In a short ceremony held yesterday morning Thursday 7^th of October at the Central Police Headquarters, Commissioner Ted Barbe promoted three female and a male Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent while two male Assistant Superintendent were raised to the rank of Superintendent. It is to be noted that as of yesterday there were only two senior female officers in the Force.

The new appointments are line with new positions recently taken up by these officers in Visible Policing operations at regional level as per new Police Department Structure.

The newly promotees are Superintendent Antoine Denousse as Head of Visible Policing and Superintendent Ned Wirtz, Region Commander for Praslin/La Digue.  Assistant Superintendent Venessa Jean, Assistant Superintendent Marcus Jean and Assistant Superintendent Yvette Sophola are newly appointed Regional Commanders for South West, North and Mont Fleuri respectively while Assistant Jane Barbe is in charge of the Airport Police.

Addressing this small group following the receipt of their new ranks, Commissioner Barbe pointed out that this event was just the first phase of his plan regarding promotion within the Force.

“Today you are entrusted with more responsibilities and we expect nothing but the best from you. As you have noticed not all positions are being rewarded today. With new postings last month, there will be a second round of promotion next year and this have already been discussed and agreed upon by management.  I congratulate you all and wish you all the best in your new positions,” Commissioner Barbe said.

Deputy Commissioner Francis Songoire on his part requested those commanders to understand their men’s abilities and get the best out of them while they show more loyalty and even more commitment towards the Force they serve.

Present also at the short ceremony was Deputy Bonnelame responsible for Training and Personnel Development who stressed on the need for commanders to care for and allow their subordinates to develop and progress. Deputy Bonnelame also pointed out that a new appraisal system will soon be introduced within the organization.

Concluding that is special event. the most Senior Female officer of the Force, Superintendent Christelle Marie, 42 years of service expressed her pride and appreciation in witnessing the promotion of 3 female officers to senior ranks in one go during the whole of her long Police career.

There was also thanks and appreciation note from Superintendent Denousse for Commissioner Barbe and his management team on behalf of his newly promoted colleagues.

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY 2021

NATIONAL POLICE DAY 2021

The United Nations (UN) has declared the 2021 Peace Day Theme as:

“Recovering Better for a Sustainable and Equitable World”

The UN invites the entire world to join the efforts of the United Nations family as they focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world.

The above theme is very significant in the light of all that is transpiring in the world at large today. There are wars and conflict in so many countries, eg, Afghanistan, Yemen, Tigray to name just a few. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. We all join hands to pray together that the UN call for peace is observed on this day and that peace may continue to last.

Added to these ongoing conflicts, the entire world is caught in the savage grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. The UN states:

“In 2021, as we heal from the COVID-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.”

The above theme of sustainability and equitability can also be utilized in our present day situation within the Seychelles Police Force on this National Police Day.

2021 so far has seen many changes within the Senior Management of the Seychelles Police Force with the retirement of the previous Commissioner of Police and the resignation of one of the Deputy Commissioner’s. This has resulted in the appointment of myself as the new Commissioner of Police as well as the appointment of two new Deputy Commissioners. New leadership inevitably brings about some new changes and therefore the United Nations Peace Day Theme of Sustainability and Equitability is of paramount importance to ensure a smooth transition process within the Police Force.

My vision for the Seychelles Police Force is one of an organization that consists of well-trained men and women who are well-educated in all facets that require their knowledge for them to perform their daily duties. These day to day duties require a police officer to be anything from a social worker, to a first aid person, to a security officer and so forth. All police officers need to have a thorough knowledge of the laws of the country in order to effectively execute their duties and in this regards, one of the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner’s focus will be on personnel training and development. I therefore encourage all police officers to welcome the new training and development courses that will be made available shortly and to seize the opportunity to improve themselves at an academic level.

Notwithstanding academic development, we need to also be cognizant of our physical condition and to this end I implore upon all police officers to actively engage in an exercise regime. Not only will this enhance personal fitness levels, but will also be a safeguard to combat illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes which is on the increase in our country. Remember “a healthy body plus a healthy mind equals a happy life.”

Colleagues, at this juncture I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to all that have supported me during my tenure as Acting Commissioner of Police. It is only through your loyal and faithful support that I was able to effectively execute my duties as Acting Commissioner. I believe that stood me in good stead to eventually being appointed into the post as Commissioner of Police. I look forward to your continued support going forward so that together we can make a difference and uplift the Seychelles Police Force into an organization that we can truly be proud of.

To those individuals within the Force who may be involved in any corrupt activities I say the following.         

Stop what you are doing.

I give you my word that we will investigate you to the fullest extent of the law and seek to prosecute you with the intention of convicting you. It is your activities that is tarnishing the image of honest, dedicated police officers and I will make a point of rooting you out of the system. You have my word.

To those dedicated police officers I say the following. Your loyalty, dedication and commitment has not gone unnoticed. I may not say this all the time but I sincerely thank you for all that you do. I know that it is not easy, especially now more so than ever during this pandemic that we are in. Hang in there. Keep your chin up and continue to perform your duties without fear, favor, prejudice or ill-will as our motto dictates. You will surely reap the rewards of your hard work.

Finally I wish to state that we need to work as a team in order to succeed. Remember there is no “I” in “Team”. It is all about collaborative partnerships, and combining our varied and unique skillsets that we each possess to achieve our common goal of making Seychelles a crime free paradise that we know it can be.

I Thank You

Mr Ted Barbe  

Commissioner of Police

Seychelles Police Force