Seychelles People's Defence Forces-13 SPDF officers promoted |03 September 2007

In a colourful ceremony that included a military parade at the Seychelles Defence Academy at Il-di-Swet (South East Island), President Michel elevated Lieutenant Colonel Clifford Roseline and Lieutenant Colonel Donald Gertrude to the rank of Colonel.

Major Michael Rosette was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while Captain Simon Dine, Captain Edward Anacoura and Captain Francois Antat all rose to the rank of Major, while Lieutenant Jimmy Pillay became a Captain.

Six Second Lieutenants, namely David Arissol, Didase Hoareau, Ronny Matatiken, Allen Chetty, Linda Sinon and Jude Raoul were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.

Before presenting the newly promoted officers with their epaulettes, President Michel inspected a guard of honour and received a general salute as the parade marched past in slow time.

The parade later marched in quick time and offered the C-in-C a Presidential salute before marching off the parade ground to the music of the National Brass Band, which was led by Thomas Busanya.

During the ceremony, President Michel delivered a keynote address in which he said that the promotions were part of the restructuring of the government to make it more professional and sophisticated. (See details of President Michel’s address in the lead article).

Congratulating the newly promoted, the Chief of Defence Forces, Brigadier Leopold Payet, reminded them that promotions come with added responsibilities.

He told them to be ready to implement the force’s plans and to dedicate themselves to meet the demands posed by their work.
He called on officers to take decisions at the lowest levels possible for increased efficiency.

Calling for more professionalism, Brigadier Payet also said that the officers should guard against wastage.
He renewed his loyalty to the Commander-in-Chief and pledged that the force would continue to do its utmost for the country.

Among those who attended the ceremony besides top SPDF officials and Police Commissioner Gerard Waye-Hive were officers from the visiting Indian Coastguard vessel Samar, and relatives of the officers who were promoted.