A group of 25 recruits from the Seychelles Police Academy (SPA) graduated on Friday after undergoing a six-month training programme at the academy.
The training started off with 29 recruits on April 3 of this year but unfortunately four recruits did not complete the course. Interestingly enough, 20 out of the 25 new constables are females while only 5 are males.
The graduation ceremony was held at the academy at Pointe Larue in the presence of Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, Commissioner of Police Kishnan Labonte, Commander of SPA Assistant Superintendent Ned Wirtz, officers of the force and families of the graduates.
It has become customary, over the years, to reward students who excel and perform above par in their studies during these types of graduations, and this one was no exception.
37-year-old Beryl Rapide clinched the awards for best overall recruit-in-training and best disciplined recruit.
Best academic performance went to Andrenna Chang-Time and Vania Athanase went home with the prize for best outstanding.
Addressing those in attendance Commissioner Labonte reveled in the achievements of all the new constables and congratulated them as well as Asst. Superintendent Wirtz and his staff for their devotion.
“I know you have made friends during this training. You are now all constables and in the future one of you might be promoted and surpass your colleagues. But never let this camaraderie influence your decisions while you are their senior,” Commissioner Labonte emphasised to the recruits.
He also accentuated the necessity for the graduates to maintain their standard of discipline and “never let it falter”.
The commissioner’s speech reflected much of what he has previously said during his nomination in the National Assembly and swearing in ceremony; he stated once more that the police force needs to upgrade its standards through steadfast discipline, professionalism and continuous training of officers.
He further revealed that SPA’s curriculum will soon be reviewed and additional lecturers and teachers might be recruited.
The government is also planning to construct a more functional police academy in an alternative location that has already been identified, Commissioner Labonte added.
He concluded by once again congratulating and wishing the graduates the best in their chosen career.
Speaking to the press after the ceremony Constable Rapide, winner of the best overall prize, said: “I feel happy and emotional at the same time. To think that I was a nursing assistant and now have been able to reach this position, it’s quite overwhelming.”
Constable Rapide took the opportunity to urge willing and disciplined youths to join the police force instead of falling into the vices brought on by bad influences.
