Government moves to reinforce law and order |26 June 2009

He said a reform of the police started last year and is progressing, although much remains to be done.

“The police need to improve their services to the public, especially in managing their resources,” he said, expressing confidence there are capable and competent people within the force who are able to make a difference and who are following the new course we are pursuing.

“Very often, the threat to the security of our citizens is linked to drug abuse. I am heartened that much headway has been made in the fight against drugs,” he added.

“The NDEA (National Drug Enforcement Agency) has confiscated several consignments of drugs. Their efforts are being intensified in the districts with the collaboration of the police.

“I am also happy to note that the Seychellois people are united against this scourge. People are coming together to deny shelter to dealers.

Legislation was adopted last year providing for the seizure of ill-acquired assets by the state. Several criminals who have been using legitimate activities as a front are now being prosecuted.”

Mr Michel said every person in Seychelles deserves to feel safe at home, but recently our safety and peace have been threatened by escaped convicts.

“This situation can no longer be tolerated. There are many shortcomings in the administration of the prison,” he said.

“In the next few days, I intend to put in place a new administrative structure, which will be headed by a commissioner of prisons. This new administration will be tasked with eliminating all the inadequacies of the system.”

Mr Michel said reform of the judiciary is also an important element in the new course we have adopted, and to continue with the same approach in the prevailing circumstances is out of the question.

“Our economy is moving rapidly. Our country is moving rapidly. We need a judiciary that moves rapidly,” he said.

“When the new chief justice takes up his appointment in the next month or so, we need to seize the opportunity to give a new lease of life to our judicial system. I know we can do it, if we put our differences aside, if we put everything which is personal aside and work together. We have to remove politics from the courts. The law is the law.”

He said society is being afflicted by the behaviour of idle and disorderly people.

“We are fed up of seeing them hanging around shops, by the roadside and in public places, consuming alcohol and drugs, swearing and provoking law-abiding citizens, behaving indecently, disturbing the peace… We have had enough of those loiterers who refuse to work. Strict action will be taken against them, as provided for by the Penal Code,” he said.

Mr Michel went on to say a renewal process of the defence forces has started, to better equip them to face the new challenges.