Top SDF officers promoted, recognised for loyalty and devotion |31 January 2022
Jean Attala being presented with his new rank by Commander-in-Chief Wavel Ramkalawan
The commander-in-chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF), President Wavel Ramkalawan, has promoted the commander of the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG), Lieutenant Colonel Jean Attala, to the ranks of Colonel and Major David Arrisol, also from SCG, to the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel.
The two officers were presented with their ranks in a ceremony held on Saturday morning at the SCG base at Ile Perseverance.
During the ceremony, President Ramkalawan also presented distinguished service medals and efficiency medals to the chief of defence forces, Brigadier Michael Rosette and Chief of staff of defence forces, Colonel Simon Dine, two senior officers in SDF, for their loyalty, devotion and length of service.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Hollanda was appointed by President Ramkalawan as the first Land Force Commander of SDF.
Present at the ceremony to promote and reward the officers were Vice-President Ahmed Afif, Designated Minister Jean-François Ferrari, Police Commissioner Ted Barbe, members of the defence council, senior officers and other distinguished guests.
Congratulating the officers on their promotions, appointment and service to SDF, President Ramkalawan said he was very encouraged with the level of professionalism shown by SDF towards the country and the new administration during the past 15 months in terms of maintaining peace and security.
President Ramkalawan also commended the work SDF has been doing to help the police maintain law and order during the Covid-19 pandemic, among others.
He noted that as the commander-in-chief, he will see that SDF continues to help and assist the police in their operations, in times of need, so that the country continues to be safe and that people can live in peace, security and harmony.
He said that the government will continue to support and promote SDF so as to make it more professional and that it continues to earn the respect of the people. He noted that new developments and changes taking place within SDF, be it promotions, appointments or acquisition of new assets, is to make the force more professional.
With regard to his promotion, Colonel Attala said that being promoted to a higher rank was an accumulation of achievements he had gathered over the years.
He added that he was proud his achievements have been recognised by the high command authority in the force.
He noted that he will continue to guide and share his knowledge and experience to others under his command, especially the youths, so that SCG, through SDF, attains the desired level of professionalism.
Brigadier Rosette has spent 39 years as a commissioned officer and has made various contributions towards efforts in preserving our sovereignty in terms of maritime security. He held various positions on local and international bodies further to be appointed as the commander of SCG in 2009. He was later appointed Chief of Staff and Chief of Defence forces respectively.
He said he was happy that the commander-in-chief President Ramkalawan and the SDF have recognised the work and contribution he has made over years for the force and for the country.
He encouraged other junior and senior officers to continue to serve the armed forces with loyalty as it is a prestigious area of work with many opportunities and recognitions.
Colonel Simon Dine has accumulated 42 years of active service and has assumed various responsibilities within the force before he was appointed as the chief of staff on January 1, 2021, after commanding the SCG for 7 years.
Also during the ceremony, Major Rodney Zarine and Captain Archille Uzice, from the Seychelles Air Force, were presented with their certificates as certified pilot captains, after successfully completing an aviation course that was held online. It was Brigadier Rosette who presented them with their certificates.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the ceremony.
Patrick Joubert
Photos by Louis Toussaint
