right to conquer the smallest and weaker ones, and those that were not strong enough to exercise their right to self determination. • Right to existence and self-determination. Article 20, ACHPR The first signs of Seychelles nationalism can be found in the early 1960s, when attempts were made to organize the over exploited workers, who had little hope without a trade union. By that time there was a sector of the population that believed that their interests were no more those of the colonial administration In a letter in Le Seychellois on 16 June 1964 Mr. Albert Rene (President of the Republic, lawyer by then) said: "When someone acclaims colonialism, when those around us condemn us for our just demands, it is all part of a planned onslaught on our search for freedom. Our path to political liberty and economic viability will not be easy but together we shall achieve the dignity of the Seychellois and our national rights, and together we shall work and sacrifice to build our genuine state in which our economy will be directed and diverted to benefit the people of our country…" On 28 February 1965, Mr. Albert Rene, addressing a public meeting spoke of the need for self-government and on 1 March, "The People" followed its front-page comment on the issue. "The People" said: "The Seychelles People's United Party believes that no real progress will be achieved in this country until we have changed constitutionally. At the moment we are being dictatorially administered by the Colonial Office and the people of Seychelles have no say in the Government. The elected members of Legislative Council have no real say in the measures that this body has to approve… Until we achieve our self-government, voted for the people on the basis of universal suffrage, we will always be kept behind. No development can take place in such oppressive circumstances, and our country will gradually by surely be ruined. On 29 of June 1976 the independence of the islands was formally recognized through the "Exchange of Notes between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Seychelles concerning Treaty Succession"; document known as "Seychelles Declaration of 1976".