The Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka met with Ambassador of the U.S Embassy Mr. Henry Jardine and Deputy of the Commander for Civil-Military Engagement (DCME) of the United States of America Ambassador Robert Scott as part of a working visit. The meeting focused on matters of maritime security and enhancing bilateral relationships between Seychelles and the United States of America.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Adham Loutfi - Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. in Seychelles, LtCol Jarrad Caola - U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), LCDR Jacob Coutre - Advisor to the DCME, AFRICOM Desk Officer, CDR Jeffrey Schwamb - Senior Defense Official/Defense Attaché for Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros. Present was the Principal Secretary of the Department of Immigration & Civil Status Mr. Allain Volcere, Seychelles Police Force and the Seychelles Prison Service, represented by Deputy Commissioner Francis Songoire and Deputy Commissioner Sam Dodin.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, recently convened a crucial meeting with a delegation from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Seychelles. Members of the delegation included Mr. Arun Ramduny, Ms. Pooja Bissoonauthsing and Ms. Elizabeth Onyango. The joint mission centered on bolstering operations both on land and at sea to counteract emerging threats to maritime security, particularly the escalating cases of piracy.
During the meeting, the EU and UNODC representatives highlighted the pressing need for prompt and effective action in response to the surge in piracy incidents. Emphasizing their unwavering commitment to assisting Seychelles in tackling this challenge, they pledged continued support in collaborative efforts.
Minister Fonseka commended the recent success of Operation ATALANTA, which led to the apprehension of six alleged pirates. He expressed satisfaction with the operation's execution and the seamless handover process to Seychelles authorities, facilitated with the support of UNODC.
Representatives from the Seychelles Police Force and the Seychelles Prison Service, including Deputy Commissioner Francis Songoire and Deputy Commissioner Sam Dodin, respectively, acknowledged the ongoing assistance from the EU and UNODC. They outlined the critical need to enhance the capacity of Seychelles law enforcement to build robust legal cases, ensuring swift and effective prosecution of perpetrators. Additionally, discussions touched upon the current infrastructure in Seychelles prisons and future plans for improvement.
The collaborative efforts between Seychelles and international partners underscore a shared commitment to safeguarding maritime security and combating piracy in the region. Through coordinated action and ongoing support, Seychelles aims to strengthen its capabilities and contribute to a safer maritime environment for all.
In a heartfelt ceremony held at the International Conference Centre this morning, the Minister of Internal Affairs, honored the unwavering dedication and commitment of the nation's firefighters. The event, specifically dedicated to recognizing long service and promotion within the esteemed ranks of the service, underscored the invaluable contributions of these brave men and women. The Minister presented the long service award to Leading Firefighter Elvis Marimba, who retired this year after serving for 37 years.
Addressing the room, the Minister praised the selfless sacrifices made by firefighters in safeguarding lives and property, often at great personal risk. Their tireless efforts, he emphasized, exemplifies the essence of public service and embodies the spirit of community resilience.the Minister called upon the people of Seychelles, to recognise the invaluable service our firefighters provide and to thank these brave individuals who willingly tread into perilous situations to protect us all.
Several firefighters were honored for their long-standing commitment to duty, some having served for decades, demonstrating a steadfast resolve to protect and serve the Seychellois community. Additionally, commendations were bestowed upon those who had been promoted from junior firefighters to full-fledged firefighters, recognizing their exemplary dedication to furthering the mission of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services(SFRSA).
The Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Dr. Roberto Natali, engaged in a productive discussion with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka. The focal point of their meeting was the ongoing operations of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) aimed at combating crimes at sea, particularly drug trafficking and bolstering maritime security.
Ambassador Natali extended a helping hand by offering support for capacity building within Seychelles' law enforcement agencies. This gesture underscores Italy's commitment to fostering stronger partnerships in the realm of maritime security.
Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department Allian Volcere elaborated on Seychelles' cutting-edge Border Control tool, the Seychelles Electronic Border System, and proposed the introduction of Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (ANP/PNR) sharing to enhance security measures further.
Minister Fonseka commended Italy for assuming command of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA’s Force on March 14, 2024. Italy's integration of ships into the operation for extended periods, serving as flagships of ATALANTA 2, underscores its active role in the European Union's maritime security efforts in the region.
The expanded mandate of EUNAVFOR presents an opportunity to address a broader spectrum of illicit maritime activities jeopardizing peace and stability, including drug trafficking, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and terrorism. Seychelles has pledged its commitment to collaborating with the EU to combat these illicit activities.
Seychelles expressed its sincere appreciation for Italy's continued active participation through mechanisms like EUNAVFOR, ensuring that maritime spaces remain secure and stable. Such collaborative efforts are crucial for facilitating socio-economic activities that benefit all stakeholders in the region. Also present in the meeting was the Assistant Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Mr. Ned Wirtz and Executive Director in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Minister's Secretariat, Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure.
The Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles E. Fonseka warmly welcomed the Ambassador of the United States of America to Seychelles & Mauritius Mr. Henry Jardine and the delegation of the United States congress staff to the Ministry. During the meeting the Minister expressed gratitude for the sustained support that the American Government has provided in the domain of maritime security, highlighting the CUTLASS EXPRESS 2024 which is currently underway.
Minister Fonseka reaffirmed Seychelles’ appreciation of this exercise which consistently builds upon existing efforts to combat illicit maritime activities by enhancing national and regional security in the Western Indian Ocean, elevating Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA), increasing information exchange between Maritime Operation Centres (MOCS), improving the relationship between the U.S , African nations and international partners as well as enhancing combined maritime law enforcement capacity in the region.
The Minister spoke on the creation of reliable, timely information sharing at regular intervals which has the potential to strengthen trust and confidence among key actors. The sharing of experience and lessons learned on how to handle maritime security challenges nationally is essential. The region requires knowledge producers to build upon the existing centres, especially with the increase in illicit maritime activities in the region.
The meeting was also attended by the Mr. Calvin Foster, Rear Admiral, U.S. 6th Fleet ,Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department Mr. Alain Volcere, Commissioner of Prisons Mr. Raymond St. Ange, Director the National Information Sharing & Coordinating Centre(NISCC), Captain Gerald Wong Pool, Director the Regional Co-Ordination Centre (RCOC) Captain Sam Gonthier, Deputy Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Force, Mr. Francis Songoire, Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Secretariat Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure.
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Last week, the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to the Republic of Seychelles, His Excellency Dr. Roberto Natali, engaged in a productive discussion with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka. The focal point of their meeting was the ongoing operations of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) aimed at combating crimes at sea, particularly drug trafficking and bolstering maritime security.
Ambassador Natali extended a helping hand by offering support for capacity building within Seychelles' law enforcement agencies. This gesture underscores Italy's commitment to fostering stronger partnerships in the realm of maritime security.
Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department Allian Volcere elaborated on Seychelles' cutting-edge Border Control tool, the Seychelles Electronic Border System, and proposed the introduction of Advance Passenger Information/Passenger Name Record (ANP/PNR) sharing to enhance security measures further.
Minister Fonseka commended Italy for assuming command of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA’s Force on March 14, 2024. Italy's integration of ships into the operation for extended periods, serving as flagships of ATALANTA 2, underscores its active role in the European Union's maritime security efforts in the region.
The expanded mandate of EUNAVFOR presents an opportunity to address a broader spectrum of illicit maritime activities jeopardizing peace and stability, including drug trafficking, Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, and terrorism. Seychelles has pledged its commitment to collaborating with the EU to combat these illicit activities.
Seychelles expressed its sincere appreciation for Italy's continued active participation through mechanisms like EUNAVFOR, ensuring that maritime spaces remain secure and stable. Such collaborative efforts are crucial for facilitating socio-economic activities that benefit all stakeholders in the region. Also present in the meeting was the Assistant Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Mr. Ned Wirtz and Executive Director in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Minister's Secretariat, Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure.
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