The President of the Republic, Mr. Wavel Ramkalawan was the guest of honour at the official launching of the Mr. Gerard Hoarau Foundation which coincide with the 36th anniversary of his assassination in England on 28th November 1985 while living in exile in London. Whilst in the UK, Mr Hoarau led the Mouvement Pour La Resistance (MPR), and later the Seychelles National Movement (SNM). The ceremony was held at the Augerine Small Hotel, Beau Vallon yesterday evening.
The Foundation is established to pay tribute to the life and courage of the late Mr. Gerard Hoarau in trying to bring about democracy to Seychelles. That is to advocate and furthering a charter that promotes equality, freedom, gives a vision of hope to humanity which all together encapsulates visions and dreams that Mr. Hoarau held so dearly.
In a short statement at the ceremony, President Ramkalawan congratulated the Chairman and the members of the Committee for this initiative to form this foundation in order to honour a Seychellois and hero. He explained how he paid respect to the death of Mr. Hoarau even after his death as well as understanding his principles.
“Today I am satisfied that we have been able to return Seychelles on its road to multi-party and to break the chain of enslavement. We have become a country where there is peace, democracy and where human rights reigns. Rest assured on my support in your venture," said the President.
He reiterated on the need for the body of the late Mr. Hoarau to be laid peacefully here in his native land, Seychelles and welcome the idea of the Committee to have a National Heroes Day and that there should be a place called the ‘La Place Des Héros’ to honour his legacy and all other heroes. He explained that as a country many has got their inspiration from a man who lost his life for his country. Furthermore, how the country needs to honour all those who gave their life for the country as heroes. The President also had words of comfort for the family of Mr. Hoarau and that he will always be honoured as someone who gave his life for his country.
In his speech, the Chairman of the Foundation, Mr. Collin Dyer underlined that all human rights entity including the Ombudsman can partner with the foundation for a good cause. There were also statements by other members of the Committee.
The Foundation comprised of a steering committee of 16 members, which includes, the Chairman, Mr. Colin Dyer, the Vice-President, Mr. Lewis Betsy, Mr. Cyril Lau-Tee, Mr. Michel Ho-Sap (Treasurer), Mr. Alain Mondon, Mr. Barry Gendron, Mr. Allen Hoareau, Mr. Georges Payet, Mr. Ah-Loon Ho-Sap, Mr. Bernard Sullivan, Mr. Patrick Dyer (Secretary), Mr. Terry Sandapin, Mrs. Josette Ho-Sap, Mrs. Betty Sandapin, Mrs. Odette Dyer and Mrs. Miranda Payet. Furthermore, the foundation also consist of registered ordinary members.
Also present at the ceremony was the Vice-President Mr. Ahmed Afif, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable Roger Mancienne, the Ombudsman, Ms. Nichole Tirant-Gherardi, among other distinguished guests.