Special welcome for new Compol at police headquarters |19 June 2021

Much to his surprise, the new Commissioner of Police, Ted Barbe, got a special welcome at the police headquarters after his swearing-in ceremony at State House on Thursday.

He was welcomed by the deputy Commissioner of Police Romano Songoire and all the senior and junior officers of the Seychelles Police Force.

After personally greeting all those present,Commissioner Barbe was welcomed with these words by the Assistant Superintendent Jeffrey Antoine: “Today marks a new chapter for the Seychelles Police Force and a major achievement in your career as a policeman. Your confirmation in this post was delayed however you showed us that patience is a real virtue. Your journey within the police force is a clear proof of the saying – there is light at the end of the tunnel. Your appointment as our new Commissioner has given rise to new waves of hopes and beliefs all across the police force. Nationally since your nomination positive vibes have echoed.”

ASP Antoine further noted that “our force needs to regain its reputation as one of the most efficient and effective forces within the region. We have a strategic plan set for success and together as a team under your leadership we shall surmount all barriers in our path and indeed we shall be successful. To do so, we shall need to modernise our force by implementing new ways of operating, acquiring quality state of the art equipment and providing continuous training for our personnel”.

ASP Antoine shared that it is not easy to be part of the police force and over the past two years, with the ongoing pandemic, they had to review their policing.

“As essential workers we had to adopt and adapt to the new normal. Our safety and security is crucial and I am confident that as our commanding officer you shall do the needful to continuously provide us with adequate safety equipment.

“Through this welcoming speech, the police force pledges to bring this positive change throughout the force.”

Commissioner Barbe was quite emotional with this welcome and thanked all the officers for their continuous support and hard work.

“As mentioned in my address at the National Assembly, we will work together to bring the changes required to protect our society,” Commissioner Barbe said.

The accompanying photos show Commissioner Barbe being welcomed at the police headquarters.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Jude Morel