Confronting pirates and taking tea with princes, meeting world leaders one day and ordinary folk on the islands the next, speaking at the United Nations and sitting down with the Pope. Each day brought new challenges, new adventures. It was a unique experience, a wonderful part of my life.

As a young boy, growing up on the west coast of Mahe, being President of Seychelles was something I had never dreamed of. By the time I stood down in 2016, following my third successful election, I was able to bequeath a priceless legacy to the country I love so dearly. But my experience since then has been mixed. I am proud of all that I did, yet puzzled that some who I had always trusted so quickly turned against me. I have been accused of things I never did.

So one reason for writing this book is to set the record straight, to rebut unfounded allegations. A second reason is simply to fill a gap in the modern history of Seychelles. Both are important to me. In looking back, I look forward too.

This book is about the future as well as the past. It is about tomorrow’s generations, not only yesterday’s. We must be equal to the challenges that lie ahead. We owe nothing less to our children and all who follow.