President Danny Faure visited the Seychelles Coast Guard (SCG) Base and the Seychelles Police Headquarters this afternoon, following the announcement of new security measures and currently being implemented in the country following the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

The President announced a series of enforcement measures last week on Friday 27 March, focused on strengthening the country’s borders, restricting public gatherings and minimising social contact in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the community. 

 

President Faure first visited the Seychelles Coast Guard Base located at Perseverance where he attended a special briefing at the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC). He received an aperçu of the Seychelles People’s Defence Force (SPDF) Joint Operations Set up for COVID-19. He was briefed on the coordination operation and viewed various demonstrations on the Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) systems and ongoing activities. The session also demonstrated the daily routine and maritime security interventions to secure the country’s borders both by air and sea.

 

The President also attended a meeting at the Central Police Headquarters in Victoria. Present for the meeting was Seychelles Police Senior Management as well as key members of the COVID-19 Police Operations Centre set up specifically for the public health emergency. 

 

During the meeting the Head of State was briefed of the mode of operation of the command centre, assets and equipment available and the ongoing strategy to ensure the measures announced in light of the COVID-19 situation are being respected by the public. The police reaffirmed their commitment to more effectively discharge their duties and ensure the population follows the new regulations in place. 

 

President Faure thanked both SPDF and the Seychelles Police for their invaluable service, and the formidable work they are doing alongside other key agencies and partners, saying: “I would like to salute you and convey our deepest appreciation to all our men and women in uniform for your hard work and dedication to the country in this time of emergency. The nation is grateful for your efforts. Today I would like to also reiterate our continuous support to you all as we continue to work together to ensure the safety of our country and its people,” said President Faure.