8TH OBSERVATION OF NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY 18th July

It is a privilege to join you today for the 8th observation of Nelson Mandela International Day in Seychelles, a day that reminds us of the enduring power of justice, compassion, and transformation.

Nelson Mandela’s legacy is deeply relevant to our nation. His life reminds us that even in the face of adversity, dignity and humanity must prevail. In Seychelles, we honour this legacy not only through words, but through action, by striving to build a correctional system that reflects our highest values.

While rehabilitation remains a cornerstone of our prison strategy, today I wish to speak to the broader vision, one that encompasses security, accountability, and national resilience.

The Bon Espoire High Security Prison, soon to be operational, stands as a testament to this dual mission. It is a facility designed not only to rehabilitate, but to respond decisively when national security demands it. It is a place where structure meets purpose, and where the safety of our citizens is paramount.

To the staff of the Seychelles Prison Service, your work is not easy, but it is essential. You are the backbone of our correctional system. You carry out your duties with professionalism, courage, and compassion. You are not only guardians of order, but facilitators of change. You play a crucial role in making a difference in the lives of those in your care and, by extension, in the safety and well-being of our society.

We expect continued improvement, discipline, and hard work. The Ministry is committed to supporting you, but we also expect you to rise to the challenge, to lead by example, to uphold the highest standards, and to be agents of transformation.

The Commissioner of Prisons, Mrs. Janet Georges, has laid out a bold and thoughtful vision for the future—one that aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to a safer, more just Seychelles. Her leadership, and the dedication of her team, deserve our full support and recognition.

I also extend heartfelt thanks to the University of Seychelles for another year of collaboration. Your research and engagement are helping us understand the deeper causes of recidivism and shaping evidence-based solutions.

To our partners across government, civil society, and the private sector, thank you. Your contributions, whether in education, employment, health, or community reintegration, are vital to the success of our shared mission.

Let this Mandela Day be more than a commemoration. Let it be a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility, to protect, to rehabilitate, and to uplift.

Together, let us build a correctional system that not only secures our nation, but strengthens it.

Thank you.