Chief of defence forces Michael Rosette rises to the rank of Brigadier |26 October 2021
The chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces, Michael Rosette, yesterday rose from the rank of colonel to that of brigadier, a senior designation above and beyond any rank within the military in Seychelles.
Brigadier Rosette formally received his promotion and was decorated with his new ranks by President and Commander in Chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) Wavel Ramkalawan during a ceremony at State House.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Speaker of the National Assembly Roger Mancienne, Chief Justice Ronny Govinden, Acting President of the Court of Appeal Fiona Robinson, Designated Minister Jean-Francois Ferrari, Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka, leader of government business Bernard Georges, member of the National Assembly for Anse Aux Pins Clifford Andre and high ranking officers of the SPDF.
Brigadier Rosette was accompanied in his milestone achievement at State House by his wife.
The ceremony started off with a prayer by SPDF chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Louis Agathine and concluded with a ceremonial salute for Brigadier Rosette.
In his address for the occasion, President Ramkalawan explained that the Cabinet of Ministers approved the decision to promote Brigadier Rosette following discussions within the defence council.
“It is a responsibility which follows meetings with the defence council where we felt that it was necessary for the person in charge of our defence forces to receive a special rank, which places him above all other officers. There are a number of officers that are ranked colonels and today we have chosen to make you [Rosette] a brigadier,” stated President Ramkalawan.
The president noted that the rank of brigadier was conferred onto Brigadier Rosette with the assurance that he will continue to lead the SPDF as it maintains peace and security within our 1.4 million km² exclusive economic zone.
President Ramkalawan did not miss to make another special announcement during the ceremony, noting that the SPDF will soon transition to the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), to become more aligned to the Constitution.
On his part, Brigadier Rosette committed to bringing more professionalism to the SPDF, continue to uphold the Constitution of Seychelles and ensure that the men in uniforms and assets given to the SPDF are used effectively to ensure our territory remains safe.
“I feel very proud because it was high time that we had a head of the SPDF to be at a rank that is respected nationally, regionally and worldwide. We are now on par with many of the forces in the region and internationally,” stated the new brigadier.
Fifty-seven-year-old Rosette has racked up almost 40 years of service with the SPDF, having joined the force in December 1982.
The accompanying photos show highlights of the promotion ceremony.
Elsie Pointe
Photos by Thomas Meriton
