Seychelles and Mauritius work to improve maritime security |23 August 2010

 
Minister Morgan (right) speaking at the close of the workshop on Friday

A three-day workshop at Le Méridien Barbarons hotel included sessions to evaluate and improve the legal structures and functions of their maritime law enforcement and security.

It also aimed to enhance the two nations’ capacity to carry out maritime governance within the rule of law, and to improve their ability to hold joint maritime operations.

Sponsored by the US Regional Defence Combating Terrorism Fellowship Programme, the conference took place under the theme Maritime Security and Law Enforcement in East Africa and was organised by the Defence Institute of International Legal Studies.

At the closing ceremony on Friday afternoon, Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Joel Morgan said he was delighted that such a high-level delegation from Mauritius had taken part.

“This seminar was rather unique of its kind as it was able to have such a diverse group of stakeholders, including those directly apprehending pirates, those who carry out the investigations, those who prosecute and those who judge them,” he said.

Representatives of the US embassy in Mauritius, local stakeholders – who included representatives of the judiciary, police, coast guard and Ministry of Foreign Affairs – and their Mauritian counterparts, were led at the workshop by US-based Commander Luke Reid, Lieutenant Commander Amy Larson and Lieutenant Dorothy Hernaez.

“Some of the threats that were discussed over the three days included piracy, drug-trafficking, illegal fishing and pollution – all which have a common theme, being transnational in nature,” said Commander Reid.

“This highlights the need to have proper authorities in place, but more importantly shows that transnational threats require transnational solutions. So in order to deal effectively with these threats nations must form partnerships and work together.”

Mr Morgan said one of the cornerstones in the fight against piracy is a strong legal system with effective and appropriate laws, and it is equally important that these laws are properly applied.

Thus it is essential that judges, prosecutors, police and the coast guard are fully conversant with the law and with all law enforcement aspects associated with piracy.

“Those taking part have told me that this seminar has been very helpful in providing concrete examples of how to deal with piracy,” he said.

The US embassy representatives said they see the way forward for Seychelles and Mauritius in the fight against piracy as being in their ability to work together with insight and professionalism. 

At the end of the ceremony, Commander Reid presented Minister Morgan with a plaque to mark the occasion.