James Mancham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Mancham, KBE
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Official portrait, 1976
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| 1st President of Seychelles | |
| In office 29 June 1976 – 5 June 1977 |
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| Prime Minister | France-Albert René |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | France-Albert René |
| 1st Prime Minister of Seychelles | |
| In office 1 October 1975 – 28 June 1976 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | France-Albert René |
| Chief Minister of the Crown Colony of Seychelles | |
| In office 12 November 1970 – 1 October 1975 |
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| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Office abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
James Richard Marie Mancham
11 August 1939 Victoria, British Seychelles |
| Died | 8 January 2017 (aged 77) Glacis, Seychelles |
| Political party | Seychelles Democratic Party |
| Spouses |
Heather Jean Evans
(m. 1963; div. 1974)Catherine Olsen
(m. 1985) |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Lawyer Politician Writer |
Sir James Richard Marie Mancham (born August 11, 1939 – died January 8, 2017) was an important politician from the Seychelles. He started the Seychelles Democratic Party. Sir James Mancham was the very first President of Seychelles. He served as president from 1976 to 1977.
Political Journey
James Mancham's father was a successful businessman. He sent James to study law in England. When Britain decided to give independence to its colonies, Mancham started the Democratic Party (S.D.P.). He led this party until 2005.
Another politician, France-Albert René, created an opposing party. This was the Seychelles People's United Party (S.P.U.P). As the Chief Minister of the Seychelles, Mancham worked hard to bring more tourists to the islands. He also helped build an airport. This airport made it much easier for people to visit Seychelles from all over the world.
Tourism grew, and the economy of Seychelles got better. In 1976, the British gave Seychelles its independence. Mancham won the popular vote and became the first president.
Less than a year later, in June 1977, something big happened. While Mancham was at a meeting in London, he was removed from power in a coup. A coup is when a group of people illegally takes control of a government. Prime Minister France-Albert René led this coup. He had support from revolutionaries and weapons from Tanzania.
Mancham then lived in London until 1992. During this time, he was successful in international business. He also married Catherine Olsen, an Australian journalist. When he returned to Seychelles, he continued to promote tourism.
He ran for president again in 1993. He came in second place. In 1998, he ran again and finished third.
About His Life
James Mancham was born into a wealthy family. His parents were Richard and Evelyn Mancham. His father's family had Chinese roots, and his mother's family had French roots.
He married Heather Jean Evans in 1963. They had a daughter named Caroline and a son named Richard. Their marriage ended in 1974. In 1985, he married Catherine Olsen. They had one son named Alexander.
Mancham passed away suddenly on January 8, 2017. He was 77 years old. He was buried in the State House cemetery.
Other Work
Sir James Mancham also worked with groups that promote peace. He was on the advisory board for a journal about world peace. He was also a member of the World Future Council. This group works on solutions for a sustainable future.
Awards and Recognition
Sir James Mancham received several important awards. He was named a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a special honour from Britain.
In 2010, he received the International Jurist Award. This award was given in India. It recognized his efforts to promote world peace. It also honored his role in helping to solve international disagreements.
Mancham also received the Gusi Peace Prize in 2011. This prize is given to people who work for peace and human rights.
See also
In Spanish: James Mancham para niños
