Madam Speaker, allow me to take the time of the House to underline once again that Rodrigues is an autonomous island, operating under the Rodrigues Regional Assembly Act 2001 and Section 26 (1), thereof provides that Rodrigues Regional Assembly be responsible for the formulation and implementation of policy in respect of matters relating to youth and sports. However, Madam Speaker, while respecting the autonomy of Rodrigues, I have always considered that it is my duty as Minister of the Republic to ensure that Rodriguan youths and athletes benefit from the same level of attention and support as their counterpart in Mauritius. From the very outset of my mandate, I have given special consideration to Rodrigues,

52 recognising the immense talent, determination and potential of its young people. In this context, I have already undertaken two visits to Rodrigues. My most recent visit in early September 2025 was particularly significant. Its primary objective was to hold final consultations with the sports community of Rodrigues so that their specific concerns and aspirations could be duly reflected in the provisions being made for them in the forthcoming Sports Bill. At the same time, I had the distinct honour of personally handing over cash prizes to the Rodriguan athletes who so valiantly won medals at the recent CJSOI Games in Seychelles. In total, an amount of Rs232,000 was disbursed, benefitting 17 Rodriguan athletes and three coaches. Let me emphasise, Madam Speaker, that the CJSOI Games do not normally fall under the cash prize scheme of my Ministry. In fact, in 2022 when the CJSOI Games were held in Mauritius, no cash prize was awarded to our medallists. Yet in light of the remarkable performance of our national team in Seychelles, upon my initiative, an exceptional allocation has been granted to our young medal winners and their coaches in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices. The prizes awarded were as follows – • Rs15,000 to each gold medallist; • Rs10,000 to each silver medallist; • Rs7,000 to each bronze medallist, and • Rs7,000 to each coach, and • Rs5,000 to each assistant coach. Madam Speaker, through these actions, my message is clear, while Rodrigues enjoys autonomy in youth and sports matters, this Government stands firmly by the side of Rodriguan youth, their victory are our victories, their aspirations are our aspirations and their development will always remain a national priority.

You have a supplementary? Yes!

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Will the hon. Minister undertake to table details of the beneficiaries in Rodrigues?

I have the list. The list is long. I can table the list if you want.

Thank you.

53 Yes, Mr François!

Madam Speaker, thank you. The hon. Minister mentioned that the Sports Bill is coming. May I ask him whether after he met the representatives of Movement Sportif de Rodrigues, he is agreeable to consider their request and proposal for the setting up of the CROS for Rodrigues?

We are still in discussion with the people concerned and like I said, the Sports Bill is coming very soon and you will get an idea about what we are proposing.

Thank you.

I think we might stop here for lunch. We have got two minutes. We won’t be able to go through another question. So, I raise for one and a half hour. Thank you. At 12.58 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.28 p.m., with the Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

Please, be seated. The hon. Third Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle. FERNEY-DEUX FRÈRES AREA – TRANSPORT SERVICES PROVISION – TAXI LICENCE HOLDERS