Madam Speaker, Mr Joseph Varok Ravina, Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Rodrigues, accompanied by his officers, paid a courtesy call on me on 20 February 2025. He expressed his concerns about the disastrous effects of synthetic drugs, which have found their way to Rodrigues. During the discussion, the latter stressed the urgent need to protect the youth and sought the help of my ministry in this endeavour. Regarding sports, Mr Ravina mentioned the revival of the Jeux de Rodrigues. He has expressed the wish for the support of my ministry in this project. He has also pledged for more consideration towards Rodriguan athletes, especially in the composition of national teams. Moreover, the Commissioner has submitted proposals for the drafting of the new Sports Act. Madam Speaker, my ministry will give due consideration to the request of the Commissioner. The vision of the government has been shared with the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, and he was also reassured of the inclination of my ministry to search for youth and sports talents wherever they are, including Rodrigues.

Yes!

Mrs Henriette-Manan: Thank you, hon. Minister. Is the hon. Minister aware that there have been cases during which national sports competitions occurring in Mauritius had no participants from Rodrigues due to the unavailability of funds to cater for the flights and accommodation of participants? Will the hon. Minister consider measures, through his ministry, that can help the RRA with systematic funding for participants, qualified sportspersons from Rodrigues, to participate in high-level competition in all sports disciplines? As many are aware, Rodrigues has many qualified sportspersons who have brought national pride to the Republic.

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Madam Speaker, my Ministry will provide technical assistance for all games. However, in respect of funds, same are provided by the central Government to the Rodrigues Regional Assembly for various sectors as listed in the Fourth Schedule of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act. The Fourth Schedule lists youth and sport as one of the areas of responsibility to be exercised by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly.

Thank you. Yes!

Madam Speaker, with due respect to our autonomy, may I ask the hon. Minister whether discussion was also held with regard to the creation of a decentralised Comité régional olympique et sportif rodriguais representing all regional committees in Rodrigues?

That’s another…

There was no such discussion.

Il abuse hein. Bon, allez. The hon. Second Member for Quartier Militaire and Moka! PRIVATE GRANT-AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS – MANAGERS & ASSISTANT MANAGER