SPEECH DELIVERED BY MR. CHARLES E. FONSEKA, MINISTER FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS ON THE OCCASION OF THE 5TH OBSERVATION OF NELSON MANDELA DAY
FRIDAY THE 22ND OF JULY AT 1330hrs AT THE ANSE ROYALE AUDITOIUM, UNIVERSITY OF SEYCHELLES
Mental and Physical Health as a Bridge to Peace
It is a privilege for me to be here this day for the prison service’s fifth observation of Nelson Mandela Day, and participating in what has become an important annual event for us in Seychelles as well, and observed globally every 18th of July.
Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, last year a virtual session was held involving the prison services of Mauritius, Tanzania, Israel and of course the Seychelles. Today I am thankful that we can observe this year’s event together and in person.
Commissioner St. Ange has brought to my attention at our numerous briefing meetings, the concerns of the prison service, that more and more they are managing inmates who are, with social behavioral issues, or exhibiting psychological concerns, and other health complications.
I am aware, that as a result, the prison service working with other sectors such as the Health Department and other NGO’s is developing a roadmap to address the health and wellbeing of inmates in general. I thank Commissioner St-Ange for his spirited efforts in the ‘duty of care’ given to the inmates.
A key area of concern adding stress to the overall psyche of an inmate would be HIV/Aids and hepatitis. The roadmap which was presented in May 2021 and adopted in May 2022 with the launch of an integrated committee, using a multi-sectorial approach begins to better focus the work, and help identify what needs to be improved upon.
It is pleasing and reassuring to note that the Prison Service, supported by key partners in health, mental services, drug addiction, advocacy groups, including families of inmates either incarcerated or released back into society, will focus on the mental and physical health of the inmate. We thank the University of Seychelles for coming on board and facilitating and assisting us further in this endeavor.
At this time, I will make mention of the ‘Respe Nou Vwazinaz’ approach launched some 24 months ago, involving different sectors to engage with communities to address the ‘respect’ of self, community, villages and districts, and advance a sense of responsibility and ownership, as we all work to address the lack of ‘normality of life at home’, directly linked to criminal activity. Again, often because of drugs and addiction, low self- esteem and dysfunctional families. The issues are complex and does manifest themselves within a prison setting, as prisons are often a reflection of society itself.
We know that a survey conducted in 2015 /2016 showed that the rate of recidivism showed that 36% of inmates returned to prison for same offenses.
Monitoring the situation today, the prison authority is noting increasing numbers of former convicts now returning to prison. 40% of those returning did not participate in any rehabilitation efforts during their incarceration, compared to 29% of those who did participate. More work and analysis certainly needs to be conducted. Law and Order and Crime Prevention necessitates identifying potential areas of improvement within the complete cycle of Law Enforcement.
In conclusion, The Nelson Mandela Rules on the humane treatment of prisoners in our custody, remains a key area of work for the prison service, as it continues to ensure compliance to this internationally recognized standard. Health, treatment, and care of inmates, one rule within one hundred and 22 rules that needs to be carefully and systematically observed and applied. Doing so enables an inmate to regain a footing, for himself and also his or her family. I know that the Seychelles Prison Service, under the command of Commissioner St-Ange, with determination and dedication and with staff who serve with integrity, will continue to move forward and I anticipate such improvements towards the sixth Observation of Nelson Mandela Day in 2023.
I wish to once again thank, Commissioner St-Ange for spearheading this event, along with members of his staff; Angela Ernesta, Donald Zialor, Inspector Julitha Agathine, Vicky Rose, Chlory Rose, Erine Estrale, Angelique Tirant, Noella Lajoie, SI Flore, Sergeant Figaro, LCP Samedi, LCP Lepathy, LCP Rosemary, Khrisna Poudel, Ritu Magar, Dalil Nwenos and CI Sam Dodin.
I also extend a special thank you to Professor Hardy and Ms. Diana Benoit of the University of Seychelles, James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute (PDRI) for assisting and facilitating the Prison Service Department with this initiative over the years.
Thank you for your continued efforts and goodwill.