Seychelles’ police plan to re-engage with International Police Association |11 July 2023
Local branch presents new committee
The International Police Association Seychelles (IPA) held its preparatory meeting at the Seychelles Coast Guard base in Perseverance on Saturday morning to inform its associates of the progress made since the election of a new board, following the registration of the association in March 2023.
The newly elected seven-member committee is led by Superintendent Roy Banane as its chairperson, and Inspector Maria Itard as the vice-chairperson, Corporal Sophia Lespoire as secretary, Sub-Inspector Audrey Ally as the treasurer. The three ordinary members are Sub-Inspector Emile Fred, Andrew Sinon and Sergeant Major Channel Herminie.
The association currently has over 120 members.
When addressing the officers last Saturday, the Commissioner of Police and former secretary general of IPA, Ted Barbe, said the meeting marked the launch of their re-engagement to the International Police Association, after some years of absence.
“Seychelles once a very active international member, was dismissed from the main association for some reason that could have been avoided. Despite the existence of the local IPA branch, there was no great move to re-integrate into IPA international,” he said.
He added that upon meeting the members of the new executive board, he observed that the group of officers was determined to re-join the IPA international.
“Today, I feel proud that this board, together with our Mauritius counterpart, are on the right track,” he said.
For his part, the chairperson, Superintendent Roy Banane, said he was very proud of the work and effort of all the members.
“When I look at you all today, I smile, because I, as the newly elected chairperson of the IPA Seychelles, recognise and appreciate every effort being done so that we move forward. I smile because I know you made the right decision in electing this board,” he stated.
“During the past years, IPA Seychelles has been dormant, and with this new approach and team on board, the IPA Seychelles has envisioned to move forward and make a difference,” he added.
It should be noted that Saturday’s meeting was in the presence of the Mauritian IPA member, Sergeant Ashock Rughoobur. Mauritius has been assisting Seychelles to activate its local branch. As Seychelles’ sponsored country, it manufactured the association’s official flag, feather flag, and banner.
During the event, the association’s logo re-designed by the IPA treasurer, Sub-inspector Audrey Ally, was also unveiled. The former committee members also received a token of appreciation for their tenure.
Diane Larame
Photos contributed
