Open letter to media houses ‘Aiming Higher for 2021 – Fourth observation of Nelson Mandela Day’ |07 July 2021

Last year on August 14, it was my privilege and duty to write via the media houses to update the public at large of the general activities of the prison service. We announced that we would be observing ‘Nelson Mandela Day’ by hosting yet another event, which was successfully held at the University of Seychelles, Anse Royale.

This year it is again my honour to confirm that for the fourth year in a row the prison service and again with the University of Seychelles will this time be holding a virtual meeting with invited participants to discuss innovations to prison facilities, rehabilitation approaches and other best practices.

Considering, and as announced earlier this year, that our operating theme for 2021 would be ‘Aiming higher for 2021’, provides us at the prison service an opportunity to bring to your attention the progress of work and areas we are aiming to address and improve.

Even as the great disruptor to our lives, that being Covid 19 pandemic, continues to test our limits, patience and every aspect of our daily lives and work, we have seen and observed that with purpose and conviction we are managing to get on with getting on.

This year and after our virtual meeting, the service will launch its first ever prison service week, from September 6 – 10. This event will enable us to further engage with the community at large on progress to date, issues and challenges and the way forward as we continue to improve the care, management and rehabilitation of inmates who having being sentenced have lost their liberty for a moment in time.

The Seychelles Prison Service continues to align its operations to be in conformity with the United Nations rules for the humane treatment of inmates, now known as the ‘Nelson Mandela Rules’. The work continues as we address the drug culture, behavioural issues, health matters, educational opportunities lost and other aspects of social pressures that inevitably in one form or another, those convicted are presenting to us.

I therefore look forward to providing an update to you following our virtual meeting, held towards the end of this month and at our first prison service week. We are aiming higher for 2021 because we need to ensure that those convicted realise the consequences of their actions and seek rehabilitation so to properly address their issues.

Raymond St Ange

Superintendent of Prisons