Hon. Prime Minister!

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I have two Statements to make. (4.11 p.m.) MELROSE PRISON – INMATE ANDY SELMOUR – DEMISE First of all, I wish to make a Statement relating to the very serious incident that took place at Melrose Prison on 09 December 2025, resulting in the death of an inmate, Andy Selmour at about 20.25 hours on the same day. Madam Speaker, information provided to my Office by the Commissioner of Prisons and the Commissioner of Police has revealed some very alarmingly disturbing facts. Immediate action was taken to interdict Superintendent of Prisons, Mr Goburdhun Buldewo and Assistant Superintendent of Prisons, Vijaysing Jhurry. I am also informed that four detainees, who allegedly participated in the assault on Andy Selmour, have been identified through CCTV footage and they have been transferred to other prisons for their own security. I am further informed that the CID team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Seedeeyan, has already started an inquiry. So far, 15 statements from Prison Officers, Prisons Health Officers and several detainees have already been recorded. Strict instructions have been given to the Police that this inquiry be completed in the shortest delay possible; and the file will then be referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for necessary action. Madam Speaker, what has happened at the Prison is simply revolting! What is equally unacceptable is that this incident took place at the same prison where serious disturbances took place a few months ago on 17 July 2025. I present my sincere condolences to the family of the victim and I wish to give them the assurance that we shall do all that is possible to bring to justice all those responsible for the death of Andy Selmour. In view of the very disturbing circumstances surrounding the death of Andy Selmour, I am setting up a Board of Inquiry under section 3(1)(a) of the Public Inquiries Act to inquire into the case. The Board of Inquiry will be presided by former Judge Mr Paul Lam Shang Leen, who has been consulted and who shall be appointed to act alone on such terms and conditions as will be decided under section 8(1) and (2) of the Public Inquiries Act. I will make a further statement to the House as soon as reasonably practicable as regards the terms of reference of this Board of Inquiry, in line with section 6(1), (2) and (3) of the Public Inquiries Act.

Thank you, hon. Prime Minister. Your second Statement! SALARY COMPENSATION 2026 – QUANTUM (4.14 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I would like to make a Statement on the Salary Compensation 2026. It will be recalled that at the meeting of the Tripartite Technical Committee held under the chairmanship of hon. Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations on 26 November 2025, Statistics Mauritius informed that the inflation rate for the year 2025 is estimated at 3.7%. Yesterday, the Tripartite Committee Meeting on Salary Compensation was held under my chairmanship to consider the proposals from workers’ and employers’ representatives, and propose the quantum of salary compensation to be paid as from 01 January 2026. Representatives of employees proposed a monthly salary compensation ranging from Rs855 to Rs1,792 across the board. On the other hand, Business Mauritius proposed that a salary compensation of 3.7% be paid only to employees earning a monthly basic salary of up to Rs18,000. Madam Speaker, in view of the current fiscal situation and to restore the purchasing power of employees, Government has decided to award a monthly salary compensation of Rs635, which is equivalent to 3.7% of the National Minimum Wage of Rs17,110, to employees drawing a monthly basic salary of up to Rs50,000. The Rs50,000 threshold is consistent with last year’s policy decision for salary compensation and payment of the 14th month bonus. Some 409,400 employees will benefit from the salary compensation, of which, 89,100 in the public sector and 320,300 in the private sector. 88% of employees in the economy will, therefore, benefit from the salary compensation. The annual cost of the salary compensation is estimated at Rs3.38 billion, of which, Rs740 million will be for the public sector and Rs2.64 billion for the private sector. Madam Speaker, despite the tight fiscal situation, Government is making an exceptional effort in favour of our senior citizens and the most vulnerable groups of our society. Government has also decided to grant an increase of 3.7% to all beneficiaries of basic pensions as from 01 January 2026. These include beneficiaries of Basic Retirement Pension, Widows’ Basic Pension, Basic Invalidity Pension and Orphan’s Pension. Furthermore, Government is extending the increase to all eligible beneficiaries of Income Support, that is, those having reached 60 years but not eligible for the BRP. These measures will cover more than 350,000 beneficiaries and will cost Rs2.4 billion annually. Madam Speaker, in line with our policy focussed on compassion and inclusiveness, we are making today this effort despite the very difficult economic and fiscal context, and our commitment on fiscal consolidation. I also wish to inform the House, Madam Speaker, that I intend to make a statement on the Pay Research Bureau Report 2026 next week.

Thank you. Yes, Minister! (4.17 p.m.) BAIE DU TOMBEAU – CAP L’ESPOIR SHELTER & CHILD DAY CARE CENTRE

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, with your permission, I wish to make a statement in light of my previous replies on the situation at Shelter Cap l’Espoir and the Child Day Care Centre at Baie du Tombeau. Madam Speaker, at the time I took office in November 2024, the situation at the shelter was deeply disturbing and upsetting. Some staff had been taking advantage of their position of authority with clear impunity. For instance, – • food meant for children was being taken and carried away; • age-appropriate meals were not served to these children; • the children were made to believe that cameras were installed to watch their doings and whereabouts, and consequently, they were incited to damage same. Madam Speaker, following the absconding of minors from the shelter on 01 June 2025, Government was informed on the immediate closure of Shelter L’Oiseau du Paradis and the setting up of an internal enquiry which led to the suspension of certain staff of the National Children’s Council (NCC). Meanwhile, renovation works were initiated, training programmes were provided to enhance caregivers’ skills working at the shelter by officers of my Ministry as well as resource persons from an NGO. The shelter was re-opened on 05 December 2025, with new programmes and activities designed for children. Likewise, the situation at the Child Day Care Centre at Baie Tombeau was also disturbing, as already highlighted in my reply to the PQ at the last Sitting of the National Assembly on 09 December 2025. Madam Speaker, my Ministry has therefore embarked on a transformative journey to overhaul the service delivery for children in need of care and protection as well as the provision of early childhood services, respectively, for Cap L’Espoir and the Child Day Care Centre of Baie Tombeau. Based on the deficiencies noted at the Child Day Care Centre, immediate corrective measures were taken. The Officer-in-Charge was replaced by the Assistant Child Programme Officer of the NCC. The new Acting Officer-in-Charge was designated to reinforce operational supervision and restore compliance, pending the enlistment of a duly registered Manager. Furthermore, an upskilling session was provided by officers of my Ministry to the caregivers working at the day care centre from 24 October to 03 November 2025. In addition, they were also provided a half-day on the job training at a nearby child day care in Baie du Tombeau called Éveil Wi Nou Kapav. Madam Speaker, some serious allegations were made on Tuesday 09 December 2025 by an hon. Member who indicated that evidence would be tabled at the National Assembly. Following these allegations, an internal enquiry has been initiated by the Ministry. As soon as the documentary evidence is tabled, appropriate disciplinary or legal actions will be taken according to law. Such allegations, if proved, cannot be taken lightly. With regard to qualifications and experience, the Child Day Care Centre Regulations 2022 do not require a Manager to hold specific child care qualifications. As for child caregivers, they should hold a basic qualification in child care or at least possess three years of experience in the field of child care services. Under the regulations, due diligence is mandatory for all staff. Managers and caregivers must submit Certificates of Character and Medical Certificates before registration and, subsequently, every two years. I wish to reassure the House that my Ministry is ensuring that the provisions of the Regulations are being strictly complied with. Madam Speaker, the National Children’s Council is meant to be the key consultative and coordinating national body on activities and issues relating to children. As from May 2025, a new NCC Board was set up with a new Chairperson. The NCC is now on the right track with regard to its true mission. However, with regard to the shelter, we had to entrust the management to the NCC, for which, a Government decision was obtained, and my Ministry will endeavour to outsource the management of the shelter. Madam Speaker, as a caring government, we remain fully committed towards creating an environment conducive to the well-being and development of our children. Moreover, as a new initiative, a steering committee comprising officers of my Ministry, representatives of the NCC, two representatives of caregivers and two representatives of the children, would be set up as a monitoring mechanism for the effective running of shelters. Madam Speaker, actions have been taken by my Ministry to turn things around, yet much is to be done. A situation that has deteriorated over the last ten years cannot be changed overnight, but we will leave no stone unturned in our struggle for a better protection and development of children entrusted to us. Madam Speaker, the doors of my Ministry are open and will always remain open to welcome all those willing to contribute positively and meaningfully in the best interest of the children of our Republic. I thank you.