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The Seeds of Change : Reflections on Connection, Sustainability and Unity in Seychelles

It’s no secret that Seychelles is at a crossroads. Over the years, I’ve watched our islands transform - beautiful, yes, but deeply wounded by greed, short-sighted leadership, unchecked development and a troubling disregard for our environment and communities. I’ve poured my heart into Seychelles at Heart because I believe in the power of connection, dialogue and shared vision.


Recently, I read an interview with a politician who claimed that Seychelles is becoming "anti-development." I had to laugh. How can such a statement even be made when developments seem to be springing up overnight? Are we living in the same country? Speaking with Seychellois from all walks of life, I’ve heard a consistent message - not opposition to development, but a demand for accountability, transparency, and sustainability. The people aren’t asking for stagnation; they’re asking for growth that respects our laws, our environment and our future.


It’s wild how often politicians paint things in extremes: development versus no development, as if no middle ground exists. But the truth is that this binary mindset misses the point entirely. The outcry we’re seeing isn’t about halting progress - it’s about demanding better progress.


Finding Balance


This realisation has mirrored my personal journey. Last year, I went through a rough couple of months. I questioned everything: my purpose, my drive and the worth of this platform. I felt powerless and heartbroken. The systems that perpetuate environmental destruction and social inequity felt insurmountable. I had to ask myself, “What’s the point?”


But in that stillness, I remembered something profound: change doesn’t have to mean fixing everything all at once. It starts small, like planting seeds. It starts with awareness and honesty - with ourselves and each other. And for me, it starts with recognising my own flaws and biases.


There’s a quote that resonated deeply with me, from environmentalist Gus Speth:

"I thought that with 30 years of good science we could address those problems. But I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy… and to deal with those we need a spiritual and cultural transformation."


This quote reframed everything for me. I realised that what Seychelles, and the world, truly needs isn’t more division or finger-pointing, or control over others. It’s connection. It’s unity. It’s a cultural revolution.


Where Do We Start?


It starts with how deeply we can meet ourselves. I want to invite you to try a little exercise that helped me reflect. Write down the five qualities in others that frustrate you the most. For me, it was selfishness, hypocrisy, inauthenticity - you get the picture.


Now, take that list and put “I am” in front of each trait. Sit with it - not with judgment, but with kindness. Where in your own life might these qualities show up? It’s humbling, isn’t it? This isn’t about shame; it’s about awareness. But it’s also freeing. Because with awareness comes the power to change.


And that’s what Seychelles at Heart is about: planting seeds of awareness. It’s about sparking meaningful conversations and empowering each other to dream bigger and better for our islands. Success doesn’t mean fixing every problem overnight. It means creating a safe, truthful space where those conversations can happen.


A Better Way Forward


To the politicians who see the public’s concerns as “anti-development,” I challenge you to listen. No one is saying no to growth. What we’re asking for is thoughtful, sustainable progress - development that respects our culture, our environment and our future generations.


The voices calling for accountability and transparency aren’t enemies of progress. They are its architects. Seychelles deserves development that builds rather than destroys, that unites rather than divides. And we deserve leaders who respect and reflect those values.


Let’s Reimagine Together


Seychelles at Heart is evolving. I’m stepping back to focus on what truly energises me - building community, sparking dialogue and celebrating the resilience and beauty of Seychellois culture. This platform isn’t about fixing everything or being a voice for everyone. It’s about being a space where those conversations can happen.


Let’s move forward with love, tolerance and a shared vision for our islands. Together, we can build something truly transformative - not just for Seychelles, but for ourselves.


So here’s my invitation: Join the conversation. Share your voice. Plant a seed.


Because change doesn’t happen in silence. It happens when we speak, listen and grow - together.


With love and hope,


Lucie Harter

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