Minister Fonseka tours police and fire stations on Mahé for Christmas |26 December 2020
Internal Affairs Minister Charles Fonseka visited all staff members of the police department and of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency who were on duty on Christmas Day, yesterday, and this gesture was well appreciated by all the employees.
The visit started at 7.45am at the police department headquarters in Victoria. Minister Fonseca greeted the staff who were completing their night shift and also the station commander and the other staff who were all set and ready to work during this holy day.
Commander of the station, Lena Anacoura briefed the minister on the previous night’s events noting that the situation was rather calm.
She added that for each shift 10 people are assigned to work in various sections. The minister thanked them for performing their duty as required.
His next visit was at the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) station at the New Port. He greeted the staff who had completed their shift and wished them a Merry Christmas.
SFRSA spokesman Jones Madeleine said: “As you all know, the SFRSA works 24/7 and the minister’s visit shows his commitment towards our agency. This motivates our staff and shows he values our work. This gesture has been well appreciated. We, at SFRSA will continue to put more effort in our work and we rely on the trust of the public,” noted Mr Madeleine.
Speaking to the press, Minister Fonseka noted that these visits are to wish all the staff of SFRSA and the police department a happy Christmas with the hope of spreading some cheer and encouragement.
“It is important in the duty of care that the person in charge and in a higher position understands that and one way to show that is to go and pay them a visit, speak to them and empathise with them. The police department and the SFRSA are here to respond to any call at any moment. We acknowledge their services.”
Having spent two months in office, Minister Fonseka expressed that all staff of the two institutions lack continuous training.
“We will have a thorough look at this. The trainings have not been done not because of the unwillingness of the staff but mainly because of a lack of funds, proper facilities and proper instructors. Training is at the base of everything. We have the misconception that once a person goes to one training session, he knows it all, but what is important is the continuous training. We will focus on this aspect a lot in the coming weeks,” said Minister Fonseka.
Minister Fonseka then headed to the various police stations and fire stations in south, west, north and east Mahé before going back to Victoria. He also seized the opportunity to make a donation of his own books.
Minister Fonseka noted with regret that he could not go to Praslin and La Digue but has sent his warm greetings to all the staff of the police department and the SFRSA working on the two islands and has thanked them for their dedicated service.
Our photos show Minister Fonseka interacting with staff at the Central Police Station and the SFRSA headquarters at the New Port.
Vidya Gappy
Photos: Jude Morel