of us associated with the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah are looking forward to reading Seychelles Global Citizen. We really enjoyed hosting him at the Institute and learning from his insights.
Reviewer: Jacob Ouma
Sir James Mancham is the most humble influential man i have met. His heart radiates with passion for peace and democracy not only for Seychelles but the world at large.His speeches have always been inspiration to me. It's amazing how he can speak to the young and the old alike and capture both their attention and passion to join in the course he strongly believes in, peace and democracy. Ever since i became the 1st runner up Mr. University International and an Ambassador for Peace, i have always looked up to Sir James as a mentor, a father, a friend and an inspiration to me and the globe. Keep up with your good work Sir and i can't wait to buy my copy of the book!
Reviewer: Raymond St Ange
This is fantastic news! We look forward to reading this latest submission from someone who has contibuted much for not only the Seychelles islands but globally as well. If ever there was an example of a citizen gone 'Global' in a positive way, then it is Sir James Mancham! We enjoy his books, among our favorite is Paradise Raped and War On America As Seen From The Indian Ocean! Sir James is a good example of what former heads of state can do and should be doing. Seychelles Global Citizen will be on our 'to get list' of books!
I first met Sir James in 1964 (he was “Jimmy” then) and he was only 25. He was just coming into prominence as a political force when I arrived in Seychelles as the Base Operations Manager for Pan American Airways, involved with the U.S. Air Force Tracking Station.
The recent history of Seychelles has in many ways been a sad one. Less than a year after independence, Mr. F.A. René, who had become Prime Minister on
the day of independence, engineered a coup while President Mancham was in London to celebrate the jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. The coup saw the
introduction of the One-Party State Government which itself saw a generation of youth lost to theft and crime because they were denied association with
the religions which had before played a vital role in the life and education of their parents.
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