Observation of Nelson Mandela Day by Seychelles Prison Service – July 18 |18 July 2020
Four speakers confirm participation in symposium ‘Crime and punishment: Have we got the balance right?’
As the world prepares to commemorate ‘Nelson Mandela Day’ this Saturday July 18, the Seychelles Prison Service is organising a symposium under the theme ‘Crime and Punishment: Have we got the balance right?’
The symposium will take place on August 21 at the University of Seychelles, Anse Royale. The Seychelles Prison Service has said that four speakers have confirmed their participation in the symposium. They are Honorable Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Seychelles, Her Lordship Mathilda Twomey; Professor Geoffrey Harris, a research professor at the International Centre for Nonviolence at Durban University of Technology; Pastor Abel Ntep Ntep from the Seychelles Seventh Day Adventist Church; and Carina Bruwer from the Global Maritime Crime Programme – Western Indian Ocean, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Regional Office for Eastern Africa, based in Victoria, Seychelles.
The Seychelles Prison Service first observed ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ on July 18, 2018, a date that is recognised internationally to remember and commemorate Nelson Mandela. It announced at that time its intentions to align its operations to the United Nations Minimum Standards for the treatment of prisoners, or the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’ following a directive by the Superintendent of Prisons, Raymond St. Ange.
The symposium will be opened by the vice chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Dr Justin Valentin, then the speakers will provide an opportunity to those present to discuss ongoing prison reforms. Present will be Designated Minister Macsuzy Mondon, Minister for Home Affairs, who has responsibility for prisons, along with other special invited guests.
Due to the ongoing COVID- 19, the speech by Professor Harris will be delivered via video with participants having to abide by best health and safety practices currently in force for such gatherings.
Press release from the Seychelles Prison Service
Captions:
1) Her Lordship Chief Justice Twomey
2) Professor Harris
3) Carina Bruwer
4) Pastor Abel