Naval Base For Sheikh Khalifa?

Naval Base For Sheikh Khalifa?

A mosque at the centre of the complex shows the real intentions

The new coastguard base announced for Ile Perseverance will be as much for Sheikh Khalifa as for Seychelles.

Plan of naval base.For several months, there have been strong reports that the ruler of Abu Dhabi wanted the presence of an armed force here for his own protection when he occupies his palaces at La Misere and Barbarons. The new coastguard base and military facilities announced last week will provide.

Confirmation of the real purpose of the base is in the plan itself. It includes a mosque at the centre of the complex, which can only mean the presence of foreign personnel of Islamic faith on the base. According to reliable reports, there will be up to 150 Abu Dhabi troops on the base.

When the plan was presented to Government officials and contractors, the naval base was referred to continually as the
‘UAE Port’. This shows that there is no doubt of the real purpose on the part of those handling the project.

Regar has learned that as part of the deal, Sheikh Khalifa will also have the use of the present coastguard base, which will accomodate his yachts and helicopter.

Combating piracy is a good excuse, since it is difficult to argue against anything that will give Seychelles more protection against a real threat. But the presence of a military force for a foreign power is full of implications that we have to face seriously. It is no longer enough to take James Michel’s word that the Sheikh intends only the best for Seychelles and that we have nothing to worry about over his plans.

This is something that James Michel cannot decide alone. The Seychellois people must have a say in matters that have such major implications for the future of their country.

Source: Regar 7-23-10
http://www.seychellesweekly.com/July%2025,%202010/headline_naval_base.html

Govt reacts to Regar article on coast guard base

The government has reacted strongly to an article appearing in the current issue of Regar saying a naval base is being built here for troops to protect Sheikh Khalifa Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Crown Prince of Abhu Dhabi.

(From l to r) Deacon Agathine, Lt Col Rosette, Minister Morgan, Mr Govinden, Brigadier Payet and Mr Quatre during their meeting yesterday

Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Minister Joel Morgan met attorney general Ronny Govinden, chief of defence forces Brigadier Leopold Payet, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rosette and Deacon Louis Agathine of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces and police commissioner Ernest Quatre yesterday after which they gave statements on the article.

The UAE is helping Seychelles build a coast guard base that will be manned by our soldiers but the article says it will be a naval base with foreign troops.

Mr Morgan said it was grossly irresponsible to give details about a coast guard base through a newspaper and internet jeopardising our national security and letting enemies like Somali pirates aware of exactly how we are planning to defend ourselves from their activities.

He said the action puts the lives of Seychellois at risk.

Mr Govinden said acquiring without permission such information including a plan of the proposed facility based on an earlier draft could constitute a crime and investigations are under way and could lead to prosecution.

Lt Col Rosette said the original plan given was worked on with the United Arab Emirates but after consultations was modified and many details are not as put forth in the article.

For example the current plans feature a chapel not a mosque, which designers in the UAE would have been used to.

Deacon Agathine said from his experience in places like Djibouti where people follow different faiths a chapel is used by worshippers of different religions and it was wrong to say a mosque is being built at the coast guard base.

Source: NATION 7-24-10

-------------------------------------------------------------


Minister initiates criminal inquiry into Regar’s ‘breach of State security’

The Minister responsible for the police Joel Morgan has initiated a criminal investigation into the publication of an article in the Regar newspaper, which is said to have revealed State secrets.

The article, which appeared in last week’s edition, made public details of plans for a new coast guard base on Perseverance Island.

Minister Morgan – who was speaking to the press yesterday morning at his Independence House office – said the situation is being treated with the utmost seriousness, since under the State Security Act, it is a criminal offence to give or publish information on an installation which is considered an official secret.

“The government is treating this as a serious breach of national security,” he said.

“A military base is essential for the security of the country and its people. If today we have achieved a degree of success over our maritime security, especially concerning piracy issues, it is thanks to our defence forces and our coast guard.”

He added that the need for a new coastguard base will serve two main purposes – which are to modernise our facilities and equipment, and also free up much-needed space for the expansion of the commercial port.

“It is most unfortunate that as we combine efforts to move forward on such a project, there is a group of people who have irresponsibly published information compromising state security and also putting at risk the lives of people at sea,” he said.

After presenting the matter to the Attorney General, it was established that State security had been breached, after which Minister Morgan instructed Police Commissioner Ernest Quatre to carry out a criminal investigation.

“With plans of the new base already circulating on the internet, it is quite possible that terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab or Somali pirates already have a copy and this can potentially affect all our efforts to safeguard our country and our sovereignty,” he said.

The minister said all efforts would be made to keep the case as transparent as possible, which for now will be dealt with internally, but if necessary will involve bringing in overseas organisations such as Interpol.

Commissioner Quatre said there are various charges which the prosecution can bring against the accused over such an offence, depending on the evidence they have gathered.

He said the case is progressing quite rapidly, and although no official arrests have been made yet, the case has been given a certain priority.


Source: NATION 7-26-10
http://www.seychellesweekly.com/July%2025,%202010/top1_gov_reacts.html

UAE to fund $15m coast guard base in war on piracy

As part of the drive to combat piracy in the region, the United Arab Emirates has signed an agreement with the government to fund a new Seychelles Coast Guard base on Ile Perseverance.

Mr Abed (right) and Mr Saeed exchange documents after signing the agreement yesterday

The new base, to cost US $15 million, will be equipped with a coastal radar system and radio communications equipment, which will be backed up by radars positioned over several islands.

The UAE has also pledged two patrol boats and three fast patrol boats, as well as a helicopter, to the coast guard. The base is expected to be operational in 10 months.

“Seychelles will be better equipped to fight pirates, and the new radar surveillance system will ensure the safe passage of fishermen and other maritime traffic,” said President James Michel, in his capacity as Minister for Defence.

“We will be more capable in the detection of pirate skiffs, and our readiness to respond will be amplified.

“We are deeply grateful to the people and the government of the UAE for this significant donation to the Seychelles Coast Guard. The ties of friendship between our two countries are continuing to increase in many areas of cooperation, and the new base will make a considerable difference in our fight against piracy.”

The agreement was signed on Wednesday, and a separate accord for the construction work was signed yesterday between the UAE naval forces and the contractor, Trojan General Contracting of the UAE.

Project manager Mohamed F. Abed signed for the contractor and Alzaadi Saeed for the UAE naval forces. Also present were Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Joel Morgan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam, UAE ambassador to Seychelles Mullala Mubarak Suwaid Al Ameri, and senior officials from the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces and UAE naval forces. (Seychelles Nation will come back on yesterday’s signing ceremony)

Talks to prepare for Seychelles-UAE anti-piracy cooperation took place last month when President Michel paid a working visit to Abu Dhabi.

During this visit the UAE agreed to help Seychelles with facilities and equipment to combat pirate attacks, and to help with surveillance equipment for coast guard operations.

Seychelles and the UAE had already signed a memorandum of understanding on defence cooperation in December 2009.

Building of the base will also involve Seychellois construction manpower and materials. The project will be jointly overseen by an engineer from the UAE navy and officers of the SPDF and Seychelles Coast Guard.

Source: NATION 7-16-10
http://www.seychellesweekly.com/July%2018,%202010/top1_uae_sey_piracy.html

President Michel opens maritime security symposium

‘Countries need political will for action on piracy’

A long-term solution to piracy in the Indian Ocean will mean countries having the political will to commit themselves to real action, President James Michel said yesterday.

Guests and delegates in a souvenir photograph after the official opening of the symposium yesterday

He was addressing delegates from states and organisations worldwide after officially opening the international symposium on maritime security at Le Méridien Barbarons Hotel.

Piracy is one challenge where a long-term solution involves going beyond what has already been tried and tested, Mr Michel said, and being committed to action that goes beyond platitudes.

Around 50 delegates from various countries and organisations are meeting to discuss a comprehensive plan of action against maritime threats in the region.

Present at the opening ceremony were former President James Mancham, Vice-President Danny Faure, National Assembly speaker Patrick Herminie and chief justice Fredrick Egonda-Ntende.

Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Minister Joel Morgan – who is also the chairman of the High Level Committee on Piracy – Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam and chief of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces Brigadier Leopold Payet were also there.

Other ministers and principal secretaries, members of the assembly and Seychelles’ ambassadors abroad were present, while delegates included high-level representatives from the European Union, the African Union, the Indian Ocean Commission, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), Interpol and the International Maritime Organisation.

Country delegations have come from the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Madagascar, Kenya, the United Kingdom and Canada.

Mr Michel told delegates: “In its modern form, piracy in the Indian Ocean is potentially one of the most disruptive forces to sustainable economic development.”

He said despite our relatively great distance from the coast of Somalia, Seychelles has been one of the states most affected by piracy.

In 2009, conservative estimates indicate a loss of 4% of our gross domestic product due to piracy, while our insurance costs have ballooned by 50%. Port and fisheries receipts have dropped by 30%.

“And we are spending over €2.3 million per year on our anti-piracy patrols and surveillance,” added Mr Michel.

He said with its limited capacity Seychelles has strived to ensure the security of its 1.3 million square kilometres of ocean by carrying out 24-hour patrols with cooperation from all partners who are able to dedicate assets in this region.

The President said the symposium gives all states and organisations present a unique chance to exchange views on three of the most pressing subject areas – improving maritime security and surveillance; ensuring the proper framework to bring prosecutions and enforce the law of the sea; and boosting the capacity of Somalia itself to play a part in preventing the scourge from spreading.

Seychelles’ maritime security plan of action is spread over a 30-year period because we are optimistic that all our partners have the will to find a durable solution, he said.

Mr Michel then thanked all those taking part in the symposium for their support which “illustrates how the security of the Indian Ocean states is inextricably linked”.

Mr Morgan said it is gratifying that the region is so well represented at the forum by island countries, coastal states and landlocked countries.

“We are here as partners in the fight against this modern scourge called piracy. Seychelles is in the front line immediately facing the onslaught of the Somali pirates, but all of us here are concerned and are affected in different ways,” he said.

He added that freedom of navigation, maritime trade and transport, fisheries and tourism are all being affected.

“This is a common fight – we all have an important role to play and a certain burden of responsibility to share. This symposium is a combination of much work and preparation by our national stakeholders and our foreign partners,” added Mr Morgan.

He said the preparation of Seychelles’ security plan has brought together those who have been adversely affected by piracy.

“It is a rolling plan and it has to be regularly reviewed as circumstances change, especially as the pirates may change tactics and adapt to counter-piracy measures we are using and the international community is also using,” he said.

In his address, Mr Adam said we must also look beyond piracy and be prepared for illegal fishing, drug trafficking, people smuggling, illegal dumping and other activities that flout the rule of law and hamper the ability of states to develop peacefully.

“Our efforts will also depend on us being able to find long-term solutions to the instability of Somalia,” he said, adding that the symposium is an opportunity for us to build our capacity together, to deter piracy and to enforce the safety of maritime zones.

During the opening ceremony delegates watched a video on the threat of piracy in Seychelles, and then the UNODC’s regional representative Loide Lungameni gave a presentation on developments at international level in the battle against pirates.

The symposium will come to an end this afternoon, after which all delegates are expected to visit the prison at Montagne Posée, the Seychelles Coast Guard base and Victoria Fishing Port.

Source: NATION 7-13-10
http://www.seychellesweekly.com/July%2018,%202010/top2_president_michel_opens.html

Germany to help Seychelles as regional centre against piracy

Germany is to help Seychelles with training in the judicial sector to strengthen its position as a regional centre for combating piracy.

(From l to r) Mr Jumeau, Ms Monasebian and Mr Wittig after the signing

An agreement was signed in New York last week for Germany, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to provide training at a cost of US $400,000.

The accord was signed on July 16 – in the presence of Seychelles’ permanent representative at the UN Ronny Jumeau – by Peter Wittig, Germany’s representative at the UN, and Erenina Monasebian, representative of the UNODC.

“The negative impact of piracy on international maritime traffic, international trade and international security requires all our joint efforts to tackle this challenge,” said Mr Wittig.

“Germany appreciates the efforts of the government of Seychelles to contribute to this international fight against piracy and is pleased to be able to help in strengthening the regional capacities through our cooperation with the UNODC.”

The signing took place at the German mission in New York, and both Germany and the UNODC praised Seychelles for taking a lead role in arresting, prosecuting and imprisoning pirates.

Mr Jumeau thanked Germany for the funding and for responding to Seychelles’ appeal for help from the international community.

He highlighted the importance of the Seychelles government's growing partnership with the UNODC in building infrastructure and capacity to prosecute and imprison pirates.

Mr Wittig and Ms Monasebian praised Seychelles for hosting the highly successful international symposium on maritime security recently, and for being at the forefront of the latest developments in regional collaboration.

Earlier this year, the German government pledged to fund a course for a Seychellois officer at the prestigious Fuehrungsakademie der Bundeswehr (military academy) in Hamburg, as well a training programme on renewable energy for three Seychellois.

Source: NATION 7-23-10
http://www.seychellesweekly.com/July%2025,%202010/top5_germany_to.html

Partners meet to draw up action plans on piracy

Delegates from eastern and southern African countries, along with their international partners in the fight against piracy, started talks yesterday aimed at drawing up an action plan.

Guests and delegates in a souvenir photograph after the opening ceremony

Their two-day meeting is taking place at Le Méridien Barbarons Hotel and was opened by Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport Joel Morgan, who also chairs the High Level Committee on Piracy.

It has been organised by the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (Comesa) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC).

“The high-level technical meeting will develop short, medium and long-term plans of action for the region using the policy background given by the May 21 ministerial meeting and the Seychelles International Symposium on Piracy,” said Mr Morgan.

He said the international symposium, held here last week, made specific proposals for action.

Mr Morgan told delegates that during the 13th Comesa summit President James Michel said there was a need to tackle piracy in Somalia “as it is becoming the biggest threat to regional trade, adding a new dimension to the vulnerability of coastal states in the region, and is a matter of great concern to the general population”.

Mr Morgan said concrete action is being taken to address the problem and he thanked Comesa and its partners for the move.

“The sudden upsurge of piracy in the Indian Ocean has added a new dimension to the vulnerability of the region,” he said.

“It is now also a threat to regional security and a matter of great concern to the general population. But we all know that the only true solution to the problem is peace, stability and development in Somalia. And we need to come together to find a solution because peace in Somalia will benefit the Comesa region.”

Mr Morgan went on: “The challenge to the region has been recognised by all major regional organisations including the African Union (AU), Comesa, the East African Community, the Intergovernmental Agency for Development (IGAD), the Ports Management Authority of Eastern and Southern Africa and the new Djibouti Code of Conduct under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

“It is in the interest of the countries of the region, as well as of the international community, to develop a robust and coordinated response, and this is what we will try to address with this workshop.

“We already have concrete proposals to build capacity in the region, including the Djibouti training centre and the Yemen information centre. Trust funds have been set up under the IMO and by the United Nations. An International Contact Group on Piracy made up of 24 states, five international bodies including the European Union, and observers from shipping industries has been established.”

Mr Morgan said ministers from Djibouti, Kenya, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles and South Africa, as well as high representatives of the EU and the AU, Comesa, IOC, Interpol and UN Office on Drugs and Crime and European Commission vice-president Baroness Catherine Ashton met here in May to discuss piracy.

“The meeting noted that piracy has become a menace on the high seas and that the region is particularly affected, that international trade is disrupted, security is threatened, the region's economy is suffering, and social development is endangered,” said Mr Morgan.

“Ministers concluded that piracy is today an international problem which requires a comprehensive multilateral solution. At their meeting, the partners agreed to further develop and enhance their domestic action plans to fight piracy with a view to formulating a more comprehensive, coherent and sustainable regional strategy to be agreed at a further ministerial level conference to be convened in the very near future.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Paul Adam also stressed the need for action, underlining how vulnerable to the effects of piracy Seychelles is, and he thanked the partners for the progress already made against piracy.

In a speech read for him, the secretary-general of Comesa Sindiso Ngwenya likened piracy to terrorism and commended Seychelles for its lead role in fighting the crime.
“We are proud of you, Seychelles,” he said.

A representative of the IGAD, Yufnalis Okubo, said so far only pirates on small boats on the high seas are being caught. The kingpins and financiers have escaped justice, and they should also be prosecuted.

Source: NATION 7-20-10
http://www.seychellesweekly.com/July%2025,%202010/top3_partners_meet.html

AU summit backs call for long-term solution to piracy


Delegates attending the 15th African Union (AU) summit earlier this week in Kampala, Uganda, unanimously supported calls to set up a prison for pirates in Somalia.

Mr AdamThe prison, which it was agreed will be built with the help of the international community, the AU and other partners, will allow countries of the region to transfer convicted pirates so they can serve their sentences in their homeland.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Jean-Paul Adam gave details earlier this week on his return from attending the summit, where he represented President James Michel.

“This again reflects the need to build a state of law in Somalia,” he said.

He added that the summit was very encouraging as it reinforced the same messages Seychelles has been sending to the international community in its fight against piracy.

Discussions at the summit highlighted several issues raised during the symposium on maritime security held here recently.

Mr Adam said it was encouraging to see that many of the issues Seychelles is concerned about are being taken up at continental level, which reflects and reinforces our efforts in the fight against piracy at international level.

He was happy to see that Seychelles is not alone in this difficult fight, which depends on many elements, especially strengthening of its ability to patrol the vast Indian Ocean zone.

The call to rebuild Somalia came out strongly during the summit, and the delegates were convinced this is the basis for a long-term solution in the fight against piracy, he added.

Commenting on the amount of help Seychelles is receiving in this difficult fight, Mr Adam said it has taken the form of capacity building and reinforcement of our surveillance and patrol system, and more recently reinforcement of our prison system, rather than financial help.

All this support comes at a very high cost, he said, and Seychelles will have to continue to work hard to encourage it. During the recent security symposium held here, Seychelles managed to convince the international community of the importance of having support in our waters in view of the high cost of patrolling this vast area.

The European Union has already committed itself to extending the Atalanta operation in the Indian Ocean zone, he added.

Mr Adam said military surveillance and patrols in our economic exclusive zone are costing €2.3 million a year, and working with the international community will help to ensure we continue getting the support we need.


Source Seychelles nation

25 nouvo solda i pret serman

17-August-2015

Lafors Defans Pep Sesel (SPDF) in akeir 25 nouvo manm.
Sa i apre ki zot in swiv en formasyon de baz ki’n dir pandan en peryod kat mwan. Apard formasyon militer, sa bann solda in osi ganny antrennen pour tenny dife e donn premye swen.
Sa 25 solda ti pret serman devan sef SPDF, Brigadye Leopold Payet, ki ti formelman resevwar zot dan lafors. Sa ti dan en seremoni kot Lakademi Ladefans lo Lil di Swet Vandredi apremidi dan prezans lezot o zofisye SPDF ek fanmir bann nouvo solda.
Apre ki sa 25 nouvo prive ti’n resevwar benediksyon Lomonye SPDF Dyak Louis Agathine, Brigadye Payet ki ti adres zot, ti met lanfaz lo restriktirasyon SPDF, avek en nouvo vizyon pour moderniz lafors defans.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=246468

Seychelles hosts major maritime security event

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248273

EU, Seychelles sign new €2.2m funding accord

05-February-2016

Seychelles has received €2.2 million through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) to support its sustainable development programme and help to formulate new projects to attract new financing for development.
Marjaana Sall, the ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Seychelles and the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Transport Joel Morgan signed the financing agreement for the 11th EDF during a short ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maison Quéau de Quinssy yesterday morning.
This was in the presence of French ambassador to Seychelles Lionel Majesté- Larrouy among other guests.
“The signing is testament of Seychelles and EU’s continued and fruitful cooperation which dates back a very long time,” Minister Morgan said.
He said the money will be used as financial development assistance to help the country address its institutional capacity constraints to ensure Seychelles policy-makers have sufficient information, technical resources and capacities to achieve the objectives of sustainable development.
Minister Morgan noted that even though funds to Seychelles under the 11th EDF have decreased substantially, “Seychelles is certain to use the funds wisely, where it would make the greatest impact for our population. We would like to reassure the EU that Seychelles will do its utmost, with vigorous efforts, to tap into other facilities currently put in place such as the 11th EDF Regional Programmes, which Seychelles hope to benefit from immensely”.
“Seychelles may have graduated to a high income country due to our hard work and strong commitment to reforms which are bearing fruits but nevertheless as a small island developing state our vulnerabilities still remain,” Minister Morgan stressed.
Given our intrinsic characteristics, he urged the EU to look beyond the conventional criteria when providing us financial support.
For her part Ambassador Sall pointed out that the EU has contributed to almost every economic and social sector in Seychelles over the years with the aim of supporting the implementation of the sustainable development agenda of the government.
While she congratulated the government for the remarkable progress which has led to the country achieving high income status, Ambassador Sall recognises that this calls for a new form of partnership and one based not only on development cooperation but also on investment and trade.
“The 11th EDF programme spells out our cooperation for the next five to six years, which will further cement the good relationship that exists between the European Union and the Republic of Seychelles. Through these funds, the EU will help Seychelles to develop new projects which can then be presented for funding either under EU regional programme, or for financing by EU or other financiers including via blending operations,” ambassador Sall explained.
“The EU is committed to working with Seychelles on issues of common and global interest such as climate change, sustainable development goals, regional economic integration, peace and security including maritime security,” Ambassador Sall pointed out.
She availed of the opportunity to congratulate the Seychelles government for taking over the chairmanship of the contact group on piracy off the coast of Somalia.
“This is a strong signal of government commitment towards the fight against piracy in this part of the world,” she remarked.
http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248319

Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS)

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248318

End of Cutlass Express 2016 - Maritime safety gets big boost

The recent Cutlass Express 2016 exercise will go a long way towards better coordination between partners and eventually make our region safe and secure. Such is the conviction of the Seychelles... Read More

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248348

Seychelles represented at International Fleet Review 2016

16-February-2016

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Rosette, the Chief of Staff of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) and Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dine, the Commanding Officer of the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) attended the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016 held in India from February 4-8, 2016.
Seychelles was represented at this event by patrol ship Topaz with a crew of 17 SCG sailors, under the Command of Lieutenant Lyndon Lablache. This second IFR was organised by the Indian Navy and hosted by the Eastern Naval Command in the Bay of Bengal, off Andhra Pradesh.
Over 24 foreign naval chiefs attended the mega event conducted at Visakhapatnam, with the involvement of vessels from more than 50 nations. International Fleet Review 2016 is an international military exercise hosted and conducted by Indian Navy on behalf of the President of India. Its objective is to enhance mutual trust and confidence with neighbouring navies by inviting their ships to take part in the event.
On February 6, there was a ceremonial fleet review and fly-by overseen by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, and a parade of ships attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On February 7, India's Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar inaugurated a two-day international maritime conference on the theme ‘Partnering together for a secure maritime future’.
The exercise concluded on February 8, with the involvement of 90 ships. Over 75 helicopters of various types, including hawk jet fighters, exhibited their talent in the Bay of Bengal.
The first IFR was held on India's west coast in Mumbai in 2001. IFR-16 was held at a much larger scale with the Indian Navy showcasing its impressive maritime capabilities.
The crew of PS Topaz also took part in the IFR march past in the city of Visakhapatnam which was watched by the Indian Prime Minister Modi.
During their stay in India, Lt Col Rosette and Lt Col Dine also paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, Admiral Robin K Dhowan.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248431

Another milestone for marine police

01-March-2016
The Marine Police Unit yesterday reached another milestone with the handing over and commissioning of two specialised boats donated by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with main sponsors the Japanese government.
The boats –made of H/D UV resistant material and equipped with trailers to offload, VHF radio, VHF marine antenna, marine compasses, GPS/echo-sounder, among others – were handed over to the Marine Police Unit by the Minister for Home Affairs Charles Bastienne and deputy Ambassador of Japan to Seychelles, Mikio Mori.
The hand-over ceremony took place at the ex-Seychelles Coast Guard jetty on Bois de Rose Avenue.
Built in Sri Lanka, the boats were funded through the Trust Fund Contact Group and in particular the government of Japan which donated through the Trust Fund.
Also present at the ceremony were the Programme Officer for Maritime Crime of Indian Ocean (UNODC) Shanaka Jayasekara, high officials of the Seychelles Police Force, UNODC and the Japanese government.
It was the Commissioner of Police Ernest Quatre and Mr Jayasekara who officially signed the hand-over documents.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=248585

Cadet pilots to pursue training in South Africa

20-April-2016

A group of 10 cadet pilots who have followed a six-week basic military training programme with the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces will now continue their training in South Africa, at the 43 Aviation School in Port Alfred.
The seven young men and three young women received their certificates during a graduation ceremony which was held yesterday afternoon at the Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA) on South East Island.
Present at the ceremony were the commander of the SDA Lieutenant Colonel Edwards Anacoura, director of the Cadets Pilot Training Programme Christopher Lespoir, parents and a group of 24 young soldiers who have followed their basic military training alongside the aspiring pilots.
The ceremony was the first ever held at the SDA, calling Air Seychelles Captain Selwyn Lespoir and the students’ mentor to describe it as an eventful occasion for the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) and for the local aviation industry. Reminding his students that he was himself a recruit and has been a pilot for 19 years now, he added that the training which has included organisation design, leadership, armed and unarmed combat as well as navigation will help them see through their aviation career.
“From today, in everything you will be doing in your life, there will be something from your military training,” he told them.
Cadet pilot Calvin Laporte replied that the training has represented one of the biggest challenges they will have to face in life. Adding that the culture shock has got the better of them and they are now mentally and psychologically stronger, he said they now believe that with perseverance and determination, everything can be achieved. Reminding his colleagues that they still have a long way to go and asking them to never give up, he concluded that without the military training which has brought a life-changing experience their civilian life would not be as promising as it is now.
Lieutenant Colonel Anacoura has commended the cadets for the positive characteristics they have shown and for the success achieved. He remarked that some of them have not only reached their goals, but have surpassed them. He added that it was gratifying to see they have matured and are now ready to tackle their lifelong education and challenges to come. The qualities gained will guide them through their journey, concluded Lieutenant Anacoura.
Following the two-year training in South Africa, the young pilots are expected to join the aviation industry as commercial pilots.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=249153

Marine Police opens Roche Caïman station

20-August-2016



The Marine Police Unit now has a permanent base on the east Mahé coast.
This follows the opening yesterday of a satellite station at Roche Caïman, opposite Eden Island.
The new facilities, which have been sponsored by Eden Island Development Company (EIDC), add to the unit’s headquarters on Bois de Rose Avenue and another station on Praslin.
Consisting of an office, a cell plus shower and toilet facilities, they are equipped with communication and first aid equipment. Two speed boats are also permanently based there.
EIDC’s sales and marketing director Peter Smith handed over the keys of the conveniently converted 40 feet container to Commissioner of Police Reginald Elizabeth in front of what is now a smart small building. Commenting that we do not always need impressive facilities to be efficient, Mr Elizabeth in turn commissioned it to Marine Police commander, Sub Inspector Aubrey Petrousse.
He added that the new facility which will help expand maritime law enforcement capabilities and extend services to the public highlights the strong partnership between the government and private partners in enhancing safe and secure coastal waters.
“Policing the maritime environment is a critical component in the nation’s security strategy. A strong and sustained maritime policing capability will safeguard the security of all,” he insisted.
Mr Smith was in agreement that the facility will counter illegal activities in the area.
“The facility will benefit all seafaring folk in Seychelles by providing policing services around Victoria and east Mahé,” he said.
Looking forward to better cooperation in the future, he thanked the Seychelles Police for the partnership.
Boat owners, fishermen and mariners in general from the Roche Caïman area have also expressed their appreciation for the satellite station which will be manned by seven officers on a 24-hour basis.
The chairman of the Roche Caïman Fishermen’s Association Florent Etienne has said he is hopeful that illegal activities in the area such as thefts and speeding will now stop.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=250700

Seychelles to host new centre to respond to maritime threats in the region

21-October-2016
A Regional Maritime Centre for Operational Coordination (RMCOC) is being set up in Seychelles as a Mr Agrippine speaking during the interviewmechanism to respond to all maritime threats in the Western Indian Ocean.
The centre is being set up by the Anti-Piracy Unit of the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC-APU) and is being hosted by Seychelles.
It is aimed at boosting the image of Seychelles as a champion of maritime security and is a major asset to the Blue economy concept which the country is promoting.

http://www.nation.sc/article.html?id=251518

UAE celebrates 45 years: Marks firm bond of friendship with Seychelles

05-December-2016


The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is composed of seven emirates of which the most known and populated are Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the latter being also the country’s capital.
It was on December 2, 1971 that the seven emirates were united as one country. The UAE thus celebrated 45 years of existence on Friday last week.

http://nation.sc/article.html?id=252069