International Day of Peace/Seychelles Police Day |22 September 2020

Commissioner Labonte

‘Police need help from public to fight crime’ – ComPol

The Commissioner of Police, Kishnan Labonte, is urging the public to assist the police to fight crime more decisively.

“This must be done by reporting all criminal activities to the police. Members of the public must also refrain from behaviour that perpetuates crime, such as harbouring criminals and buying stolen goods,” says Commissioner Labonte in his message on the occasion of Police Day/International Day of Peace celebrated yesterday, September 21, 2020.

The full text of Commissioner Labonte’s message reads:

“September 21 is observed around the world each year as the International Day of Peace. The 2020 theme for the International Day of Peace is ‘Shaping Peace Together’. The United Nations has called for the day to be celebrated by spreading compassion, kindness and hope in the face of the pandemic.  

“On this day, we in Seychelles also celebrate our Police Day. This is a day when recognition is given to the members of the Seychelles Police Force for the service rendered to our country.

“It is a day when our men and women of the Seychelles Police Force are honoured and respected for the law and order, and the safety and security that they provide for the Republic of Seychelles and its people. It is also a day on which appreciation and gratitude for the civilian staff within the Seychelles Police Force is acknowledged. Oftentimes the important role of the civilian staff goes by unacknowledged and so today I take the time to say Thank You to all our civilian staff who also contribute to the efficient functioning of the Force.

“I have often in the past alluded to the fact that being a member of the Seychelles Police Force is not merely a job, but rather a vocation. It is a calling that only a few will understand or fully appreciate. This calling and dedication to duty is of even greater significance in the times that we are now facing as a country in this global pandemic of Covid-19.

“Greater demands and expectations are being placed on our men and women in blue to still carry out our tasks in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. We have to get up and go to work daily and are at even greater risk due to the nature of our interactions with people on a daily basis.

“Even as I speak about the pandemic, our officers are faced with yet another crisis in that of the landfill site having caught fire. This has placed an enormous added strain on both physical and human resources. Our members have to once again stand up and rise to ensure the safety and security of the people of Seychelles.

“Also on the horizon is the upcoming elections in a month’s time. Our members will be called upon to continue to carry out their duties without fear or favour, affection or ill-will in what will no doubt be a charged political climate for our country. Enormous sacrifices will have to be made in that members will be expected to work longer hours without the normal rest days. I thank you in advance for the selfless time and effort that you will undoubtedly put in to ensure the safety and security of our people during the elections.

“I wish to also reiterate to our members that we carry out our duties with impartiality. We need to remember to put our personal affiliations aside and perform our duties to the best of our ability for the benefit of our country.

“I wish to once again emphasise on the buy in from all levels of government, civil society and the general public to bolster the inclusive and integrated approach to policing. It is by working together that we will be able to achieve success in making our country safe and secure for all Seychellois and visitors alike.

“I therefore once again call upon communities to work harder to isolate criminals and rid society of crimes that result from drug and alcohol abuse that cause so much strife and suffering not only for families in general but for society at large.

“On this Police Day I appeal to the public to assist the police to fight crime more decisively. This must be done by reporting all criminal activities to the police. Members of the public must also refrain from behaviour that perpetuates crime, such as harbouring criminals and buying stolen goods.

“We as the Seychelles Police Force fully commit to being a people-centered, professional and service-driven organisation. We are nothing without our people and on Police Day we rededicate ourselves to serving our people and our country with excellence and with all that we have at our disposal.

“In keeping with the United Nations theme for 2020 International Day of Peace which is ‘Shaping Peace Together’, I wish to conclude by once again saying as I have said before:

“Working together we can achieve all that we set out to do.”

Kishnan Labonte

Commissioner of Police