(Posted 09th September 2024)
Courtesy of Laura Samoisy and Hello Rodrigues Magazine
Saturday, August 24th, 2024, marked a significant date in the history of the Chagossian community. A monument dedicated to the memory of the deported Chagossians was inaugurated during an emotional ceremony in Rodrigues, attended by several prominent personalities.
Among the dignitaries present were the Chief Commissioner, Franceau Grandcourt, G.O.S.K., the Deputy Chief Commissioner, Johnson Roussety, G.O.S.K., the President of the Regional Assembly, Christian Léopold, G.O.S.K., the Commissioner of Culture, Varok Ravina, and the President of the Chagossian Welfare Fund, Olivier Bancoult, G.C.S.K.
This commemoration underscores the importance of collective memory and the recognition of the hardships faced by the Chagossian community.
Check out the following link for added information: https://hellorodrigues.fr/ile-rodrigues/actus/un-monument-en-memoire-des-chagossiens- deportes-devoile-a-rodrigues
A Story of Suffering and Resilience
The inauguration of this monument in Rodrigues serves as a reminder of a dark period in modern history: the deportation of the Chagossians. Between 1965 and 1973, the inhabitants of the Chagos Archipelago, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean, were forced to leave their ancestral lands. This deportation is linked to the context of Mauritius’ independence. Among the tragedies that occurred during this forced relocation, two Chagossians, Mr. Laurent Ernest and Mrs. Roseline Médor, lost
their lives at sea during their transfer to Mauritius in 1967 and 1968. They were buried in Rodrigues, where they now rest at the Anse aux Anglais cemetery. The recently unveiled monument pays particular tribute to these two victims while symbolizing the suffering and resilience of the entire Chagossian community.
Indeed, in 1965, as Mauritius was preparing to gain its independence, the British government demanded the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritian territory as a condition for granting independence. In exchange, the United Kingdom guaranteed Mauritius financial compensation and the assurance of independence in 1968. This compromise, imposed by colonial powers, had devastating consequences for the Chagossian community. The Chagossians, who had lived in harmony on their islands for generations, were abruptly torn from their way of life. Deprived of their homes, lands, and identity, they were transported by boat to Mauritius and the Seychelles, often in inhumane conditions. For many families, this deportation marked the beginning of a life of uncertainty, poverty, and struggle for the recognition of their rights.
Official Recognition
The unveiling of this monument is part of an effort to officially acknowledge the suffering endured by the Chagossians. The Chagossian Welfare Fund, which played a key role in this initiative, also announced that November 3 will now be dedicated to the Commemoration Day of the deportation of the Chagossian community. This date will be a time of remembrance and reflection on the history and struggles of this community.
Today, around eight Chagossian families still live in Rodrigues. Although their number is small, their presence continues to testify to the persistence of a strong Chagossian identity despite decades of dispersion and the fight for justice.
The monument inaugurated in Rodrigues is much more than just a commemorative structure. It embodies the collective memory of a deported people, the acknowledgment of the injustices they suffered, and the perseverance of a struggle that continues to this day. Each year, on the Commemoration Day of the deportation of the Chagossian community, this monument will serve as a poignant reminder of the resilience and dignity of those who continue to fight to return to their homeland.
This initiative marks an important step in the official recognition of the Chagossians’ suffering and demonstrates the commitment of the Rodrigues authorities and the Chagossian community to preserving this memory for future generations. The monument is intended to become a place of remembrance and reflection, not only for the Chagossians but for all who care about justice and human rights.
Hello Rodrigues Magazine is a digital mag promoting the small and remote island of Rodrigues in the Indian Ocean. Launched in January 2024 by the initiative of Laura Samoisy, director of publication and editor in chief, the magazine aims to promote this sunny destination and its culture. Connect on www.hellorodrigues.fr to know more about this little island.
