Madam Speaker, the previous MSM government did everything – and I mean everything – to undermine the horseracing industry and to weaken the MTC. All that was done on purpose to favour private, shady interests. It was in that context that COIREC was set up to fulfil their ambitions. During the election campaign, we had vowed to restore public trust in Mauritius’ historic horseracing industry, which has been part of the island’s culture for the last 200 years. As enunciated in our Government Programme 2025-2029, this Government has successfully restored public confidence in the horseracing industry, as witnessed from the first racing day held on 26 July 2025 at the Champ de Mars and also, at the recent one, the Maiden Cup. Under the previous government, the horseracing industry was being driven towards its demise. That was the purpose of what they tried to do. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by COIREC that the Board currently comprises the following ex-officio members –

20 Acting Chairperson Mr A. Acharuz Financial Secretary Directors Mr R. Baungally Assistant Solicitor General, Attorney General's Office Mr D. Mohabeer Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Board Mr A. K. Seetaram Director, Tourism, Ministry of Tourism Ms H. Y. Sharon Yong- Tit-Kow Assistant Permanent Secretary, Prime Minister's Office The monthly fees payable to the Chairperson and Directors are Rs42,000 and Rs15,750, respectively. Regarding part (b) of the question, I am informed that following amendments to section 29 of the State Lands Act in the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, COIREC was, as from May 2022, entrusted with the control and maintenance of the State Land at Champ de Mars. Accordingly, on 01 July 2025, a lease agreement was signed between the MTC Jockey Club Ltd. and COIREC for a period of 10 years, that is, up to 2034. Of course, the MTC then had to oblige because this was the plan. Under this lease agreement, the responsibility for the management, maintenance and upgrading of the racetracks falls under the responsibility of the MTC Jockey Club Ltd. throughout the lease period, which as I said, I think, ends in 2035. As regard parts (c) & (d) of the question, I am informed that a rental fee of Rs250,000 per race meeting, excluding VAT, is payable by MTC Jockey Club Ltd. to COIREC. Provisions have been made in the lease agreement for a yearly increase of 5% in the fee payable. MTC Jockey Club Ltd. has the right to commercially exploit the Champ de Mars,

21 including the collection of rentals and any other income derived thereof, subject to the consent of the lessor. Madam Speaker, in July 2025, amendments were brought, inter alia, to sections 31 and 32 of the Gambling Regulatory (Amendment) Act 2025 and provision was made for any statutory body or government owned company to take control and maintenance of the Champ de Mars. Accordingly, COIREC is being wound up. All its activities, assets, liabilities and obligations are being transferred to a specific entity operating under Landscope Mauritius, with clearly defined governance structure. During this transitional period, the Board is overseeing ongoing operations, ensuring compliance with all statutory obligations, and approving all matters necessary to facilitate an orderly winding-down and closure of the company.

Hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! CIVIL STATUS OFFICE, OLD GRAND PORT – REOPENING