Mandela Day symposium to discuss crime and punishment

The James R. Mancham Peace and Diplomacy Research Institute and the Seychelles Prison Service (SPS) are organising a half-day symposium at the University of Seychelles next Friday, August 21, 2020 to discuss crime and punishment.

Crime is a worry for all societies. It is a worry because it is a threat for the rest of us. And it is a worry because the criminal themselves are wasting their lives.

But what to do about it? In an ideal society there would be no crime. But, sadly, there is no such place and we have to deal with it. The question is how best to do this. If we get it wrong, prisoners will be locked up for a term and return to society – until the next time. But if we get it right there is hope that they can be rehabilitated to become good members of their community.

This event will bring together experts from different fields to wrestle with the problem. Our own Chief Justice, Dr Mathilda Twomey, will lead one of the sessions. Professor Geoffrey Harris, a leading proponent of non-violence, based at Durban University of Technology, will offer his thoughts on the subject through a video. On a practical note, Carina Bruwer, the country representative of the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime, will explain the work of her own organisation. In turn, Pastor Abel Ntep Ntep of the Seventh Day Adventist Church will offer a more spiritual view of the subject.

A highlight of the event will be the opportunity given to Raymond St Ange, Superintendent of the SPS, to present his own ideas and to show through a series of slides some of the improvements to the infrastructure of the prison at Montagne Posée. Reference will also be made to the collaboration with UniSey to develop academic programmes and training to assist in the further professionalisation of the SPS.

The event – which will be moderated by Dr Erna Athanasius – is being held to celebrate Mandela Day 2020. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions on large gatherings the organisers have had to move back the date to August 21 and restrict participation to invited guests only. But a report will be prepared and published as soon as possible after the event.