GOVERNMENT PROGRAMME 2025-2029 Order read for resuming adjourned debate on the following motion of the Second Member for Quartier Militaire & Moka (Dr. Ms B. Thannoo). “This Assembly resolves that the Government Programme 2025-2029 presented to this Assembly on Friday 24 January 2025, copy of which has been circularized amongst Honourable Members, be and is hereby approved.” Question again proposed. (6.56 p.m.) The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (Dr. A. Boolell): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, let me convey congratulations to the mover of the motion and all those who are delivering their maiden speeches. Madam Speaker, we had the privilege to listen to some awe-inspiring speeches. I feel proud to be at long last in the temple of democracy and democracy will not only prevail but, under the leadership of Prime Minister, democracy is here today and here to stay. We have to live up to expectations of a nation. What is expected of us, Madam Speaker? Transparency, accountability, reaching out for a better outreach. The people have spoken and the resounding mandate is a call for liberty, justice and solidarity. What have we witnessed since the last ten years: corruption, decadence and a government whose main agenda was to rip off this country. When the Prime Minister, in a reply to Parliamentary Question, stated that the State has been captured and we have to know the cost of the State capture. That cost has to be computed! On only one item we were told what the cost was. Why? Because big brother was watching. If we compute the cost of state capture, it would run into several billions of rupees and we have to know who are those who pocketed this money. It is true as has been rightly stated, we are in a democratic country and the demarcation line between democratic institution has to be wide and not blurred, but, let me issue a note of warning to those who serve their pockets and probably will end up with a double hernia – let me tell them – they may enjoy armchair comfortability, they may relax but the time has come for them to be arrested, arrested under the provisions of the law as has been stated very clearly in this House. Yes, the powers of the DPP had to be restored but I am sure the DPP is not next to God. Some people say he is next to God but I’m sure he will motivate his decision in relations to cases of prosecution or no prosecution, cases of major importance. This is democracy and democracy is prevailing and when we talk to people outside the ambit of this House, they feel that they are free at long last and at large. This is the reason why I say it and I say it to all of us – those who were in this House during the time that they were in power, we knew what we went through and as the then Leader of the Opposition, I had no choice but to move a Motion of Confidence in the Speaker; only seven months after the MSM government was sworn-in and we know the circumstances which provoked his departure and he was of course, replaced by the gatekeeper of the MSM. His appointment did not only make him a gatekeeper but the appointment, the nomination was a blatant rape of Parliamentary democracy, Madam Speaker. That’s what it was and we knew that their politics was a politics of collusion, the collusion between the Leader of the House and the Speaker and they turned the House into a walk-in, walk-out Parliament, selectively and arbitrarily picking on those who should be called to walk out. This is the so-called democracy that prevailed, Madam Speaker. It is over! It is over, now it is a democracy which is deeply rooted and permeated into the lives of a nation; a nation which is on the walk for better freedom, Madam Speaker. So, that is why I say when we talk of State capture, there is a call for responsibility and those who have captured the State, should be made responsible and they have to answer before a Court of Justice. Madam Speaker, when we make promises, we deliver but we deliver in relations to the provisions of the law. We do not act outside the perimetry of the law, we are law-abiding citizens. What prevailed in the past was cronyism prevailing over integrity, Madam Speaker. And it is precisely this cronyism which enabled them to hand out indiscriminately land to those who were not deserving at the expense of sectors like agriculture and blue economy because those core sectors were neglected and I will quote an architect of the green revolution of India, I will quote Dr. Swaminathan and read the message that he conveyed to student and farmers PhD students – “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.” And our nation’s food security, Madam Speaker, is at a crossroad. Yet, I have said it loud and clear, our policy is to eat what we produce and produce what we eat. Unfortunately, we have a high level of food imports in Mauritius while our local production remains below expectation and it is a situation which is untenable; one that calls for bold reform and decisive action. Under the previous regime, our food bill skyrocketed to over Rs60 billion while local production was left to stagnate. 80% of our food needs are imported, we harvested less than 12,000 tonnes of potatoes, 8000 tonnes of onions and imported more than 20,000 tonnes of fish or other seafood produced. The bulk of it is from fish farm at a cost of more than Rs550 million. Madam Speaker, if I tell you that you are an inhabitant of a small island developing State, perhaps with a high vulnerability index but if I tell you that you are a citizen of the Ocean State, I am sure you will feel very proud but Mauritius is a coastal State. UK is not a coastal State. I am not going to refer to the ruling given by tribunal under gloss nor am I going to say what was the opinion given by the International Court of Justice nor the massive vote which we reaped at the Un General Assembly nor what the Prime Minister of UK stated in the House of Commons. No, I was not privy to the conversation which he had with our Prime Minister but Mauritius is an ocean State and our Sovereignty is as clearly spelt out in our Constitution but what stops me tomorrow to say that I am going to give fishing licence for any fishing trawler company or any fishing vessel to go to any part of Chagos; to fish and bring the catch to be landed in our port. What stops me from saying this, we are a sovereign democratic State. The Prime Minister of UK in the House of Commons has stated that Mauritius is entitled to its sovereignty. Hence, the Republic of Mauritius! Why should we be a net importer of fish produced when we can go to any part of Chagos barring Diego Garcia if the deal is sealed. We do not have any fisheries partnership agreement. We are on our own. We have the authority, the moral authority, legal authority, legitimate authority to fish in our Exclusive Economic zone, Madam Speaker. So, let me say – it is time for us to achieve self-sufficiency. I do not see any reason why we have to be a net importer of fish produced and when I say self-sufficiency, not only going out for a bigger catch but I mean key crops like potatoes, onions and pulses produced locally and cross-border initiative for self-sufficiency. I just came back from a summit. Of course, the hon. Prime Minister gave me the privilege to attend a summit which was held in Kampala on Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme. They wanted us to earmark 10% of our total public expenditure to invest in full production. I made it quite clear to them that there is a threshold that we can use because we are an Ocean State. Inasmuch as we are going to invest in production inland, we have to make sure that we widen the circle of opportunities for those who are going to make the most of the Ocean State. But we have to modernise and we have to make sure that institutions deliver. We need the skills and the commitment, and this leadership is coming from this Government. For far too long, there has been indolence in this country. Time to wake up! As we say: arise, awake and stop not till the goals are reached! We are encouraging land optimisation through agro mapping and land use planning. We are going to set up special agricultural zones together with Landscope, MSIRI and the Land Use Division of the Ministry and we will publish a map with clear leases on land suitability for specific crops. India is willing to offer immediate technical assistance to accelerate the process. It is time for us to think positively and invest in digital and precision agriculture. Artificial intelligence and biotechnology to boost productivity. Strengthening Food and Agricultural Research Extension Institute (FAREI) to provide better support to farmers, notwithstanding interline cropping. Land lease will be encouraged to Public-Private Partnership. Madam Speaker, a national insurance policy for agricultural resilience will be introduced. We are actually at the level of bid evaluation committee. Would you imagine, giving the opportunity to every farmer, every planter, every grower, every breeder to be entitled to an insurance scheme! We said it and we are going to deliver. The sugar industry, Madam Speaker, is part of our national heritage and we will ensure it remains viable. Sugarcane is one of the best carbon dioxide cleansers. The previous government failed to protect small planters allowing the industry to decline. But we will reverse this trend by increasing the sugar price to Rs35,000 per ton to support small planters. It may vary from Rs38,000 to Rs45,000 per ton of sugar. Promoting special sugar for niche market to maximise return, expanding biomass production using bagasse, bamboos and cane thrash. What did they say? They said that 60% of our electricity needs will be generated from biomass. They were criminals! Today, there is a risk of power blackout because they failed to invest in renewable energy. They had no vision! This is the situation where we are! But my friend, the hon. Minister of Energy and Public Utilities is forcefully addressing this issue together with the Government. Madam Speaker, securing local production, sugar production and invest in domestic sales for appropriate measure. But you may tell me, how is it you are promising to give planters Rs35,000 per ton from the proceeds of sale of the sugar? Where will it come from? We have a domestic market and this domestic market will become a guaranteed market with a guaranteed price for small planters. Why is it that the corporate sector from SADC or the corporate sector from elsewhere should take advantage of our remunerative market in Mauritius? That market should exclusively go to small planters in the name of special and differential treatment. Madam Speaker, would you believe it, de-cultivation? I have met the promoters. These are being revitalised with special mechanised project and increase focus on value added products such as bubble tea and flavour infusion. Two high value-added projects are being implemented. Let me now turn to the blue economy. As I stated earlier, we are an Ocean State and we all ocean citizen. We will drive the blue economy by turning the port of Port Louis into a modern port to increase transhipment capacity and global competitiveness and ensuring our country becomes a key maritime hub in the region. There are four criteria which are essential to the smooth running of a modern port – (i) velocity of traffic; (ii) fronting insurance policy; (iii) bunkering and storage, (iv) stable and competitive pricing. We have to draw lessons from the success of how the port in Namibia is being run and managed. It is a success story. As I said, there are lessons to be learned. Ship chandler is a big business in Walvis port. 40,000 ships ply the sea route of the western Indian Ocean. We should be a port of call for at least 20,000 vessels. Would you believe it if I say that there are no direct shipping lines between many African ports and Port Louis nor direct shipping line between Mauritius and India? Under the decadent and filthy regime of the MSM, Mauritius received a low-ranking in-Container Port Performance Index 2022 reported by the World bank! It came at a measly 327th out of 344 ports globally! An abysmal performance indeed! So, as I have said earlier, we have to expand sustainable fisheries. The construction of a fishing port; the setting up of an international auction market; strengthening, monitoring and surveillance to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; developing marine biotechnology to exploit high value oceanic resources, and promoting aqua culture as a viable alternative to traditional fishing. Vietnam is willing to share its experience and partner with Mauritius. Launching a second National Dialogue on the Ocean Economy to drive policy innovation – the last one was held in 2013! –; setting up the largest marine protected area to ensure long term ocean sustainability; developing blue carbon sinks as part of our commitment to climate change mitigation. We will also implement a natural marine protected area to enhance biodiversity and establish a blue carbon sink, aligning with our sustainability commitment. Mauritius has a leading role to play on the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I am just about to conclude. Let me remind the House that climate change is a direct threat to life in our marine ecosystem. It is impacting on our marine ecosystem, a direct threat to food security. To build resilience, we will expand reforestation and afforestation efforts to protect soil biodiversity. Introducing smart irrigation systems and water harvesting techniques, the construction of Rivière des Anguilles Dam is long overdue. The hon. Minister of Energy and Public Utilities has given firm assurance he will deliver. Madam Speaker, I have reached almost the end of my speech. As we say, we are here today and here to stay, but also here to deliver. As an alliance which understands the meaning of changement, changement is going to be meaningful and effective. The only factor which remains constant in life is change. So, we have opted for change, hands up and outreached to one and all. Thank you very much. (7.18 p.m.)

Yes, hon. Member! Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue): Yes, Madam Speaker, thank you. So, Madam Speaker,…

Speak up! Speak up!

I am speaking up. I am just…

Getting organised!

Yes, trying to! Madam Speaker, the Government Programme, like most Government Programmes, sounds good on paper, but, then, the real test is always in the delivery. It is an ambitious programme. It is regretfully vague in places where clear promises have been made and sometimes hard to read, for example, between the line of free transportation, I still have some difficulties in understanding what Government meant in the paragraph – ‘we will put everything in place to pave the way for free transportation’, whether or not that means that we will see free transportation. Basically, Madam Speaker, the Programme is ambitious; it sounds good, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. We will see to it that Government implements its agenda and we will comment as and when we see these being done. I have said it before, cela mérite d’être dit, le gouvernement a eu une chance que peu avant ont eu pour apporter un vrai changement. Et, même si, par exemple, en tournant la seconde page du programme, on voit de belles promesses – “Government will foster ethics and integrity as core values…” Donc, on voit une promesse d’intention de changer réellement la gouvernance, et je ne peux m’empêcher, Madame la présidente, de faire un parallèle entre le cas des dépenses électorales à l’époque des Kistnen Papers qui avait été, à l’époque, repris ici dans la Chambre par le leader de l’opposition d’alors, l’honorable Mohamed, qui avait été repris, bien sûr, par Rezistans ek Alternativ sur les dépenses électorales au-dessus du palier légal qui, à juste raison, on en avait fait tout un plat et qui s’était même ensuivi d’une Private Prosecution en cour de justice, et ici, dans le cas de déclaration faite par voie d’affidavit ...

But this is not on the Programme.

Well, ethics and integrity is.

Yes.

And if you will allow me, Madam Speaker, electoral reform, political financing, free and fair election, all of which is on the Programme. So, this falls within that. Now, again, …

Except, you don’t go in the nitty-gritty of what you just said because it is still pending.

Madam Speaker, if you will not pre-empt what I am saying and allow me to deliver my speech, being the only here, save and except for hon. Franco Quirin who is independent, of the Opposition.

Carry on!

Thank you. What I was saying, Madam Speaker, again, we do not need to wait for a constitutional amendment to bring about free and fair elections, to bring about the principles of ethics and integrity in our electoral process, and we should treat matters of the same nature similarly. This is why I can only but recall how Kistnen Papers were being treated and I can only see, here, the paradox that this is being treated as if it didn’t happen. In fact. Madam Speaker, …

(Interruptions)

I did not follow you. I can’t follow you.

Si j’en crois aux déclarations qui ont été faites par certains membres du gouvernement qui sont satisfaits des explications, then I understand that it is not an issue.

Understand what?

I don’t want to go and name who said what. They will recognise themselves, but it has been that. Madam Speaker, this is a speech on the Government Programme.

Yes.

It is very wide and has been commented on largely. I will simply say, Madam Speaker, that we do not need to wait for the implementation of that part of the constitutional amendments to put the ethics and integrity in practice. If Members of Cabinet are now embroiled in what appears to be the start according to …

On a point of order, Madam Speaker!

Yes.

A real point of order! We know what is taking place; we know that the Electoral Commissioner is looking into the matter, I am sure. If it is going to the Police, the Police will be looking into the matter, but he cannot, in the House, interfere into an ongoing enquiry if there is one.

Really, you can’t.

Alright!

I ruled and I tried to tell you. I tried to tell you. It is not sub-judice yet…

Yes!

… but it is still being investigated.

Like all cases which are referred to from the past government, we understand; like all of them. What I am going to say simply is that ethics and integrity…

Okay. Carry on with ethics.

… would entail resigning from Cabinet until the provisions, in fact, of the law - there is a mechanism in the law to apply, as you may know, Madam Speaker, until those provisions are satisfied. That, in my opinion…

But you do not …

I am merely commenting … An hon. Member: Collect this man!

… would be what needed to be done.

No, you cannot …

Call him to order, Madam Speaker!

The more so, Madam Speaker, …

Hon. Member … An hon. Member: Collect this man!

(Interruptions)

You have been sitting here … I did not even hear. Hon. Member, you have been sitting…

(Interruptions)

May I? Hon. Member, you have been sitting in this Chair. You know how very difficult it is. I gave a ruling. Please, carry on with the Government Programme.

I am, Madam Speaker. Would you like me to quote?

Yes!

Okay, I will quote.

But do not …

Yes, I will quote. So, one must read the Government Programme, page 2 – “Government will foster ethics and integrity as core values in all walks of life” Page 3, there will be an Electoral Commission to be set up to bring reforms in our Electoral System. We talked about the rights of recalling Member of Parliament.

Yes!

“To enhance transparency in the political sphere, combat corruption and ensure free and fair elections [new legislation will be introduced for] funding of political parties”. So, it is relevant to what I am saying. What I am merely saying, Madam Speaker, is that my understanding is that this should be considered, when I read the phrase – “Government [which] will foster ethics and integrity as core values.” Now, Madam Speaker, let us about the same page 3. We are talking about anti-defection provisions; in the same chapter, we talk about consolidation of democracy. Now, Madam Speaker, as you see, I am alone here; the Leader of Opposition has walked out. Rightly so; I would have done the same had I not had to make this speech and because some are being bullies.

(Interruptions)

Let’s not forget, we are two in this Parliament …

Two and a half!

(Interruptions)

… and we have to listen to bullies.

Hon. Member …

To a bully, in fact! An hon. Member: Bully?

If you carry on in this vein, … An hon. Member: Taler to kone ki enn bully!

(Interruptions)

… it is not going to help anybody. Don’t forget I have come to this House to uphold the dignity of the House. We know what has happened before; we don’t want this to happen again. So, I have told you in the past, I will defend the rights of everyone, including the rights of the Opposition, and you have seen how I have acted up to now. So, don’t overdo it; don’t put me in a difficult position. That also goes for everybody else.

Yes, Madam Speaker. So, I was talking about the anti-defection provisions. I was saying, we are two! Deux malheureux membres de l’opposition!

Mais c’est comme ça !

Hopefully three soon!

(Interruptions)

Koste! Koste!

… but for now, we are two!

You see, you are provoking!

No, I am not! Madam Speaker, I am making my speech. Am I not allowed to express my views and comments on the issue?

Don’t talk about the independent Member.

But why is that? I am talking about Parliament, Madam Speaker.

He can defend himself.

Okay, fair enough! I won’t talk about hon. Quirin. Madam Speaker, anti-defection provisions! As I said, we are two, and Government has expressed the intention to consolidate democracy. That is clear from the Electoral Programme; that is clear from the Government Programme. But, Madam Speaker, one can only but ponder why is it that after the election, 60-0 plus 2 MPs from Rodrigues as is the custom, 62 for… An hon. Member: Four from Rodrigues!

Government did not see it a problem. Knowing how the Best Loser System works, how myself, hon. Lesjongard and two other Members have been appointed as Best Losers for the Opposition. I am sure, Madam Speaker, you are well aware of the provisions, the mechanism of the Best Loser system. So, the four MPs repêchés sous le système du Best Loser ont été repêchés pour servir l’Opposition.

Je n’ai jamais…

(Interruptions)

Members! I know this very well. You cannot say that. When you have the Best Loser System, if you look at the First Schedule or the Second Schedule of the Constitution, it does not say that you are going to be in the Opposition. I think hon. Bérenger has been a Best Loser in the past. It does not say where you are going.

Well, Madam…

You only… Let me say it. I know the Constitution fairly well. It only says that so-and-so, because il y a un calcul, on va nommer monsieur untel ou madame unetelle, mais on ne dit pas où cette personne doit siéger. Je n’ai jamais vu cela nulle part !

Madam Speaker, it follows that if two different alliances have faced each other at an election in Rodrigues, that two of them must be from the Opposition…

(Interruptions)

No, I will not….

Madam Speaker, on a point of order!

Yes, yes.

We have a Constitution, we have an Electoral Commission; we go by the law. He cannot be allowed to challenge what has happened. He is out of order!

Of course, hon. Member…

(Interruptions)

You have already gone beyond your time because I am giving so many rulings!

I understood from the…

I will give you time.

No, but I…

I will give you a little bit more time…

Madam Speaker…

…but you cannot raise such issues in this debate!

It is our understanding with the Whip that time has not been limited, curtailed for this debate for the Opposition.

Of course! Of course!

It is not!

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member: Come back to earth!

I have. I have… An hon. Member: Happy hour…

I am not aware of the time allocated to me!

(Interruptions)

But don’t… in any case…

(Interruptions)

Okay, I will give you time. You had ten minutes from the paper that I have. If you would have called on me this morning, we would have sorted things out.

(Interruptions)

Mais, I will invite you next time to come and see me and I say that…

(Interruptions)

DPM, please! I am saying to everybody…

Okay, let me move on since I have no time…

No, but let me say to everyone. You are free to come and see me in my office when you do not understand something, or if you want, you can contact me even by phone. We did talk on the phone today.

Yes, Madam Speaker.

Okay, I am giving you some more time but do not…

So, how much time do I have exactly? 10 minutes? An hon. Member: 10 minutes!

(Interruptions)

You did have ten minutes, but you are left with five minutes now.

Okay, Madam Speaker.

I give you five minutes now.

Let me move on.

Yes.

I come back to the answers…

(Interruptions)

Members!

…given by the Prime Minister on the last occasion during the Prime Minister’s Question Time regarding the massive scandal, that is, phone tapping.

Yes.

Right. Now, there is provision in the Government Programme to bring legislation to, of course, ensure that covert surveillance is carried out strictly and necessarily for the purpose of prevention of crime. However, from the reply given by the Prime Minister, the questions arise now as follows with regard to the uncovering of data that is being done. The first question is whether this legislation which I suspect will come after the exercise of enquiry has reached sufficient stage of uncovering data. I would ask the Prime Minister to come up with a proper safeguard. Either, I have asked for the appointment of a Commission of Inquiry, that is, to shed light on the whole affair and I think he has understood the point. But the other point, with regard to data that has now been uncovered, which is being retrieved, I am asking the Prime Minister, pending this new legislation, to put it under some sort of judicial oversight, judicial control so we know, we are sure that data which – do not forget is unlawfully obtained anyway – is not subject to, and I am not saying by the Prime Minister, I am not saying that. I am saying by any person who might be same persons who have done it before. How do we know? So, make sure if you are not prepared and I think you should go with the Commission of Inquiry, make sure that you put proper standards, safeguards; independent safeguards in place before uncovering the data which you were confident in your answer, hon. Prime Minister, that you would have got. So, that is my question. Secondly, Madam Speaker, I hope that this new legislation will be set up and headed by either a former Judge of the Supreme Court or a former Judge of the Commonwealth as an oversight so that we ensure…

You do not mean as an oversight. That would mean something else.

Well, as a form of control.

I know what you mean, but it is not the word.

The Commission would have oversight of the actions.

Okay.

It is what I mean, as an oversight of whatever is being done to ensure that it is for covert surveillance in line with the detection of crime and national security. We understand; perhaps it cannot be made through a Parliament Committee because of sensitive information but there has to be some control and oversight. Now, with regard to the appointment of senior officials, Senior Officials Appointment Committee, I have read in their programme that it is to be done à la Seychelloise. This was not said in the Government Programme but it is said in the manifesto, à la Seychelloise. It says – « Recrutement ou nomination des responsables des institutions publiques importantes par un Constitutional and other Appointments Authority à la Seychelloise (…) » And, Madam Speaker, do you know how it is done in Seychelles, the Constitutional Appointment Authority (CAA)? First of all, the composition is key. Appointment, that was my point to the hon. Attorney General earlier as well. The appointment is key and how is the appointment made? There, there is President obviously with executive powers. Out of five members of the Commission, he appoints two. The Leader of Opposition appoints two and the four members agree on the appointment of the Chairperson – the fifth member. Any subsequent filling of seats is done in the same manner. Now, the appointments to be made, Chief Justice. There they call it Auditor General similar to the Director of Audit and Attorney General etc. Other important constitutional appointments are done in a transparent manner. There is a call for candidacy. Then of course, it will go through the applications and then once it has deliberated, it will make recommendations to the President. And for the President to not act on the deliberations, he would have to have a reason, a valuable one and if there is more than one recommendation, then notes are given to the President saying that this choice is better or this choice. So, Madam Speaker, the question is: is this Senior Official Appointment Committee à la Seychelloise – because this is what is done in Seychelles, this is the crux of it.

Do not repeat yourself, you are…

Is this…

Time is almost up.

Is this Commission Committee…

Please, round up.

…going to be done…

Round up!

Do we mean à la Seychelloise in that we are going to have parity of members appointed by the Executive and by the Leader of Opposition? Is this what you mean or is it merely a board, a commission that recommends? How is it going to recommend? How is it going to invite for candidacy? All of this, I hope, will be explained…

Now…

…by Members of l’Alliance, but, Madam Speaker, I…

(Interruptions)

The Leader of Opposition is not here. He is not.

No, but you cannot take his time!

We are two Members of the Opposition…

(Interruptions)

…and I have had to deal with this for half of the speech! So, I would ask you for some additional time.

(Interruptions)

I gave you…

Otherwise, you should have stopped them, Madam Speaker!

I gave you five more minutes. I am giving you one minute to round up because…

Well, Madam Speaker, there is a lot to say!

There was no need for you to explain the Seychelles’ method!

There is, Madam Speaker, because that is important! Because it is said black on white; it is a promise! I am merely seeking explanations as to why à la seychelloise has not been referred to. I can go on. The case of, for example, provisional charges…

You are not rounding up!

I will round up. An hon. Member: He is arguing, but…

Because you know how many things…

I will round up.

You know how many issues one can raise regarding that programme?

Yes, I will round up, Madam Speaker. I will round up with provisional charges. It is not part of the programme.

Okay!

And I hope, I hope because we have seen the abuse of provisional charges. An hon. Member: Pe fer cauchemars lor la!

(Interruptions)

So, you are making a proposal.

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member: To pena nanien, to pe koz dan…!

(Interruptions)

I think there is consensus on the abuse of the system and the practice of provisional charges.

Exactly! That’s what I have gathered.

I hope! I call upon the Attorney General. And I must say, Madam Speaker, I cannot just criticise, that the Attorney General is doing a remarkable job in the programme with regard to the legislation that he is bringing. I will say the same for the Minister of Education. I think he has done a remarkable job as well. But for the rest, Madam…

(Interruptions)

Chut ! Il est en train de faire des compliments. Essayez de rester tranquille !

(Interruptions)

For the rest, Madam Speaker, I will simply say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.

Of course!

If I can conclude, Madam Speaker, I will conclude on only one thing. According to the Moody’s latest report, and if we believe Mr Sushil Khushiram, who is a respected economist…

Don’t bring foreigners in the debate, please!

…if we believe the analysis…

I have read it, but don’t bring him there!

…fiscal consolidation which is being expected from this Government means increasing revenue, that is, taxes, and decreasing spending. I will finish by saying that half of this programme provides for increased spending on social benefits, which according to Mr Khushiram, is the obvious…

Madam Speaker, we all read the report.

(Interruptions)

Mr Khushiram is not here!

Enfin!

Somebody else did that also on the other side. We cannot bring strangers…

I will table, if you want, his report.

Pa konn nanien sa…

No, you are making a speech! You are making a speech!

But I am making a speech!

Don’t table anything! It is not time for tabling! You are supposed to round up now! An hon. Member: Time over!

I am rounding up by saying Moody’s expects Government, whether they form that expectation on their own or through consultation, to increase revenue, that is, taxes and decrease spending. It must be very difficult for any government, not just this one, to execute the programme on which they have been elected.

Atann budget!

(Interruptions)

So, Madam Speaker, that is the conclusion. The conclusion is that…

(Interruptions)

Wait for the pudding to be ready! Wait for the pudding to be ready!

The conclusion is, Madam Speaker…

I have read Khushiram’s…

Yes, I am coming to the conclusion. An hon. Member: Pou fer konklizion…

Madam Speaker, if I am being interrupted like this…

But you have said three times that you are concluding!

But I have to repeat myself!

(Interruptions)

I cannot even hear myself thanks to the remarks.

(Interruptions)

You are not putting order! I am sorry to say, Madam Speaker!

It is difficult because of time. You know why? Because it is a difficult time of the night. You know what happens when people are hungry. You know! An hon. Member: Thirsty! Thirsty!

Madam Speaker, let me simply say… An hon. Member: You know when people are thirsty!

(Interruptions)

Order! Order!

If I get…

(Interruptions)

Madam Speaker, if I get interrupted 10 times, I have to repeat myself 10 times. Because every time I start a sentence, someone behind me is making comments. In front of me, they are making comments.

But they would not…

If they allow me to conclude, Madam Speaker, I will.

I have allowed you three times already!

No, not you, Madam Speaker. Those around! Those who do not want to listen to that one Opposition MP making his speech.

(Interruptions)

So, Madam Speaker, my conclusion is…

Please keep quiet so that we will be able to listen to that conclusion.

No!

It better be very good.

I have trimmed down my speech by 95%. I will come to the most important, the conclusion. In light of Moody’s expectations that it has formed…

Atann bidze!

…and, in fact, in light of what experts are saying, they should not wait for the budget. These should come now.

Okay!

In light of the fact that Statistics Mauritius, that the Financial Secretary, who, according to the State of the Economy Report, has played a role in falsifying figures. These experts are saying he has to be taken to task. Then, I will ask the hon. Minister of Finance, the Prime Minister, that…

(Interruptions)

Madam Speaker, we…

(Interruptions)

Mais moi, je vous écoute !

But I can’t, I am sorry!

(Interruptions)

Je vais lever la séance si ça continue ! Laissez-le terminer!

But then, should I just talk in this noise? Thats it?

No, but…

Is it just the point of talking?

You are taking time to finish your sentence!

Because I am getting interrupted, Madam Speaker! I am trying to make a speech; I am getting interrupted at every word I say!

C’est déjà vingt minutes !

Look, if it is like that, I will sit down. The Prime Minister will answer!

(Interruptions)

Okay. Hon. Members, I know it is difficult.

It is difficult to be a single Opposition!

Aster to’nn konpran!

Hon. Member!

Ki aster?

(Interruptions)

Ki aster? Mo pa ti donn twa bien ? Pa ti donn twa bien ?

Ah là, ça va pas là!

Pa ti donn twa bien ?

Hon. Members!

Al guete! Mo ti donn 15 minit adisyonel lor PNQ…

Souser!

To’nn bien zouir laba !

Al guete! Al guete!

Souser!

Al guete!

To’nn bien zouir! An hon. Member: Maja karo!

Al guete !

Stop it!

(Interruptions)

Stop it, hon. Members!

Al guete !

To pa dir pou MSM…

Stop it!

Lor PNQ Kistnen, mo’nn donn 15 minit adisyonel mwa! Personn pa’nn fer sa dan PNQ!

(Interruptions)

I am not going to tolerate this anymore! An hon. Member: Pas par linpos pou gagn pansion ! Pansion Speaker!

(Interruptions)

I am raising now! We are going to break for one hour for dinner. Yes, we need one hour to get back to our senses! At 7.46 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 8.55 p.m. with the Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

Please be seated! Dr. the hon. Mrs Jeetun!

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I stand here today and I have to say it is the biggest privilege of my life to serve the people of my country. For too long our country has been held back politically, socially and economically. It is time for us to move forward to break the deadlock and to set ourselves free. We want more, we demand more. More for Mauritius, more for the people of Mauritius. But before I talk about how to achieve that, let me tell you why this is so personal to me. My story reflects the experiences of many Mauritians. Born in Triolet to a bus driver who was barely literate and a mother who never went to school and never had the opportunities in life. I saw personally both the problems our people suffer and the determinations that define them. Education transformed my life as it has for so many others. Our economy has grown rapidly and we are one of the top performing countries in Sub- Saharan Africa. Our country is transformed, but today we are at a crossroad, not taking us forward but allowing us to slide backward. Look at the state we are in. Look at the state of our economy. Look at the state of our failing infrastructure, failing health service, unreliable water supplies, energy sector at the brink of a collapse, roads with one of the highest death rates in the world, inflation, cost of living crisis, and too many great brains, too many talents leaving our country for foreign countries. Look at the state of our institutions: lacking basic integrity and trust, adharma – immorality as Lord Krishna would have said to Arjun in Bhagavad Gita – debates suppressed, dissent squashed, contracts not issued fairly but given through nepotism, drugs, mass surveillance everywhere we see, there was evil. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the foundation of our country is broken. The foundation of our society is broken. I love my country and I am very proud of our country. Today, we demand more from Mauritius. The people have voted to end the era of moral decay, the era of economic decay, to eradicate the evils. The people have voted for change. The people, Mr Deputy Speaker Sir, now expect delivery. They demand execution and they want to see the results and this is precisely what this government is going to do. The Presidential Address – ‘A Bridge to the Future’ is not a long list of good intentions and plans. We will deliver it piece by piece. We will prioritise where needed, not everything can be done in the first few months of our mandate or the first year. We will need to adapt to changing circumstances if needed but our commitment to the people of this country is that come what may, we are going to build and rebuild the foundation of this country inch by inch. We will fix the economy; we will fix the debt problem and we will fix the issue of trust in public institutions. No more consumption-driven economic model which has been a recipe from hell for our household because of the dependency on imports. As the House is aware, government has put in place a Steering Committee for the monitoring of delivery of its program for the next five years and under the able leadership of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister with their strategic vision, maturity and wisdom, we will establish clear KPIs for delivery. Two months ago, we took cognizance of the state of the economy and the fiscal mess that the country was in. It was nothing less than a wake-up call. We found ourselves at the brink of a disaster and we feared from the worst from Moody’s. Last week, we learnt that Moody’s maintained their rating of BAA3 but downgraded from stable to negative. As an expert has so rightly put it recently, this is Moody’s final warning. We have a year to 18 months to sort out this economic mess that we have found ourselves in at the start of the road to recovery, the bridge to future. There will be tough times ahead while fiscal consolidation is pursued, increasing government’s revenue, reducing government’s spending, reducing government deficit, public debt to be brought to a tolerable level. So, big challenges lay ahead. We will need to stay strong, stay resilient and stay together. We will need to stay focused and aligned while we navigate these choppy waters over the coming month but I am convinced that, Mr Deputy Speaker Sir that the people of this country have voted pour un “langage de verité” and we will stand together to fight this battle because we can either continue to close our eyes and pretend we push the can down the road as the previous government did but we are a country of hard-working people. We will get back to work and the reward will follow. Let me commend the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister for the vision to re-establish the Ministry of Financial Services and Economic Planning. As a nation, we need to understand and appreciate that they want to leave a legacy; a legacy for the future generations, a country standing on solid foundation and a vision and a roadmap for the future and I thank them profoundly for giving me this portfolio. For too long, our country has lacked a clear, cohesive and coherent vision. Today, the world is changing in an unimaginable way. The financial crisis post- COVID, post-Ukraine war, nations and enterprises are grappling in unknown territories, uncharted waters. Climate change is impacting people’s life profoundly. Technology is moving so fast that what comes out today is obsolete tomorrow and populism that feeds on social media shaking the core of our democracies all around the world. It is in this background and context that the Economic Planning Ministry has been restored and will set out the vision for the next 10 /20/25 years. We will not only produce a vision but also a roadmap for the execution of that vision with clear target and achievable goals, setting out resources needed to execute that plan and most importantly, evaluation and monitoring so we can keep track of the progress, adapt and change when needed. Our traditional sectors have served us well but in the new world order, we no longer can have comparative advantage in many of those sectors. We cannot compete with low-cost countries and as Raghuram Rajan has so well said – “We will need to break the mould, assess our strength and weaknesses, lay the foundation for new sectors to emerge, move up the value chain in existing sectors such as financial services, reshape our future economic foundation and development model that is fit for the new world order.” So, the long-term vision with a clear roadmap for 2050 is what we will produce. This is the new Mauritius for the next generation. So, our youngsters are inspired not to leave the country and can see a future for themselves here. We will elaborate a National Planning Framework to provide the structure and coordination mechanism needed to develop and implement the national plan by ensuring that all sectors, all stakeholders and resources align to achieve long-term sustainable development. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, engagement is key. No development will be successful without the full participation of the people. An economic and social development for the people should be with the people. The participation of citizens, academia, businesses and civil society organisation in shaping Mauritius future enhances ownership, promotes accountability and cultivates a stance of national unity. My Ministry would therefore ensure broad-based national consultation with all stakeholders in the process of formulation of economic strategies and reform. The National Planning Framework will align national efforts towards a common vision, optimising limited resources adapting to global challenges and ensuring accountability and transparency. The National Planning Framework would be more than just a tool, it will be a structure to unite, to prioritise and coordinate efforts to develop and achieve a sustainable national vision. By ensuring efficient resource use, by fostering stakeholder collaboration and by addressing global challenges, the framework lays the foundation for a resilient inclusive and prosperous future. We will ensure, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that planning is followed by effective implementation, underpinned by accountability, efficiency and the required means to realise those projects. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, due to lack of cohesive economic planning in the past, we have missed out on significant investment and job creation opportunities. We will therefore strengthen decision-making process by feeding economic and social analysis into policy formulation and the reform process. We will undertake a comprehensive review of our sectors of economy, develop a plan that will allow the consolidation and diversification of existing sectors while encouraging emergence of new one. To harness the full potential of technology and innovation, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, my Ministry has sought the assistance of the UN Economic Commission for Africa to design a National Fintech Strategy. We shall also plan for more efficient resource allocation as government prioritises spending and investment in areas that align with our vision and development goals. The ultimate objective of the Vision 2050 is to upgrade Mauritius to a high-income status but with a framework for social justice so every citizen can go up that escalator and not be left behind. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the other aspect that I will speak about now is on the financial services sector which currently contributes to 13.8% of our GDP. It has become the main contributor to GDP, overtaking traditional engines of growth. Global business has shown robust performance contributing 8% of GDP and carries an enormous potential for sustained growth. Since I joined in November 2024, I have been engaging in with many key stakeholders. The aim is to produce a framework for enhancing value creation and upscaling while dealing with inefficiencies, challenges and constraints. We are undertaking a thorough review of the Mauritius International Financial centre with regard to brand position, reputation and recognition. The new strategic plan will consolidate the reputation and image of Mauritius while improving its product offering, the quality and speed of service delivery. We want to enhance organisational and operational efficiencies, get rid of bureaucratic red tapes seriously compromising efficiency and timeliness. Since I took the helm of this Ministry, I have been receiving many complaints targeting operational inefficiencies. I am concerned that we have shied away businesses and investors. This is simply not acceptable. So, we shall be relentless in our fight against crippling bureaucracy and inefficiencies. We shall strive for a major culture change within Government institutions for an improved approach to supervision and enforcement of policies aligned with international standards. This is critical as we cannot afford to be again on the Grey List ever. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, ever since I took office, I have prioritised this engagement to make sure that we are aligned on future orientation. Among the agencies at hand, we will focus on rebuilding the Mauritius brand, reinforcing our standing as a highly compliant financial hub in the face of ever-changing markets and investor needs and increasing sophistication level. This said, we will strengthen our historic ties with India while continuing to boost our competitiveness by tapping other markets. Africa is no longer a choice, but an imperative. AML/CFT is a very important department of our Ministry. When I arrived the national risk assessment was long overdue. Putting a closure to this assessment is a top priority for us. The mutual evaluation exercise of Mauritius whereby we need to demonstrate technical compliance and effectiveness is scheduled for 2027. So, while Mauritius is compliant or largely compliant with all the 40 FATF recommendations, some initiatives are in progress to ensure that Mauritius remains fully compliant with risk assessment requirements. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me now come to a matter that is very close to me and deeply impacting all our economic sectors, all enterprises and the financial services very much so. The issue of talent recruitment and talent retention. The competition for talent, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, is global. The competition among IFCs is prevalent which explains why many of our professionals are leaving for other IFCs. We are exporting the one thing that we not be proud of. Year after year, we are exporting our best brains. I am all for people acquiring international experience. I have myself been working abroad. but we are now in an era of national emergency regarding skilled workforce. We will work on policies and measures to attract our diaspora back to their homeland. Without the right people, growth will remain an elusive aim. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we have taken office amid a dire set of circumstances and an economy on the brink. There are three things I believe can make a difference for the future. Firstly, we want us to rediscover our sense of ambition as a nation. The reason our country became much more than it was in the past is because we wanted to be much more than we were in the past. Where has that spirit gone? We need to restore that big vision, that sense of mission, that ambition. To create a vision for a country with an education system that is fit for purpose, a health service that meets people’s needs and a Government that stands for honesty, decency and integrity, are values that we hold dear. Second, we want to restore the link between hard work and reward. I have huge respect for small businesses, entrepreneurs, farmers, fishermen, self-employed, professionals who give this country what we need. But our country must give them back what they need. We cannot have their hard-earned wealth squandered through corruption and nepotism. Third, we want ours to be a country where there are opportunities for all. I made it to the top in the private sector through hard work. I want every young Mauritian to know that if they work hard, they will have an opportunity to reach the top. In the public sector and in the private sector, there should be no barriers to anyone’s success. No one should be held back because of their gender, their race, their religion or anything else. So, ours, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, is a grand vision. It is a grand mission and it is a grand ambition. Now, we want to work with the people to change our story. Let us write the next chapter of Mauritius, a chapter of innovation, opportunity and shared prosperity. A chapter where every Mauritian can shape their own destiny. The time has come for a new Mauritius. One that honours our heritage while boldly stepping into the future. One where our children’s dreams are limited only by their imagination, not their circumstances. A new Mauritius with new opportunities and a new mission for a new future. I thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Thank you. Hon. Ameer Meea! (9.17 p.m.)

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. It is with a deep sense of honour that I am participating in the debate on the Presidential Address of the Government Programme 2025-2029 today. Let me seize this occasion to heartfully thank the hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, and the hon. Deputy Prime Minister, hon. Paul Bérenger for believing in my capabilities and entrusting me with the ministerial portfolio of Industry, SME and Cooperatives. I was elected as a Member of Parliament for the first time in 2010. I wish to thank all my constituents for having placed their trust in me for four consecutive mandates. For many years, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I had the privilege of serving my country in the Opposition. It was a role I embraced with dedication, humility and integrity as a member of the MMM party under the leadership of hon. Paul Bérenger. Today, as I stand here in a new role and capacity as Minister in this Government, I carry forward the same principles that have always guided me. But now, with the added responsibility of contributing to the governance and progress of our nation. At the outset, I wish to assure the Mauritian population that they can now breath freely as the days of fear, oppression, demagogy and surveillance are gone, are over. These were the mantras of the previous government which they cherished to suppress our democratic rights with the illusion of remaining eternally in power. People have said enough is enough and they voted massively on 10 November 2024 for a change in political leadership that would usher into a new era of freedom, socio-empowerment and economic prosperity. I must say that as Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, I have inherited from a precarious situation which has put at stake the capacity of these sectors to generate sufficient wealth for long term prosperity. In the field of manufacturing, this deplorable state of affairs has caused much prejudice to industry operators who are battling hard to navigate through the turbulences. This has led to a fissure in the foundation of the manufacturing base that need to be restored, consolidated and fortified in our objective to revamp and accelerate industrial development for the country. Until 2014, industrial development was on progressive trajectory and I will give the figures set forth to contribute significantly towards wealth creation as part of a vision to make Mauritius a high-income economy. All economic fundamentals pertaining to manufacturing were on the optimistic side and our enterprises were evolving on the fast lane, affirming their capabilities to play in the premier league of industrialised nations. This bright scenario was the outcome of the right mix of policies, strategies and support programmes put in place by the then government to accompany manufacturing enterprises in their development process. The coming into power of the MSM government in 2015 was a disaster for industrial development and this is fully evidenced by the statistical data which outlines the regressing performance of manufacturing activities over the past decade. Indeed, during all this time Mauritius has experience a substantial erosion of its manufacturing base with contraction in the size of industry, significant drop in employment, dwindling domestic exports and low level of FDI. For example, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the number of EOEs (Export Oriented Enterprises) which stood at 300 in 2014 went down in 2023 to 231. The same tendency was witnessed on DOEs (Domestic Oriented Enterprises) which decreased from 384 to 280 in 2023. Similarly, employment in manufacturing which was more than 100,000 in 2014 declined to less than 85,000 in 2023. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, furthermore, domestic exports which stood to Rs50 billion in 2014 plateaued to only Rs50 billion, but when you take into account the depreciation of the rupee vis-à-vis the dollar, now it represents Rs35 billion which is a decrease of 30% of exports for Mauritius. So, we have lost 30% of export from 2014 to now; this is MSM legacy, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Broadening and expansion of the manufacturing base has also stalled over the last ten years due to lack of consideration on behalf of relevant authority to attract foreign investment in new areas of growth rather which are likely to bring in higher value addition, increase exports and access to high paid jobs. This dismaying situation has resulted into a mere annual average of 5% of total gross direct investment inflows over the past decades being channelled towards the manufacturing sector. I have demonstrated that the previous government completely failed in the mission to advance the industrial development agenda of the country. It is a fact that the manufacturing sector is the backbone of the economy in terms of employment generation and foreign exchange earnings. As a matter of fact, immediate and utmost considerations should be given to revive the sector for future growth and that is what this government has embarked on. We are going to win this battle with the able leadership of the Prime Minister. The Government Programme 2025-2029 has outlined critical areas of intervention that would be the driving forces to move up the ladder of industrial progress. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as soon as I assumed office, I have met with business associations, be it Business Mauritius, the MCCI, MEXA, SME Federations and as well as other industry operators to discuss ways and means to address bottlenecks impending on smooth operation of enterprises and to chart out a common vison that would be propitious for the sector to unlock its full potential for sustainable growth. In the same vein, my Ministry is organising les Assises de l'industrie 2025 on the 13 February 2025, that is, next week, where all stakeholders – we will not choose who is with the MMM or the Labour Party, we will invite all stakeholders – forming part of the industrial ecosystem who would have the opportunity to brainstorm and submit constructive proposals for the future sustainable development of the manufacturing sector. This will also be an occasion to renew constructive dialogue with the private sector which has been somehow marginalised under the previous political regime which came forward with controversial economic decision without proper consultation. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is a fact that Mauritius has lost grounds in some of its traditional export markets, particularly in Europe. In view of fierce competition from low cost producing countries, there is an urgent need to rebalance our exports destination in an attempt to cushion against market setbacks that could occur in the future. As at now, we have signed free trade agreements with China, India, UAE and continental Africa which offers the possibilities to tap a huge market of billions of people. Unfortunately, the previous government laid little emphasis on export promotions that is so vital to portray our visibility of these markets. Indeed, the Government Programme has highlighted the necessity to carry out more targeted marketing and promotion campaigns in an endeavour to make a meaningful breakthrough in these emerging and new markets while at the same time consolidating our foothold in traditional exports. It is reckoned that the EDB as our investment and export promotion institution has not devoted sufficient resources to promote the manufacturing sector as an engine of growth. This is evidenced by the very few targeted investment and export promotion activities carried out over the past years for the manufacturing sector. I note with satisfaction that the Government Programme provides for a fundamental review of the role and functions of the EDB to focus on boosting productive investment and export promotion across all sectors of the economy. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, it is a fact that for EDB, for the last ten years, the focus was on real estate; the focus was on financial services and résultat des courses – export has declined, manufacturing has declined, as I said – I have already given the figures. So, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, to successfully carry out our mission to give renew dynamism to the manufacturing sector, I will be having discussions with the Ministry of Finance in regard to the role of export and investment promotion for the manufacturing sector through the establishment of a separate agency purposely oriented towards this objective. In my view, my vision for this Ministry is that we need to come back to the model of former media. We need to come back to Mauritius Export Development Investment Authority like used to be in the 1980’s and 90s which was fully under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry and was the driving force for the successful industrial process of the country that took place in the 80s, 90s and on which we are leveraging today to move forward. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me move on to the SME sector because time is going on quickly. I will now comment on the SME sector which also falls under the…

You have got some minutes.

…under my ministerial portfolio. It is reckoned that the SMEs constitute also the backbone of our economy, contributing around 47% of total employment, 34% to gross domestic value and 6% to export. SMEs operate in almost all sectors of the economy, ranging from manufacturing, tourism, construction, retail trade, agriculture, fisheries, transports, among others. Since I assumed office, I have been able to make a proper assessment of the SME sector and it is very unfortunate to note that the sector has been left on its own without any strategic direction and proper consideration in respect of the assistance required from Government to enable our entrepreneurs to overcome challenges successfully. In the first instance, the SME Act of 2017 will be amended to introduce new provisions that enhance access to finance, simplify administrative procedures and create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship. These amendments will focus on improving governance, facilitating digital transformation and strengthening support mechanism for SMEs and startups. At the same time, a host of initiatives will be introduced in an endeavour to boost the overall competitiveness of SMEs. This will include, inter alia, access to affordable credit, tax incentives for startups and a tailored support mechanism to assist enterprises into exports market. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, let me come to cooperative sector. The cooperative sector was also left behind during the reign of the MSM Government whereby many cooperative societies ceased operations. Indeed, I had the opportunity to meet some representatives of cooperative societies and many of them have voiced out their concerns regarding unhealthy situation prevailing in the sector that has brought about a stagnation in this development. I firmly believe it is time to review the foundations upon which the cooperative movement is evolving today, particularly in regard to financial management, good governance, transparency and digital integration, taking into consideration the success stories of India, France and Malaysia. I wish to mention that presently, we have 1,410 active cooperative societies, regrouping around 87,500 members. The sector generates an annual turnover of Rs4.8 billion and it represents in more than 25 socioeconomic activities. And I should emphasise that Government remains committed to giving a new impetus to the cooperative movement as evidenced by the host of measures enunciated in the Government Programme. One of the key measures pertains to the review of existing Cooperative Act of 2016 to align it with international best practices established by the Financial Action Task Force. This exercise will serve to protect cooperative credit unions against money laundering, terrorist financing practices. Additionally, Government will introduce an innovative package of incentives to strengthen the capabilities and competitiveness of cooperative societies. To conclude, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Government Programme also advocates the adoption of a Fair-Trade Certification as a means to encourage cooperatives to adhere to the concept of fair prices and decent working conditions. As at now, there are some 20 cooperatives in the sugarcane plantation activity that are already fair trade certified and other societies will be encouraged to embark on this way. On the whole, Government has a new vision. Government has a new vision for the industry, SME and cooperative sectors. We will go the extra mile to bring the feel-good factor to comfort and motivate the business community so that they participate fully in the economic progress of the country. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, may we all work together to build a brighter, more inclusive and prosperous future for all. I am done, thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Hon. Ms Collet! (9.34 p.m.) Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues): Merci, M. le président. D’abord, je tiens à vous féliciter pour votre investiture, ainsi que celle du Premier ministre, ministre de Rodrigues, de son vice-Premier ministre et de l’Attorney General, et bien sûr je n’oublie pas tous les autres membres de cette auguste Assemblée, incluant les députés correctionnels. Alors, depuis le 11 novembre 2024, un nouveau chapitre de l’histoire de la République s’écrit, et le peuple attends avec impatience l’exécution d’un programme gouvernemental pour les cinq ans à venir, et il nous faut ne laisser personne derrière. Alors, M. le président, nous travaillons aujourd’hui pour que chaque action gouvernementale favorise l’épanouissement et le bonheur quoi que subjectif de notre peuple. Et moi, comme députée de Rodrigues, ma mission première est de défendre les intérêts du peuple de Rodrigues, une île qui nous savons tous, contribue beaucoup dans le blue economy de la république. Je salue, bien sûr, le travail déjà commencé par mes prédécesseurs parlementaires et mon Leader, l’honorable François, et le programme gouvernemental à l’ordre du jour à plusieurs axes qui rejoins la vision de l’Organisation du Peuple de Rodrigues, l’OPR, et les axes de nos plusieurs manifestes électoraux, et je dirais même que c’est vice-versa. De ce fait, M. le président, au nom de l’OPR, j’ambitionne à sécuriser l’engagement du gouvernement central pour les projets nécessaires à l’avancement de Rodrigues comme 21ème circonscription. Je voudrais mettre l’accent sur la diplomatie parlementaire, la transparence et la responsabilité dans mon appuis à ce programme 2025-2029. Au nom de mon peuple, je souhaite un vrai développement durable du secteur de l’eau, sa production, son traitement et une distribution équitable, car l’eau, c’est la vie et mon peuple a soif. Mon peuple doit vivre et non survivre seulement. Au nom du peuple de Rodrigues, M. le président, je dis stop aux files d’attentes pour accéder aux services publics. Lake kontwar NLTA, lake kontwar MRA, lake kontwar pou gagn biye avion pour les vols domestiques, lake pou debark containers des aliments pour les animaux, lake pou gagn baille agricole, commercial, résidentiel, lake pou benefisie enn bon lakaz, lake pou gagn travay alternatif dans le secteur de la pêche à l’ourite. Excusez-moi, M. le président, pour mes unparliamentary words, mais la vérité est bonne à dire. Rétablissons la confiance et la dignité du peuple de Rodrigues. Alors mon rêve, M. le président, est de voir chaque citoyen activer sa capacité, où chacun s’assume et se respecte, chacun cultive l’excellence. Chacun a sa place. J’écoute mon peuple qui a des aspirations, des attentes et une participation active aux prises de décisions le concernant, particulièrement celles qui impactent son avenir. J’en appelle à l’unité et à la solidarité au sein de cette Assemblée. Pour honorer notre hymne national, travaillons ensemble as one people, as one nation, in peace, justice and liberty pour notre peuple. Je salue le programme gouvernemental 2025-2029 qui, me semble-t-il, est axé surtout sur la protection du peuple et la restauration de la situation économique. Bien sûr, cela inclut toute une révision de notre fiscalité. Nous devons, M. le président, travailler ensemble pour combattre la pauvreté, le chômage, la discrimination qui est tout le temps négative, les fléaux sociaux, la criminalité, la corruption. Nous devons aussi promouvoir l’investissement pour la prospérité de nos îles et développer des prestations sociales adaptées aux réalités de nos îles respectives. M. le président, Rodrigues a des ambitions économiques, notamment avec l’agrandissement de l’aéroport et un deuxième câble optique pour développer le secteur de la communication, du commerce électronique et de l’innovation dans le système de l’éducation et des services publics tel le e-Health. L’heure est à la technologie et l’innovation pour l’île Rodrigues. Et il est crucial d’avoir aussi un plan sérieux d’aménagement du territoire tout en respectant les droits et les libertés de chaque individu et de notre environnement. Nos îles ne sont pas du tout épargnées des crises mondiales : changements climatiques, crises sanitaires, crises alimentaires. Avec ce programme gouvernemental, il est temps de préparer notre peuple à faire face à ces crises. En tant que représentante de Rodrigues, et surtout de la jeunesse Rodriguaise, je réitère mon engagement à défendre les intérêts de la jeunesse de Rodrigues, protéger Rodrigues pour la génération à venir à travers les interventions sur les lois et les mesures qui impacteront directement l’île Rodrigues. Et je souhaite que ce gouvernement protège la culture de nos îles afin que l’histoire retienne que cette huitième Assemblée nationale laisse un héritage digne de ce nom pour les générations futures. Merci beaucoup, M. le président.

Thank you. Hon. Quirin! (9.41 p.m.) Mr F. Quirin (Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière): Merci, M. le président. Permettez-moi, tout d’abord, de remercier les électrices et les électeurs de ma circonscription, Beau-Bassin-Petite Rivière, de m’avoir fait confiance pour un quatrième mandat consécutif. Je continuerai à les servir avec la même sincérité et la même assiduité, comme ce fut le cas durant ces quinze dernières années. M. le président, vu le temps limité qui m’est alloué, j’ai choisi d’axer mon intervention, essentiellement, sur le problème de la drogue à Maurice, ces conséquences et les solutions qu’on pourrait retenir dans un premier temps. On dit souvent que la santé d’un pays se mesure à la santé de sa population. Notre société vit, aujourd’hui, un calvaire avec les différentes drogues qui sont en train de ravager notre jeunesse et de détruire des milliers de cellules familiales. Ce n’est point un hasard si le mot ‘drogue’ figure douze fois dans le discours programme du gouvernement de l’Alliance du Changement. M. le président, une scène de désolation s’étend sur tous les coins et recoins du pays. Les nouvelles substances psychoactives ou drogues synthétiques, plus faciles à se procurer et moins chères que les autres types de drogues, transforment les nombreux consommateurs en zombies. Selon une enquête menée en 2024 par Afrobarometer, les Mauriciens considèrent la prolifération des drogues et ses dégâts comme le deuxième problème le plus urgent après le coût de la vie. Au rythme où les choses ont évolué depuis, en si peu de temps, je ne serai pas étonné que ce problème soit devenu la préoccupation majeure des Mauriciens. De son côté, M. le président, l’Observatoire national des drogues a noté en 2021 que le nombre d’hospitalisations liées aux drogues dans les établissements publics s’élevait à 900 et concernait principalement les jeunes âgés entre 20 et 34 ans. Quatre ans après, ce nombre a probablement doublé. Les drogues mises en cause dans la majorité des cas sont l’héroïne et les nouvelles substances psychoactives, simik, dans le langage populaire. Le plus inquiétant, M. le président, ces cas sont répandus dans tout le pays et ont une incidence similaire dans les villes comme dans les villages, et cela, à travers toutes les couches sociales. M. le président, le trafic de drogue est l’occasion pour certains de se faire de l’argent facile et je ne parle pas de centaines de milliers de roupies, mais de plusieurs centaines de millions. Rendez-vous compte, l’ADSU a saisi, pour la période s’étendant de juillet 2023 à juin 2024, une quantité de drogues d’une valeur de R 1,461,597,904. Pourtant, les travailleurs sociaux et ceux qui sont sur le terrain sont unanimes, la quantité de drogues en circulation dépasse largement le nombre de drogues saisies et peut fournir l’île pendant des années. Ce business criminel fonctionne telle une économie parallèle. M. le président, cela a encouragé l’émergence de gang organisés, au sein duquel opèrent des gros bras, des récidivistes notoires, et même des mineurs qui sont malheureusement utilisés pour écouler la marchandise ou pour donner l’alerte lorsque arrivent les policiers. Des quartiers sont pris d’assaut et les drogues sont vendues comme des petits pains. Il semble que tout le monde sait où s’en procurer, sauf la police ! Je fais cependant confiance au nouveau commissaire de police pour redynamiser ses troupes afin que la population puisse à nouveau avoir confiance en la force policière. Il est primordial, M. le président, que plus de policiers soient déployés dans les unités antidrogues dans les différents postes de police et que des descentes et des patrouilles régulières soient effectuées pour contrer le trafic et agir aussi comme une arme de dissuasion. La prolifération de la drogue est liée à la situation de law and order dans le pays. La consommation de drogue engendre la violence. Les agressions se font fréquentes dans les maisons et dans les rues. Les cas de vols sont en hausse. Je peux comprendre que face à cette montée de violence, les forces de l’ordre sont souvent dépassées. Il est grand temps, M. le président, d’employer la manière forte s’il le faut, voire d’avoir recours à des patrouilles armées dans certains quartiers pour justement éviter que certaines parties de notre île soient transformées en favelas ou quartiers chauds de Colombie. Quid même de faire appel à nos soldats de la SMF en renfort s’il s’avère qu’il y a un manque d’effectif au niveau de la force régulière ou dans les unités antidrogues. M. le président, pas plus tard que mardi dernier, j’avais adressé une question au Premier ministre sur le nombre d’accidents survenus lorsque les conducteurs étaient sous l’influence de la drogue. Les statistiques pour 2023-2024 indiquent que 1,073 automobilistes ont été verbalisés pour conduite sous influence. Les réseaux sociaux sont pollués ces derniers temps de vidéos montrant des automobilistes sous l’influence de drogues, figés et incapables de réagir. Ils représentent un grand danger sur nos routes, d’où ma suggestion au Premier ministre, mardi dernier, pour que les chauffeurs de transports publics soient régulièrement testés pour voir s’ils ont consommé une quelconque substance illicite. M. le président, la consommation de drogue entraine de nombreux problèmes de santé, tel que les maladies infectieuses dont le VIH et les hépatites, les troubles mentaux, les overdoses et, bien sûr et malheureusement, les décès. Le trafique de drogue alimente la criminalité notamment les vols, la violence et la corruption. La toxicomanie fragilise les familles, entraine l’exclusion sociale et nui au développement économique du pays. M. le président, la présence de drogue dans les établissements scolaires est également un sujet qui interpelle. Nous voyons l’émergence de jeunes dealers alors que d’autres trouvent des astuces pour introduire ces produits illicites en classe. Dans ce sens, l’appel des ONG pour que la porte des écoles leur soit ouverte pour mener des campagnes de prévention ne doive pas tomber dans l’oreille d’un sourd, leur aide serait plus que salutaire. D’autre part, je salue l’annonce faite à la Chambre mardi dernier par le Premier ministre à l’effet qu’une agence nationale contre la drogue verra le jour bientôt. Dans ce contexte, il est nécessaire d’écouter la voix des nombreux travailleurs sociaux qui sont connectés à la réalité du terrain. Nous avons besoin d’avoir des idées nouvelles, de nouvelles propositions venant de personnes qui consacrent toute leur énergie à comprendre et à combattre la problématique de la drogue. M. le président, nous ne sommes plus dans la période 90 à 2000. En 2025, les types de drogues, les profiles des consommateurs et les techniques de vente ont évolué. Donc, les ressources matérielles, humaines et financières pour les combattre doivent être au niveau requis dans ce nouvel air. Justement, M. le président, en parlant d’air nouvel, nous sommes à l’époque des générations Z et Alpha. À Maurice, les études démontrent que les plus gros consommateurs de cannabis se trouvent dans la tranche d’âge de 15 à 30 ans. Ouvrons les yeux, ne soyons pas hypocrite et disons les choses comme elles sont. La marijuana est populaire parmi les jeunes qui en consomment à domicile, dans la rue, dans les fêtes, dans les concerts en autre. Malheureusement, les drogues synthétiques, tout autant populaire dans cette tranche d’âge mais beaucoup plus nocives pour la santé physique et mentale. Surtout qu’une étude de l’UNODC a récemment classé Maurice à la première place en matière de consommation de drogue synthétique en Afrique et septième sur 193 pays de l’UNODC, une réputation qui ne fait honneur au pays. M. le président, vu la situation chaotique de la drogue à Maurice et la monté en flèche de la drogue de synthèse, une des solutions proposées par les travailleurs sociaux pour freiner sa prolifération et la dépénalisation du cannabis. Vu le constat d’échec d’une politique de répression, certains pays ont adopté une approche plus souple en tolérant la consommation personnelle en petite quantité mais en épargnant pas les trafiquants. Les peines pour ceux qui dépassent la limite autoriser sont moins lourdes, allant d’une amande à des travaux d’intérêt général. En 2024, M. le président, 44 pays dans le monde ont dépénalisé l’utilisation du cannabis. M. le président, je crois qu’il est temps de laisser les travailleurs sociaux, les ONGS et surtout la population mauricienne décider s’il faut dépénaliser le cannabis ou pas. Je lance donc un appel au gouvernement pour un débat national suivi d’un referendum, si besoin est, sur le sujet. Je vais conclure, M. le président, mon intervention, en affirmant que le problème de la drogue est l’affaire de tout le monde. L’heure est venue de passer à l’action. Déclarons une guerre sans merci aux trafiquants de drogues et trouvons ensemble des solutions pour soulager la souffrance de ces milliers de familles qui sont victimes du narcotrafic. Anou netway nou pei ! Protégeons notre jeunesse et nos enfants ! Je vous remercie.

Thank you, hon. Member. Hon. Minister Ramful! (9.53 p.m.) The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (Mr D. Ramful): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, before I embark on our international relations strategy, allow me to share with the House and also the public at large because they are the tax payers on how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was being run under the MSM Government. Of course, when the Audit Report will be coming out in a few weeks’ time, certainly you will be apprised on how public money was being wasted but allow me for the time being, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, de vous donner un avant-goût. In 2022, when the High Commissioner of Maputo assumed duty, quotations were launched for renting of a fully furnished house. However, the High Commissioner refused to move in any of the apartments that were on offer: the offers were between 3,000 to 5,000 USD monthly, supposedly on security ground. Despite the fact that the accommodations were found in regions previously occupied by the former Ambassador. Instead, he preferred to stay in a hotel for 11 months and I wonder how a hotel could be more secured that an ambassador’s residence and thereafter, he agreed to move in an accommodation at a monthly rate of 7,000 USD monthly. You know in the meantime, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, he pocketed Rs2.5 m., taxpayers’ money as rent which he had allegedly paid during his stay at the hotel for 11 months without even giving any breakdown of the expenses that he had allegedly incurred. En 2021, again the MSM regime, a decision was taken to sell a government owned property in Washington as it was in a dilapidated state and was unoccupied. The proceeds were to be used for the acquisition of a new premises to accommodate the new Ambassador. Up until now, on est en 2025, the property has not been sold. In the meantime, Rs10 m. taxpayers’ money were spent for the maintenance of the apartment, the value of the property in the meantime had decreased by 30%. During that period, …

Maja karo !

…we paid Rs1,723,000 as insurance premiums for an unoccupied property and we had incurred a total expenditure of Rs18 m. for rental of an alternative accommodation for the Ambassador between September 2021 to June 2024.

Abus!

Je n’ai pas encore terminé. En 2017,… An hon. Member: Mahen Jhugroo!

They are all MSM … An hon. Member: Cronies!

…. chatwas.

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member: Boir disan lepep!

In 2017, the residence of the First Secretary in Paris – again owned by government, they are all government properties – en 2017, that property was vacated for renovation works. Up until now, eight years after, no renovation works have been carried out instead an alternate accommodation was rented and the payment for the rental amount to Rs8.9 m. En 2019, the High Commissioner’s residence in London, again a government owned property, was vacated because of renovation works. Up until now no renovation work has been carried out. Again, a rented apartment was taken to house the High Commissioner who renewed the annual lease despite the fact that in September 2023, an alternate government-owned apartment was available in Wimbledon. He preferred to stay in the rented apartment at a monthly rental of Rs511,000 par mois. The total rent for his stay amounted to Rs24.2 million of taxpayers’ money. In the meantime, the apartment in London and Wimbledon, government-owned property remained unoccupied, and we paid for those unoccupied apartments, council tax to the tune of Rs1.5 million. Bann fantom ti pe res ladan, nou ti pe pay tax pou bann fantom. In 2022… An hon. Member: Ankor la?

Tro buku. Lalis-la long. This one is worse. In 2022, Government had spent Rs238 million for the construction of a new building in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to accommodate the Chancery, the home-based staff and the Ambassador. The Ambassador refused to move in that new building, R 238 million, he refused to move in that building. The floor assigned to him remained unoccupied since June 2022, and in the meantime, Government had to pay an additional sum of Rs8.4 million to accommodate the Ambassador in a rented accommodation. This is how public money was being wasted under the MSM regime, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. Busgeet – chatwa again! Not only that, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, but they were also creating jobs for the boys. They were spending public money to please their acolytes, their agents. They created five additional posts for Ambassadors in January 2024, and these Ambassadors were specifically tasked to head the directorates at my Ministry here in Mauritius. Five Minister-Counsellors, two of whom were posted abroad, one in Paris and one in Washington, were appointed to fill these five posts of Ambassadors. As at the end of 2024, two of these newly appointed Ambassadors were still. They were supposed to be here in Mauritius to head the directorates, but they were still posted in Paris and in Washington and have not been called back to head the directorates at my Ministry. So, we had – you can only have this in a Banana Republic – in our two missions abroad in Paris and the other in Washington, they were headed by two Ambassadors each and so only under an MSM-government can you have that. Two Ambassadors without any demarcation in one mission with a career diplomat working under a political appointee, and this is against protocol. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the list of abuses of public funds is very long, and I can go on and on. Unauthorised… Unfortunately, time is of the essence. An hon. Member: Koze, koze. Pena problem!

Unauthorised use of official diplomatic vehicles; abuses on leave entitlement; logbooks do not tally with the odometer of the official cars. This was how unfortunately, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Ministry was being run, and do you know why? Because we had a part-time Minister, part of the time he was in the office and part of the time, he was in a stag parties at Grand Bassin. This is why the Ministry was being run in such manner. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as for as this government’s international relation strategies are concerned, our vision is to make of Mauritius, an indispensable investment destination, leveraging its strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, Asia and Europe. More importantly, we need to rethink our Africa strategy. Over the next decade –I was reading an article in the Economist last week – over the next decade, Africa’s shares of the world’s population is expected to reach 21%. As the rest of the world ages, Africa will become a crucial source of labour with more than half of the young people entering the global workforce in 2023 will be affected. It is one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world, 1.7 billion consumer market with consumer expenditures of about 2.1 milliard USD in the next decade. This is a great opportunity for us to capitalise on our free trade agreement and to break barriers by enhancing regional integration through SADC, COMESA and the African continental free trade agreement and in fact, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, we must applaud our hon. Prime Minister and our hon. Deputy Prime Minister, two men of vision and it is with pride that as an African nation, we can say that our hon. Prime Minister’s first official overseas visit after getting re-elected will be at the Summit of the African Union. Unfortunately, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the previous government has failed in its African strategy. In fact, what we witnessed under the previous government was not an African strategy; it was an African tragedy. This is what we had witnessed under the previous government. You will remember en 2014, the Labour Government had set up the Mauritius Africa Fund Ltd. with the aim of promoting Mauritian investments into Africa. We committed Rs500 million for investment in Africa. However, a few months after, there was a change in government and they placed people lacking experience, incompetent people as they always do – the MSM. So, they placed someone who lacks experience. And, apparently, they had opened six Special Purpose Vehicles. Madagascar Investment Holding Ltd, Madagascar SPV, Côte d’Ivoire Investment Holding Ltd., Côte d’Ivoire SPV, Senegal SPV phase 2, Ghana SPV – very good. They injected approximately Rs200 million of public funds through equity finance to finance projects in these countries where they had set up those SPVs. The operational expenses for those SPVs amounted to 88, nearly Rs100 million. In July 2024, all of our SPVs were wound up except for the ones in Madagascar. All of them were wound up. There has been not a single investment through the SPVs despite having injected millions of public’s money in those SPVs. This was the unfortunate fate of our African strategy under the MSM government. So, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, allow me, before I end to thank the people of my constituency for having, once again, given me and my two colleagues, hon. Lukeeram and hon. Apollon their trust and support. I also wish to thank the hon. Prime Minister for having given me the ministerial responsibility for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade. I hope to deliver to his expectation and to the expectations of the people. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir.

Hon. Damry! (10.10 p.m.) The Junior Minister of Finance (Mr D. Damry): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Government means business. I will not be as entertaining as my predecessor and I will instead have a very serious conversation on macroeconomics stability and economic growth. Padanomics aided and abetted by the previous Prime Minister betrayed the nation. Firstly, they dilapidated the entire fiscal space. Secondly, they manipulated economic data with sheer impunity. This betrayal has been nothing short of criminal negligence if not economic crime. We have taken remedial actions since Government has taken office and the remedial actions are focused on four sectors – (i) fiscal consolidation; (ii) economic reforms; (iii) restructuring of parastatals, and (iv) economic growth agenda. On fiscal consolidation, we have to reduce public debt from 83.4% and fiscal deficit from 8.6% to sustainable level. We also have to bring down food inflation that soared to 33%. What can I say about State owned enterprises? The previous government plundered their finances and they have left contingent liabilities that are adding tremendous pressure on national public debt. Luckily, we have the economic leadership of the hon. Prime Minister and we have a very credible economic team. Moody’s reaffirmed the BAA3 ratings. However, it came with a very severe caution of negative outlook. Here, I would like to take the House to June 2017 in South Africa. Same situation, but South Africa did not succeed in its fiscal consolidation and reform agenda. In March 2020, its sovereign ratings were downgraded to junk. Having said that, this Government will not let this happen. You know why? Because, guess what? What were the ratings in 2014? BAA1. What was public debt in 2014? Below 60%. This Government is also going back to performance-based budgeting instead of line budgeting in an attempt to put KPIs to all sectors. So, this means more work for this Government. What happened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as described by hon. Minister Ramful, is under performance-based budgeting. It cannot happen again. I like to take inspiration from Singapore. So, let us look at the reserve policies of Singapore. As you all know, reserves are managed by central banks all over the world. However, in Singapore’s budget, there is special item, a special line called The National Investment Return Contribution. What does it mean? So, Singapore manages its reserves through three means – 1. the central bank, the monetary authority of Singapore; 2. something called the General Investment Corporation of Singapore, and 3. Temasek. Hon. Members, Singapore’s reserve contributions are marked to 3.5% of its GDP and 20% of its annual budget. Maybe we can take some inspiration from there. Let me now come to parastatals. As my colleague, hon. Ameer Meea said, we need to restructure, for instance, the EDB. The mission of the EDB under the previous government was to go on overseas missions. They could not attract foreign investment. If they attracted foreign investment, it was solely focused on real estate. You take the MRA Customs. So, the World bank has a report on performance in terms of port logistics. The MRA Customs ranks 90 out of some 130 countries. So, I think we need to give KPIs to parastatals. Maybe we should give a KPI to MRA Customs to at least come in the 50%. Same goes for EDB. Diversify your investor base. Bring FDI in sectors where the productivity of capital is much higher. I would like to say one more thing about the EDB. The EDB had a very important mission in the economy of Mauritius. It was to ensure that the Ease of Doing Business ranking of Mauritius remained first, which was the ranking we left in 2014. First in Africa! You know where it is today? Well, the Ease of Doing Business Report does not exist. It is the B-Ready Report and we are 4th or 5th. So, we have to once again give the mandate to the EDB so that we become number one in Africa again. These are the sort of things that we engaging in. You do not increase revenue merely through tax as one hon. Member said earlier. You also increase revenue through economic growth. We have a growth agenda and our growth agenda is focused on new sectors: productivity, innovation and investment, not consumption. Consumption economy is like sugar. The more sugar you consume, diabetes. It is the same for an economy. It is very simple. Productivity delivers growth and consumption delivers debt. So, let us take the digital economy. I will just talk on one aspect. Firstly, what is the digital economy? If you look at the past ten years and you ask anyone in this House or in the private sector to define the digital economy, you will not have it. But if you go to Singapore, you go to the UK, you go to any services economy in the world, the digital economy contributes at least 16-17% of GDP. So, let me clarify for the sake of the House. The digital economy comprises two value adds. One value add is from the ICT, traditional ICT economy which is about 6% currently in Mauritius. The second value add comes from the digitalisation of other services such as healthcare, education, transport, financial services to Fintech. Where are we? The previous government did nothing to stimulate growth, but this Government will do it because we have the competency to do it, we have the exposure to do it and we have the experience to do it. I would touch on one thing, International Policies. You know, we talked about the Mauritius-Africa Strategy and I think we were all shocked to learn that Mauritius was suspended from the SADC. So, what kind of Mauritius-Africa Strategy is that? We looked at the DTA with India, Mauritius’ DTA used to rank number 1 in terms of advantages for investments going into India. Today, we are at number 4 or 5, despite the historical traditional ties that Mauritius shares with India – Netherlands is number one; UAE is ahead of us. Economic policy, I would like to share a personal story. I was in Silicon Valley a few years ago and I bumped into a guy. Well, we were in a conference and we started speaking in English and he told me: ‘tou korek?’. So, I said, yeah ‘tou korek’, Mauritian yeah, Silicon Valley! It was a place called BLOCK71 in Silicon Valley and what is BLOCK71? So, you have the Singapore government that has an economic, like we have High Commissions, so they have an Economic Incubator & Accelerator in Singapore and they choose companies, they facilitate startups from Singapore to go to Silicon Valley and try to succeed. And, this guy, maybe some of you know him, he sold his company to E-Bay for a lot of millions. Mauritian goes to Singapore, sells his company in Silicon Valley. Why could he not do it from Mauritius? Why? So, you know, economic diplomacy has changed; diplomacy, international relations are a very important part of the economy. Firstly, with due respect, you need to have the exposure of what’s going on in the economy today, and this is a huge drawback of the previous government. They had no clue, absolutely no clue of what was going on in the global economy. Take the blue economy, where are we? Take India, our closest cultural and economic partner today. India has 7,500 square km of maritime territory; Mauritius has 2000 square km of maritime territory; it’s not that far. India’s blue economy contributes 4% to the GPD of India. What does the Mauritian blue economy contribute to our GDP?

Zéro!

Another failure, but friends, it is not all doom and gloom; this Government has the team and we have a singularity of mission and purpose to implement this Government Programme. Because it is about the singularity of mission and purpose, I would like to end with, you know, I am from Business School and when you talk about mission in a business school, they always share a story with you. So, I will share the story with you. Hopefully, it can inspire us, here. So, you had President John Kennedy, he went to the premises of NASA when they were preparing to launch Apollo 11. He was walking down the corridor and he asked the janitor: “Hello, good morning. How are you? What are you doing here?” The Janitor replied: “President, I am helping to land a man on the moon.”. That’s what the janitor said. So, let’s make a twist with destiny here. Let’s all try to be a bridge to the future and implement the Government Programme. Thank you.

Hon. Dr. Aumeer! (10.22 p.m.) Dr. F. Aumeer (Third Member Port-Louis South & Port-Louis Central): Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir. To debate 114 minutes of the Government Programme in 10 minutes demands a feat. I will just hit on a few aspects. I would just like to make a broad comment on what the hon. Member of the Opposition, hon. Adrien Duval – unfortunately, he is not here – when he related the landslide victory during the election, on what he believes, was because of the Moustass Leaks. I do think he was living in Alice in Wonderland because he had not seen the enthusiasm, the massive turnout, the energy and the people who were coming towards us with their overwhelming support, be it at Plaine Magnien, be it in Flacq, be it in Triolet, in Plaine Verte, in Rose hill. We had one idea; the writings were on the wall, people were fed up with that government because of nepotism, breakdown of law and order, scourge of drugs, increase in rising cost, murder of one’s self agent amongst so many things and the violation of democracy.

BLD!

BLD! The state of the economy, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, is a disastrous and perilous state of affairs as depicted by the hon. Prime Minister only a couple of weeks ago. Despite the usual kase-ranze of figures that they had tried to justify, we all heard how he himself, the Member of the Opposition, the hon. Adrien Duval, is trying to work out whether there would be an answer from his former pal, the Minister of Finance, to justify the figures. But unfortunately, he is still waiting. The litmus test for what he said about the Moustass Leaks, the immediate dismantling of massive surveillance by the hon. Prime Minister once he took his seat in the Government. Had it not been the hon. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, himself, taking measures immediately after the election, Mauritius would have found itself downgraded by Moody’s which initially in 2014, we were a Baa1; we now, luckily, stayed at Baa3 because of our transparency of figures which is honest and a reliable picture of the irresponsible legacy of the outgoing government. But, more so, because we are reinforcing good governance, restoring trust and credibility in our financial institutions. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, strengthening our democracy comes in line with a new era in the landscape of democracy. With the setting up of an Electoral College for the president- elect, the local government will be surely set within time frame and ensuring that all the constitutional reforms that we are aiming to have will represent the will and desire of the population of this country who voted for such a massive change. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the fight against drug and corruption must be a relentless setting up of select committees, as mentioned recently, the National Drug Agency; restoring trust in the Police and effective enforcement of law and order. The public is more than eager to see that the Government walks the talk. We do not want to be seen as a nation of zombies as we are seeing currently these days across the country with no specific entities in any community. The ongoing police enquiries on the beneficiaries of the MIC is a commendable start and there is so much public expectation in regard to those who created that monster that served only the blue-eyed boys of the MSM and his cronies and they should be called to answer for their deeds. From the Molnupiravir saga, the Silver Bank, Eco Deer Park, the death of Soopramanien Kistnen, the Serenity Gate, the St-Louis Gate, amongst so many others the Government has a pledge towards the people of this country to see to it that those kinn fote, those kinn defons lakes, those kinn tap plin should answer. MauBank and Juda were only, last night, a trailer; the best is to come. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in combatting fraud and corruption, we are also assisting a major step, today itself, where the Financial Crimes Commission Bill was debated for second reading. Those dark days, 13 months ago when the initial Bill was passed, had two main objectives: persecute its political opponents, particularly the Prime Minister, and impeach and limit the powers of the DPP. My friends, a couple of hours ago, those barbaric clauses of the Bill were repealed; we were here when you could not do anything because of the supremacy of numbers they had. Mauritius will breathe once again the independence and transparency of our judicial and legal institutions. M. le président, je voudrai maintenant commenter sur certaines propositions faites dans le programme gouvernemental en ce qui concerne le ministère de la Santé. Tout d’abord, je salue les initiatives qui mettent l’accent sur l’importance d’avoir des établissements de soins tertiaire grâce à la création d’un hôpital obstétrique-gynécologie et celle de la pédiatrie. Et pourquoi pas durant ce mandat, on aura les soins quaternaires, qui seront géniaux. Les soins tertiaires exigent une logistique sophistiquée, et une expertise professionnelle très spécifique. En tant que moi-même consultant dans la pratique, le manque de personnel, la pénurie d’infirmières qualifiées, et comme Madame Dr. Jeetun l’avait dit, l’émigration de nos meilleurs éléments, c’est là que nous devons encourager et concentrer, avoir des offres attrayantes et encourager les jeunes sortant de l’école et les titulaires de diplômes universitaires à rejoindre la grande famille des prestataires de soins de santé. Deuxièmement, fournir un accès transparent à ceux qui veulent chercher une formation spécialisée, qu’il s’agisse des bourses ou d’une formation pratique à part entière dans des centres étrangers. Ces bourses, ces formations de pratique ne doivent pas être seulement réservés aux petits copains comme cela a été dans le passé, mais doit être sur mérite. La mise en place de deux centres tertiaires à mon avis, doit avoir des objectifs très claires – réduire le taux de mortalité et de morbidité maternelle et aussi celle de mortalité et morbidité périnatale. Et cela ne peut pas être réalisé seulement avec la création des établissements très sophistiqués mais il faut avoir et promouvoir les professionnels à tirer des leçons, des tristes histoires, des cas qui ne sont pas parfois signalés et même non-examinés. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, ma proposition de demander une enquête confidentielle et je propose qu’on en fait une enquête confidentielle, sur les décès maternels et des mort-nés. Le Premier ministre qui a fait ses études en Angleterre sait de quoi je parle. Confidential Enquiry into stillbirth and maternal death should be a three-year programme so that each and every single individual and professional in the medical field be made to know and understand. It is not pointing finger; it is not to be accountable but to learn from the lessons. Ce gouvernement, à travers cela, pourrait viser à garantir que toutes les femmes enceintes et qui ont récemment accouché reçoivent les meilleurs soins possibles dispensés dans les cadres les plus appropriés et en tenant compte de leurs besoins individuels. A titre d’exemple et c’est regrettable que je le dise, cette jeune femme qui a accouché récemment à Rodrigues et qui est retournée à Maurice et puis, elle est décédée. C’est une révélation. M. le président, pourquoi dis-je cela ? Nos sœurs et frères à Rodrigues méritent le plus haut niveau de soins de santé. Je suis très préoccupé par une pratique établie, selon lesquelles les gynécologues de l’île Maurice sont envoyés à tour de rôle à Rodrigues sur un roster d’un mois. Vous imaginez qu’une femme enceinte qui demande neuf mois de traitements et commence son traitement à partir du deuxième mois, doit voir sept gynécologues différents avant qu’elle accouche ? On n’aurait pas ce qu’on appelle ‘des soins spécialisés’. Ce gouvernement est là pour un changement et le changement doit être ressenti au niveau local. On ne peut pas accepter que les sœurs et les futures mamans de Rodrigues ont un tel traitement. Je vous supplie de revoir cette pratique. Bien que nous ayons des soins spécialisés, nous ne pouvons pas accepter cela et je lance un appel pour que cela change. M. le président, le traitement à l’étranger, il s’agit en effet d’une décision audacieuse selon laquelle la couverture complète des coûts de traitements à l’étranger pour les patients seront totalement fournis et quand ce n’est pas disponible localement, oui nous devrons l’applaudir contrairement au gouvernement précédent où les soins de santé à l’étranger étaient ciblés. En effet, aujourd’hui, il existe un large éventail d’expertise disponible dans le secteur privé et public à Maurice. Le grand exemple est : quelques jours d’ici, le ministre de la Santé a lui-même procédé au lancement de la chirurgie oncologique à l’hôpital de Solferino.

I am giving you two additional minutes, please.

Thank you for that. What I am going to say is very important. M. le président, nous avons tous été accrochés, et cela c’est important. Nous avons tous ici été accrochés, invités à contribuer, à faire des dons aux patients ou patientes qui doivent se faire soigner à l’étranger. Ce qui est très troublant est que dans de nombreux cas, de tels traitements sont bien disponibles dans les hôpitaux privés et publics mais, ces malheureux patients et parents sont attirés par quelques organisations médicales pour aller à l’étranger, recevoir un énorme devis et commencer à collecter de l’argent. Mon ami, mon collègue de la circonscription, honorable Osman Mahomed était avec moi quand on a essayé de convaincre un patient qu’il ne fallait pas collecter R 700 000, on pouvait le faire dans 24 heures. Et le résultat, il nous a carrément refusé. Dans de nombreux cas que j’ai rencontrés, un tel traitement magique n’a ni seulement passé le test de bonne gouvernance, ce qu’on appelle good evidence medical practice, mais malheureusement, plusieurs de ces patients sont retournés à Maurice et sont décédés à moins de trois mois d’intervalle. M. le président, trop de ces organisations médicales poussent comme des champignons et profitent des personnes fragiles et vulnérables. Je recommande donc au gouvernement à travers le ministre de la Santé, dans un esprit de changement, d’adopter de nouvelles régulations concernant ces entités médicales et des entreprises qui promettent des traitements à l’étranger. Bien que je prône l’importance des centres d’excellence pour les conditions médicales à l’étranger qui ne sont pas totalement traitables à Maurice, je suis parfois perplexe devant la promesse d’un traitement qui ne changera pas d’un iota la condition des malheureux. Pour terminer, je vais vous citer l’exemple de ce gouvernement du Changement à son apogée. Toute l’île Maurice fut choquée quand une jeune femme qui était à la Croisette de Grand Baie a eu ses pieds broyés et vraiment endommagés et il était évident qu’il fallait un traitement rapide, dédié dans un sens spécialisé à l’étranger. Son évacuation médicale fut faite dans un temps record en moins de 26 heures grâce à l’intervention du Premier ministre et son équipe. Mais, l’ironie du sort est ce même Premier ministre qui avait contracté le Covid devait attendre 126 heures avant son évacuation médicale. Voilà ce qu’est le changement, voilà ce qu’est le pont vers l’avenir. Je dirai à tous ceux qui m’écoutent, surtout ceux qui étaient dans le gouvernement d’avant et qui ont bénéficié des largesses comme l’a raconté le ministre des Affaires étrangères, ces vautours et ces prédateurs des coffres de l’Etat durant ces dix dernières années, le retour et le réveil sera brutal, car le lion est de retour. Merci.

Thank you. I understand hon. Edouard will not address the House today. So, I call upon hon. Ms Babooram.

Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, I beg to move for the adjournment of the debate. Dr. Boolell rose and seconded. Question put and agreed to. Debate adjourned accordingly.