Seychelles People's Defence Forces (SPDF)-50 awarded for long service |27 November 2006

The event took place at the Seychelles Defence Academy on South East Island and was part of the events to mark Defence Forces Day, November 25.

It is on that day that Seychelles marks the successful suppression of armed mercenaries who entered the country on November 25, 1981.

The ceremony started with President Michel inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the flag guard and four platoons of the SPDF, who later marched in both slow and quick time under the command of Captain Vincent Luther.

In his speech to mark the occasion, the chief of staff of the SPDF, Brigadier Leopold Payet, underscored the need for the maintenance of a high level of discipline within the forces.

Pledging his continued loyalty to the forces and the C-in-C, Brigadier Payet announced that the SPDF is undergoing restructuring to create a more dynamic organisation.

He also said that the development of a new promotion programme for SPDF personnel is under way.

The officers who received medals for 25 years of service were Capt Wills Rosette, Capt Edward Anacoura, Sgt Spiro Walter, Cpl Michel Valentin, Major George Adeline, L/Cpl Marguerita Dodin, WOII Michel Raoul, Snr/Sgt Jean Belle, Cpl Philip Leon and Sgt Franky Rachel.

Recognised for their 20 years' service were Sgt Allen Serret, L/Cpl Rock Dodin, Snr/Sgt Elvis Fred, Snr/Sgt Auguste Louise, Cpl Jason Bonne and Cpl Jourdan Cafrine.

Those who were awarded for 15 years' service were L/Cpl Joana Agyei, Capt Clifford Andre, Capt Jean Attalla, Cpl Robert Bradburn, Snr/Sgt Perin Bristol, Sgt Allain Jeannevol, Cpl Paul Quatre, Cpl Elvis Nourrice, Cpl Simon Louise, Sgt Joseph Morel, Cpl Jeffrey Celestine.

Awarded for their 10 years' service were Cpl Frabrina Jacqueline, Cpl Emmanuel Esparon, 2Lt David Arrisol, 2Lt Ronny Matatiken, Sgt Rundolph Barra, Cpl Wellington Adeline, Cpl Michael Nourrice, Cpl Charles Pool, Pte Tony Arrisol and Lt Jimmy Pillay.

Those who were awarded for their eight years' service were L/Cpl Nigel Dodin, L/Cpl Jose Madeleine, L/Cpl Terry Florentine, Pte Vincent Denis, L/Cpl Sabahub Lespoir, Cpl Willy Mussard, L/Cpl Kathleen Belle, L/Cpl Gabriel Hoareau, Cpl Peter Havelock, L/Cpl Didier Belle, Pte Andre Leon, L/Cpl Eddy Boniface and L/Cpl Jeris Hollanda.

Another activity which took place on Saturday to mark Defence Forces Day was the traditional wreath laying ceremony at the Victory Monument at Seychelles International Airport, Pointe Larue.