President chairs dialogue on airport security matters with key agencies |26 August 2021

The meeting in progress

President Wavel Ramkalawan on Tuesday convened a special meeting with key representatives of relevant agencies linked to the general operation and airport security.

The meeting was held at State House.

The various entities present briefed the head of state of their existing roles, current protocols and procedures in place in relation to airport security.

The main objective of the meeting was to review and discuss ways to improve coordination between all the relevant agencies at the airport, identify weaknesses and through dialogue propose possible solutions for improvement.

Speaking to the representatives present, the President urged all airport agencies to reinforce the implementation of all their security protocols in place and to strengthen the collaborative partnership among themselves.

The President also highlighted how as a small island nation the country is faced with emerging threats and new criminal trends hence continuous training and capacity building in the airport security domain can play a critical role in ensuring our airport security is up to par with international standards.

All agencies present agreed there is room for improvement vis-à-vis airport security.

Through the forum and as part of efforts to improve monitoring, coordination and dialogue, a new joint regular information sharing mechanism involving all agencies concerned will be set up.

Members present also agreed that through the strengthening of their collaboration they not only stand to ensure the efficacy of their individual operations but also jointly contribute to a higher standard of airport security service, guarantee the protection of the country and its citizens.

Present for the airport security meeting at State House were Vice-President Ahmed Afif; the Commissioner of Police, Ted Barbe; the Chief of Defence Forces, Col. Michael Rosette; the Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka; the Minister for Transport, Antony Derjacques; the principal secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports & Marine, Alain Renaud; the principal secretary for the Department of Immigration and Civil Status, Alain Volcère; the chief executive of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority, Garry Albert; the director general of the Seychelles Intelligence Service, Benediste Hoareau; the Commanding Officer of the Special Forces Unit, Lt Col Michael Hollanda; the Commissioner of Customs at the Seychelles Revenue Commission, Paul Barrack; head of Visible Policing, Chief Superintendent Francis Songoire; Regional Commander and Superintendent of Police, Sabry Khan and from the Ministry of Health, Dr Susan Fock-Tave.

Press release from the Ministry of Transport