Africa-Press – Seychelles. After resuming its hearing yesterday, following a break due to issues relating the Covid-19 pandemic, the Truth, Reconciliation and National Unity Commission (TRNUC) welcomed complainant Bernadin Brigilia as the first person in open session, in relation to violation of his employment right.
He was followed by Jimmy Lozaique who shared his ordeal endured during the one-party era, forcing him to flee the country in 1985.
Before presenting his case, Mr Brigilia received a formal apology from chairperson Gabrielle Louise McIntyre on behalf of the TRNUC after his complaint – case 0268 – was not properly processed by the commission.
Formerly a watchman at the Glacis School, Mr Brigilia said he worked indefinitely with the Ministry of Education, without being officially confirmed into the post, despite making various complaints in writing to both the ministry and school management.
He said he went as far as the Vice-President’s office – the late Joseph Belmont –, the Ombudsman Office – Gustave Dodin – and the Minister for Education – Danny Faure – to get some clarification about his position, but to no avail.
Mr Brigilia said since he was a strong opposition supporter at that time, he thinks that all the difficulties encountered were linked to that.
He explained that on one occasion, there was a fire at the school where he was working and he was being seen as the main suspect behind it.
Mr Brigilia was arrested and while being detained at the Glacis Police Station, he was told by an officer – Sergeant Henry Forte – that he was being targeted.
He said a group of senior officers later came to the station, harassing him and playing mind games on him.
Mr Brigilia said one of the officers told him that his colleague from school has already told them that he – Mr Brigilia – was the one responsible to start the fire.
This, he said, he knew was a lie since his colleague had not turned up for work in a while, prior to the incident.
He said he was released by the police at 6pm, without giving any report, or statement whatsoever.
After four years working as a casual worker, Mr Brigilia said he received documents of confirmation, but never received any benefits whatsoever, contrary to the supplement to official gazette which states that (a casual worker who has worked for the same employer for five consecutive days is entitled, in respect of every such five days to half of his day’s pay in lieu of leave).
He added that he never even received a payslip and was made redundant verbally, after security agencies were awarded contracts to work at schools.
In his second complaint, Mr Brigilia said he was assaulted by armed officers while collecting cinnamon bark not far from his family house.
He said they asked him to show them the marijuana plants and weapons he was hiding.
Mr Brigilia said he asked Dr Fred Arissol for a medical certificate, but he refused.
The second person to appear in open session before the TRNUC yesterday was complainant Jimmy Lozaique who presented his case vis Skype.
He said after losing his good friend Sonny Elizabeth – who was murdered due to his political belief – he decided get actively involved in resistance work, distributing leaflets and cassettes. He added that they even held various meetings, sharing ideas on how to destabilise the system.
Mr Lozaique explained that they decided to stop the meetings after one of his colleagues was seen talking to Joachim Antoine, who was a well-known intelligence officer for the government at that time.
He said on one occasion, along with a group of friends, they were returning home from Kapatya nightclub when they were assaulted by a group of soldiers in civilian clothes.
Mr Lozaique said he recognised Gerard Esparon out of the bunch, and he said the latter placed a dagger under his neck.
After he managed to get away from his attackers, Mr Lozaique said he was further assaulted by another group soldiers who were travelling in a white Toyota van.
Following the incident, he went straight to the Central Police Station where saw officer Jeff Pillay and asked him to speak to Albert Rene.
He said Mr Pillay took him to the hospital where he received medical attention.
Mr Lozaique said the incident reinforced his conviction to continue with his resistance activities.
On another occasion, he was followed by a car which he identified as maroon Honda Accord, belonging to Macdonald Marengo.
Upon reaching the Mont Fleuri Police Station, his vehicle was stopped and Mr Marengo who was also there ordered the officers to search his vehicle.
He asked them what exactly they were looking for, but they did not answer.
On another occasion, while eating his take-away food outside Papagalo in town with his friend Daniel Adeline, they were approached by Gerard Esparon and Wills Rosette who asked them to follow him to the Stad Popiler car park.
Mr Lozaique said he managed to escape alone, leaving his friend behind.
He said his friend was captured and tortured, and later released on the condition that he denied any assault and torture.
After several other failed attempts on his life, Mr Lozaique was advised to leave the country, which he did in March 1985.
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