Praslinois protest against militarisation of Assomption |06 March 2018

The Praslinois have protested against the joint Seychelles-India military base to be constructed on Assomption Island, stating that their opinion should have been sought before any agreement was signed.

The protest was made in a public meeting last weekend on Praslin to discuss the Assomption Island project.

Questions on the issue were raised to the Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Didier Dogley and his principal secretary for environment Alain de Commarmond, secretary of state for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Barry Faure, Attorney General Frank Ally, Colonel Leslie Benoiton of the Seychelles Coastguard and an IDC (Islands Development Company) representative.

The meeting, one in a series of consultative meetings being conducted throughout the country, gave the opportunity to exchange views about the tentative project.

After presentations were made on the objectives of the project and on the description of the agreement, participants could voice out their concerns.

They expressed their total disagreement with the project and believed that there are more constructive ways in which the Indian government can be of assistance to help tackle pertinent issues with regard to safeguard and protect our seas in the south.

Darrell Green, a well know fisherman on the island, expressed his disappointment in the way the whole project has been presented to the people, being bias in giving the positive aspects only.

“This is in itself marketing for the project and not allowing us to keep an open mind and make our own judgement. The negative aspects should have been explained as well,” Mr Green said.

Concerns were raised around the mounting tension between the two main Asian rivals, India and China, and how as a small country, Seychelles should avoid getting involved so as not to suffer inevitable consequences.

The audience from Praslin questioned that if this project is believed to be a military project, what has happened to our ‘friends to all and enemy of none’ motto?

Other views expressed were that India is in for much greater interest than is being claimed. Why does India want to invest so much in Seychelles when there is ample room for investment in their own people and should charity not begin at home were other questions made.

Queries were also raised about the benefits of the project to IDC, as Assomption remains under its administration.

Alexia Amesbury, a lawyer by profession and resident of Praslin, raised her concerns about certain points of the agreement such as the waive of claims by both parties for damage of property, injury or death and the suspension and termination of agreement procedures.

“Will our opinion today make any difference in this agreement? Or is it simply a waste of our time?” Mrs Amesbury asked.

“From the time of Mr (France Albert) Rene, we have fought to keep our beautiful islands, we should not give in today and give away Assomption,” Pascal Adeline, one of the participants strongly shared.

Further disappointments were expressed over the fact that both members of the National Assembly for the island were absent, the very same who are to vote on behalf of the people of Praslin.

The audience was in agreement that a referendum should be held so that the people could decide on the fate of this project.

Text: Nadia Bedier

Photos: Romano Laurence