Opening Of The Seychelles Prisons Services Amitie Youth Offenders’ Facility, Praslin

It is my honour to be here for this very important event, as we officially open the Youth Offenders’ Facility, SPS Amitie, here within this community on Praslin in just a few short minutes.Today’s significant move is a step in the right direction, as part of our immense obligation towards nation building and reinforcing the foundations of the nation, good citizenship, civic awareness and the responsibilities that are therein attached. And to get our youth back on track towards a good future.

Safer communities, respect, opportunity to contribute positively, and most importantly allow those good citizens the space and environment to simply live a decent, stress free life.
So, today, we bear witness to what is, but one needed investment for our people.
The presence this afternoon of the President and First lady, and a number of my colleague Ministers, and other key stakeholders, confirms the importance of this event and this facility. It is important to note, that this will be the very first facility to manage only juveniles, those who having broken the law and find themselves convicted by a court, to serve time.

Their time here however, will not be one of sitting and waiting and doing nothing. It will be a time spent being involved in positive activities, of learning, of reinforcing good behaviour, and preparing to rejoin families as better citizens, contributing to the Seychellois nation.
I recall that in 2022, a meeting on youth crime prevention was held with the Chief Justice and Ministers from Employment & Social Affairs, Education, Health, Families and other stakeholders. This initial meeting motivated the formation of a technical committee, to discuss options, and where today, this facility opens as but one approach.
We are equally committed to see another sister facility that works to rehabilitate and motivate youth to a positive path, that will compliment this facility. A topic very close to Minister Francourt’s heart.
A village of hope, and in a collaborative approach with Education, Youth, Family Affairs, Health, Ministries and Departments, other interested stakeholders, will be a formidable team to support a concept and effort for vulnerable children. Addressing their trauma, and reinforcing positive values. Having this dual track system and approach, will give opportunity for our younger citizens to get off a life of truancy, delinquency and back on track to a life of countless positive possibilities and outcomes with their families. We do want to see all our youth succeeding in life, and in doing so, place this Youth Offenders’ Facility out of business. Minister, I’m with you on this one.

Understanding the above, the facility we are at today, should certainly be the last recourse and last resort for serious offences committed by juveniles.
Our success here will depend on the good collaboration of the various groups. Praslin communities, the various districts and the administrations that engage and carry out services, our Departments, Agencies, and certainly Ministries, all have to remain aware, approachable and keep the bigger picture in mind. What are we trying to achieve here? Remain objective in your discussions and above all, review all your personal listening skills.

It leaves me now to congratulate the commissioner and his team for taking the steps to have this youth offender’s facility ready today to be commissioned.
Within a span of 24 months, and also considering the immense and complex environment and responsibilities; the staff of the Seychelles Prison Service have, as dynamics; the wide array of programs and activities is well noted. Keep it up and continue the drive and continued determination which has brought us to this starting point. As a cautionary advise, I know this project has been achieved by a handful of ‘Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul’. It had to be done with tight budget and scarce manpower. Already down by 40% at MP. Be careful.
And for the support and collaboration from Education, Youth & Employment, Social Services, Family Affairs, Health, the partners are extensive so my apologies if I left anyone out, thank you as well.

To the new management team and staff of this facility, led by Inspector Lewis and Sergeant Rose, your success will depend on your ability to capture the great importance of this institution and its immense role towards helping our country address our social ills. I wish you and your team all the best, and thank you for accepting to take on this very important role.