The private question asked on Tuesday by the leader of the opposition concerned the Chagos. It gave the Prime Minister the opportunity to review the Mauritian government’s successes in the fight to regain sovereignty. The government will not cede Diego Garcia to the British.
Pravind Jugnauth insisted on the need to make another trip to the archipelago to study the infrastructure required for resettlement. He also announced that the dates for a new round of negotiations with the UK would be finalized shortly. There have been 4 rounds of negotiations. The Prime Minister also said he was aware that relocation would be complicated, which is why several ministries and departments have undertaken a preliminary study. Pravind Jugnauth reaffirmed his willingness to organize another trip to the Chagos.
He explained that the government is committed to enabling Chagossians who so wish to resettle on the Chagos archipelago. He added that the various ministries and government departments have been invited to carry out the preparatory work for possible resettlement on the archipelago. He also announced that the government will organize another trip as part of the study required for such a project.
The Prime Minister also announced that several countries have offered to help resettle the Chagossians. He indicated that he expected to receive help from the United Kingdom in this regard. Pravind Jugnauth also indicated that the government is ensuring the active participation of the Chagossians.
Xavier-Luc Duval asked the Prime Minister to ensure that Chagossians residing in the UK with dual nationality are not threatened.
Pravind Jugnauth replied that anyone with Mauritian nationality could visit the archipelago.
