Private Joey Constant gets Medal of Bravery   By Sunny Esparon   |20 April 2023

Private Constant being honoured by President Ramkalawan

Private Joey Constant, who recently saved three teenagers from drowning, was awarded the Medal of Bravery by President Wavel Ramkalawan yesterday at State House.

On April 1, 2023, Private Constant observed a crowd gathering on the beach and learned that three teenagers were drowning. Without hesitation, Private Constant bravely jumped into the sea to rescue the distressed teenagers.

Another citizen among the onlookers provided assistance by acquiring a piece of foam and paddled towards the teenagers in distress. He secured both teenagers on the foam while the third clung to Private Constant.

While returning to shore, a strong wave crashed into them, breaking the piece of foam. Undeterred, they employed their strength and swimming abilities to transport all three teenagers back to shore. Private Constant’s acts of bravery are lauded by his colleagues and the nation at large.

The Seychelles Defence Forces take immense pride in having a devoted and courageous soldier among their ranks.

Private Constant is the second soldier to ever receive the Medal of Bravery in the whole of Seychelles.

During yesterday’s ceremony, President Ramkalawan praised the young soldier after pinning the medal on to him.

“For us, it is a true honour to have brave soldiers like Private Constant, and we continue to encourage the youth to join the force,” the President said.

He continued by stating that men and women like Private Constant deserve to be honoured.

Private Constant said he did not feel any hesitation when he jumped into the sea to save the teenagers as he has done it before.

“I am going in the right direction. I will continue and I will encourage the youth to join the military for us to do what is right,” he stated.

Private Constant explained that the medal for him is a huge accomplishment in his career and that he did not expect he would receive this type of recognition.

Joey Constant joined the defence forces on September 7, 2022 as a recruit and he underwent rigorous basic military training. Upon completing the programme after 15 weeks, he was recognised as the best out of all the recruits in his cohort.

He was sworn in as a private soldier on December 16, 2022. He has been described as a determined individual and he has set his sights on pursuing a career in the Land Forces. He recently completed a commander course conducted by the Special Forces and is currently awaiting the commencement of his Special Force training. 

Photos by Joena Meme