Police force gets 33 new recruits |19 October 2004

The 33 recruits – 23 young men and 10 young ladies – received their certificates in a passing out ceremony on Friday after completing six months’ training at the Academy.

The ceremony was attended by Commissioner of Police Andre Quilindo, Chief of Staff of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) Colonel Leopold Payet, Lieutenant Colonel Andre Ciseau, other top ranking officers and relatives of the graduates.

Besides certificates, there were special prizes for the best performing trainees. Jean-Paul Mahoune won the overall award for the most devoted, hard working and disciplined trainee. The second prize for academic performance and good behaviour went to trainee Joseph Bibi, who is also the Speaker of the National Youth Assembly, while Pedro Edmond won for discipline. A special award of encouragement was also presented to trainee Fatima Morel.

The certificates and awards were presented by Commissioner Quilindo.
The ceremony began with a parade mounted by the recruits, members of the police force and of the Fire Brigade. The parade was afterwards inspected by Commissioner Quilindo.

In his speech for the occasion, Commissioner Quilindo said the arrival of young blood in the force was an encouraging sign.

He assured the young recruits that their commitment and devotion towards their duties would not be taken for granted.

"Opportunities to progress will always exist within the force, but a lot will depend on your general behaviour and performance," he told them.

He said he had received good feedback from the mentors of those who had the chance to demonstrate their abilities when they took part in the joint police and army operation carried out earlier this year.

While the Police Department would continue to put much emphasis on training, it would also be in the advantage of the officers if they use their free time for self-empowerment, Commissioner Quilindo said.

The commandant of the Academy, Superintendent Jerris Beauchamp, announced that as from next year the Academy will offer a series of specialised training in the field of criminal investigation, traffic investigation, anti-terrorist course and computer course.

The ceremony ended with a vote of thanks by trainee Joseph Bibi.