Seychelles Prison Service hosts first retirement and handing over ceremony |23 December 2022

Welcoming Minister Fonseka to the event

• Bids farewell to Chief Inspector Daniel Dogley, after a twelve-year career

The Seychelles Prison Service (SPS) bade farewell to Chief Inspector Daniel Dogley yesterday as he takes up retirement and welcomed Assistant Chief Inspector Gerry Uranie as his successor in its first ever Retirement and Handing Over ceremony at the SPS Montagne Posée prison.

The one-hour ceremony took place in the presence of the Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka; Commissioner of Prison, Raymond St Ange; management and staff of the SPS; as well as family members of Chief Inspector Dogley.

It involved the handing over of the SPS flag from the outgoing Chief Inspector Dogley to the incoming Chief Inspector Gerry Uranie, signifying the passing on of new responsibility of the custodial section of the prison service to him.

Both the outgoing and new chief inspector then signed the change of command.

Chief Inspector Daniel Dogley, who has spent an entire 41 years in the public sector, has devoted 12 years and 8 months as a prison officer. Prior to joining the SPS, he spent 25 years as a police officer. He will be leaving SPS at the end of the month.

When addressing the guests, he thanked the SPS for trusting him and appointing him in the role, where he said he has learned a lot.

He thanked all his colleagues whom he said guided and assisted him to ensure he remained in the position and made a career with the SPS.

He recognised that it was very challenging and demanding in the beginning, requesting long hours, but became manageable with time, especially with the introduction of the inmate work programmes.

He advised the incoming chief inspector to listen and learn, and to be patient to avoid tension building up, which is a major key when working in this sector.

“Convicts are here for different reasons; they have different skills and level of education. Some are really good and you will learn a lot from them so pay attention so that you can learn from them as well,” he said.

Chief Inspector Dogley, who said his new plan is to assist his wife in her business venture, also said he remains available for advice and told his former colleagues not to hesitate to call him.

For his part, the incoming Chief Inspector Uranie, thanked CI Dogley for his years of service and contribution, and expressed admiration for how he managed the custodial team under his command and dealt with the challenges that arose.

“It is indeed a big pair of shoes that you are leaving with me. But I know that with the support of my commissioner and my colleagues, I will be able to walk in it, and like you, leave some positive footprints at SPS,” he said.

CI Wilfred Radegonde, a colleague and friend, also gave a short testimony, thanking CI Dogley, whom he described as a quiet person, who is always willing to assist his colleagues with any issues brought to his attention.

“I have known him for 12 years and during those time he has been a very supportive officer. We thank you for your support and wish you all the best,” he concluded.

Yesterday’s ceremony also included the promotion of some officers – one staff nurse to sergeant and eighteen lance corporal to corporal.

When addressing the guests, the Commissioner of SPS, Raymond St Ange, thanked both the outgoing and incoming CI and said the handing over ceremony, which is common in other jurisdictions but the first for Seychelles, conveyed the message of where the SPS has been and where it wants to go.

He also congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to give their all to ensure they achieve their goals.

“We have work to do, do not let us down. We are part of a very serious effort by the Ministry of Internal Affairs to improve things, to modernise, to represent well, to deliver with integrity, to perform better,” he said.

Mr St Ange said their work was demanding and difficult and he needed everyone to be on board. He said effective next year, each staff member will receive their targets and objectives, which they will have to sign and these will be reviewed throughout the year, to monitor their progress and output.

“Each of us are leaders at different level. You are here because you want to be here, because you want to commit and deliver, because you love this country, because you want to contribute to safer communities. And I commend those who are here for those noble reasons,” he added.

Meanwhile Commissioner St Ange announced that the SPS’ new operating theme will be announced next week and it will convey the message they want to guide their work for the future.

Yesterday’s ceremony ended with a reception for the officers.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the ceremony.

Diane Larame/Patsy Canaya

Photos: Louis Toussaint/Emma Ah-Kong