Prison Service Day commemorated for third consecutive year |09 September 2023

Officer Donald Zialor receiving the Commissioner’s Recognition Certificate

•           Commissioner’s Recognition Certificate awarded to officer Donald Zialor

The Seychelles Prison Service yesterday observed its third prison service day under the theme ‘We Engage’. The event is observed on September 8, which is the feast day of St Adrian, the patron saint of prisons.

The service at the Montagne Posée prison, in the presence of invited guests, officers and staff was to recognise staff for their work and confirm new recruits into post.

The prison service was taking place the third time in a row and in his address the Commissioner of Prisons, Raymond St Ange, said after six years of steady work since his appointment, their service day observation was now firmly planted back into their calendar of events.

“The Prison Service Day observations is about our staff, the women and men who day in and out step up to serve.  Rain, shine, coolness of the night air, shouts of panicked and stressed inmates.  I recall proudly how you stepped up and served diligently during the two years of arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic to Seychelles.  Despite that, We Engaged!” he stated.

Those receiving certificates were staff from class two and three who had completed their probation and successfully completed their 24-hour stress test, as well as those who completed various courses including first aid, basic fire and safety training, and customer care. 

“Those who are being confirmed today I trust will add value to the service. This is needed.  In the year to come I, as well, expect that they will challenge themselves to join other staff who will pick up courses that improve their understanding and performance,” said the commissioner who congratulated the officers for their progress and urged them to consider the next steps towards further improvement.

It should be noted that for the first time, the Seychelles Prison Service (SPS) introduced the ‘Commissioner’s Recognition Certificate’. This was bestowed on an outstanding officer, whose duty and service have gone beyond in some positive way, benefitted the prison and brought positive attention to them in the eyes of the public. The recognition certificate was presented to officer Donald Zialor.

During yesterday’s Prison Service Day the SPS also introduced a new tradition to honour past head of prisons. This was the unveiling of an official portrait by a local artist. Commissioner St Ange said every former head played their part to get the prison to where it was today and it was absolutely right to recognise them.

The first portrait to be revealed was that of Superintendent of Prisons, Edmond Payette, who served from 1975 to 1978.

Commissioner St Ange described him as one who championed rehabilitation, believed in providing sound guidance and positive examples, and ran the service by sound practices.

The ceremony was held in the presence of his children.

SPS will be unveiling a portrait every year until all former service heads are recognised. It should be noted that prior to November 2021 all prison service heads served as Superintendent of Prisons. The change in November changed the designation to commissioner.

Yesterday’s ceremony was marked by a moment of reflection and a moment of silence to remember the late Sergeant Gino Eulentin. 

Prison Service Day continues today with an activity at the Foyer de Nazareth at Anse Etoile.

Patsy Canaya

Photos contributed by the SPS