Mayor’s Office deplores vandalism act   |06 January 2023

The two statues in the Victoria Peace Park

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The Mayor’s Office has deplored an act of vandalism which occurred yesterday and targeted two statues located in the Peace Park in Victoria, namely Mahatma Ghandhi and Nelson Mandela statues.

Speaking to Seychelles NATION, the Mayor of Victoria, David Andre, said he was alerted yesterday morning that papers brandishing “hateful and xenophobic words”, had been placed onto the two statues, to which he alerted the police.

“My office and I personally condemn such acts, as should any Seychellois. It is a wrongful act and is bad for our country’s image. This is not what Seychelles stands for,” stated Mr Andre.

Mr Andre said there are security cameras installed in the area and hopefully they will be able to identify the person or persons responsible for the vandalism act.

The bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi, who is known as the father of the Indian nation, was unveiled in June last year, whereas that of former South African president, Nelson Mandela, was in July 2019.

The statues are to commemorate the lives, achievements and contributions of both iconic world figures.

Patsy Canaya