Promotions, unveiling of new crest and flag mark Defence Forces Day   By Laura Pillay |28 November 2022

President Ramkalawan addressing the gathering

President and Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) Wavel Ramkalawan attended a commemorative ceremony at the SDF Academy, Perseverance, on Saturday morning to mark Defence Forces Day 2022

During the ceremony, President Ramkalawan had the honour of promoting several officers to higher ranks. Dave Mathieu was promoted from the rank of Captain to Major. Five others were promoted to the rank of Captain, namely, Lieutenant Marlon Charlie, Lieutenant Stan Tomking (on overseas course), Lieutenant Dennis Jeremie, Lieutenant Luigi Loiseau (absent at sea), and Lieutenant Edwin Constance.

Officer Cadet Benjamin Esparon was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.

Addressing the men and women who make up the force, he asked that they serve the country with the utmost and that they give back to the people what the people have given to them, as the country still depends on them.

He seized the opportunity to thank the force for the close collaboration over the past two years.

“Over the past couple of years much has happened in the SDF and I have no doubt that under the leadership of Brigadier Michael Rosette and his very capable team, we will see more of this, and the progression of the force,” President Ramkalawan said.

“I want to thank the Commanders of the different branches of the force for the manner in which they are really working together and reaping results. If we are able to have many successes as a force in our various operations, it is because of your devotion and leadership,” President Ramkalawan stated.

In a bid to further strengthen the force, numerous projects are ongoing including a new jetty for the Seychelles Coast Guard, as well as a new base on Praslin to strengthen their presence within the area.

In addition, he urged that recruitment drives are intensified to attract yet more youths to the force.

For his part, Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Michael Rosette during his address said the force is a rejuvenated one, and that all efforts are being made to modernise and rebrand the force, in line with the name change from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF).

“Our defence forces need to be flexible and mindful of our surroundings, existence and mandate. With our primordial role to play in ensuring security, safety and maintaining the sovereignty of our small island nation in the face of ever-changing threats that we face all the time.

“With experience, we have come to understand that to achieve success and deliver on our mandate, we cannot proceed alone, or in silos. So, all the units operate in unison, under the stewardship of the SDF headquarters, and require other agencies such as the police, Seychelles Intelligence Services and others to make it happen. This is the basis of our success and on which we want to continually improve in moving forward,” Brigadier Rosette added.

The chosen theme for the 2022 Defence Forces Day is ‘United and Focused Towards a Common Goal’.

Brigadier Rosette added that the SDF remains committed to taking a head-on approach towards challenges it faces.

As part of the ongoing rebranding exercise, the recently renamed force also unveiled its new crest and flag during Saturday’s ceremony. SDF person in charge of Training, Lieutenant Colonel Didace Hoareau, explained that the new crest depicts the three main operational branches of the force, and features upwards-pointing sword, blue wings, an anchor as well as Seychelles’ coat of arms.

The organisation's rebranded website was also officially launched.

Participants of the Battle Feel TV programme, now in its third season, were also presented with certificates and prizes. The programme started as a means of uniting the force with civilians.

The show is aired on SBC and has thus far garnered a lot of viewers. 

As per Brigadier Rosette, Battle Feel has helped bridge the gap between the force and civilians and a number of youths have joined the force as a result. It has also served to raise SDF’s public image and bring about more community support.

The ceremony was attended by the Commissioner of Police Ted Barbe, Seychelles Defence Forces Chief of Staff Colonel Jean Attala, Seychelles Defence Forces Land Force Commander Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hollanda, Acting Commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard Lieutenant Colonel David Arrisol, Special Forces Unit Lieutenant Colonel Achille Mondon, secretary of the Defence Council Lieutenant Colonel Allain Pierre, and  chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee in the National Assembly Clifford Andre.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the ceremony.

Laura Pillay

Photos by Joena Meme