From 17 April to 2 May and from 9 June to 13 June 1973, the last groups of Chagossians left the archipelago on board the Nordvaer. A sad memory for the natives, forever marked by this forced departure from their native islands. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that painful event. The Chagos Refugee Group intends to commemorate this part of the history of the Republic of Mauritius in a fitting manner. “It is a moment that history must remember. It is one of the greatest crimes of the British government that drove the Chagossians from their land,” says Olivier Bancoult.
A thanksgiving mass be presided over by the Bishop of Port Louis, Cardinal Maurice E. Piat, in the church of St. Francis Xavier, Port Louis, was held this Sunday at 10am.
The following Sunday, a sports day for Chagossian children will be organised at the St. Francis Xavier Stadium. On Sunday 11 June, a medical check-up is scheduled from 9am to 2pm at the Charlésia Alexis Centre in Baie-du-Tombeau.
Earlier, Prime Minister Jugnauth accompanied by his spouse, Mrs Kobita Jugnauth, paid a visit to the residents of the residential care home, Maison De La Paix (also known as Couvent Mère Theresa), on Sunday morning, in Roche Bois.
The Prime Minister met the residents and nuns of Maison De La Paix and conversed with them. The residents rejoiced on meeting the dignitaries and showed their appreciation by offering them a bouquet.
Moreover, a cake cutting ceremony by two centenarians of the residential care home took place in the presence of Mr Pravind Kumar Jugnauth.
The dignitaries also proceeded too with planting of trees in the yard of the residential care home.
