200 police officers promoted |04 January 2007

They come from the Fire Brigade, Special Support, Operations and Special Branch units.
Police Commissioner Gerard Waye-Hive personally pinned the decorations that go with their change in rank to 15 sub-inspectors, who have now become inspectors.

They are Ron Marie, Francois Freminot, Gracia Bethew, Winsley Francoise, Andre Joseph, Christel Marie, Jerris Dogley, Justin Dogley, Francis Songoire, Ahmed Emmanuel, Wilson Denis, Jourdan Cafrine, Roy Banane, Alix Payet and Valerien Francois.

Other senior officials of the force pinned appertaining decorations on nineteen sergeants who rose to the rank of sub-inspector, 37 lance corporals who became corporals and 110 constables who are now lance corporals, and 18 corporals who became sergeants.

Congratulating the 199, Commissioner Waye-Hive wished them the best in their new jobs, and noted that the promotions marked the good results of their work.

He said that the promotions do not merely entail decorations to be seen, but also added responsibility which they must demonstrate they have taken on.

He reminded all police officers of their key roles to prevent crimes such as those involving drug trafficking, and noted that the police need to ensure continued security for Seychelles to continue enjoying the economic progress the country is currently realizing.

He underscored the need for discipline among the officers, noting that such trends as drunkenness would neither be expected nor condoned.

The commissioner reminded the officers that they must not use excessive force when dealing with the public, whom he also urged to cooperate with his department.

On behalf of his colleagues, Inspector Francois Freminot thanked President James Michel and his government for investing in the police force, and urged the officers to ensure that they portray a proper attitude.

He said that Seychelles is a safe place, and that both the police and the public need to do their utmost to keep it that way.