SPEECH BY MR. CHARLES FONSEKA, MINISTER FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THE OCCASION OF THE PROMOTION CEREMONY FOR CFO AND DCFO OF THE SFRSA.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all here on this historical occasion at the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency Headquarters today. Historical because in the 46 years or so of its evolution from a non-organised Fire Service, to the Fire Brigade operating under the Police Department in 1976, and to its creation in July 2010, the SFRSA has never been given such an honour. Historical because today, for the first time, we have witnessed the promotion of an experienced and capable woman in the important and leading role of Chief Fire Officer.
You will agree that working in the fire service is one of the hardest jobs out there. It involves long hours and hard physical labour, and these men and women often find themselves in dangerous, even life-threatening situations. A few months back there was the Ammonia leak incident, just recently we witnessed the landfill fire, earlier this week there was a fire on one the public buses, on Wednesday, a fire that completely destroyed a home and every other day, motor-vehicle accidents. Firefighters are on scene for it all.
They are rescuers, community leaders, social support and role models. They are there to help in all kinds of emergency and non-emergency situations. Desire to serve, Courage to Act! Is indeed apt for these bunch of merry men and women. They have one quality that stands them apart. Simply ‘dependable’.
This is why I am privileged to stand before you today for this promotion ceremony of two individuals; Ms. Tally Domingue and Mr. Jones Madeleine who have both served 25 and 26 years respectively. Ms. Domingue is a competent professional with extensive knowledge of the different aspects of fire safety such as fire administration, risk and disaster management, enforcement of established fire code regulations, policies and procedures regarding fire suppression, investigation and prevention as well as hazardous material response. She has also been greatly involved in the formulation of policies, development of manuals and plans relating to the elimination of fire risks. And having worked closely with the office of the former CFO has given her insight to the different functions and responsibilities required at managerial level. It is the holder of these qualities who we are promoting today, who happens to be a woman.
It is said that women in leadership roles can help restore balance and wholeness to our communities.
Mr. Jones Madeleine shows a high level of discipline and commitment to his work. He possesses substantial knowledge and skills in different aspects of fire safety such as fire suppression, prevention, inspection and investigation, road traffic accidents as well as hazardous material response. He has also played a significant role in the formulation of internal policies, rules and regulations as well as the development of the SFRSA’s strategic plans.
These two individuals truly embody the fire service, and they have contributed a great deal to this Agency. I know that as they work alongside each other as Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Fire Officer in the coming years, they both continue to be excellent assets to our Ministry.
A leader’s success however, often depends on their team, and with Head of Operations, SDO Edson Nanon and Head of Prevention, Planning, Investigation and Training Sections, SDO Cathrina Laurence, this team is going forward.
The abilities, determination and success of these young men and women today, has no doubt been thanks to the teachers, mentors and former leaders who have stood by their side along their journey of personal growth and betterment.
We are honoured to have with us today, 3 such individuals. Each of which have played a significant role in the development of the Agency, but also, in preparing and grooming our young leaders. I thank them.
Pastor Eddy Payet who blessed this ceremony earlier is as you may know, one of the former CFO’s of the SFRSA. He served for 34 years before his retirement in 2010. Mr. Albert Rose, also former CFO who recently retired after 45 years and Mr. Regis Bethew who was Ag. CFO since August this year and leaves us after 43 years.
I wish to thank outgoing Ag. CFO Bethew particularly for his unequivocal support and professionalism in seeing this transition towards a renewed fire service.
To the newly promoted officers, I offer you my sincere congratulations on your new ranks and posts and wish you continued success in serving Seychelles.
We have a whole lot ahead of us; new training facility, equipment deficiencies, continued recruitment, lifeguard development, the list is long. But yes, we are dependable. Therefore, we will get there. With that, good luck and thank you.