Police Milestone Award ‘Personal development is a continuous process,’ says Minister Fonseka |24 April 2021

Minister Fonseka addressing the gathering (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

A milestone indicates a significant achievement and progress, while it is also a boost or encouragement for further progression and attainment of better results.

Minister for Internal Affairs, Errol Fonseka, made the statement yesterday while addressing a group of police officers and civilians who have accumulated between 10 and 40 years in the force.

The event, named the ‘Police Milestone Award’, is part of the force’s initiatives in designing and implementing retention and other incentive-oriented schemes for its officers so as to encourage them to build a career in the force.

Normally, the event to recognise the officers and civilians are held at the end, or beginning of the year, but due to strict restrictions as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, such has not been possible.

Other than Minister Fonseka, also present at yesterday’s event which took place at the Seychelles Coast Guard auditorium at Ile Perseverance were acting Commissioner of Police Ted Barbé, Commandant of the Seychelles Defence Academy Lt. Colonel François Antat, along with senior and junior police officers.

Minister Fonseka said since his last meeting with the force last month during the annual gathering to discuss on strategic plan and debrief on last year’s performance, he is very proud to note several improvements which he noted needs to be continued, since personal development is a continuous process.

He explained that for the force to be fixed, it is important that each officer individually makes it their personal task to better themselves both in terms of personal mindset and delivery on the job.

Minister Fonseka pledged his full support towards the force, especially towards personal and individual development of each officer which he said is already noticeable.

Addressing those present, acting Commissioner Barbé reminded them that the police force has the constitutional mandate to uphold and enforce the law and maintain public order, while its vision is to create a safe and secure environment for all.

He also reminded them that as police officers, they are assigned to prevent anything that may threaten the safety and security of the community and country, while ensuring that criminals are brought to justice.

Acting Commissioner Barbé also reminded the officers and civilian staff alike that they are the force’s greatest assets and expressed his gratitude for the commitment and devotion in delivering their duties towards the community and country.

“The success of our police force is the direct result of your effort and dedication,” said acting Commissioner Barbé who further advised those present that as they reach this milestone of their policing career, and set their sights on future goals, to take a moment and reflect on their past accomplishments and take pride as an important member of the team.

At yesterday’s ceremony, a total of 33 officers, along with four civilians, were recognised for 10 to 40 years of service, receiving a certificate of recognition and monetary awards.

Civilian Pierre Woodcock, who has worked as an administration officer within the force for 40 years, received the award for the longest serving member.

It was also an emotional moment for the force as they also rewarded the recently deceased Inspector Noella Fanchette who also clocked 40 years of service.

The late Inspector Fanchette was being represented at the ceremony by her daughter Rita Laurencine.

The police force in the Seychelles is a national body which falls under the control of the National Commissioner of Police, who is appointed by the President subject to the approval of the National Assembly. Although the Commissioner has the command, superintendence, direction and control of the police, he remains subject to the orders of the President.

The core objective of the Seychelles Police Force (SPF) is to safeguard the public by providing quality and professional police services founded on mutual trust with the community.

Accordingly, the core values of the SPF are to prioritise safety of the public and service to the community, to uphold the pride and professional reputation of SPF at all times and to engage with the community.

Further, the strategic focus areas of the SPF include the national, regional and international security, peace, preservation and crime management, road traffic, public confidence, cultural diversity and organisational development and capacity building.

See accompanying box for the complete list of awardees at yesterday’s ceremony.

Roland Duval