LDS’ LGB and Chief Whip deplore racist comments against Hon. Sathya Naidu |28 March 2025

In a communique issued yesterday the Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, Hon. Bernard Georges and the LDS Parliamentary Chief Whip, Sandy Arissol, condemned in the strongest possible terms a post on social media directed against Hon. Sathya Naidu, the elected member of the National Assembly for St Louis.

According to the press release, in the social media post “using the vilest language and multiple swear words – Bernard Sullivan abuses Hon. Naidu and levels racist accusations against him”.

“Seychelles is proud of its multi-ethnic heritage and has always prided itself on its total lack of racial differentiation. There is no place in civilized society for racist rants of the nature displayed by Mr Sullivan,” read the communique.

“We deprecate his actions and call upon all law-abiding Seychellois to join us in showing Mr Sullivan that he is a lone figure in his kind of behaviour.”

Coming so soon after the National Assembly has amended the Penal Code to create offences of hate speech and hate crimes, the action of Mr Sullivan both flies in the face of the authority of the law and underlines the necessity for the amendment, added the statement.

It added that the LDS Assembly Caucus has always prided itself on its inclusivity and Mr Sullivan’s action has given them renewed strength to stand up for all Seychellois, irrespective of race, gender, ability or sexual orientation.

“We stand united in the defence and support of Hon. Naidu who is, and remains, an important member of our Caucus, a strong representative of the people of St Louis and an engaged and vocal member of the National Assembly,” concluded the communique.

Communique from the offices of the Leader of Government Business and LDS Parliamentary Chief Whip

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