The Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille, continued his ongoing familiarisation programme with a series of visits across several specialised and frontline units of the Seychelles Police Force.
Minister Camille began the day at the Seychelles Police Headquarters, where he was received by senior leadership and met with several police officers and personnel , he then proceeded to meet officers from the Anti-Terrorism and Quick Response Unit, the Marine Police Unit, the Financial Crime Intelligence Unit, the Commercial Crime and Compliance Unit, the Perseverance Police Station and the Perseverance Remand Centre of the Seychelles Prison Services.
Across each stop, the Minister engaged closely with officers to gain firsthand insight into their day-to-day responsibilities, operational constraints and resource limitations. Officers openly discussed challenges related to manpower, equipment, infrastructure and the growing complexity of modern crime.
Minister Camille reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to addressing these issues, noting that frontline officers remain central to national safety and public trust. He emphasised the urgent need to modernise existing laws to ensure they remain fit for purpose in an era where threats continue to evolve.
He highlighted that updated legislation is particularly crucial in combating organised crime networks, strengthening the country’s response to financial crime and the financing of illicit activities, improving cyber security resilience, and enhancing preparedness for terrorism-related threats.
The Minister commended the dedication and professionalism of officers across all units and reiterated that their welfare, training, and operational capacity will remain top priorities of the Ministry.
The Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille, carried out a comprehensive visit to the Seychelles Prison Service today, led by Commissioner of Prisons Mrs. Janet Georges. The delagation toured the Montagne Posée Prison, Low-Risk Facility as well as the Bonne Espoire High-Security Prison.
The visit formed part of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment to strengthening national security, enhancing rehabilitation programmes, and improving conditions for both staff and inmates.
Minister Camille met with prison officers, gaining firsthand insight into daily operations, challenges on the ground, and the ongoing efforts to modernise and professionalise the service. He commended staff for their dedication and reiterated the government’s commitment to equipping the SPS with the manpower and resources needed to fulfill its mission effectively.
A key focus of the Minister’s discussions was the importance of rehabilitation, reintegration, and reducing repeat offending. He emphasised that meaningful, well-structured rehabilitation programmes combined with adequate staffing are essential to preparing inmates for life after release and fostering safer communities.
The Minister was accompanied by three special guests, Mr. George Emmanuel Robert, Seychelles’ Ombudsman accompanied by Mr. Roger Toussaint and Justice Bernadin Renaud, Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission
Their presence underscored the shared national commitment to upholding human dignity, strengthening oversight and ensuring a balanced approach between security and human rights within the correctional system.
Minister Camille expressed that collaborative efforts will steer the Seychelles Prison Service toward a more effective, humane and reintegration-focused future.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. James Conrad Jean Camille as the new Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs.
Mr. Camille brings with him over 25 years of distinguished service across the Judiciary, the Office of the Attorney General, and the financial sector. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in the fields of law enforcement, public prosecution, and judicial administration.
His tenure as a Magistrate and Vice Chair of the Family Tribunal has been characterized by integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Guided by his core belief in service with integrity, Minister Camille has built a career centered on strengthening national security, upholding the rule of law, and promoting good governance.
With his extensive expertise in criminal justice, anti-crime strategy, and institutional reform, Minister Camille is well positioned to lead the Ministry in fulfilling its mission to safeguard the nation and serve the people of Seychelles.
The Ministry warmly welcomes Minister Camille to his new role and looks forward to his leadership and vision in building a safer, stronger, and more resilient Seychelles.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs Mr. James Camille welcomed President Dr. Patrick Herminie and Vice President Mr. Sebastien Pillay for an official visit to the Seychelles Police Headquarters. The visit reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to bolstering national security and supporting front-line officers across the country.
Upon arrival, the delegation was received by Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe, who delivered a comprehensive briefing on current crime trends, operational challenges, and ongoing reforms. The discussions highlighted progress on the review of the Police Strategic Plan, aimed at modernising policing practices and strengthening community safety.
A key moment of the visit was the handover of 40 body-worn cameras donated by the Seychelles Petroleum Company (SEYPEC). This contribution reflects a growing partnership in support of law enforcement and will significantly enhance transparency, accountability, and operational effectiveness within the Force.
The visit underscored the government’s continued commitment to equipping the Seychelles Police Force with the tools, resources, and strategic direction necessary to ensure a safer and more resilient nation.
The Minister of Internal Affairs Charles Fonseka attended a ceremony held by the Disaster Risk Managemnet Division (DRMD) commemorating the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2025, under the global theme “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters.”
The event brought together government representatives, academia, civil society organizations and youth groups to reaffirm the country’s commitment to building a safer and more resilient Seychelles.
Opening Session
The ceremony began with opening remarks from the Minister for Internal Affairs, who emphasized the importance of proactive investment in disaster preparedness.
In his address, the Minister underscored that disaster risk reduction is not only a government responsibility but a shared national priority. He stated, “Every rupee invested in preparedness saves lives, protects livelihoods, and reduces the cost of recovery. We must continue to prioritize prevention and capacity-building over response alone.” He further noted that the country’s resilience relies on partnerships, innovation, and a culture of awareness that begins with communities and young people.
Strengthening Partnerships through MoUs
As part of the commemoration, the Ministry witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) one with the University of Seychelles and another with the Red Cross Society of Seychelles (RCSS).
The signing was conducted between the respective organizations and the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRMD), represented by Mr. Daniel Cetoupe, Chief Risk Management Officer.
The partnership with the University of Seychelles focuses on academic collaboration, research, and training opportunities in disaster management and climate resilience. Meanwhile, the MoU with the RCSS aims to enhance community outreach, first aid training and volunteer engagement in emergency response initiatives.
Following each signing, the respective representatives Ms. Joëlle Perreau, Vice Chancellor of the University of Seychelles, and Ms. Marie-May Esparon, Secretary General of the RCSS delivered brief addresses reaffirming their commitment to the shared objectives. Group photographs marked the conclusion of each signing.
Creative Youth Segment
Highlighting the vital role of youth in building resilience, the event featured a Creative Youth Segment that included a poem prize-giving ceremony and a short sketch presentation on the importance of maintaining emergency preparedness bags. The performances reflected the creativity and awareness of young participants, emphasizing how disaster preparedness can be integrated into everyday life.
A Collective Commitment to Resilience
The Ministry of Internal Affairs extends its appreciation to all partners, stakeholders, and students who contributed to the success of the event.
The commemoration served as a reminder that disaster risk reduction is a shared responsibility one that demands coordination, investment and public awareness. As the Minister remarked, “Resilience is not built overnight, it is cultivated through consistent effort, collaboration, and the belief that a prepared nation is a protected nation.”
Through continued partnerships and public engagement, the Ministry reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding communities and fostering a culture of preparedness across Seychelles.
On his first day in office, the newly appointed Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Conrad Jean Camille, convened a strategic meeting with two key leaders under his Ministry Principal Secretary Mr. Allain Volcere and Commissioner of the Seychelles Prison Service, Mrs. Janet George.
The meeting marked the start of Minister Camille’s official duties following his appointment and provided an opportunity to engage directly with senior officials overseeing critical areas of national security and public safety. Discussions focused on current operational priorities, ongoing projects, and strategies to enhance coordination across departments to ensure efficient service delivery and strengthened national resilience.
The meeting also underscored the Ministry’s renewed focus on strengthening internal coordination, improving operational efficiency, and reinforcing collaboration with law enforcement and emergency response agencies under its portfolio.
Minister Camille reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the men and women working within the Ministry, recognizing their vital role in delivering on the Government’s mandate for security, stability and effective public service.
The Minister today visited the Beolière rockfall site, where work is ongoing to stabilize situated above a residential area. The incident, which occurred on the 15th September, prompted the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) to prioritize the area for urgent intervention.
As part of the response, measures such as temporary road closures and the evacuation of nearby residents were implemented to ensure public safety.
During his visit, the Minister met with DRMD officers on site, namely Chief Response Officer Emile Pool and Geologist Jean-Luc Mondon from PetroSeychelles, who briefed him on the progress of the ongoing works. So far, approximately 65 to 70 tonnes of rock have been safely removed with minimal damage to the surrounding area.
The Minister commended the team for their dedication and emphasized the importance of swift action in such situations.
“The safety of our citizens remains our top priority,” said the Minister. “I commend the DRMD and its partners for their hard work and quick response. These efforts are vital in safeguarding lives and preserving critical infrastructures.
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