SPDF welcomes President Michel as new Commander in Chief |04 January 2005

This was his first visit to the military base of the Seychelles People's Defence Forces (SPDF) since his inauguration as President of Seychelles in April last year.  Normally the annual visits are carried out at the two military bases, namely at the Seychelles Coast Guard unit at Bois de Rose and at the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA) at South East Island.

But this year all units were gathered at South East Island for this very special occasion and to welcome President James Michel, a military parade with platoons from the Seychelles Coast Guard, the Seychelles Defence Academy and Regular Police, was held.

The ceremony began with the presidential salute and afterwards President Michel inspected the parade.

SPDF, President Michel said in his speech, held a very special place in his heart and was a source of pride for the Seychellois nation.

The defence forces, he said, had always been willing to provide the necessary assistance whenever they are called upon and the nation, he added, is deeply grateful for the role that SPDF and other essential service providers had played during the last few days of 2004 after the country was hit by tidal waves and torrential rains.

"They have been on alert for 24 hours day in, day out. They have came to the rescue of people in distress, they have helped to protect properties and maintain peace and order. Their presence and actions have brought relief for all Seychellois," President Michel said, adding that "they have also brought great comfort for all of us and contributed to prevent more damages, especially the loss of human lives."

"On behalf of all Seychellois, I would like to express my gratitude towards our defence forces, police and all the other essential service providers who have in one way or another helped us to overcome this natural calamity," the President said.
 
He pointed out that the success of SPDF's mission is the result of good professional training the organisation offers to all its members, that allows them to integrate very easily in different sectors of civil society .

Throughout this year, and in future, government, he said, will continue to ensure that SPDF's development is further improved to attain greater heights and that the organisation projects a positive image that reflects the good values of our society among our people and also foreigners. 

The Police, he noted, had likewise made tremendous progress in 2004 year, but added that there is more room for improvement for them to deliver a better service to the public.

"The Police have a great challenge to become an efficient force that will earn them the respect of the people. In 2005 they will have to seriously address issues of security and trade in illegal substances that is having a negative impact on our youth and our society," President Michel said.

He also noted an improvement in the National Guard since its integration within the SPDF.

"But there is more to be done," he stressed, calling on all officers to take their training seriously and to become better disciplined.

"Reform being carried out will transform the National Guard into a more professional and disciplined force," he said.

He gave his assurance that government will continue to support the defence forces with resources and in the implementation of their training programme as well as other initiatives such as the Defence Forces Spouse Association.

Army Chief of Staff Colonel Leopold Payet, described 2004 year as a tough but significant year, which brought several reforms to the SPDF and saw the army participate in various community activities as well as military exercises alongside officers from other countries.

Colonel Payet assured President Michel that this year SPDF will intensify efforts to ensure that it becomes a more professional force and that training will be on an even higher level. The SPDF, he said, will also put in place more comprehensive action plan for recruitment.

The parade ended with blessings by army chaplain Deacon Louis Agathine who prayed for spiritual guidance for the officers and appealed to them to put a little something aside throughout this month in contribution to those affected by the recent natural disasters. 

The celebration continued with a party in which President Michel mingled with the officers and exchanged gifts.