SDF promotes its officers |03 January 2024

The promoted officers in a souvenir photograph with President Ramkalawan and other guests

President Wavel Ramkalawan, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), last Friday promoted 17 army officers and commissioned two others in a special promotion and commissioning ceremony held at State House.

They were officers of the Special Forces, the Seychelles Coast Guard and the Seychelles Air Force. Among them were three women.

First to be promoted was the commander of the Seychelles Air Force, Major Rodney Zarine, who rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while SDF doctor, Captain Diana Woodcock, was elevated to the rank of Major.

Lieutenant Daniel Alexander, Lieutenant Michel Payet, Lieutenant Leroy Paul, Lieutenant Rasheed Jack and Lieutenant Iven Moise, who was not present, were promoted to the rank of Captain.

Ten officers were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and they were Second Lieutenants Gerry Boniface, Ernest Alphonse, Jerome Philoe, Sebastien Radegonde, Stephanie Anderson, Christopher Hoareau and Yannick Marie. Three others were not present, namely Petra Agricole, Lucianne Henriette and Melina Crispin.

Commander-in-Chief Ramkalawan also had the honour to commission SDF civilian pilot Donn Du Perez, to the rank of Major and Warrant Officer Class 2, staff nurse Sandy Ernesta, to the rank of Lieutenant. Major Du Perez and Lieutenant Ernesta have 25 and 18 years of service with SDF respectively.

The ceremony was witnessed by Vice-President Ahmed Afif; Speaker of the National Assembly, Roger Mancienne; Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Rony Govinden; among other key government and military personnel.

In his keynote address, Commander-in-Chief Ramkalawan congratulated the officers and said the reason for inviting other branches of government to the event was a reminder to the men and women in uniform that their sole duty was to serve the country only, and no individual or group in particular.

He also expressed his gratitude and appreciation with the work done by SDF in collaboration with the Police, in 2023.

“In all the responsibilities, we have to above all remember that our country comes first above anything else and that our flag floats to the highest level as possible.”

The Commander-in-Chief called on the force to continue to maintain the high standard and to show respect and leadership, while maintaining its obligation to serve and safeguard the country.

In his address, Brigadier Rosette said the promotion of the officers was done on merit, experience and leadership skills.

He said it was a testimony of dedication, capabilities and investment for the future development of the force.

He called on those who have not been promoted not to feel discouraged but rather to stay inspired and determined to do better.

“In our line of work, leadership is the key, but we have to bear in mind that it is not defined by the rank on our shoulders and our authority but rather through our capacity to take decisions under pressure, give good examples and to show mutual respect. We as officers must continue to live the military values such as integrity and honour, and we continue to serve with a sense of patriotism,” said Brigadier Rosette.

In an interview with the media, Lieutenant Colonel Zarine said his loyalty, dedication and capabilities, among other of his qualities, could be the reason why he has been promoted to take on more responsibilities.

“When I was younger I was fascinated by birds’ eye views of islands and to see them one has to be in the air. It was the reason I joined the air force. I was not expecting to reach this far and I would like to thank my creator for his guidance.”

For her part, Major Woodcock, Doctor in charge of SDF medical, said she joined the force because it was offering a medical programme that better suited her among other programmes. She was commissioned in the force as a second Lieutenant in 2010.

“I had always dreamed of being a doctor and after my A-Level I did not have the opportunity to follow a course in medicine. I was offered to take on other courses and after two years I came across a programme offered by SDF. I took the opportunity and later went on a medicine course for eight years and this is it. I am very happy today.”

Both Lieutenant Colonel Zarine and Major Woodcock highlighted the opportunities that exist for young people in SDF and have encouraged them to join.

Patrick Joubert

Photo by Louis Toussaint