With great sadness we learned about the passing of our valued Founding Member, Sir James R. Mancham (Former President of the Republic of Seychelles). Sir James passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 8.
Sir James had just been awarded the GEP Lifetime Achievement Award for his extraordinary commitment to global peace, at the GEP 2016 in December. Sir James was a treasured and distinguished Founding Member of the GEP, who had attended the first session of GEP in 2010 in Thiruvananthapuram, India, and had been a great support throughout the years.
Sir James will be truly missed by the GEP and by the thousands around the world who knew him as a leader and friend who never compromised his integrity, innate wisdom, commitment to peace, and who shared his joie de vivre with one and all. We extend our greatest sympathy and prayers to his family and all who knew and loved him.
Lady Carla Davis, GEP Minister for Environment, a great friend of Sir James, shares her condolences:
"It was with shock and much sadness that I learned, last night, of the passing of my dear friend and fellow GEP Minister, Sir James Mancham, KBE. His extraordinary leadership, devoted hard work, and tireless efforts to revolutionise the world’s ideology, energy, and resources towards peace, culture and prosperity have been an inspiration to everyone who yearns for a more peaceful, equitable, and socially just world. If only more leaders shared his vision, creativity and heart, the world would be a much better and more beautiful place!
"Sir James was a a unique Seychellois, leader, statesman, and global citizen. His knowledge, skills, diplomacy, and brilliant business acumen lifted standards, built bridges of harmony, improved everything he was involved with, and brought world renown to his small island nation. His many prestigious awards, VIOAS magazine, and fascinating books that he authored, provide a small glimpse into the life of this remarkable man.
"Sir James will be sorely missed by those who knew him. May his unique spirit and legacy to make our world a better and more peaceful place, along with his philosophy of 'Right is Might' live on, for many generations to come."
