I, and the Botswana National Front, join in this spirit of the moment and extend our best wishes to the nation and peoples of Botswana. It is important to take time off to mark and celebrate any successes we may have attained in the year. We need to also ponder the challenges and shortcomings that we faced. Doing so will help us avoid turning this into a time merely for the gracious exchange of flattery. It should be a time for evaluation and rededication. For those of us in the political frontline, a sober reflection on the circumstances of our country and the wellbeing of its people is required. Some consideration of the nature of our present government, its policies and institutions is unavoidable as we examine the substance and depth of our democracy as well as the direction of our development.
On a congenial note, I send my warmest regards to the President of this Republic. I do so in the sincere hope that he and his followers may appreciate that our being at different poles of political engagement does not make us enemies. We will differ sharply on many issues, criticise each other forcefully; sometimes viciously, but we must strive always to do so honestly and respectfully. This is a lesson the President needs to impart to his Vice President. Trading insults, especially on the floor of Parliament, only expresses intellectual vacuity. I wish you, Mr. President, continued good health. Physical fitness and stamina you seem to have in abundance judging from your recent performances in the Fat Boy Challenge. If there is anything we can all learn from this President, it is to value healthy eating habits and vigorous exercise. They are key to our wellness. Thank you Mr. President for reminding the nation of this. I urge you, to intensify efforts in this regard by ensuring that your government establishes and maintains cycling routes and decent walkways across our towns and cities. That you develop our hills and hillocks into fitness centres by constructing hiking trails to attract young and old to engraft exercise into their daily routine. Efforts of this nature would have the twin advantages of mitigating environmental pollution and easing traffic congestion on our roads as it would be convenient and attractive for people to cycle or walk to work or in their other chores. This might turn out to be your single redeeming contribution to this nation. Consider it very seriously!
