On Saturday 16th July 2022, the Defence and Security Committee of the National Assembly visited the South West Police facilities from Anse Aux Pins, Anse Royale, Quatre Bornes, Baie Lazare, Anse Boileau and Port Glaud, including the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency’s new Station at Anse Royale. This visit was also a follow-up on progress following the previous visit at the SFRSA Headquarters last November.
These visits follow from the one carried out on Tuesday 12th July at Perseverance Police Station and Anse Etoile Police Station, as well as the old Anse Etoile Police Station now closed.
The purpose of the visit was mainly to see the actual resources in place, the general requirements needed and to have an overview of the infrastructure of the Police Stations which Officers are accommodating and what Members will believe necessary for Budget 2023. The visit provided the Members with an overview which will permit them to better understand, consider and support the demands in the coming budget debate this year. The Committee endeavors to support action which will enable the Police to deliver a more proactive, effective and efficient service to the public.
For the Perseverance and Anse Etoile visits, the Police was represented by Assistant Superintendent Marcus Jean and Inspector Terence Roseline. During the tour of the South West Police Stations, the Defence and Security Committee was assisted by the Regional Commander, Assistant Superintendent Jane Barbe for Anse Aux Pins Police Station and for other Stations, Anse Royale to Port Glaud, by Regional Commander, Assistant Superintendent Vanessa Jean in the presence of Deputy Commissioner, Mr. Francis Songoire and Superintendent Antoine Denousse.
The issues raised by the Officers were mainly lack of basic equipment, the inadequate number of vehicles and their efficiency, as well as the shortage of manpower, lack of office space and housing. The lack of space for various services was very apparent to the Committee Members, noting for example that Baie Lazare Police Station is 73 years old, hence the necessity for a more modern facility. The exception is the Quatre Bornes Police Station which has recently been totally renovated and which is now capable of offering police services in a convenient environment.
At the Anse Royale Fire Station the Chief Fire officer, Mr. Albert Rose and his Officers took the Members on a tour of their newly completed building. The modern facility offers all the required dispositions for a Fire Station which shall be officially opened very soon, once minor finishing works are completed.
For the visits, the Defence and Security Committee was represented by the Chairperson, Hon. Clifford Andre, Vice-Chairperson, Hon. Francois Adelaide and other Members, Hon. Audrey Vidot and Hon. Michel Roucou.
