THE SEASON OF AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES

THE SEASON OF AWARDS AND CERTIFICATES

As it as now becomes customary during the period before elections the government of the day takes advantage of this situation and hands out cups, awards and certificates of all kind. The Seychelles Police Force did not miss out 15 new officers received their well earned certificates last Friday in a ceremony at the Seychelles Police Academy at Point Larue. They had worked hard to see through their respective courses the awards is not a favour from SPPF. They earned it through ‘sweat and blood’.

In attendance at the passing out ceremony were the Chief of Staff of the Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF); Security Advisor in the President’s Office, Andre Kilindo among others. The local police force is supposed to be under civilian authority, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The presence of the head of our military force at this ceremony raises grave questions. There should be a clear demarcation between the Ministry of Defence and that of Internal Affairs.

Another issue which needs clarification is the role of Andre Kilindo, who has been bestowed the title of Security Advisor in the President’s Office. This position has never been clearly defined for the public to appreciate the responsibilities of Andre Kilindo. Is he head of the spying ring at State House? Is he the person giving them orders to follow people around? If we have complaint about State Security personnel is Kilindo our first point of reference? We need to know President Michel must provide the people with this information. He cannot continue to keep the population in the dark on matters which concerns our personal security. This is why we need a strong National Assembly too many questions which we need answers to were not addressed by previous National Assembly members.