President Herminie Visits POTRU and Coast Guard Facilities to Assess Operations and Challenges
In his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Seychelles Defence Force President Dr Patrick Herminie on Tuesday visited the Public Order and Tactical Response Unit (POTRU) at Petite Paris and the Seychelles Coast Guard facility at Ile Perseverance to engage with officers and review ongoing operations.
The visits formed part of the President’s ongoing efforts to familiarise himself with the operational environment, including the facilities available to them, and the challenges they encountered in carrying out their responsibilities The engagements also provided an opportunity for President Herminie to gain first-hand insight into the capabilities and operational constraints, evolving needs of both the Seychelles Police Force and the Seychelles Coast Guard in executing their mandates.
Upon arrival at the Public Order and Tactical Response Unit, the President received a briefing from Assistant Superintendent of Police Vincent Marie on the current status of the facility. He was accompanied by Minister of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs James Camille, Acting Commissioner of Police Godfra Hermitte, Assistant Commissioner Ned Wirtz, and Principal Secretary Sheryl Vangadasamy.
During the briefing, ASP Marie highlighted several constraints affecting the unit. These include the condition of the building, workforce limitations, and safety concerns related to the location of the armoury, which is situated close to a residential area. Budgetary limitations, equipment requirements, and other operational challenges were also brought to the President’s attention.
ASP Marie also highlighted a number of the unit’s key achievements, noting that POTRU remains one of the most operationally active units within the Seychelles Police Force.
Following the briefing, President Herminie toured the various sections of the facility, including the storage areas, kitchen facilities, and the Dog Unit located nearby. During the visit, the President also met a group of students undertaking work experience at the facility.
At the Seychelles Coast Guard facility at Ile Perseverance, the President received an overview of the capabilities and infrastructure that support the country’s maritime security operations. These included the slipway and workshop facilities, the naval wing department responsible for fleet management, and the jetty used for berthing patrol vessels. The President was also briefed by officers of the Operations Coordination Unit, which oversees the planning and coordination of maritime operations.
Present during the visit were the Chief of Defence Force Brigadier Michael Rosette, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Jean Atala, and Chief of Staff of the Seychelles Coast Guard Michael Hollanda, along with several Coast Guard officers who accompanied the President during the tour of the base.
As part of the programme, Major Donn Dupres conducted a demonstration of the Coast Guard’s drone capabilities, highlighting how unmanned aerial systems are being utilised to strengthen maritime surveillance and operational support across Seychelles’ Waters. Concluding the visit, the President also toured the Seychelles Coast Guard medical facility, where he was briefed on the services provided to personnel.
The visit wrapped up with the presentation of a commemorative token to President Herminie by the Seychelles Coast Guard in recognition of his visit and continued support for the country’s maritime security forces.
President Herminie expressed appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the officers, commending their commitment to safeguarding the nation despite operational challenges. He also reaffirmed the importance of supporting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of national security and protecting Seychelles’ people and maritime boarders.
