On the morning of Wednesday 17th January 2024, the Senior Defense Attaché for Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Comoros from the United States of America, CDR Jeffery D. Schwamb paid a Courtesy Call on the Chairperson of the Defence and Security Committee (DSC) Hon. Clifford Andre. The Chair was accompanied by the Vice- Chairperson Hon. Francois Adelaide, and assisted by the Committee Assistant Secretary Mrs. Donatienne Chetty, and the Public Relations Manager Ms. Angelique Hill.
The meeting commenced with welcoming remarks from the Chairperson, noting that it was a pleasure to be meeting with Commander Schwamb to discuss pertinent matters relating to the DSC and its mandate. Commander Schwamb remarked that the US – Seychelles friendship has remained strong and steadfast, and that any recommendations or suggestions to improve it would be well received. Hon. Andre briefly detailed the directives of the DSC and noted that increased capacity-building opportunities for both Members and assisting staff of the Committee was a high priority. Alongside this was a request for increased exposure to the procedures and parameters involved in the communications between the US Military and US Congress, in order to facilitate benchmarking and elevate the experiences of Members who form part of the DSC.
Hon. Andre then made a recommendation that invitations from the US Embassy regarding regional conferences and seminars on relevant subject areas such as maritime security, drug and human trafficking, and national resource protection be sent directly to the Legislature to ensure a higher level of participation and a general improvement in the certified portfolio of the DSC. Commander Schwamb responded positively, noting that having up-to-date knowledge of processes and policies is vital to such a committee, especially when playing a key oversight role.
The fruitful meeting then came to a close as both parties agreed to remain in discussion and continue developing the collaborative relationship between the United States and Seychelles.
