We had a good pre-consultation meeting, with Henry Smith(Crawley MP) reading the statement of the Minister of Overseas Territiories Mr. Mark Simmonds to parliament, and myself explaning a bit about the different negotiations and the need for all groups to work together. The audience was able to put questions and give their views. A questionnaire was distributed that helps people to give their views, which will be submitted to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as part of the submission of the provisional government. I have explained that I have already served the Prime Minister of Mauritius a letter asking his Government to pay compensation, for all role played in our deportation and in the 1982 agreement. The Mauritian Government has three month to respond to this request, failing which we shall take legal actions. I have said that we will be asking the UK Government to ask the US to pay rent for the use of Diego Garcia and for that money to be used for the welfare of all Chagossians. Nationality and Immigration problems were also on the agenda, and Mr. Henry Smith is seeking a meeting with the Immigration Minister. Almost all the groups have expressed their desire to work together. I have proposed that other group leaders could join the Cabinet to work in one direction for the welfare of our community. I will meet with group leaders and other people who are interested fairly soon. A big thank you to all of you who came and who supported this meeting to be a success. The questionnaire will be online over the weekend. The Almighty bless you Our time has come. President Allen Vincatassin
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 00:15:07 +0000