On the morning of Friday 28th July 2023, the Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) visited the Seychelles Prison. The Committee aimed to gain a comprehensive overview of the operations of the Prison, inclusive of any challenges and future budgetary provisions. Committee Members present for the visit were Chairperson, Hon. Sebastien Pillay, Vice Chairperson Hon. Terence Mondon, Hon. Richard Labrosse, Hon. Georges Romain, and Hon. Conrad Gabriel.
Commissioner Raymond St. Ange guided the Committee through the reception point at ‘Gate One’ of the Prison. The Members were able to observe the search rooms as well as holding cells, as Commissioner St. Ange explained certain plans for improvement in the future. On the walk up to the main blocks of the prison, the Members were able to see part of the transport fleet as well as a freezer container for perishables. The Members were informed that a request for replacement of the freezer container has been made due to its current state.
Discussions with Commissioner St. Ange and other officials present were focused on several topics and Members were able to seek clarifications and pose questions as they arose. One such topic concerned staff emoluments and related constraints. For the year 2023, the Prison had requested approval for 48 new recruits to augment custodial services, however, due to national budget constraints, the Prison received approval for 20 new recruits. Given the nature of the work of Prison staff and current salary packages, it was expressed that recruitment is itself a challenge.
Other topics discussed included future plans consisting of gradually changing the management of the kitchen service, having a 24hour clinic, the use of an infirmary in the new Prison rather than using the Seychelles hospital for inmates, and budgetary provisions for the coming year. Assurances of continued engagement with the Prison were made at the end of the meeting.
