Easter Island thought.

Regina Mandarin is going home. That’s the good news but she died recently and her ashes only are to be returned for burial to Peros Bahnos – subject to British Government approval.

Regina (68) was a Chagos born woman and her islands in the Indian Ocean were depopulated in the 1960’s and 70’s in order to build a huge American military base, notably on Diega Garcia.

But the islanders are still trying to go home and to resettle their homelands and their latest legal battle goes to the European Court of Human Rights soon.

SO spare them a thought this Easter and send them some money and support too if you can – link up through the UK Chagos Support Association on this page – BUT most of all remember that it is possible to lose your island paradise entirely.
Cows, Syvret and Ozouf, the housing shortage, tax evasion and avoidance – the whole lot, good or bad, can so easily be lost. We just have to do nothing.

Submitted by Thomas Wellard.