Obituary – Honourable David Joubert |26 November 2015

Born: 18-11-1934

Died: 25-11-2015

It is with deep sorrow that I have heard of the recent demise of a very dear friend, Mr David Joubert.

He was a towering figure in Seychelles’ politics ever since the late 60s, working very closely with Sir James Mancham, being his right arm man in the Democratic Party (DP) of which he was the Secretary General.

David loved his country and wanted it to prosper in peace and unity.

His cherished dream was that it should follow a democratic path. We all know how bravely and valiantly he fought for democracy, freedom of expression and human rights. His political activities were very much intertwined with his heavy involvement in the Stevedores’ Workers Trade Union. Workers’ rights were supreme to him.

As a former teacher at St Paul’s School in Victoria of which he was once head teacher, he was greatly interested in the advancement of education in the country and devoted himself tirelessly and wholeheartedly to teachers’ welfare when he was a minister in Sir James Mancham’s government.

He would always show great solidarity with the teachers’ cause, joining them in a one-day strike which I had organised when I was president of the Seychelles Teachers’ Union.

On a personal note, if I may add, I owe him with much gratitude my first promotion in the teaching profession, proving his trust in me and his appreciation of my work.

I am very glad that only a few weeks ago, I paid him a little visit in his Forêt Noire home. He looked frail and could hardly recognise me, but conscious just the same of my presence. As he lay there helpless in bed ready for the ‘long voyage’ he proved his spiritual orientation asking me to recite for him the Lord’s Prayer, Our Father, which I did with utmost joy. I rejoiced that our Good Lord had already opened his arms to welcome him in his Heavenly Kingdom.

I share the grief of the loved ones he leaves behind, namely his beloved wife Gemma, and his children. I offer my heartfelt condolences to them and pray that Almighty God will give them the necessary strength to bear such a great loss.
May his soul rest in peace.

John Louis Adam