Servitor et praefectus

Abstract

Following months of gentle coercion to accept the role of President of the Republic, in the last weeks approaching 4 April, when a new Head of State is usually installed, and following certain negotiations to elicit political commitments on issues on which I have entrenched positions, I finally accepted to embrace this responsibility. I realised the fact that taking on a five-year commitment at 77 was not easy. Four years earlier I had a triple cardiac bypass, which thankfully left me with no disability whatsoever. I felt I still had a lot to contribute to my country and the more I thought about it, the more committed I felt. In the days preceding the official installation, I was further encouraged by being informed that Members of Parliament from the Opposition side were also willing to back my nomination. This made me concentrate on the message I wanted to convey in my inauguration ceremony. The speech I prepared somehow flowed out with my thoughts and eventually portrayed all I had ever wished to do, but for obvious reasons beyond my control could not accomplish.