ANITA SULLIVAN playwright

The story of the people of Diego Garcia

 

In the 1970s the people of Diego Garcia (British commonwealth citizens) were removed from the island by the UK government to make way for a US Naval base. They have been living in Mauritius since, many in acute poverty.

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The play was researched with the Diego Garcian families, and their spokesperson Allen Vincatassin. I spent time with them in Port Louis and traveled with a group coming to resettle in the UK.

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The play tells of a family who have already settled in the UK, but have to face the past when another group comes from Mauritius.

 

'Exiled from Paradise' is an original Afternoon Drama for Radio 4. It was first broadcast in June 2005, starring Adjoa Andoh, Jude Akuwdike and Clarke Peters. Original music by Sylvio Lynx.

 

Produced by Claudine Toutongi, BBC London.