Madam Speaker, on 06 February 2025, I was informed by the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund, a parastatal body under the aegis of my Ministry, of two highly, disturbing incidents – (i) the circulation of a video showing an individual dancing to a Mauritian song containing foul and offensive language on the grounds of the Trou Chenilles Open Air Museum, located at the foot of Le Morne Brabant Mountain – a world heritage cultural landscape site, and (ii) the appearance of a large graffiti on the rock of Le Morne Brabant Mountain with inscription, such as ‘Jennifer’, ‘J’, ‘J.F.S’ and ‘25.01.25’. Madam Speaker, I am informed that the matter was reported to the Police on 07 February 2025 and an entry was duly recorded in the Occurrence Book at La Gaulette Police Station by an officer of Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund. I am further informed that investigations are ongoing. Upon being informed, I gave immediate instructions for the removal of the graffiti. Despite the dangerous topography of the mountain and adverse weather conditions which were prevailing at that time, the operation was completed on 19 February 2025 by a guide

45 from Le Morne Village, with the assistance of a heritage guide from Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund. The first attempt on 08 February removed 90% of the markings and the second succeeded fully. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, this was not an isolated occurrence. On 12 March 2025, a video circulated on TikTok showing two individuals sitting on the cross at the summit of Le Morne Brabant Mountain, presumably consuming alcohol. The video provoked national indignation, and the individuals concerned issued a public apology on 14 March 2025. Madam Speaker, what is of equal concern and regret is the failure of the previous government and the former Board of the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund to have ever established a formal protocol or proactive framework to prevent or swiftly address such acts. After years of relentless efforts and advocacy under the administration of the then hon. Prime Minister, Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Le Morne was proudly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Yet, despite this historic achievement, the regime that came to power in 2014, unfortunately, displayed a shocking level of neglect. For nearly a decade, they failed to implement even the most basic protective measures. No signage, no surveillance, no preventive strategy and not even a contingency plan to address acts of desecration or vandalism. Such negligence reflects a profound disregard for the preservation of one of our nation’s most sacred heritage site. Madam Speaker, upon taking cognizance of this incident, my Ministry convened an emergency meeting with Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund and launched a comprehensive set of measure, namely – (i) installation of prominent signage at key points across Le Morne cultural landscape to inform visitors of the sacredness of the site and prohibit disrespectful actions; (ii) further developed education and awareness among local communities, schools and tourists to cultivate a sense of reverence and historical consciousness; (iii) enhanced surveillance and law enforcement cooperation with relevant authorities; (iv) development of a formal contingency and incident response protocol to be administered by the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund.

46 Madam Speaker, I am pleased to inform the House that bids for signage panels have already been launched and installation will start shortly. The other measures are well underway. Furthermore, unlike my predecessors, I am taking steps to initiate a review of the Le Morne Heritage Trust Fund Act and relevant laws, with the assistance of the Attorney General’s Office, to introduce explicit provisions and appropriate sanctions against desecration, vandalism or acts causing moral damage to sacred and heritage sites. Presently, the only applicable legal provision remains section 17 of the National Heritage Fund Act 2003, which narrowly addresses unlawful damage or defacement. This legal vacuum concerning moral desecration will no longer be tolerated. Madam Speaker, my ministry remains steadfast in its mission to preserve the sanctity and dignity of Le Morne and all other heritage sites across Mauritius and we shall act with both firmness and foresight – something that regrettably has been missing for far too long. Thank you.

Thank you. We have only three minutes left. Hon. Third Member for Beau Bassin and Petite Rivière! MINISTRY OF YOUTH & SPORTS – ADVISERS (APPOINTMENT & BENEFITS)