New vision to bring more professional system of defence |26 November 2010

This was during the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) promotional parade at the defence academy on South-East Island.

The ceremony was also held to mark Defence Forces Day celebrated yesterday and was attended by Vice-President Danny Faure, National Assembly speaker Patrick Herminie, president of the Court of Appeal Francis MacGregor and ministers.

Also there were chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet, chief of staff Lieutenant Colonel Clifford Roseline and commanding officer of the Seychelles Coast Guard Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rosette.

Mr Michel said the new vision, which includes a series of reforms to be carried out in a culture of consultation, will promote a clear sense of direction for the forces.

It will consolidate and promote cohesion, harmony and unity in the army and ensure discipline and teamwork, he added.

“I hope that each soldier sees himself or herself in this new vision, and that each young person who has not made a career choice yet, but who has an unconditional love for his country, will also see his place and join us,” he said.

Mr Michel announced that a new scheme of service will be introduced in January next year, offering higher salaries and other benefits, as well as a new pension scheme for the SPDF.

These changes should encourage more young people to join the armed forces, he added.

The President said reforms of the SPDF will include modernising the command structure and military procedures, and introducing plans to get new equipment and facilities.

Steps to motivate and encourage soldiers in their work and give them career guidance, more high-level training and a new welfare plan will also be taken.

Mr Michel added that there is a need to introduce new specialised areas of work such as radar and modern communication systems.

The community should be educated on the significance of the defence forces, and soldiers should be proud of being members of the SPDF, he added.

Mr Michel said after a series of consultative meetings in the SPDF, several recommendations have been brought to his attention and these will be looked at closely by a specially appointed committee.

They include a housing scheme for our soldiers, a review of the transport system and ensuring that the recreational, dormitory and training facilities are up to standard.

“We have to review their access to better health facilities, and a welfare system will be established for them,” he said.

Mr Michel congratulated the defence forces for their brave action in the recent anti-piracy mission, where seven Seychellois fishermen were rescued and 16 pirates captured.

He said the SPDF has clearly proved its raison d’être – to defend the people of Seychelles.

“When some people were shouting to shut down the SPDF as Seychelles does not need a military force, and saying the government is spending too much on the military, we saw beyond that,” he added.

“Those who love Seychelles wanted to protect this blessed people and the peace we enjoy. This year’s events alone, when we saw our men in uniforms defend our territory against Somali pirates and save the lives of our Seychellois brothers, confirmed to us that this government had foresight.”