Madam Speaker, I am informed that on 25 November 2024, at 15:45 hours, one Mrs R.R. reported to the Police that at around 10 hours, on the same day, after having fed her late baby E.E.J. of 18 months old, she found that the latter was not reacting. She conveyed the baby to Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital, Port Louis, where Doctor V. certified her death, and the case was referred to the Police Medical Officer for an autopsy. The autopsy was conducted by the Principal Police Medical Officer, where the cause of death of late baby E.E.J. was attributed to a subarachnoid haemorrhage. Mrs R.R. confessed to the police that on 25 November 2024, she dealt the baby girl a fisticuff blow violently at the head of baby E.E.J. early in the morning. On 26 November 2024, a provisional charge of murder was lodged against the accused before the District Court of Port Louis. Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that prior to the events that led to the tragic death of the baby on 17 October 2024, she was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Rodrigues for treatment. On 18 October, the social worker of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Rodrigues, referred the case to CDU Rodrigues. On 21 October, Mrs R.R. attended the first session with a psychologist of CDU Rodrigues. I am informed that a second appointment was scheduled for 11 November 2024, but she did not attend as she was in Mauritius since 06 November 2024. Madam Speaker, when the case of the demise of the 18-month-old baby became known to the officers of my Ministry, psychological assistance was proposed to Mr P., the maternal uncle, the only relative living in Mauritius, on 27 November 2024, but he declined. I am also informed that no assistance was provided to the mother as she was arrested by the police and was and is still in police custody. Given that the family of the late baby expressed their wish to conduct the funeral in Rodrigues, I made necessary arrangements with the relevant authorities for the repatriation of the body on 27 November 2024. With regard to the father and other relatives residing in Rodrigues, I am further informed that the psychologist posted to CDU Rodrigues contacted them on 27 November 2024 and 06 December 2024 for psychological assistance, but they declined the same. I wish to reassure the House that close follow-up is being maintained in this case for further assistance.

27 Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that since I took office, I have already met the Commissioner of Police on 05 December 2024, along with different units of my Ministry. It was an occasion to review the existing protocol to reinforce the collaboration between the police and the Ministry with a view to enhancing the protection of children and women, victims of violence. I thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Yes, hon. Mrs Savabaddy!

Madame la présidente, en parlant des cas d’enfants morts dans des circonstances tragiques, je me réfère certainement au cas de la mère qui a avoué avoir battu son bébé de 18 mois à mort le 25 novembre dernier. Son ex-compagnon a déclaré dans la presse que leur fille âgée de trois ans serait décédée à la suite d’une chute en septembre dernier à Rodrigues, mais qu’aucune autopsie n’avait été réalisée. Aujourd’hui, il souhaite que la justice soit faite. Est-ce que le ministère accompagne ce monsieur dans ses démarches ? Merci.

Thank you for the question. Madam Speaker, I wish to inform you that we were informed that there was a previous child who died in similar circumstances, but an autopsy was carried out on the dead child on 24 September by Dr. Monvoisin, PMO at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and it was found out that the cause of death was natural because the late girl child was an epileptic patient.

Yes, hon. Dr. Aumeer!

Merci, Madame la présidente. Puis-je demander au ministre concernant le rapport d’autopsie qui a déclaré la mort à la cause naturelle, êtes-vous satisfait ou avez- vous revu le rapport ? Merci.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Frankly speaking, I wish to inform the House that I have not taken cognisance of the report personally. If need be, I shall look into that. Thank you.

Yes, hon. Mrs Savabaddy! Next question please! RIVALLAND ROAD, CRÈVE COEUR - WATER METER CONNECTIVITY