Agalega: a whole secret around D-day for the track and the pier

Around forty Indian soldiers on site, namely IT and digital engineers and technicians, are busy completing the installation of devices for the operation and management of the airport. The airport's Communication Center – the nerve center – will be equipped with advanced technologies, therefore requiring advanced skills to set up the required system.

In fact, the date of this event is still not known to the general public, as is the composition of the official delegation which will visit the archipelago. Very few details have emerged about the program of the Prime Minister's visit. It will not be the first time that a Prime Minister has set foot there. Before Pravind Jugnauth, there was his father Sir Anerood, and then Dr Navin Ramgoolam and Paul Bérenger.

Meanwhile, in Agaléga this event is the Talk of the hour and residents confide that there would be some disagreements within the population of the archipelago on the terms of this program. Despite the differences of views, the atmosphere is rather calm in the archipelago.

The first information available indicates a concert after the protocol part. This part of the program will be hosted by a musical group from the island called Agaléga Vibes. Moreover, this group has been rehearsing assiduously for several weeks at the Refugee Center on the North Island.

But this concert in preparation gives rise to criticism on the island and also among Agaleans living in Mauritius. The controversy concerns the possible participation of children and some people do not agree with it. “It’s a downright insult to the dignity of these children. We are selling off their native island before their eyes and now they are being asked to dance in front of VIPs to celebrate this event. It's revolting ! " resist protesters.

However, those responsible for organizing this concert denied the possible participation of children and responded to their detractors. “No children are participating in this concert! It’s wrong to say that children are going to dance,” they say. “This is just gossip spread by people who are not involved in the preparation of this concert. These people constantly have a negative attitude and they try to sow division within the Agalean population. Everyone can have their own opinion on what was built but we think that the residents should have shown solidarity to face the future together and not create dissension,” it is argued. An exhibition of the work carried out by the Agaléga Women’s Association will be organized. “With these two activities, we want to show the talents of the Agaleans,” say residents.

Regarding the new airport infrastructure, Indian soldiers, according to residents, are completing the installation of equipment for a digital service and are carrying out the final checks of the system. While a small group of Indian workers, those from Afcons Infrastructures, are finishing the furnishing of the new buildings. “There are a few small adjustments here and there but everything will be finished at the beginning of December,” witnesses confide.

Likely visit of Mgr Durhône to Agalega

Agaleans want the new bishop of the diocese of Port-Louis, Monseigneur Jean-Michaël Durhône, to be present in the archipelago on the occasion of the inauguration of the new airstrip. Moreover, they have several times publicly issued an invitation to Mgr Jean-Michaël Durhône on this subject and they reiterated their request during the visit of a delegation to the bishopric in September.

They reiterate this appeal to the Prime Minister so that the head of the Catholic Church is part of the official delegation on this occasion. Furthermore, Mgr Durhône, during a meeting with the Prime Minister shortly after his episcopal ordination, officially expressed his desire to undertake a pastoral visit to this archipelago.

On the other hand, Father Jacques-Henri David, who usually goes on mission to Agaléga during the main feasts appearing in the liturgical calendar of the Church, will be among the passengers of the MV Trochetia, which will leave around December 8. He will be on the island providing spiritual accompaniment to Catholics in preparation for Christmas.