Minister for Internal Affairs Errol Fonseka conducted his yearly Christmas round to all the departments within the ministry, to share some Christmas cheer and encouragement to officers working during the festive season.

The minister commenced his rounds at the Central Police Station as early as 7am, where he greeted the officers on duty, exchanged festive greetings, and shared some congratulatory words on the recent successes of the force, adding that the public’s perception of the force is changing for the positive.

From there he proceeded to the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) and interacted with those who had worked the night shift. Similarly, he commended the officers, giving them government’s commitment to progressively improve the agency, and provide them with the necessary tools to deliver the expected standard of service.

“I would like to thank you for all your endeavours this year, and not just for this, but for the continuous service. I think your performance, I need not comment, as your performance speaks for itself. It truly does echo, and speak for itself,” Minister Fonseka stated.

As previously announced by Minister Fonseka before the National Assembly, there has been a worrying increase in fire cases across the country over the last few years. At the time, in October, the minister reported at least 21 calls to the agency just within the month and a total of 254 calls from the beginning of the year to October. The Le Chantier Mall fire could possibly be the biggest blaze this year.

From the SFRSA the minister called at the Mont Fleuri Police station, and then to the Immigration services at the Seychelles International Airport. With six flights scheduled over the course of Christmas day, a good number of staff were on duty, either at security counters, immigration desks, and around the airport facility.

During his interactions with employees, he unveiled government’s plans to next year progress further with the Travisory travel authorisation and data collection platform, to install the equipment, and to commence training for all officers at the soonest.

He was particularly impressed, and approved of the new uniforms, comprising a navy blazer, matching pants and skirts. The minister was even more blown away by the number of passenger arrivals, and the number of visitors that the small team of staff has to filter through and process daily.

Although just after 8am, at least 600 visitors had arrived onboard three different flights, and made their way through immigration.

The minister continued his rounds at the Montagne Posée Prison, and the Anse Boileau, Anse Royale, Beau Vallon and Perseverance police stations.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of Minister Fonseka’s visit to some departments within his ministry.