The Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, warmly welcomed the U.S. Ambassador to Seychelles, H.E. Henry Jardine, for a courtesy call.
The meeting highlighted the strong friendship between our two nations, with discussions on boosting cooperation in areas such as anti-trafficking training, maritime security across the Western Indian Ocean, and wider training opportunities for Seychellois.
The United States continues to be a valued and trusted partner as we work together for a safer and stronger future. Ambassador Jardine was accompanied by Mr. Austin Lewis, Political and Economic Deputy Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Seychelles.
The meeting was also attended by Heads of Departments from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Yesterday, the Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Fonseka received a courtesy call from the newly accredited Designated High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Rohit Rathish.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to reaffirm the longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between Seychelles and India. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, exploring opportunities for capacity building, and enhancing collaboration across the wide portfolio of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Both parties acknowledged the importance of continued partnership in key areas of mutual interest and expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation for the benefit of both nations.
The meeting was also attended by the Principal Secretary for Immigration and Civil Status, Mr. Allain Volcère, and the Vice Chairperson of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee (NCCC), Sgt. Jerrold Morel.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, held a courtesy call with representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).
Discussions focused on ongoing and future projects between UNODC and Seychelles, including the feasibility of establishing a Regional Drug Observatory (RDO). The meeting highlighted the importance of a coordinated regional response to transnational crime, with Seychelles reaffirming its leadership role and strong commitment to addressing these challenges.
Minister Fonseka emphasized the far-reaching effects of transnational crimes not only on the region but globally, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to investing in the right infrastructures to safeguard national and regional security.
Major Gerald Wong-Pool, Director of the National Information Sharing & Coordination Centre (NISCC) and Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at Sea (Reflecs3) highlighted the Government’s ongoing efforts and the continued commitment of Seychelles to play an active role in regional initiatives against transnational crime.
Sgt. Jerrold Morel, Vice Chairperson of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Committee(NCCC), also emphasized the Government’s investment in cyber security, underlining its importance in strengthening resilience against evolving threats.
The United States and UNODC Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) were recognized for their continued support in delivering maritime capacity-building initiatives. The establishment Centre of Excellence further demonstrates the US’s dedication and UNODC’s expertise in materializing initiatives of regional impact.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Shah-Faure, Executive Director of the Ministers Secretariat, alongside Ms. Merideth Manella from the U.S. INL, and Mr. Rodrigo Contreras Cardona, Ms. Toral Vadgama, and Ms. Pooja Bissonauthsing from UNODC.
As part of Prison Week, the Seychelles Prison Service held a special ceremony to recognise officers who go above and beyond in serving our nation.
From outstanding achievements in academics, physical training and drill, to unwavering dedication on duty our officers were celebrated for their professionalism, discipline, and integrity.
Highlights included:
Inspector Ivan Nicholas – Overall Best Performer & recipient of the Commissioner’s Cup
Inspector Peggy Labiche – Best in Academic Achievement
Sergeant Tony-Joe Juliette – Best in Practical Training
Corporal Aubrey Zoe – Best in Drill Training
A total of 90 officers also received certificates for exemplary service, reflecting this year’s theme: “It is in our hands.”
In his address, Minister Charles Fonseka commended the leadership of the Seychelles Prison Service under the stewardship of the Commissioner and her team, highlighting their unwavering commitment to reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
He noted the significant achievements of the SPS, from expanding prison facilities and healthcare services to implementing innovative rehabilitation programmes such as the Phoenix initiatives. The integration of faith-based programmes, vocational training, and partnerships with NGOs and other ministries was praised as a holistic vision that restores dignity and purpose to those in custody.
The ceremony also featured a parade and the unveiling of portraits to honour former superintendents for their years of service.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs extends its congratulations to all officers of the Seychelles Prison Service for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public safety.
The Government of Seychelles, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Maritime Crime Programme (GMCP) and with the support of the United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), officially inaugurated the Seychelles Centre of Excellence on August 21st, 2025.
The Centre will serve as a regional platform for training, operational mentoring, and professional development in maritime law enforcement and judicial cooperation, further strengthening security in the Western Indian Ocean.
In his address, the Minister of Internal Affairs emphasized that the centre represents a major milestone in strengthening law enforcement capabilities across the Western Indian Ocean. He highlighted that, it will equip professionals with the skills to respond effectively to maritime threats, ensure successful legal outcomes, and enhance the collection of intelligence and forensic evidence. He further underlined that the establishment of the Centre reflects Seychelles’ firm commitment to implementing the Regional Drugs Strategy adopted at the Ministerial Conference on Drugs in Mauritius in April 2024.
The ceremony was attended Minister for Health Mrs Peggy Vidot , Minister for Employment and Social Affairs Mrs Patricia Francourt, Commissioner of the Seychelles Police Ted Barbe, Chief of the Seychelles Defense Forces Major General Micheal Rosette, Charge D'Affaires of the U.S Embassy Mr. Adham Loutfi as well as regional and international partners.
On Monday, 1st September 2025, the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Errol Fonseka, had the honour of receiving H.E. Mrs. Olivia Berkely-Christmann, Ambassador of the Republic of France to Seychelles, for a farewell courtesy call.
Minister Fonseka expressed heartfelt appreciation for the longstanding support of the French Government, highlighting the excellent collaboration between our two nations and the impactful training opportunities provided by France that have greatly benefited Seychelles.
Also present were representatives from key departments under the Ministry: Seychelles Prison Service (SPS), Seychelles Fire & Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA), Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), and Immigration and Civil Status (ICS).
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with France in areas of mutual interest and looks forward to working closely with the incoming ambassador to advance ongoing initiatives and deepen bilateral ties.
We extend our best wishes to Ambassador Berkely-Christmann for continued success and thank her for her dedication to fostering strong relations between Seychelles and France.
On Monday 11th August we kicked off a three-day training on sensitization on Trafficking in Persons, held in collaboration with the Social Affairs Department.
A group of 27 young people from Port Glaud, Glacis, Belombre, Beau-Vallon and Au Cap came together to learn how to recognise the warning signs of trafficking, understand how traffickers operate, and strengthen their ability to stay safe.
The Minister of Internal Affairs addressed the group, reflecting on how, in his youth, adults played a more active role in ensuring the safety of young people. He reminded them that today’s world is different and that they must be equipped with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves.
Through interactive discussions, real-life case studies, and group activities, participants explored how traffickers use different methods including online platforms to target young people. They also learned about the emotional and physical impacts of trafficking, and ways to protect themselves both offline and online.
This training is about empowering our youth with knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to make informed decisions and protect themselves from those who may seek to exploit them. Also present at the ceremony was the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Adham Loufti and a team social workers from the Department of Social Affairs.
- Message from the Minister of Internal Affairs On the Occasion of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. 30th July, 2025
- Courtesy Call from High Commissioner-Designate of Bangladesh
- Courtesy Call from U.S. Navy Delegation
- Seychelles Launches National Tsunami Ready Board to Strengthen Coastal Resilience
- Symbolic launch of the Transformative Integrated Adaptation and Early Warning System (TIAWES) Project.