Commissioner of Police Ted Barbé’s message on the occasion of International Peace Day and National Police Day 2021 |21 September 2021

Commissioner of Police Ted Barbé

‘We need to work as a team in order to succeed’

“The United Nations (UN) has declared the 2021 Peace Day Theme as: ‘Recovering Better for a Sustainable and Equitable World’.

“The UN invites the entire world to join the efforts of the United Nations family as they focus on recovering better for a more equitable and peaceful world.

“The above theme is very significant in the light of all that is transpiring in the world at large today. There are wars and conflict in so many countries, ex. Afghanistan, Yemen, Tigray (Ethiopia) to name just a few. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. We all join hands to pray together that the UN call for peace is observed on this day and that peace may continue to last.

“Added to these ongoing conflicts, the entire world is caught in the savage grips of the Covid-19 pandemic. The UN states:

‘In 2021, as we heal from the Covid-19 pandemic, we are inspired to think creatively and collectively about how to help everyone recover better, how to build resilience, and how to transform our world into one that is more equal, more just, equitable, inclusive, sustainable, and healthier.’

“The above theme of sustainability and equitability can also be utilised in our present day situation within the Seychelles police force on this National Police Day.

“2021 so far has seen many changes within the senior management of the Seychelles police force with the retirement of the previous Commissioner of Police and the resignation of one of the deputy commissioners. This has resulted in the appointment of myself as the new Commissioner of Police as well as the appointment of two new deputy commissioners. New leadership inevitably brings about some new changes and therefore the United Nations Peace Day theme of ‘Sustainability and Equitability’ is of paramount importance to ensure a smooth transition process within the police force.

“My vision for the Seychelles police force is one of an organisation that consists of well-trained men and women who are well-educated in all facets that require their knowledge for them to perform their daily duties. These day-to-day duties require a police officer to be anything from a social worker, to a first aid person, to a security officer and so forth. All police officers need to have a thorough knowledge of the laws of the country in order to effectively execute their duties and in this regards, one of the newly appointed deputy commissioner’s focus will be on personnel training and development. I therefore encourage all police officers to welcome the new training and development courses that will be made available shortly and to seize the opportunity to improve themselves at an academic level.

“Notwithstanding academic development, we need to also be cognizant of our physical condition and to this end I implore upon all police officers to actively engage in an exercise regime. Not only will this enhance personal fitness levels, but will also be a safeguard to combat illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes which is on the increase in our country. Remember ‘a healthy body plus a healthy mind equals a happy life’.

“Colleagues, at this juncture I wish to place on record my sincere appreciation to all who have supported me during my tenure as acting commissioner of police. It is only through your loyal and faithful support that I was able to effectively execute my duties as acting commissioner. I believe that stood me in good stead to eventually being appointed into the post as commissioner of police. I look forward to your continued support going forward so that together we can make a difference and uplift the Seychelles police force into an organisation that we can truly be proud of.

“To those individuals within the force who may be involved in any corrupt activities I say the following:

“Stop what you are doing.

“I give you my word that we will investigate you to the fullest extent of the law and seek to prosecute you with the intention of convicting you. It is your activities that is tarnishing the image of honest, dedicated police officers and I will make a point of rooting you out of the system. You have my word.

“To those dedicated police officers I say the following. Your loyalty, dedication and commitment has not gone unnoticed. I may not say this all the time but I sincerely thank you for all that you do. I know that it is not easy, especially now more so than ever during this pandemic that we are in. Hang in there. Keep your chin up and continue to perform your duties without fear, favor, prejudice or ill-will as our motto dictates. You will surely reap the rewards of your hard work.

“Finally I wish to state that we need to work as a team in order to succeed. Remember there is no ‘I’ in ‘Team’. It is all about collaborative partnerships, and combining our varied and unique skillsets that we each possess to achieve our common goal of making Seychelles a crime free paradise that we know it can be.

“I thank you.”