Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, at the outset, I wish to inform the hon. Member and the House that my Ministry is not responsible for processing permits or granting clearances for the holding of public concerts by event organisers and artists. That said, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the organisation of public concert is governed by a number of laws and regulations, namely –

71 • The Public Gathering Act 1991; • The Public Health (Prohibition on Advertisement, Sponsorship and Restriction on Sale and Consumption in Public Places of Alcoholic Drinks) (Amendment) Regulations 2021; • The Environment Protection (Environmental Standards for Noise) Regulations 2022, and • The Environment Protection (Control of Noise) Regulations 2022. Clearance is issued solely by the Commissioner of Police, upon an application submitted at least seven days prior to the event with supporting approvals from relevant authorities including – • the Local Authority; • the Beach Authority if applicable; • the Fire Services; • the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and • the Mauritius Society of Authors. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, upon approval terms and conditions are imposed by the Commissioner of Police. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me also highlight that under the previous government, the procedure for organising public concerts were fragmented, overly bureaucratic and discouraging. Event organisers and artists were left on their own to navigate a maze of approvals, resulting in delays, frustration and frequent cancellations of events. The process hindered creativity and suppressed the growth of our cultural economy. Thankfully under the visionary leadership of the hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, this Government is committed to bring things differently. As announced in the Government Programme 2025-2029, my Ministry will establish a cultural desk that will act as a one-stop shop for concerts organisers and artists. This new structure will be equipped with a dedicated online platform inter-linking all relevant authorities, thereby simplifying the application process, providing step by step guidance on

72 legal and regulatory requirements, helping applicants compile necessary documents and coordinating with the relevant institutions to minimise delays and eliminate red tape. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, while legal obligations will remain, the process will become simpler, faster and more transparent. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, with this measure, we are replacing bureaucracy with facilitation, confusion with clarity, and hesitation with action so that our artists, event organisers and audiences can all thrive. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Yes, hon. Member!

M. le président, l’honorable ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre quels sont les lieux qui ont été identifiés pour la tenue des concerts ?

As I said, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry is not concerned with these issues right now. Just after we established the Cultural Desk, then afterwards, I can tell you what we are going to do. Thank you.

Yes.

Si je comprends bien l’honorable ministre n’a aucune information à ce qui concerne l’organisation des concerts mais je lui pose une question au cas où il serait au courant, s’il y a eu des demandes qui ont été rejetées depuis l’arrivée du nouveau gouvernement ? S’il le sait, quelles en sont les raisons ?

As I said, I don’t know because these applications do not come to my Ministry.

It is the Commissioner of Police who gives the instruction. You have said that. Thank you. The hon. Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! FERNEY-DEUX FRÈRES COASTAL ROAD – REINSTATEMENT – EXPECTED START & COMPLETION DATES