Cafrine nee Andre v Cafrine (159 of 2003) [2004] SCSC 24 (28 October 2004)

IN THE SUPREME COURT OF SEYCHELLES                                         RITA CAFRINE (NEE ANDRE) PETITIONER VERSUS               CHRISTIAN CAFRINE RESPONDENT Divorce Side No  159 of 2003 Mr. F. Bonte Counsel for the Petitioner B. Renaud JUDGMENT The   Petitioner   is  seeking  dissolution   of  her   marriage  and   an   order  of  divorce because the marriage has broken down irretrievably on the ground that the Respondent has continuously behaved in a way that the Petitioner cannot reasonably be expected to live with the Respondent. The Respondent appeared in Court on the fixed date when the Petitioner sought time to make up her mind as to whether she will proceed with the matter.    The parties appeared   before   Court   again   when   the   Petitioner   confirmed   that   there   is   no   hope   of reconciliation despite attempts to do so.    The respondent signified before Court that he did not intend to defend the Petition. The Petitioner sought leave of the Court for the matter to be heard ex-parte.    The Court accordingly granted leave for the matter to be heard ex- parte. The Petitioner, Mrs. Rita Cafrine born Andre who is a Nurse and resides at Majoie, Mahe, Seychelles, testified that she was married to the Respondent Mr. Christian Cafrine on   the   21st  January,   1991   in   Victoria,   Mahe,   Seychelles   as   per   marriage   certificate produced as Exhibit P1. She a spinster and the Respondent was a bachelor at the time. One child was born of this marriage, namely, Valerie Sharon Dania Cafrine born on 29th January 1992 as per Birth Certificate produced as Exhibits P2.    There has not been any previous proceeding in any Court in respect of the said marriage.    The Petitioner further testified   that   the   marriage   has   now   irretrievably   broken   down   for   the   reason   that   the Respondent has continuously behaved in such a way that she and the Respondent cannot be expected to live together.    The Respondent is living with another woman away from the matrimonial home.    The petition is not presented in collusion with the Respondent. On the basis of uncontroverted evidence adduced before Court, I am satisfied that the marriage of the Petitioner has broken down irretrievably and I hereby dissolved the said marriage and grant a conditional order of divorce to be made absolute upon the application of the Petitioner after six weeks or after the Family Tribunal has determined the issue of the children.    The Registrar is directed to refer this matter to the Family Tribunal. B. RENAUD ……………………… JUDGE Dated this 29th day of October 2004