The Ministry of Home Affairs: Ensuring public safety and security |17 March 2017

Maintaining law, order, peace and security falls within the vision and mission statement of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The wellbeing and progress of a nation cannot only be analysed by its economic indicators. Such performance as a nation is based in our work performance and the successful results of our work – only if we live in safety and security.

Today Seychelles has played a leading and important role in the regional anti-piracy efforts within the Indian Ocean region. Our islands have superseded in this arena achieving global recognition of its anti-piracy stance.

Anarchy, insecurity and the re-occurrence of crime is being manifested in different forms which have tremendous effects on the country’s development and which can also destroy family life.

Illegal drug trafficking is the most common element behind criminal offences.

Though each and every citizen avail the various opportunities for further personal development, it is sad and regrettable that certain persons, especially the youth, let themselves fall prey to substance abuse. Our country is facing great difficulties with this social ill-will scourge and is continuously finding ways and means to provide full support to drug abuse victims through various drug rehabilitation and abuse programmes.

The Ministry of Home Affairs and its affiliated departments and agencies stay vigilant and prepared to ensure a high level of public safety and security is always maintained.

The ministry will continuously increase its capacity building and also intensify surveillance to display preparedness in any moment of need.

Citizens should abide by the laws of the country established. The various departments and agencies responsible for law enforcement will get the best possible advanced training for their personal development and will be equipped with the latest technology of equipment in their combat against criminal offences and the disruption of peace in the country.

Criminal charges will be placed against offenders and penalties given to those found guilty. Parents will have to play a major role in their responsibilities to prevent their young children from committing criminal offences.

The ongoing work of the anti-drug agencies responds to an appeal by our citizens calling for more severe punishment against drug dealers who are continuously destroying the lives of our children.

Through its aims, goals and objectives, the Ministry of Home Affairs will strenuously continue to cultivate a community that respects law and order that promotes peace and security.

Under the leadership of the Minister of Home Affairs Mitcy Larue, the ministry has embarked on a vigorous programme to ensure such goals are achieved within a limited period.

Within this context, Minister Mitcy Larue accompanied by her management teams has visited the different departments and agencies of her ministry to see how best to deliver a high standard and quality of service.

Since her appointment as Minister for Home Affairs in October last year, Minister Larue has visited and conducted staff meetings at all police stations on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, the Montagne Posée prison , the Drug Reduction Dettox programme on Coetivy, the central Fire and Rescue Fire Services Agency station in Victoria, the Immigration and Civil Status head office at Independence House and other cross-border points such as Seychelles International Airport, the Reflecs-3 anti-piracy unit, the Central Police headquarters, the housing facilities for police and fire officers among many others (see accompanying photos).