Sam Dodin promoted to deputy commissioner of the Seychelles Prison |18 February 2023

Sam Dodin is promoted to deputy commissioner of the Seychelles Prison by Commissioner St Ange

• Seven recruits join in as new prison officers

Sam Dodin is the new deputy commissioner of Seychelles Prison.

The 36-year-old former chief inspector officer in charge of information, supply and logistics, was promoted to the new post by the commissioner of Seychelles Prison, Raymond St Ange, in a ceremony held yesterday morning at the prison headquarters at Montagne Posée.

During the ceremony, seven new recruits who have successfully completed their probationary phase of training were welcomed by the institution as prison officers.

The ceremony was attended by the elected member of the National Assembly for Anse Boileau, Honourable Hon. Phillip Arrisol, the chairman of the prison advisory board, Eddy Payet, prison staff and family members of deputy commissioner Dodin and the new recruits.

The ceremony started with a parade by the Flag Guard followed by the promotion of Mr Dodin by Commissioner St Ange. The latter then inspected the parade and confirmed the new recruits in their new post.

As part of their confirmation as prison officers, the recruits were made to sign the prison service ‘Code of Ethics’.

Prior to his promotion to deputy commissioner, Mr Dodin worked as a civilian at the Seychelles Prison from 2009, where he conducted a research on the prison population for the setting up of better prison policies. Later he took charge of information, supply and logistics before joining the institution as a prison officer in the capacity of chief inspector in 2016. He has a degree in criminology and social anthropology obtained from the University of Manchester in England.

“The prison has a five-year strategic plan which will end in 2024 and I will assist the Superintendent in making sure that we materialise the plan among which some strategic elements such as the new juvenile prison on Praslin and the new remand centre on Ile Perseverance, are in starting phase,” said deputy commissioner Dodin, who noted that his passion for the job and his determination to continue to help with the improvement of the prison including the support from his superiors and other colleagues, could have been among some of the qualities that could have earned him the promotion.

As for the new recruits, who included a lady, they were among eight who started a six- month probationary phase of training as of August 16, 2022, which included being posted in various sections as part of the practical training. They are expected to receive further training to improve their competence and career development.  

In his address, Commissioner St Ange congratulated deputy commissioner Dodin on his promotion, saying that it was a historic pleasure, a distinction and an honour for the prison to welcome its deputy commissioner in the manner that had never been done before.

“It will not be an easy task. We get a lot of the criticisms and often all the good things that’s been done are not recognised and appreciated by some members of the community. As we prepare for the different facilities and we get ready to be called before the National Assembly, we will also be ready to continue on the path that we’ve been on for the past five years, to deliver for the prison service,” said Commissioner St Ange, who noted that the work of the prison is not only about keeping prisoners behind bars but also to guide them away from the mistakes they’ve made so that they come out as a better person.

To the new recruits, Commissioner St Ange said, “I hope that you abide by the code of conduct because it is what is going to guide you. You must have work integrity and this is very important. It will mean that we will not have to supervise you all the time as you will know what’s right and wrong.”

“We work as a team, we work for the country, we work to contribute for safer communities and we work because rehabilitation is the key. We cannot afford to waste one citizen who has failed us. Every person has a right to be rehabilitated, if they want it, and we’ll be there to make sure that we provide it to them,” added Commissioner St Ange, who thanked the recruits for choosing to join the prison service.  

“I’ve always been interested in law enforcement. When I got the chance to join the prison service, I felt that this may well be the right time. Although the work is tough, the environment is very positive and encouraging,” said new prison officer James Faure, who noted that he is really enjoying it so far.

The ceremony was blessed by the prison chaplain from the Roman Catholic Church, Father Yves Ngowegui.

Text & photos by Patrick Joubert