Resettlement
Following the official signature of the Agreement between Mauritius and the UK, whereby the latter has returned full sovereignty over the Chagos to Mauritius, the prospects for a return by the Chagossians to their homeland are indeed, very good. However, there are critical NEEDS and serious LIMITATIONS which must be ironed out by the Resettlement Plan.
Although the parties concerned, namely, the Chagossians, the UK, the USA and Mauritius are fully conscious that any resettlement on the Chagos will have to be done in a common accord, it is a fact that the Agreement clearly stipulates that "the UK holds veto power through the Joint Commission which will take all decisions on any proposal for development on land and at sea.
It is no secret and fully understandable that the military base on the island of Diégo Garcia which is of major importance to security in the area, needs to be respected in spite on the serious limitations it does impose on the Chagossians in their resettlement plan. However, it does also represent certain major advantages, including hopeful employment opportunities, which need to be eventually integrated in the overall resettlement plan.
Courtesy: Clément Siatous
One PLAN for Consideration
In line with all the essential aspects of the Chagos Resettlement Plan, as discussed at the 25th & 26th June 2025 Mauritius International Workshop, a plan consisting of 8 distinct phases, over a 2-year period, and ending with a TOTAL POPULATION of 400, being a mix of Chagossians-born, descendants, family-relation visitors, Mauritians & Seychelles professionals, technicians & workers, foreign students, researchers and Tourists (including Diégo’s U.S. Marines & families), has been received. This initiative by JMS will hopefully prompt others to do the same; and help gauge alternative scenarios, suggestions and plans. And above all, to urge each and every Chagossian to visualize his future, to get involved and to position himself in the development of his islands.
JMS' suggestion is an INITIAL MODEST RESETTLEMENT, without any major industrial, trade or tourist development and infrastructure. But rather, an “Eco-conscious Lifestyle & Tourism” in a spirit of pilgrimage, far from consumerism. However, this Resettlement will from the outset, include the best of what the World has to offer in terms of solar energy, satellite communications, insulated prefab homes and other cutting-edge technological innovations. Another deeply meaningful and strategically important initiative for the Chagossian Resettlers is the restoration & reconstruction of an HERITAGE-CULTURAL VILLAGE in Peros Banhos; as this village will serve three interconnected purposes: residential use, cultural preservation and tourism. It will be the HEART of the planned resettlement!
This by no means, excludes more ambitious Maldives & Seychelles-like development projects in the future; nor does it preclude the Chagossians to immediately establish the necessary structures to benefit from such Business activities as claiming Fishing Rights, Yachts’ Registrations & Visits, anchoring & replenishments, Minor Yacht Repairs, high-end self-sustained Yacht Vacations in secluded anchoring spots nearby remote islands, Tourism Entry Fees, Excursions & Guided Tours, Catering, Fishing, Boating, Snorkling & Scuba-Diving, Filming Crew Hosting & Service, International Sea-Sports Competitions, Artistic Residency, University & Institutions Research Work & Grants, Maritime control, security & rescue service, ownership of IO Domain Name, Diégo Label on a range of Merchandise and the like. And this, in addition to getting their fair share of rental & grant monies for subsistence and development, as per the Mauritius – UK Agreement.
SO, with the greatest respect for the Chagos natural treasures, let’s all TIP-TOE into this exciting project of creating a New World Model! (We are actively working on the first "Bush Clearing & Cleaning Mission" by a dozen of Work-Volunteers.)
Open Register
As we expect people from all walks of life to wish to participate in this one-in-a-life-time project, we have decided to establish an OPEN REGISTER of all ideas, suggestions, offers and donations,
from local and international companies, organizations, ONG's and individuals who wish to contribute to and participate in the rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of the Chagos Islands.
NEXT GROUP VISIT
The Chagos Refugee Group is also actively working on the next Group-Visit to the Chagos which is expected to take place sometime before November 2025; and this will include some Chagossians as well as some members of the Mauritian Government.