Eleven defence force officers promoted |26 November 2010

Some of the officers being promoted to their new ranks by President Michel

This was during a promotional parade to mark Defence Forces Day, which is celebrated every year on November 25.

The officers were promoted to their new ranks by President James Michel, who is Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces.

Four lieutenants were promoted to the rank of captain – Joachim Cadeau, Margaret Louise, Michael Hollanda and Philip Naiken.

And five captains – Wills Rosette, Vincent Luther, Philip Adeline, Raymond Athanase and Jean Attala – were promoted to major.

Captain and Deacon Louis Agathine was promoted to Honorary Major, and Major Georges Adeline to Lieutenant Colonel.

Mr Michel congratulated the officers and wished them all the best in their work, before thanking all the soldiers present for their remarkable work in the fight against piracy.

“If you ask me what defines a true patriot, I will say it is the one who stands proud in a uniform and who does not only say he is a true patriot but lives it by serving the country before self,” he said.

Seychelles is lucky to have such men and women in uniform, more than willing to defend their country, he said.

He added that Defence Forces Day gives us the chance to honour the work of our armed forces and thank them. It also allows us to thank those who have supported us, not only locally but abroad.

“November 25 has always been a day when we celebrate the achievements of our defence forces, and we know that our national achievements are anchored in the strong relations we have with partner countries,” said Mr Michel.

In his acknowledging statement Cadet Warren Andre, who is also a Military Young Leaders Programme officer, said they appreciate the efforts of their former colleagues during the mercenary aggression of 1981.

He said though most of the young people on the programme were not born then, they still recognise their courage. And he added that our recent victories over the Somali pirates have shown that young Seychellois are motivated and well equipped to face any challenges.

“We are still in the first phase of our course, and already we are impressed by the educational programme, such as civic education,” said Cadet Andre.

“This programme is the vision of our Commander-in-Chief, who has always recognised our importance and the role of young people in society.

“It is one that will guide us to develop our competence, and it remains for us to take the opportunities available.”

He then thanked the government, their parents and Seychellois for their support and confidence.

Brigadier Payet said Defence Forces Day is vital as it reminds us of the determination, courage and sacrifice of the armed forces in defending our country against our enemies on November 25, 1981.

“Twenty-nine years later the force has the same enthusiasm and confidence to defend our sovereignty and the people of Seychelles, so as to maintain stability in our small country,” he said.

He added that today the country is facing the threat of piracy, which is menacing our national security.

“We have to renew our engagement to the people of Seychelles, and it is necessary for us to be patriotic and determined,” he said.