SPEECH BY THE PRESIDENT OF ZANZIBAR

AND

CHAIRMAN OF THE REVOLUTIONARY COUNCIL HIS EXCELLENCY AMANI ABEID KARUME

DURING CELEBRATIONS TO COMMEMORATE 38 YEARS OF THE ZANZIBAR REVOLUTION ON

12TH JANUARY, 2002

Your Excellency Benjamin William Mkapa,

The President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Your Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Shein,

Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Your Excellency Dr. Salmin Amour,

Vice Chairman of CCM for Tanzania - Zanzibar and Retired President of Zanzibar,

Honourable John Samuel Malecela,

Vice Chairman of CCM for Tanzania - Mainland,

Honourable Fredric Sumaye,

The Prime Minister,

Honourable Shamsi Vuai Nahodha,

Chief Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar,

Mzee Ali Hassan Mwinyi,

Retired President of the United Republic of Tanzania,

Honourable Ministers of the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar,

Honourable Philip Mangula, the Secretary General of CCM,

Honourable Leaders of Government and Political Parties,

Your Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Dear Citizens,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 May I request that we commence by thanking the Almighty God for providing with us the blessings which have enabled us to meet here today in good health so that we may jointly celebrate 38 years of the Glorious Revolution of Zanzibar which took place on 12th January 1964.

1.2 May I also take this opportunity to thank all the citizens for honouring this day by attending here in big numbers so that we may cooperate jointly in the climax of these celebrations. Moreover, may I greatly thank all the people of Unguja and Pemba for your wisdom and great patience in the face of the difficult living condition during the poor and tough economic situation. Your Sixth Phase Government has initiated several deliberate transformations aimed at bringing basic development for all the people. Many thanks also go to all the citizens for maintaining tranquility, friendship, peace and stability in the country.

1.3 May I, on behalf of all the citizens extend special thanks to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, His Excellency Benjamin William Mkapa for joining us today to mark the climax of these celebrations. We are very much gratified by your attendance to these celebrations. We would like to thank Your Excellency the President for being very close to the people and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar during all the times of happiness and hardships. In your different capacities as Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi or as President of the United Republic, you have been following very keenly the development efforts in Zanzibar so that Zanzibaris may lead a peaceful and better life.

1.4 We would like to thank and congratulate Your Excellency the President for your courage, wise leadership, decisions and great vision which has earned great praise and respect for Tanzania in the World. Your firm leadership has enhanced unity and friendship among the citizens as well as peace and development of genuine democracy in the country.

2.0 THE REASON FOR TODAY'S CELEBRATIONS

2.1 Dear Citizens, we are meeting here today in big numbers so as to commemorate and honour the Glorious Revolution of the 12th of January, 1964 which laid the basis for the emancipation of the weak people in this country as well as the emancipation of all Zanzibaris. We commemorate this occasion because it reminds us of the day when the differences among Zanzibaris based on colour, ethnicity, place of origin, tribe, religion and class were buried and that it is our responsibility to make sure that those differences are not revived again.

2.2 Moreover, we are celebrating this day by remembering all the heroes who in one way or another participated in the revolution, by praying to God for all those who have lost their lives as well as expressing our best wishes for those who are alive. This is a day for honouring all those who during the last 38 years have, in different periods, made their contribution in defending, honouring and implementing the pledges of the Revolution for the benefit of all the citizens.

2.3 We are celebrating this day by remembering, interpreting and resolving to continue to defend and implement the pledges made by the founders of the Revolution which aim at improving the living condition of all Zanzibaris to higher levels. In addition we must also make use of this day to assess our implementation of the pledges of the Revolution.

2.4 As we observe these celebrations which are based on the Revolution we are also bound to discuss the Union between the former states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar - a Union which led to the creation of Tanzania. We are discussing the Union so as to defend and honour it while realizing that if the Revolution had not taken place the United Republic of Tanzania would not have been created.

2.5 Further, we are observing this day in order to assess our achievements, analyse the reasons for our setbacks and ultimately devise strategies for future actions. By doing so we hope that we shall be in position to efficiently promote the aims of the Revolution of improving the living condition of the poor and enhancing the respect of our Nation.

3.0 ACHIEVEMENTS MADE SINCE THE 37TH CELEBRATIONS OF THE REVOLUTION

3.1 Dear Citizens, it is now a year since we celebrated the 37th anniversary of the Glorious Revolution of Zanzibar and it is a bit more than a year since you installed into power the Sixth Phase Government under my leadership. During that period of one year we have managed to reduce the size of the Central Government by establishing a small Government of 12 Ministries only. We have created a small Government so as to reduce administrative costs without affecting Government services to the people. Parallel to the restructuring of the Government some parastatal organizations and other institutions were restructured so as to improve their performance.

3.2 Apart from restructuring the Government and its institutions, we have tried and are continuing to instill a sense of discipline and accountability in the performance of these institutions. In order to implement this your government has passed a law on Financial Management for controlling the revenues and expenditure of the Government and its institutions. In addition your Government has drafted a Tender Bill for regulating all procedures for ordering and purchasing Government supplies. This step aims at removing the misuse of Government resources and avoiding a disorderly purchase of supplies at uncompetitive prices. Moreover the Government has emphasized that purchases of her supplies should only be made from those business people who pay legitimate taxes to the government and have been issued with a special identification number.

3.3 Dear Citizens, during the previous year the Government increased its efforts for resolving the complaints of the majority of the people. For a long time retired civil servants from the Government and Parastatal Institutions were complaining of not being paid their retirement gratuities and pensions. For your information the Government has now addressed this problem and the retired civil servants are receiving their benefits according to the laid down procedures. For the last one year the Government has managed to pay gratuities totaling Tanzania Shillings 770 million to 876 retired civil servants. Moreover the Government has paid a total of Tanzania Shillings 784 million as pension benefits.

3.4 The issue of Government contributions to the Social Security Fund had also been problematic for a long time. After investigating the problem and resolving the shortcomings Government contributions on behalf of its employees are now being paid in time, thus allaying the employees concern of not receiving their benefits on retirement. During the last one year up to the month of September the Government had contributed a total of Tanzania Shillings 258 million to the Social Security Fund

.

3.5 In order to establish a basis for sustainable development, your Government has prepared a programme for steering its efforts and those of the people in the fight against the vicious problem of poverty. In cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Government has prepared sectoral policies and strategies of implementation for directing our efforts in the fight against poverty so as to improve the peoples condition to a higher level. This Programme is a translation of the Long Term Development Plan contained in the Zanzibar Vision 2020. The Programme will be implemented in three year cycles and reviewed on a yearly basis so as to make the changes necessary for strengthening implementation in the following year.

3.6 Dear Citizens, the other important issue that has been given due emphasis by your Government during the last year is the creation of an environment that will eradicate political conflicts in our society and lay a better basis for democracy. For more than six years now, our country has been experiencing political quarrels between the parties and followers of the main political parties in the country. These quarrels and conflicts reached the extent of threatening the peace and security of the country and its people. Moreover, these conflicts hampered the efforts for development in our country and began to tarnish the image of Zanzibar and Tanzania abroad.

3.7 In redressing this problem your Government has pardoned all those suspects who were accused on political grounds. In addition, your Government in cooperation with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania provided all the assistance that was needed by the parties of CCM and CUF in conducting discussions that would create a new atmosphere of understanding and inter-party confidence so as to preserve peace and security in the country.

3.8 As a consequence of those efforts a memorandum of agreement was signed on 10th October, 2001. The technical problems that had arisen in the implementation of the agreement have been resolved jointly and its implementation is now going on.

3.9 Dear Citizens, as a result of all these general efforts a spirit of confidence is being created among us thus enhancing cooperation and peace in the country. Moreover foreign countries have began to re-establish their confidence in the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. Discussions on cooperation are being held every now and then between your Government, foreign countries and international organizations as you have been seeing and hearing from the news media. It is our cherished hope that this cooperation will be enhanced for our mutual benefit.

4.0 SPECIFIC SECTORAL IMPLEMENTATION

4.1 Dear Citizens, apart from the general achievements that were scored in the period of one year since the celebrations of the 37th year of the Revolution, there are also specific activities that were implemented by your Government in different areas. May I avail myself on this opportunity to explain briefly some of those steps as a yardstick for implementing the pledges of the Revolution.

4.2 Communication and Transport

4.2.1 In order to strengthen communication services and enhance development, your government has managed in the previous year to complete the construction of the following roads in Unguja and Pemba:

- Makunduchi - Mtende Road

- Kibuteni - Kizimkazi Road

- Kitogani - Paje Road

- Kaebona - Kaepwani Road

- Chake Chake - Vitongoji Road

- Continuing the construction of the Chake Chake - Wesha Road

- Initiating construction of the Bambi Road which is in progress.

4.2.2 Dear Citizens, immediately after completing the construction of above roads in this coming year the work of constructing the following roads will begin with the intention of completing them before January 2003:

- Mahonda - Donge - Mkokotoni Road

- Mtuhaliwa - Chokocho Road

- Kidimni - Kitope Road

- Kilindini - Micheweni Road

4.2.3 With respect to the air transportation sector, in the year 2002, the Government will cooperate with the World Bank in repairing the run-way at the Zanzibar International Airport. Moreover, the programme for installing the network for telephone hand sets will be completed in all parts of Unguja and Pemba under the telecommunication sector. No wonder this will enable the people from every corner of Zanzibar to communicate with anybody in the world.

4.2.4 In addition, in the past year, the Government sent its vessel the M.V. Mapinduzi for major repairs. This activity which cost a lot of funds is now completed and the ship is now providing service in the country.

4.3 Agriculture

4.3.1 Basing on the understanding that agriculture is the mainstay of our economy, the Government in the last year was bent on strengthening the constant provision of modern agricultural implements. As a result, the Government made major repairs on 16 tractors so that they may provide service to the farmers in Unguja and Pemba. In addition, the Government has ordered six new tractors which will be received soon so that the people may be provided with sufficient tractor service.

4.3.2 With respect to the fisheries sector the Government continued with its efforts of providing fishermen with important fishing gear on a credit basis. I would like to remind all those fortunate citizens who have benefited from this programme to use their equipment properly for better production. Those who did not receive the equipment should be patient because the Government has already ordered other equipment which are expected to arrive at any time this month.

4.3.3 The Government also continued to support the livestock sector by providing the farmers with training on raising modern livestock. A total of 75 livestock keepers were provided with such training and 23 out of these have been supplied with cattle on the basis of receiving a cow and repaying with a calf so that other farmers may benefit from the process.

4.4 Education

4.4.1 In the sector of education, the government continued with its efforts for strengthening this sector. A total of 95 classrooms were constructed in the last year. Further, 4,050 desks were supplied to the schools. Our target is to do away with the problem of shortage of school desks as soon as possible.

4.4.2 With respect to enrolment of new pupils, a total of 28,000 were enroled representing all children who have attained the school going age, and we shall enroll all school age children in this coming year.

4.5 Health

The provision of health and curative services was further strengthened by ensuring the availability of important medicines. Those patients who needed further investigation or specialized services were sent either to Tanzania Mainland or abroad. Children suffering from heart problems have been referred to Israel and India for further treatment.

Despite these efforts, our hospitals are being confronted with a serious shortage of important medicines. As a result preparations are being made for creating a greater capacity for ordering medicines. The main objective of the Government is to improve the situation in this period so that all patients may be provided with sufficient treatment and medicine.

With respect to buildings, the Government managed to conduct repairs to the buildings of Mnazi Mmoja hospital as well as constructing a wall fence for the Mental Hospital. Moreover, basic repairs were done to the orphanage building at Forodhani, and for buildings of the Aged at Dole, Mkwajuni and Kivunge.

4.6 Water

4.6.1 In her efforts to address the problem of shortage of water in the previous year the Government took several steps for improving the availability and supply of water.

4.6.2 The areas of Chwaka, Charawe, Bwejuu, Paje, Jambiani, Makunchi, Bumbwisudi, and Unguja Ukuu on Unguja island have now been supplied with clean and safe water. In Pemba a new machine has been installed for pumping water to the villages of Vitongoji, Jamvini, Masipa, Kangani, Kionjo, Chunga and Konde. Moreover the Government has installed a new generator for pumping water in the village of Weni in Wete District. On the average about 60 percent of the population has access to clean and safe water. The Government is now directing its efforts to solving the problem of water in the towns of Unguja and Pemba. The cause of those problems is related to an old and worn out water supply system, unplanned housing constructions, and a large rate in the increase of population in Zanzibar towns. Due to the high costs of this venture the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has requested assistance from the Government of Japan. At the same time internal efforts are being taken to address the situation. May I, therefore, request people living in these areas to be patient.

5.0 THE PROBLEMS FACING US

Dear Citizens, despite the many good successes described above it should be bone in mind that those achievements were made under a difficult economic situation.

5.1 Budgetary constraint

5.1.1 One of the problems facing us relates to constraint of the Government budget in terms of low revenue collections compared to big expenditure commitments. This has affected the Government capacity to implement its development plans. This situation is based on poor sources of revenue against large expenditures which exceed the actual revenue capacity.

5.1.2 In general, Government Revenue for the last one year period reached only an average of 59.3 percent of projections. Revenues emanating from import of goods from abroad reached only 55 percent of projections due to a fall in trade activities. Collections from the Value Added Tax (VAT) reached only 50 percent of projections, while collections from internal taxes through the Revenue Board were only 67 percent of the projections.

5.2 Government Administration Costs

5.2.1 Another problem confronting your Government is related to its administration costs. Despite steps taken to reduce the number of Ministries, the administration structure of the Government is quite large. The Government has very few technically capable employees and a large number of employees with medium skills as well as unskilled. Thus, efficiency in Government performance is low.

5.2.2 Parallel to the large Government structure, the incomes for civil servants are low and cannot meet their daily needs. As a result they spend most of the time to look for other sources of income which are mostly related to petty thefts or misuse of public funds.

5.2.3 All these problems must be addressed as soon as possible.

5.3 Youth Development

5.3.1 Dear Citizens, the efforts of the youth are very crucial to our country's development. For the youth to be in position to play their role in development they must develop a culture of dedication to work. Although our road for development is a long one, we believe we shall be able to attain it if the youth will work hard with intelligence as well as spearhead the fight against idleness, laziness and extravagance. We need to have youth with high capacity of skills and knowledge. As it has been outlined in the Election Manifesto, the Sixth Phase Government will continue with its efforts to increase the number of technical and vocational colleges in order to provide the youth with technical knowledge so that those who will not be absorbed into Government service may be able to engage in self employment. In an effort to realize this objective the Ministry of Youth, Employment, Women and Children Development together with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports along with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs have signed an agreement with the African Development Bank (ADB) for establishing two vocational training centers at Mkokotoni in Unguja and Vitongoji in Pemba.

5.3.2 Moreover the Ministry is conducting a study on the capacity and equipment needs of different vocational training centers including those of Dole, Mikunguni Secondary School, Karume Technical College, Utalii College (School of Tourism), Dodeani and the JKU school at Mtoni. The findings of this study will enable the Ministry to know the needs of each school so that it may be in position to provide the necessary assistance to each school. Moreover the Revolutionary Government will soon increase its admission of students to higher learning institutions after the official inauguration of the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA) with the aim of increasing the number of high skilled manpower.

5.3.3 On the other hand, as part of the efforts to make preparations for implementation of the Long Term Development Plan outlined in the VISION 2020, your Government has communicated with international financial institutions of the IMF and the World Bank to request for experts and possibly funds, which will assist investors to initiate construction of different industries in the Free Trade Zones. These industries will produce a wide range of goods which will be exported abroad to the markets of U.S.A., the European Union (EU), Countries in the SADC and in the East African Community. If this plan will be implemented successfully, the problem of unemployment for the youth and other people will be solved and be relegated to history.

5.3.4 Dear Citizens, the Government will continue with its efforts to improve the civil services system in the Government as well as improving the salary structure so that it may become an attraction for youth with high skills in different fields. In order to ensure that every Government employee is paid the right full salary, the Government will continue with the exercise of analyzing and evaluating the actual number of civil servants and storing their information properly in computers. When this exercise is successfully completed it will enable the Government to reduce expenditures on salaries and ultimately use the saved funds in development projects.

5.4 Clove Smuggling

5.4.1 Dear Citizens, another problem which has affected our country in recent years is the smuggling of cloves. As we all know our country depends very much on cloves for her foreign exchange earnings. Despite the fact that the production of cloves has gone down in Zanzibar and the number of clove producers has increased in the world, it is a fact that the export of cloves provides our country with a large share of her foreign exchange earnings for purchasing hospital medicines, school equipment, tar for road construction, transportation of patients, purchase of equipment for pumping water, agriculture etc.

5.4.2 The current trend of exporting cloves by smuggling to neighbouring countries is unjustly denying the majority of Zanzibaris an access to those services. During the last season the Government tried its best to control this illegal export and will further strengthen these efforts. May I take this opportunity to thank all the security organs which participated in the exercise to combat the smuggling of cloves including the good citizens who assisted them. Moreover may I sincerely thank all the citizens who sold their cloves according to the laid down procedures. As is usually the case, the Government will try, whenever possible, to improve the price for purchasing cloves from farmers as well as improving services to the farmers.

5.5 Union Matters

5.5.1 Dear Citizens, In the month of April this year the Union between the former states of Tanganyika and Zanzibar will attain 38 years since its inception. Many achievements have been scored in those 38 years, the greatest being the survival of the Union itself.

5.5.2 The Union like any other organization which brings and puts people together cannot go without problems. During the growth of the Union some problems were experienced in different fields including:

- Zanzibar's capacity to engage in consultations with foreign countries;

- Zanzibar's capacity to borrow from abroad;

- Zanzibar's representation as part of the United Republic of Tanzania in foreign Organisations and different Economic Commissions;

- Cost sharing in Union matters;

- Zanzibar's share of grants and aid to the United Republic of Tanzania;

- Distribution of revenues accruing from Union organs etc.;

- Administration of trade between Zanzibar and Tanzania Mainland.

5.5.3 The above and other issues are among the questions that have often been discussed as problems of the Union. However through consultation meetings between the government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar it has been possible to find solutions to those problems step by step.

5.5.4 Moreover your two governments have now devised strategies for addressing those problems by making preparations to establish a Joint Financial Commission which will deal with all issues related to revenues and expenditure for Union matters. In addition, a Committee of Financial Experts from the two Governments has been created and will be dealing with day to day problems.

6.0 FUTURE ACTIONS

6.1 Dear Citizens, I have tried to make an outline of the problems that your Government has been trying to address during the period of the last year. Enumerating the problems is not a sign of weakness, rather it enhances the spirit of openness and transparency in the execution of our duties. Knowledge of ones problems is the first step for devising the strategies for resolving them.

6.2 During the coming year and in the future your Government is planning to implement several steps so as to address the above problems, to reduce the peoples' complaints and to continue to implement the pledges of the Glorious Revolution of Zanzibar in order to improve the living condition of our people.

6.3 In the coming year, your Government will further enhance the efforts of improving her revenues. The Government will look for new sources of widening revenue collection, block opportunities for leakage of revenue in different areas and at the same time strengthen control of expenditures. In its efforts to do so the Government will cooperate with the Tanzania Union Government to strengthen the office of the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in Zanzibar in terms of skills and equipment so that it may perform more efficiently. Moreover, with respect to internal revenues, the Government will strengthen the performance of the Zanzibar Revenue Board (ZRB) so as to improve its capacity for revenue collection and for combating tax evasions.

6.4 With respect to youth employment the Government would like to inform its citizens that in future opportunities for employment will depend on the growth of private sector activities and those of Community Based Organisations.

6.4.1 The Government, on its part, will continue to attract foreign investors by creating a favourable investment environment. With a greater growth of investments, opportunities for employment are bound to increase. In order to prepare the youth for those employment opportunities, the Government will further expand the existing facilities for vocational and technical training as well as for alternative education.

6.4.2 With respect to the people themselves, efforts will continue to be made to motivate Community Based Organisations and Non Government Organisations to expand their activities so as to improve the capacity for employment.

6.5 The current Civil Service Structure is unsatisfactory with very large administration costs. The Governments is preparing steps for improving the structure in order to increase efficiency. The Government aims at having workers who are skilled in their jobs. Therefore emphasis will be put for on-the-job training as well as for training outside the office. Great emphasis will be put on discipline and accountability.

6.6 In order to address the general problem in social services, so as to speed up development, the Government will continue with its plans of supporting the efforts of the people in the construction of classrooms, health centers, water sources, electricity facilities etc. Parallel to these efforts, the Government through the Chief Ministers Office will continue to motivate the people in Urban and Rural areas so that they may make best use of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF) which is now operating in the country and is providing great support to social services. Moreover, with respect to this financial year the Government will make sure that the pledge for a total of Tanzania Shillings 150 million set aside for these project is honoured.

6.7 In the above discussion I stated that one of the big achievements made during the past year was the preparation of the poverty reduction plan in Zanzibar. As we begin this year the Government is preparing strategies for initiating implementation of the first phase of three years of that plan. The priority in this three year strategy is to direct more efforts to the sectors of health, water, roads, agriculture, education and good governance. The Government in cooperation with International Organisations of the UNDP and the World Bank are preparing a consultative meeting with other donors in order to see how these partners in development can support us in implementing the poverty reduction plan.

6.8 Dear Citizens, development plans are people centred. In order to have good plans it is important to know the number of people targeted by the programme. The number of people in Zanzibar is estimated to reach one million. The correctness of that number, its distribution in terms of regions, gender, children and adults will be known when the census exercise of counting the people will be conducted in the month of August this year. Preparations for this year's census will soon be finalized. A pilot census exercise was carried out successfully. All of us have the right and responsibility to respond without failure in the exercise when it will take place. All the countries in the world conduct a census exercise in every ten years. The purpose of the exercise is to provide the Government with the capacity to draw up better plans for serving its people. The census exercise is not directed at looking for rude people or rogues. All the people and especially the leaders have the responsibility of motivating the citizens to participate in this exercise for the benefit of us all.

6.9 Dear Citizens, an increase in the size of the population has a great bearing in the demands put on the country's environment. An increase in the population also leads to greater concentration of people on a small piece of land. Consequently this leads to environmental degradation and a decrease in natural resources. It is estimated that on average about 1,000 hectares of natural forests are cut down every year for different human needs. In order to deal with this problem the country must have specific plans for preserving the natural environment. In each year we have been setting aside a specific day for planting trees here in the Islands. The campaign for planting trees must be strengthened and enhanced each year. As a result of this the Government will coordinate fully this exercise and involve all the people in urban and rural areas.

6.10 Dear Citizens, the success of all our preparations for the development of our country and its people will very much depend on the survival of the people who are able to work in good health. As the Government is addressing these issues it is our responsibility to understand well that the problem of AIDS is affecting our society at a very high rate. More than 2,000 people have so far been infected by the AIDS virus, and about 500 have lost their lives. It is estimated that the number of infected persons is about 7,000 or more.

6.11 To date, we are told that there is no cure for AIDS. Fortunately the best prevention against the disease is to avoid extra-merital relations. The time has now come for educating and motivating each other to abandon the habits which spread this disease. We must discuss about AIDS whenever we come together in our social, political, sports, religious or any other meetings. We should not feel shy to discuss about AIDS because if we feel shy the disease will finish us all.

6.12 On the other hand some of us are already infected with the disease and there are those who have died of AIDS. We should care for the infected persons without discrimination and must look after the orphans, whose parents died of AIDS, just as our children.

6.13 Those who are uncertain about their health should come forward to have their blood tested and receive counselling so that they may be able to live confidently. Moreover the Government is now in the final stages of preparing a bill for establishing the Zanzibar Commission for AIDS (ZACAIDS). The Zanzibar Commission for AIDS will have the major responsibility of preparing and implementing strategies and policies for fighting against AIDS as well as preventing the society from the spread of the HIV virus and from the effects of AIDS as well as assisting those people who have been infected with the disease.

6.14 I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate organizations, institutions and private people who are involved in the efforts to reduce the rate of spread of AIDS. Organizations such as the NGO - Cluster, ZACP, Africare, USAID, UNICEF, UNDP and others are among the institutions we are cooperating with in the fight against AIDS.

6.15 Dear Citizens, I have explained some of the few steps which your Government has planned to implement in the coming year. Their successful implementation will very much depend on the future environment of economic and social trends. Economic plans have been prepared. The most important thing, however, is to create the political and management environment for ensuring good implementation.

6.16 Dear Citizens, this country belongs to all of us and every individual among us has equal rights and responsibilities. All our past differences were buried on the 12th of January 1964, a day on which our country attained its true independence and became a republic. That is the day we are celebrating today. In the course of the past 38 years our country has witnessed many developmental changes in the political, economic, social and many other fields.

6.17 On the political field we have made very great steps because our Nation is currently governed under the system of multipartyism as guaranteed in the country's constitution and other relevant laws etc. This step has enriched Tanzanians with many political parties, but has not enriched the economy. In the United States of America there are only two political parties, that is the Democrats and Republicans. Our friends there have a scarcity of political parties when compared to us who have more than 12 parties. On the economic field, however, the United States of America has made very great strides than any other country in the world.

6.18 I believe the time has come for Tanzanians to make best use of our many political parties by pulling our energies together and directing them to the efforts of bringing economic and social development for our country and all the people. Therefore may I challenge the leaders of political parties, all their followers and all the people in general that we must make best use of our time to improve our living standards and that of the future generations. It can be done, play your part.

6.19 If we create cooperation and competition on the basis of patriotism and respect for each other we shall be in position to preserve unity, tranquility, peace, friendship and development for our people.

7.0 CONCLUSION

7.1 In conclusion, may I reiterate my thanks to His Excellency the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and his entourage for being with us today. May I also thank all other National Leaders for joining us in the climax of celebrations for the Revolution this year.

7.2 May I thank the ambassadors of foreign countries and different donors who are present and those who are not present here today. May I thank all foreign Governments which supported us in this difficult period including the U.S.A, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, Austria, India, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Japan etc. I would like to extend my special thanks to our Chinese friends for their moral and material support and for writing off the debts of Zanzibar and Tanzania. Moreover, may I also thank International Organizations including the World Bank, IMF, UNDP, UNESCO, UNIDO, WFP, FAO, ILO, WHO, ADB, OPEC, BADEA, KUWAIT FUND and SAUD FUND for their good cooperation as well as for extending their important assistance for our development. Lastly may I thank all the people very much for their attention.

7.3 May I wish you all a very happy new year.

Thank you very much.

GOD BLESS ZANZIBAR

GOD BLESS TANZANIA

GOD BLESS AFRICA

LONG LIVE THE REVOLUTION