32 First Aiders Ditched From Independence Day Parade: Uniforms ‘Too Red’

An incident involving the exclusion of the “Professional First Aiders” from the upcoming Independence Day parade at Champ-de-Mars has sparked controversy.

Despite participating in multiple rehearsal sessions, the 32 first aiders were informed that they would not be part of the traditional parade.

Chief commissioner Bashir Oaris revealed that they were allegedly told their marching skills were inadequate, but later discovered that their vibrant red uniforms were the actual reason for their exclusion.

The colour red is politically attributed to the opposition Labour Party.

Despite reaching out to authorities, including opposition MPs Ehsan Juman and Shakeel Mohamed, for clarification, the first aiders were not reinstated in the parade.

Minister of Arts and Culture, Avinash Teeluck, refuted claims of uniform issues, stating that organizations like the Red Cross also sport red uniforms in the parade without issue.

Teeluck assured that the first aiders were welcome to rejoin rehearsals and participate in the parade if they so desired, even extending the invitation to join as late as Tuesday.

The First Aiders said they won’t resume rehearsals to show their “refusal to compromise their dignity”.

Source: l’Express