Naval officers recognised for courage and bravery |17 February 2024

President Ramkalawan in a souvenir photo with army officers who received the ‘Medal of Efficiency’ (Photo: Kurtrine Albert)

 Brigadier Rosette decorated as Chevalier de l'Ordre du mérite maritime’

Nineteen army personnel from the Seychelles Defence Forces have been recognised for their courage and bravery for rescuing six Sri Lankan fishermen at the hands of armed Somali pirates on January 29, 2024 in Seychelles’ waters.

The 17 officers and crew from the patrol ship PS Topaz, under the command of captain Edwin Constance who were involved in the apprehension of the pirates and two ground officers involved in coordinating the operation, were presented with their ‘Medals of Efficiency’ by President Wavel Ramkalawan who is also the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. This was in a ceremony held yesterday afternoon at State House.

Present were Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Roger Mancienne; Minister for Internal Affairs Roy Fonseka; French Ambassador Olivia Berkeley-Christmann; Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Seychelles Srimal Wickremasinghe; Chief of Defence Forces Brigadier Michael Rosette; Général de brigade Jean-Marc Giraud who is the commander of the French Armed Forces in Southern Indian Ocean, and his delegation, as well as other dignitaries.

Apart from captain Constance who was among the first to receive the medal, the other 16 officers and crew members from the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) and Special Forces onboard PS Topaz were lieutenant Mario Florine, lieutenant Sebastien Radegonde, warrant officer class 1 (WOI) Jimmy Rideau, warrant officer class 2 (WOII) Patrick Jouanneau, staff sergeant Dominic Toussaint, staff sergeant Kenneth Marie, corporal Sheldon Edmond, lance corporal Yohannes Rose, lance corporal  Aubrey Louise, lance corporal Amadave Camille, private Perry Larue, private Fabien Chung-Loye, private Brendon Roucou, private Rick Morel, private Eric Michel and private Gino Libanotis.

Absent crew members were private Joash Agricole and private Franko Simeon. The two ground officers were the commander of Seychelles Coast Guards (SCG), lieutenant colonel David Arrisol, and the director of operations, major Hans Radegonde.   

During the ceremony, Brigadier Rosette was decorated as ‘Chevalier de l'Ordre du mérite maritime’ by the French government for his exceptional role in establishing cooperation between the two armed forces and for his exemplary service and contributions in safeguarding maritime security in the region and the world in general.  

He was presented with his medal by Général de brigade Giraud on behalf of the French government. 

“I was not expecting such a recognition from such a big country like France. They must have followed the things that I have done and contributions made in the maritime domain, especially in maritime security, which in the end have made them realise that I deserve such a medal,” said Brigadier Rosette.

Without going into details of the operation to secure the Sri Lankan hostages, Brigadier Rosette said it was not an easy operation given that it could have turned deadly as the pirates were armed and the actions to free the hostages was an act that merits the country’s recognition.  

In his address, President Ramkalawan firstly congratulated Brigadier Rosette for his prestigious merit as ‘Chevalier de l'Ordre du mérite maritime’, which he said is a sign of recognition for SDF locally and internationally and also an example for other men and women in uniform to follow. He also congratulated the SDF army personnel for their heroic actions which led to the freedom of the Sri Lankan fishermen at the hands of the Somali pirates.

President Ramkalawan said the government will continue to give SDF its full support in fighting piracy, drugs and other illicit activities taking place at sea and inland.

He also commended the good relation between Seychelles’ armed forces and the different foreign forces in the region and globally, which have resulted in stopping tonnes of drugs from entering the country, as well as many other illegal activities such as illegal fishing.

“I call on you to continue to demonstrate the professionalism and abilities to deliver the work expected to protect our territory, innocent lives and for peace and stability in the country and in the region,” said President Ramkalawan who noted that maritime security will be on top of his agenda when the country takes presidency of the Indian Ocean Commission in May this year. 

French Ambassador Olivia Berkeley-Christmann also highlighted the good relation between France and Seychelles and commended operations by the two forces which have led to tonnes of drugs being apprehended at sea.

“On the bilateral side we will continue to consolidate the connection between the Seychelles Defence Forces and the French Forces, especially through more audacious training in maritime security for the benefit of both countries,” said Ambassador Berkeley-Christmann.

The ceremony was blessed by the SDF chaplain, lieutenant colonel Louis Agathine.

Patrick Joubert