2009-02-26

Diego Garcian campaigner dies from pneumonia


A CAMPAIGNER who dedicated her life to a cause has died before seeing her dream realised.

Regina Mandarin, 68, of Bishopstone Walk, Broadfield, fought to return to the Chagos Islands since being forcibly evicted in 1971.

The entire population of the islands was removed by the British government to make way for an American military base.

Many of the islanders settled in Crawley and have campaigned for their right to return ever since.

Hengride Permal, chair of the Chagos Island Community Association , said: "Regina was a stalwart of the campaign of the Chagossian people to return to their homeland in the Indian Ocean.

"As a proud and caring mother of five children she fought like many Chagossians to unite her family because the British government still refused two of her children UK passports.

"Fortunately, just before she died she was able to visit Mauritius to be reunited with family and friends."

As well as five children, Regina, who died from pneumonia on February 16, leaves 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

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