Sir James Mancham became the first President of the Seychelles when the country was declared a sovereign republic in 1976. Following a coup, he spent more than fifteen years in exile in London promoting joint ventures and transfer of technologies mainly from European to developing countries. During his visit to Sofia Sir Mancham signed an agreement with Maxim Behar, CEO of M3 Communications Group, Inc. to attract foreign investors to Bulgaria's tourism sector.
Sir Mancham also visited the office of novinite.com and met with Editor-in-Chief Milena Hristova.
Q: Is this the first time that you come to Bulgaria? What is the aim of your visit here?
A: This is my third visit to Sofia.
I was the first Prime Minister and President of the Republic of Seychelles and my leadership of the islands spanned a period of more than ten years. During the Cold War my country became of strategic significance - these are small islands spread over a very wide surface of the Indian Ocean. It is an area of great strategic significance particularly with respect to the transport of oil from the North.
At the time of the Marxist takeover I was in London attending the jubilee of the Queen. I could not return and eventually spent about fifteen years in England. There I specialized in promotion of joint ventures and transfer of technologies.
In 1992 I was invited to return back home, which I did. I reestablished and negotiated to get back some of my businesses and properties, which were taken, but I also remained involved in my overseas business.
Many people who want to invest are interested to have a very good introduction. Otherwise, if you start from the bottom of the pyramid by the time you are halfway the opportunity is gone.
I have been traveling a lot over the last few years in my capacity of Ambassador for Peace designated by The International Federation for World Peace.
Eight years ago my son fell in love with a girl from Bulgaria and came to spend some time in the seaside town of Varna. As I was passing through Vienna at that time I decided to fly over to Sofia to meet with him. I could see that this country has a lot of potential and a great tourism dimension. I could see your historic buildings, enjoyed your food and acknowledged the friendliness of your people.
The political situation however was still a bit obscure. Certainly much better today- particularly with the decision to join the European Union in 2007.
Most of the European-based companies I work with prefer to invest where they can find a solid local partner. It is a question of marrying local goodwill with proven experience and technology.
In trying to identify a group, which is well-placed in Bulgaria to promote the potential of joint ventures, I met with Mr Maxim Behar, CEO of M3 Communications Group, Inc. My information and inquires indicated that he is a man of determination, with a lot of initiative and committed to promote and broaden Bulgaria's prosperity.
Together we are thinking to organize next year an international investment forum "Discover Bulgaria". I consider such a forum long overdue. There are exciting opportunities for organizing a tourism conference as well.
Q: Both Bulgaria and Seychelles are popular tourist destinations. According to BBC survey the islands are one of the fifty places one must see in his lifetime. Which are the elements that you emphasize most for the development of tourism sector in your country?
A: In my opinion we have the most beautiful islands in the world. We have three sites, which have been declared "a world heritage". The Islands are very attractive because they convey the idea of paradise. Ecologically the islands are perfectly preserved. However, we are relatively far and also expensive.
I had the privilege of opening the first airport. Today the Seychelles is linked by flights direct from Paris, London, Frankfurt, Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai. You depart one evening and next morning you are there. The Seychelles are successful although the value for money starts to come up.
Factors that must exist everywhere are stability and friendly people. Many countries profess friendliness on slogans but not in practice. Here Bulgaria has an advantage because of the Bulgarians' attitude and mentality toward outsiders.
Things however do not just happen, things are made to happen by people of good will and vision.
Q: What would it take for Bulgaria to be better promoted as a tourist destination? What can we learn from you in this respect?
A: Marketing is very important and it must be done cleverly. You must not oversell your destination because people may be disenchanted. You must be ready and put in place the services you sell. You can capitalize on the philosophy of friendship. I does not take a lot to give a smile but you can get a lot of dividend of it. I think Bulgaria has the ingredients for a successful tourism destination.
Q: You spent years in exile before returning to the Seychelles in 1992 as the Apostle of National Reconciliation? What did you learn during these years?
A: When I returned I realized that the best way to bring about changes in the way people think is through the philosophy of reconciliation.
Q: Is this your piece of advice to local politicians?
A: Yes and this philosophy should be global.
Q: "War on America Seen from the Indian Ocean" explains how people in other parts of the world are affected by US foreign policy. What signal did you want to send?
A: I was regarded as a supporter of the American philosophy and politics, but today the United States have become all too powerful. It is my view that we will not get a better world order unless we can get a change of philosophy within the United States. We are disturbed when we see nuclear proliferation and the broading armament industry. We must encourage the American people and the country's leaders to become more mindful of the need for the cultivation of a culture of peace.
Q: Your sayings have been collected in a book published last year. Which of them would you use as a message to Bulgaria?
A: "If you look at the world today, you will find that there are more conflicts within States than between States. Since there has always been strong support by Government and rulers for the concept of non-interference in the internal affairs of a country, then the only way left to establish internal stability, respect, peace and order is though the route of National Reconciliation."
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Photo by Yuliana Nikolova (novinite.com)
