Police officers committed to peace as they celebrate their day |20 September 2014

The Seychelles Police are not only committed to maintaining law and order in the country but also to promoting a general atmosphere of peace among the population.

“Peace be with you all” was the wish of all Seychellois police officers echoed by their commissioner Ernest Quatre as he launched the activities marking Police Day which coincides with the United Nations International Peace Day, celebrated on September 21. Peace Day is this year being celebrated under the theme ‘The rights of peoples to peace’.

The official launch ceremony of the 11th Police Day was held at the Police Academy at Pointe Larue yesterday morning in the presence of the Minister for Internal Affairs and Transport Joël Morgan, deputy police commissioner Brigadier Vernon Hunter, other executive members of the force and a large number of police officers.

The occasion also served as an opportunity to pay tribute to Ericson Jules, a young policeman who recently tragically lost his life while performing his duties, and to remember past officers who have passed away.

Police commissioner Ernest Quatre addressing the gathering

While Commissioner Quatre has called on all officers who are able and who have a little time to contribute and take part fully in the organised activities in order for them to get together, he has also appealed for them to lead by example and to be good role models.

“Our society judges the force by the action of its officers, especially those who hold senior ranks. Lack of commitment, complacency and indifference cannot be acceptable if we wish to progress in the attainment of our goals,” the police chief said.

On his part, Minister Morgan has commented that although the police service has no set time for work as it operates seven days a week and 365 days a year, its members find time to reach out and share some time with members of the community which they serve.

He at the same time called on the public to help maintain peace through some simple actions. These could include not blasting music from homes or cars and keeping their pets under conditions so that as an example dogs do not bark through the night. Minister Morgan also reminded that peace also mean feeling secured and comfortable and not being harassed or victimised by hooligans or other criminals. Unfortunately this is far from being the case as highlighted by the minister responsible for our security.

“Our communities continue to be plagued by drug dealers who prey upon vulnerable members of our society. Drivers and those who abuse drinks and drugs continue to behave in a reckless and criminal manner behind the wheels of vehicles. There are those who steal, rob, and break into the homes of our hard working citizens, or who harass and steal from visitors who come to our shores, and who come to enjoy a perfect holiday. A more despicable act is those sexual predators who abuse young children, or those abusive physically to their spouses, loved ones or children,” he said.

Mr Morgan has however promised that while the force will not tolerate any officer who brings discredit to the country through illegal acts including corruption and abuse of authority, it will manage the mundane and as well difficult incidents that would traumatise the average person.

“We need to do this for if we do not, our country becomes less peaceful and more at risk. Together we will not let this happen. We all want Seychelles to be that peaceful country that the rest of the world looks up to,” he concluded.

Yesterday’s opening ceremony was blessed by Catholic Deacon Louis Agathine and father Danny Elizabeth from the Anglican Church. They reminded that the first words Jesus said to his disciples after his resurrection were “peace be with you” and that the youth of Seychelles have dedicated the month of September to the value of peace. They prayed that God prevents any wrongdoing in the maintenance of peace and security so that we can leave freely and peacefully.

The ceremony which was animated by peace songs performed by the police choir and band was followed by two other activities: two different groups of police officers gave blood to the Seychelles Hospital and carried out voluntary work at the home of once well-known and popular traffic police officer, sub-inspector Mason Malbrook of Takamaka.

Police day will be celebrated all weekend and continues today with a sports say at the ex-Coast Guard base which now houses some sections of the police, followed by a talent show in the evening at the Police Academy.

Tomorrow, retired officers will be hosted to a launch at the Golden Plate Restaurant at Roche Caïman.