Gerard Hoarau, my friend and political inspiration, also led by example on the football field
By Lewis Betsy
On the 29th of November, I will remember my best friend and brother Gerard Hoarau. He was my inspiration and fellow traveller. Everything we did we did together.
That day is the anniversary of his assassination, and I want the people of Seychelles to appreciate what Gerard has done for our beloved islands.
Friends and family will be at the New Brentford Cemetery in Hounslow, Middlesex, early in the morning to pay tribute to his memory and, as has happened every year since that terrible day, we will place flowers on his grave.
Much has been said and written about Gerard’s commitment to democracy, freedom and the well-being of Seychellois all over the globe.
But today I want to shine a light on all the good things he did in another sphere – football.
Gerard was a man of great discipline. He displayed that strength during our time playing football together after he returned from his theological studies in Rome.
We were close and we played football every weekend. Such keenness and application were pivotal to understanding my friend.
I present here a picture of the Rovers football team in the 1970s, when Rovers and Rangers were the dominant teams.
It was on the football pitch, that Gerard showed his qualities in leadership and delegation. His dedication is an example to every young Seychellois and I was blessed to be part of his life every single day.
Gerard was intelligent and a real leader and that was one reason why he was targeted by Albert Rene. The dictator was scared of Gerard and this is why he spent a lot of Seychelles money to keep an eye on him wherever he went in the world.
My friend’s efforts to bring democracy back to Seychelles ended on 29th November 1985, when he was shot on the doorstep of his home in Edgware, North London.
Gerard, who was then leader of the Seychellois National Movement, was killed just a week before his 35th birthday.
Today, 38 years on, his killer has never been brought to justice and that is a source of deep grief and frustration for his family and friends.
However, I feel privileged to be still alive and able to express my views and tell the people of Seychelles about the quality of the man that I called my brother.
I am proud to say that I will always stand by my views and the knowledge, discipline and principles that I learned from Gerard.
I also want to tell the young footballers of Seychelles that only true discipline and commitment will help football progress in Seychelles.
Our picture of the Seventies Rovers players – as indeed a photo of the national team in 1970 I posted earlier – speak volumes and I sincerely want to see today’s young footballers take their sport equally seriously.
It would be a great testament to Gerard’s enduring legacy if they would show the same discipline and commitment.
The sacrifice that Gerard and other brave Seychellois made during the brutal years of dictatorship will also be formally recalled in Seychelles.
The Gerard Hoarau Foundation is to hold a Memorial Service for Gerard at the Immaculate Conception in Victoria, Seychelles, on Saturday 25th November, 2023 at 10am.
I understand that there may be a live stream of the service available on Facebook.
We should also remember and honour the other Seychellois patriots who died in the struggle for freedom and democracy as well as those whose lives were blighted by the actions of the Rene regime and who suffered imprisonment and exile.
They include:
- Hasan Ali Umarji
- Simon Denousse
- Mike Asher
- Michel Hoffman
- Franco Piovani
- Tony Elizabeth
- Jill Carpin
- Davidson Chang-Him
- Pat de Silva
- Alton Ah-Time
- Gilbert Morgan
- Jack Payet
- Evans Hoareau
- Mervin Asba
- Francis Monchouguy
- Claude Monaie
- Damandra Eulantin
- Andrew Pouponneau
- Ryan Lesperance
- Jean Guillaume
- Edmond (Eddy) Camille who also dedicated so much of his time and energy to the SNM
- Bernard Verlaque
- Owen Hoarau