Remains of late Gerard Hoarau to be repatriated to Seychelles |23 April 2022

Members of the committee with President Ramkalawan (Photo: Joena Meme)

The remains of late political activist Gerard Hoarau, who was assassinated while in exile in the United Kingdom on November 29, 1985, is expected to be repatriated to the country by November 2024.

Chairman of the Gerard Hoarau Foundation, Collin Dyer made the statement after leading the executive members of the foundation on a courtesy call on President Wavel Ramkalawan, yesterday morning at State House.

Mr Hoarau left Seychelles in 1979, two years after former President France Albert Rene came to power through a coup d’Etat on June 5, 1977. While in the United Kingdom, he formed and was also the leader of the Mouvement Pour La Resistance (MPR) and later the Seychelles National Movement (SNM). He is known for his long struggle against the one party system and for the return of multi-party democracy in the country for the prosperity of all the Seychellois people.

He was assassinated on the doorstep of his home in Edgware, North London, on November 29, 1985 by an unidentified gunman. He was 34 years old.

It is presumed that the one party state, under the leadership of former President Rene was connected to his assassination.

“We have set a timeframe of November 2024 to repatriate his remains back home to be laid to   rest in his beloved country. I know it will be a long process but it will be done,” said Mr Dyer who noted that through the discussion they have received President Ramkalawan’s support.

The other members of the foundation present for the visit at State House were Lewis Betsy (vice-chair), Odette Dyer, George Payet and Barry Gendron (committee members). Secretary Patrick Dyer and treasurer Michel Ho-Sap were not present.

The foundation was established during a ceremony held at the Augerine Hotel, Beau Vallon, on November 29, 2021 which coincided with the anniversary of Gerard Hoareau’s death. It is in remembrance of his legacy and tribute to his life and courage in trying to bring about democracy in the country.

Patrick Joubert