The Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka warmly welcomed the newly accredited Ambassador Designate of the Republic of Korea to The Republic of Seychelles His Excellency Mr. Kang Jung in a courtesy call to the Minister this morning. Discussions focused on further enhancing collaboration between the two nations through law enforcement capacity building.

Minister Fonseka explained that, “we always place great importance on developing human resources of our law enforcement and consider the collaboration between our two nations of great significance in honouring our commitment in enhancing law enforcement capabilities.” The Minister also spoke on the possibility of exploring ways to increase engagement in maritime security in the region. This will be through capacity-building initiatives but also by sharing knowledge, skills and best practices in maritime security. This would further strengthen capabilities and address challenges in the maritime domain.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Mr. Francis Songoire, Director of the National Information Sharing & Coordination Centre (NISCC) Captain Gerald Wong-Pool, Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure, Ms. Heejeong Heo, First Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Soochan Jee, Defence Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Conrad Benoiton, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Korea in Seychelles and Mr. James Carpin, Third Secretary and Desk Officer for the Republic of Korea, Bilateral Affairs Division, Foreign Affairs Department.

The Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Charles Fonseka and the Minister on Land Use & Housing Mr. Billy Rangasamy laid the first bricks to the Bon Espoire High Security Prison on Friday. The Commissioner of the Seychelles Prison Service Mr. Raymond St. Ange highlighted the necessity of better housing for high risk inmates and improved management of offenders which this new prison will address.

During the ceremony the Minister explained the need for appropriate systems in place to help prisoners rehabilitate and undergo positive transformation stating that, “the good deeds by inmates who act responsibly, and positively giving back to community under Project Phoenix will continue and where possible improved upon. Community service activities will increase.”

The first phase of this prison will include administrative block and can accommodate up to 40 inmates.

Present during the ceremony was the Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Mr. Ted Barbe, Attorney General Mr. Frank Ally, Chief Executive Officer of Seychelles Infrastructure Agency (SIA) Mr. Jitesh Shah amongst other distinguished guests.

The Minister of Internal Affairs welcomed the Chargé d’Affaires of Japan to Seychelles H.E Eiji Kato in a farewell courtesy call today. During the meeting the Minister expressed his gratitude towards Ambassador Kato and wished him the very best of luck in his future endeavours. Discussions  focused on various subjects in enhancing the diplomatic relations between the two nations. The Minister ended the meeting by presenting a farewell gift to Ambassador Kato.

Ambassador Kato was accompanied by Counsellor Ono Tomoyuki, present in the meeting was also the Executive Director of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Mrs. Mastura Shah-Faure and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) representative Ms. Leila Le Hane.

Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Fonseka conducts visits the Seychelles Police Force stations, the Seychelles Fire & Rescue Services (SFRSA) and the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD Seychelles) on Friday 8th March. The aim of the visit was to establish routine communications between the three departments, to further enhance collaborative work on La Digue.

The Minister highlighted the importance of working together especially on La Digue where the population is smaller and often requires efficient coordination amongst various response teams particularly for search and rescue operations and anti-drug operations.

The Minister was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe, the Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the SFRSA Mr. Jones Madeleine, the Senior Disaster Management Officer of DRMD Mr. Cliff Alissop and received by the District Administrator for La Digue Ms. Barbera Barallon and Liaison Officer for La Digue Mr. Loncey Micock

The Immigration & Civil Status Department hosted its’ fourth oath of allegiance ceremony, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. During the ceremony ten people received their Seychellois citizenship after meeting the requirements and completing the citizenship process.

The Minister addressed the group stating that, “despite your various backgrounds and origins, you are being called upon to be ambassadors of your new country. Make good use of your knowledge and experience to promote Seychelles, to serve its’ interests and participate actively towards its development through volunteering during times of need and contributing towards the well-being of your respective communities as a law-abiding citizen”.

The ceremony was also assisted by the Principal Secretary of the Immigration & Civil Status Department Mr. Allain Volcere, who lead the group in reciting the oath in unison

The Minister paid a visit on the first day of the CUTLASS EXPRESS exercise at the REFLECS3 Center. During his visit the Minister Fonseka greeted the participants and shared words of encouragement for the duration of this exercise. He stated that, “it is our pleasure to host you all for the in for the CUTLASS EXPRESS, I am hopeful that the exercise yields results we can learn from and increase regional cooperation”. The Minister was accompanied by the Director the National Information Sharing & Coordinating Centre (NISCC) & REFLECS3, Captain Gerald Wong Pool and the Director the Regional Co-Ordination Centre (RCOC) Captain Sam Gontier.