THE Mauritian flag was raised for first time on the British-occupied Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean today in a ceremony led by the country’s ambassador to the United Nations.

A pre-recorded message from Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth was broadcast via a loud speaker on the island of Peros Banhos and another flag was raised on the Salomon atoll.

“The message I wish to give out to the world, as the state with sovereignty over the Chagos archipelago, is that we will ensure a wise stewardship of its territory — over its maritime security, conservation of the marine environment and human rights, notably the return of those of Chagossian origin,” Mr Jugnauth said.