(Withdrawn)

Thank you. Time is up! Hon. Prime Minister!

88 MOTION SUSPENSION OF S.O. 10(2)

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that all the business on today’s Order Paper be exempted from the provisions of paragraph (2) of Standing Order 10. The Deputy Prime Minister rose and seconded. Question put and agreed to. STATEMENT BY MINISTER SUGAR INVESTMENT TRUST – ECONOMIC COLLAPSE (4.07 p.m.) The Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries (Dr. A. Boolell): Madam Speaker, with your permission, I wish to make a Statement with regard to the Sugar Investment Trust (SIT). The Sugar Investment Trust is on the verge of an economic collapse. It is owned by some 40,000 small planters who own 95% of a company. The remaining 5% shareholding is owned by Government. The Sugar Investment Trust has accumulated a debt of around Rs1.6 billion over the last ten years. It is being driven by deficit at all levels and within all its clusters, inter alia, Land Holdings, Leisure, Property and Corporate Services. The Sugar Investment Trust is generating losses to the tune of Rs150 million annually and debt levels increasing by around 10% annually. This recurring trend from the last ten years has led to a deterioration of the asset base of the company coupled by a deep negative cash flow and a fragile balance sheet with all its assets encumbered with charges and pledges. Overdrafts are being employed to pay salaries and other auxiliary dues. The previous management has been engaged in massive mismanagement and inaccurate reporting. The situation of the SIT is as follows –

89 (i) In 2014, the SIT’s share valuation stood at Rs15,000 per share and has since, been depleted of its value by more than 92 %. The net asset value per share has fallen to Rs1.78; (ii) The SIT has pledged all remaining assets against debts; (iii) In 2014, the SIT had a land bank of 7,000 arpents and is today left only with 2,100 arpents; (iv) The sale of the land has been made with no benchmarking, no official valuations, and conducted in an unprofessional manner discounted by more than 40-60% below normal market rates; (v) In many instances, related party individuals, that is, directors and other related entities have engaged with the SIT to purchase these discounted lands, never settled accordingly, but continued to harvest sugarcane thereon; (vi) The proceeds of the above land sale have never been employed to repay outstanding liabilities, but rather to re-launch property projects with overstated costs and understated selling rates; (vii) According to SBM, loans of the SIT are close to reaching stage 3, that is, close to entering seizure proceedings; (viii) The SIT has invested in the rental building at Ebène named ‘The Core’. This asset has cost the SIT Rs876 m. and has totally been financed by liabilities. The return on investment on this building is very low and is not adequate to service the debt incurred thereof; (ix) The Sugar Investment Trust income stream comprises Rs30 m. from rental; Rs35 m. from 10,000 tons of sugarcane cultivated on 265 hectares of land which adds up to approximately Rs65 m. Finance costs are in excess of Rs115 m., which rendered the SIT insolvent; (x) The debt capital is not being serviced at all since 2014 whilst interest is being serviced partly; (xi) Rs12.8 m. have been taken from DBM Ltd to undertake sugarcane cultivation in 2023, but it never happened; (xii)The SIT Leisure Water Park has been running on loses to the tune of Rs2 m. per month since 2015, whilst hefty unfinished investments have been apparently vested in this park without any feasibility plans or reports. At this instance, the

90 park is in a dangerous state and requires immediate closure. Rs100 m. have been invested in 2018 without any strict plans, and a further Rs250 m. have been normally invested with a loan from MauBank. None of these investments can be seen at Belle Mare; (xiii) Many contracts from service providers have expired in 2020 and have never been renewed by normal practice of tendering. The service suppliers have continued to be renumerated, often at higher than market rates, which is totally illegal; (xiv) Loans undertaken and proceeds of sale of land cannot be matched against projects and cash flows. Accounts provided are totally flawed and against international financial reporting standards; (xv) It unconceivable to see that the SIT has sold in excess of 5,000 arpents, but still bears a debt of more than Rs1.6 billion, together with a negative cashflow; (xvi) As at today, arrears relating to rental stand at Rs50 m. Madam Speaker, a proper forensic audit is warranted at the SIT and firms may be employed for same. Should the need arise or given strong suspicions of fraud and corruption, the matter may be directly referred to the Financial Crimes Commission for a more in-depth forensic investigation. Meanwhile, my Ministry is presently looking in the restructuration of SIT for the organisation to become effective and efficient. I hope we can do it. Thank you.

Thank you. PUBLIC BILLS First Reading On motion made and seconded, the following Bills were read a first time – (a) The Supplementary Appropriation (2023-2024) (No. 2) Bill (No. VIII of 2025). (b) The Supplementary Appropriation (2024-2025) Bill (No. IX of 2025). MOTION STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE – S.O. 73 REVIEW – PERFORMANCE-BASED BUDGETING (2025)

Hon. Prime Minister!

91 (4.14 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, I beg to move the motion standing in my name – “This Assembly is of opinion that in view of the enactment of the Finance and Audit (Amendment) Act 2025 and the introduction of Performance-Based Budgeting, it is necessary and expedient that the Standing Orders Committee be, and is hereby, empowered to look into the Standing Orders and Rules of the National Assembly 1995 presently in force, more specifically Standing Order 73, with a view to making recommendations for the necessary changes to be brought to the provisions relating to the procedure in connection with the Appropriation Bill”. The Deputy Prime Minister rose and seconded.

Hon. Members, in accordance with Standing Order 69 (3) (b), the matter stands referred to the Standing Orders Committee. We can go on if you want? Well, if everybody wants to go for tea, I do not mind. Let us break for tea! Laissez les neurones se reposer un peu ! At 4.16 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 5.01 p.m., with Madam Speaker in the Chair.

Please be seated! Hon. Prime Minister! PUBLIC BILLS Second Reading THE NATIONAL AGENCY FOR DRUG CONTROL BILL (NO. VI OF 2025) Order for Second Reading read. (5.01 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the National Agency for Drug Control Bill (No. VI of 2025) be read a second time. This Bill, in front of the House, is yet another concrete expression of the determination of this Government to honour its pledge of renewal to the nation.

92 Madam Speaker, I had the occasion the last few months to address the House on the appalling dilapidation of our institutions and the pillars of governance of our country. This was not accidental or adventitious. The nation at large has taken cognisance of the catastrophic state of our economy brought on by years of recklessness decisions and deliberate sabotage of those perceived to have an adverse political affiliation to the previous government. And it resulted in hundreds of millions of US dollars in costly awards and judgements against the same. Equally alarming is the nefarious legacy of drug addiction, drug trafficking, and other drug-related crimes that the previous government has bequeathed us. The previous government failed dismally to combat the escalation of the drug crisis in Mauritius. It almost appears – I am tempted to say ‘appears’ – to have been deliberately delaying action to tackle drug trafficking, drug addiction and halt the proliferation of drug-related crimes. As a responsible Government, we are duty bound to do away with the previous regime’s toxic legacy arising from years of ineptitude, indifference and the obvious nexus between the drug barons and the MSM. Madam Speaker, an American journalist, David Schrieberg, had written in an issue of Newsweek about the deadly dangers of drug proliferation. I want to quote him because it says exactly what we are saying. It says, and I quote – “The largest, richest and deadliest criminal enterprise in history is penetrating deeply into civil structures that make democracy what it is: justice systems, police forces, political parties, legislatures, electoral campaigns, (…) government ministries and presidential palaces”. This, Madam Speaker, rings a very uncomfortable but recognisable bell with all those who have observed with growing dismay the conduct of the previous government and the disconcerting admission of the previous Prime Minister, who said that – he admitted – the drug mafia has infiltrated all our institutions. The previous Prime Minister said that after nearly 10 years in power. Of course, we are familiar with that type of behaviour from the party that brought us so many infamous and shameful moments. Let me just recall the highlights of that tawdry – I think we could call it sinema. The House may recall how in 1985, a bunch of notorious drug traffickers was invited officially to the garden party at Le Réduit for the independence celebration, where they lit firecrackers and were shouting, “gouvernman dan nou lame, nou pou fer seki nou le”. It

93 seems a new breed of traffickers still considered it until they were booted out that gouvernman dan nou lame, and it was during the lost and wasted decade of the MSM-led government. Then, there was the episode of the Amsterdam boys: four MPs travelling with diplomatic passports. Madam Speaker, believe it or not, those passports were given on a Saturday morning. The PMO was open for them; there were instructions to open the PMO and give them these diplomatic passports because they had to have diplomatic immunity. Madam Speaker, as we all know, they were arrested in December 1985 in possession of 20 kgs of heroin worth Rs36 million at that time. I bet you, had they not been arrested in Amsterdam, they would have walked in here with red carpet treatment. That is what the previous government did; that is the mentality. And who can forget the hilarious and yet very serious incident when an exhibit of heroin in the custody of the police, when it was brought to court, turned out to be lamous sinwa. You can see the nexus. There has been cooperation right across the board. In 2017, one Veeren Peroumal, a notorious drug trafficker; some people call him the Godfather. He deponed in the Commission of Inquiry on Drug Trafficking chaired by former Judge Lam Shang Leen. He explained the modality of his contribution. At that time, he said he spent Rs30 million to finance the electoral campaign of the MSM in 2014 – Rs30 million, one drug trafficker! The Commission of Inquiry heard from the drug trafficker, Veeren Peroumal, that he kept his representation in-house. We can understand what that means – a close circuit. All of them were members of the party of the government then. According to him and another dealer, one Siddick Islam even informed the Commission that they paid their counsels – believe it or not – with drug money, and the counsels accepted it. This is how the MSM operated. In 2018, the Commissioner of Inquiry also referred, and I am quoting – “Two very disturbing facts concerning one barrister-at-law representing Mr Peroumal and close to the previous Government who at that time occupied important positions”. The Commission Report underscores and it says, I quote – “[Those] controlling the casinos, the gaming houses, horse racing where the Commission has reason to believe, in the light of the various testimonies received, are the temples of money laundering by the accomplices of the drug traffickers [and] it is a matter of concern”.

94 The Commission of Inquiry, Madam Speaker, expressed caving criticism of the activities of certain barristers at law.

(Interruptions)

As going far beyond ethical, professional, and legal constraints in their representation of notorious drug traffickers engaging in the conduct amounting to an attempt to pervert the course of justice. Will you believe this – barristers perverting the course of justice? The Commission of Inquiry mentions how a lady minister of the then government, hon. Mrs Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus, had visited 17 detainees in less than three hours and without being solicited.

(Interruptions)

She came voluntarily, as if. On another occasion she visited 15 detainees and groups of detainees. Thereby, the Commission says, when we have a group of detainees together, they are all accused of drug dealing; you bring them together, and you are facilitating the exchange of information between them – a barrister doing this? It was also established that she had been in communication with the most notorious convicted drug trafficker, again this Mr Veeren Peroumal; that is why they all shouted the name, the pet name “kala prizon” – that is the name. Another one Jeeva and one Bottesoie explained how they had been enticed not to implicate certain persons and to devir lanket. They are very strong at that. You are saying the FCC is arresting people. There are going to be attempts to devir lanket la, but I tell them, ‘Do you want to do this’? Think again! We have the response for them. In 2017, Madam Speaker, a record seizure of heroin made the headlines; 119.5 kgs of heroin worth Rs1.8 billion was found onboard of a ship among imports from a company called Brilliant Resources Consulting Ltd. Owned by whom? By one Geanchand Dewdanee. His proximity with the Leader of the MSM is well known. At first, he said ‘I did not know him’, and Dewdanee responded, ‘ask him who used to put brinzel?’

(Interruptions)

Kamaron dan frizider !

(Interruptions)

95 Bred ossi mo kroir linn mete! An hon. Member: Bred sonz! Bred sonz!

Bred sonz!

(Interruptions)

And what happened afterwards, Madam Speaker, is shocking! He is arrested. The former Prime Minister said he did not know him, then he made those remarks, and then believe or not, by magic, the provisional charges were dropped. Completely dropped, as if nothing happened! Ankor enn fwa lanket inn devire! Equally shocking, in 2019, 95 kgs of cocaine estimated at – they do not talk about millions, these people, billions – Rs1.4 billion hidden in a tractopelle. It escaped the control of the Custom Officers at the port, despite the fact that the port was fully equipped with modern equipment and sniffing dogs to detect drugs. No, it went through! What is even more striking is that the cocaine travelled alongside Mauricio, that is, the first metro tram which reached Mauritius. And believe it or not, the tram came out; who was there? The whole Cabinet with the Prime Minister welcoming everybody. The tram has come! And the tram has come with drugs, right in front of the nose! And you know, Madam Speaker, nobody up to now has been arrested. Nobody! As usual, lanket devire! We know, Madam Speaker, that regrettably, cocaine is used as a recreational drug by some of the most affluent classes in our country, but the law cannot and does not apply to only one class of persons. As I said in the recent passing out ceremony for Police Constables, and I quote again – “We cannot allow unruly elements who may have thought they are above the law to threaten the very fabric of our society. No one is above the law.” I am tempted to quote this great Judge who became Master of the Rolls, Lord Denning. This is what he said – “To every citizen of this land, however powerful, I would use Thomas Fuller's words over three hundred years ago, 'Be ye never so high, the law is above you'.” Madam Speaker, while the Labour Government has invested to transform Grand Bassin into Ganga Talao, into a peaceful spiritual sanctuary, some were busy transforming an area very close to Ganga Talao into a narco-sanctuary. That is what they did. The previous

96 government, under very suspicious conditions, granted a lease to Eco Deer Park. It was found out subsequently that the land had been converted into a fancy rave party…

Stag Party!

Yes, Stag Party, where cochon marron, drugs, alcoholic drinks were available à gogo, and at least, one previous Minister, probably two, I am told, were there. And no less a person than the former Attorney General of this country! This is the level we had reached. The case is being investigated just now by the FCC, so I will not make more comments. And then, Madam Speaker, who has not heard of Hubert Celerine, better known as Franklin? Notorious Roi de l’Ouest… An hon. Member: Business Class!

…who was actively involved in many questionable activities, perpetrated with the apparent blessing of the political masters of the day. He was even allowed to occupy State land, in this salubrious land at Rivière Noire. And when there were several requests for his extradition from Reunion Island where he had already been sentenced to imprisonment, he did not want to go into prison. So, what did they do? They protected him. The then government deliberately tried to prevent his extradition. So many times, the then Attorney General was answering questions here, looking for little change in the phrases to say that they are looking into it. They were looking as usual; with the MSM, they are always looking into it. When he was finally extradited, why? Because of public outcry and the then Opposition! What happened? He was given VVIP treatment, enjoying the comfort of business class. This is how drug barons were treated by the former regime. It begs the question, Madam Speaker. Is it sheer coincidence that each time the MSM has been in power, each time we saw a prolific resurgence of drug traffickers in the country? Is it a coincidence? We have seen the same saga since 1985, and after 10 years, we have just seen, we have to see, everybody knows les ravages et les torts que la drogue est en train de faire à notre jeunesse. This is the legacy of the MSM. We have stated in no uncertain terms in the Government Programme that the fight against drug trafficking and use will be one of the main priorities of the Government. We have no choice; every Government has to defend the citizens of the country. We will implement bold measures to end the suffering of families with an unflinching resolve to deal with this major societal scourge. It is important, Madam Speaker, to make a distinction

97 between the victim of drug abuse and the trafficker. In this respect, let me remind the House what the late Sir Maurice Rault said way back in 1986 in his report of the Commission of Enquiry on Drugs, which he chaired. He said – “Addiction is the modern form of slavery. The addict is chained to the trafficker by bonds as cruel as those which tie the slaves to his Lord and he runs the same risk of moral defilement. Since he cannot disobey his master, he can be compelled to cheat, to steal or even sell his body.” That is what he said in his report. Madam Speaker, the National Agency for Drug Control, this Bill, represents a crucial step in fulfilling our commitment to fight against this blight which is posing a significant threat to the health, security and future of our nation. It has taken the proportion of as if a serious epidemic. Today, we present not just a legal framework but a vision for a safer Mauritius, free from the devastating impact of this deadly threat. For the first time in the country, Madam Speaker, we are proposing a fully integrated strategy, actionable by an agency that will bring together all the various public bodies involved; all under one roof to combat drug trafficking, provide rehabilitation and support families of the victims of drug abuse. The legal provisions in respect of trafficking, consumption and treatment of drug addicts will be reviewed to cater, inter alia, for differentiated treatment of traffickers and consumers. I remember, Madam Speaker, I was invited by the former President of the United States, President Clinton, at the Clinton Global Initiative, and during dinner he asked me, ‘are you using methadone in your country for treatment?’ I had to say no. I cannot say I was aware of it either, but I said no. And he said it is one decision that he regretted when he was President. He regretted that he never used methadone, and he immediately made funds available for antiretroviral drugs for HIV patients and earmarked part of it for the provision of methadone. We received 36,270 US Dollars in all. And what happened when we lost the elections in 2014? The previous Minister said, ‘Ah, methadone? Not necessary’. He stopped methadone.

(Interruptions)

Yes!

98 There was a prominent professor in La Réunion. He gave an interview – I think in l’Express, but I am not sure – and he said, ‘it is a huge mistake to stop methadone’. And what happened? He had to backtrack, and they restarted the methadone programme afterwards. Trial and error! There was no scientific purpose in what they were doing! They just tried this and that. Because the previous government had introduced this programme, they stopped it! And then, they had to backtrack! The measures we are proposing to the House today, Madam Speaker, evince the determination of this Government to address the multifarious challenges posed by drug abuse. Every day, we witness disastrous consequences on families. We see how families, without distinction of class or community, are totally shattered; how the healthcare system is having difficulties in coping with this problem; and how drug-related crimes are increasing. This is threatening our youth. Indeed, they are the future of our nation. The future of our nation is being threatened! Over the recent years, Madam Speaker, no significant, effective and tangible measures have been taken to combat this crisis. It is abundantly clear that there was no genuine will to remedy the situation by the previous government. We all know how the conclusions and recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Drugs were mostly ignored. Just a few here and there were taken on board. The situation continued to deteriorate under their complaisant or complicit watch. The previous government dismantled NATReSA and did not replace it with any alternative to carry out the important work of harm reduction. Nothing! Yet, it is clear that the traditional approach to dealing with such a complex problem with wide-ranging ramifications is totally outdated today. The World Drug Report of 2023, Madam Speaker, warned of a proliferation of supply, demand and use of synthetic drugs as well as an increase in substance use disorders. The number of people using drugs has increased by 11 per cent globally but by as much as 40 per cent in Africa in 2023! In response to the growing threats posed by synthetic drugs, the United States launched the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drugs Threats, aimed at accelerating the international efforts to tackle this rising crisis. As part of the Global Coalition Initiative, the Government of the United States provided funding to the UNODC to conduct a detailed assessment of the threats posed by synthetic

99 drugs. This project also evaluated the national and regional capacities of six East African countries. That includes Mauritius. Look at what the report says. It is not finalised yet, but we have part of it. As part of the assessment, in July 2024, the UNODC conducted a study on synthetic drugs, especially in Mauritius. Among the main findings, I quote – “Mauritius has been identified as the leading user of synthetic cannabinoids.” Leading user! The other findings include the following comments – “(…) Drug rehabilitation efforts within the public sector remain severely limited. Although methadone treatment is now available, other forms of treatment remain underdeveloped and inadequate. Psychological support and interventions, including traditional medicine, where available, need further strengthening. [In fact, they were not using anything!] With limited resources and insufficient follow-up, many individuals either failed to comply or relapsed after finishing the treatment (…).” Madam Speaker, the threat posed by synthetic cannabinoids and other drugs in Mauritius has already been highlighted in the Globalised Organized Crime Index of 2023, which actually measured 15 criminal markets, including drug markets, across 193 member States. And guess what? Mauritius ranked 7th, out of 193, in regard to synthetic drugs! 7th! Just behind South Africa! However, in spite of Mauritius forming part of the US Global Coalition since November 2023, the previous government just allowed the situation to worsen. They could not care less. They failed to realise the benefits; there were benefits and resources available for the coalition to strengthen the country’s response, but they did nothing. This laxisme amounts to gross negligence – I would say criminal negligence – coupled with the obvious proximity of notorious traffickers with the previous regime. They have contributed greatly to the quagmire we find ourselves in today. I think – I am not mincing my words – it is tantamount to their betrayal; a betrayal to the whole nation of this country! We cannot, and we will not, continue to pay lip service to the challenges related to national security, including those relating to drug trafficking.

100 We know, Madam Speaker, most of the drugs available in Mauritius, from the reports we see from ADSU and others, come from the sea. Not all, but most. It is a fact that we cannot deal with the drug problem in isolation. We cannot! We are partners with the Indian Ocean Commission and with countries of the Indian Ocean for sharing of information and joint patrolling of our respective maritime zone. The actual Commissioner of Police, who was at ADSU, was cooperating fully. We were getting advanced information – I said mostly from the sea – but even in planes, information was shared. With the MSM, it seemed that they were not interested to share information. The Regional Maritime Information Fusion Centre in Madagascar is responsible for producing a single recognised maritime picture of the Western Indian Ocean and identifying vessels of interest. The Regional Operation Centre in Seychelles is dedicated to the coordination of the regional operations at sea with respect to maritime safety and security in our region. But the truth is, Madam Speaker, the previous government failed to act on the information they received on the suspicious movement of ships, most probably transporting substances through our waters. They did not respond. I will give an example. In June of last year, there were two ships nearing our shores. One was heading to Seychelles, and the other one was heading to Mauritius. The one that went to Seychelles – because they received the information – was arraigned by the Seychelles authorities, and 900 kg of narcotics were seized. 900 kg! However, what happened to the ship advancing in our waters? It was allowed to move freely! Nobody even stopped it. The police were made aware of this information; they were made aware, but either they received orders or they just turned a deaf ear! Much to the dismay and astonishment of the Regional Maritime Information Centre! Similarly, we have the assistance of countries like India, the United States, and France to enhance this regional maritime security architecture to combat, on a broad range, all the illegal activities on the high seas. To reinforce maritime surveillance, we are setting up a National Maritime Information Sharing Centre which will be fully equipped to monitor, analyse and report all vessels undertaking illicit activities in our EEZ. The invaluable support of the Government of India has been obtained to set up that centre. The building is under construction, and an Indian Naval Officer is in Mauritius to assist in the setting up of this centre.

101 Also, with the assistance of the Government of Japan, a new coastal surveillance system will be installed to replace the old one, the old one which I had procured at the time when I was Prime Minister. They allowed it to just be out of service. Nobody was interested in having that because, in fact, they did not want to monitor. Additionally, the operation of the Coast Guard is being thoroughly reviewed to ensure that information gathered regionally is used in an optimal way. Madam Speaker, under this Government, the ADSU and the Customs Department have adopted a new approach to tracking drug dealers. I will obviously not mention what the new methods are. But from November 2024 to March 2025, we have witnessed a significant number of seizures of drugs, amounting to an approximate value of Rs1.2 billion. The Police and the Customs will be equipped with a state-of-the-art equipment to enable them to undertake their mandate in a more effective manner. Madam Speaker, since this new Government came to power, it has started to devise ways and means to deal with the problem of drug abuse. I have listed the services, and I am glad he is here, of the former minister, Sam Lauthan, and Dr. Fayzal Sulliman, who is also here. The latter – everybody knows Sam Lauthan, but maybe not everybody knows Dr. Sulliman – is a graduate from Johns Hopkins University in the United States of America. He possesses wide experience in addiction medicine and HIV/AIDS. Both of them have extensive experience in the field, and they will focus on prevention, treatment and enforcement. More importantly, Madam Speaker, what we need is people who want to do something and not people who are going to sit there like des poupées en cire doing nothing, just to show they are there and getting paid for it. This is what we don’t want. We want people who are determined, like these two gentlemen are, to put an end to this terrible scourge that is happening. They have already worked closely in collaboration with the Deputy Prime Minister, the Attorney General and my Office, and, I must say, within a very short time they have come up with a Bill to set up an agency for drug control. We are indebted to them for their prompt and effective work. Madam Speaker, the Bill will establish the National Agency for Drug Control as the apex body responsible for addressing all the problems that are connected with drug abuse, not just in Mauritius but also Rodrigues. They will look through the reduction of supply, drug use, prevention, treatment and all this. It will be a balanced approach. This is in line with the

102 most recent United Nations Resolution 79/191 of 2024, which continues to stress the importance of a balanced approach integrating measures for demand and supply reduction and ensuring that drug control policies are in line with human rights obligations. It underscores the necessity of international cooperation and the implementation of evidence- based practices in drug policies; it is not just somebody dreaming of something; it must be evidence-based. This is how you can fight this scourge. Madam Speaker, let me give the House an outline of the Bill. The Bill provides for the setting up of this National Agency for Drug Control which will have broader responsibilities and powers than the defunct National Agency for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Substance Abusers (NATReSA). Section 3 of the Bill provides for the setting up of a National Drug Control Commission under my chairmanship and comprising the Deputy Prime Minister as Vice-chairperson, the Minister of Health and Wellness, the Attorney General, eight Ministers as enumerated in the First Schedule, when they are needed, all the Ministers as the Prime Minister may designate. The Chief Commissioner of the Rodrigues Regional Assembly may, at the request of the Prime Minister, attend the Commission and persons who have wide experience in medical and health care, drug use prevention or treatment and rehabilitation, as I may designate. Section 4 of the Bill defines the functions and powers of the National Drug Control Commission, which include, among others, setting up national objectives and goals, and determining policies and priorities with regard to drug control issues. Secondly, to oversee the overall coordination of all drug control activities in Mauritius - that is why I say it is under an apex body - for greater collaboration and synergy among stakeholders. Also, to collect and analyse data and publish a brief statistical and analytical bulletin on a quarterly basis and a comprehensive National Drug Observatory report annually to monitor the nature, magnitude, patterns, and trends in drug trafficking and drug use. Section 5 of the Bill provides for the National Agency for Drug Control to be a body corporate. Section 6 provides for it to have the following divisions – (i) a Policy, Research and Strategy Division; (ii) a Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Division;

103 (iii) a Prevention and Public Awareness Division; (iv) an HIV and AIDS Prevention and Care Coordination Division, and (v) such other Division as the Board may, with the approval of the Minister, set up. Section 7 of the Bill defines the responsibilities of the Agency which are – (i) reducing the demands of drugs; (ii) coordinating the reduction of supply of drugs by preventing, reducing or disrupting the entry, production and availability of drugs. Section 8 of the Bill defines the functions of the six Divisions of the Agency. In a nutshell, each Division will have distinct responsibilities and thus contribute to the overall functioning of the Agency. The Supply Reduction and Coordination Division will coordinate national law enforcement efforts to ensure compliance with local, national and international drug control laws and international conventions. It will also facilitate cooperation with the Police, the Customs and Excise Department of the Mauritius Revenue Authority, and also with local and international organisations. More importantly, it will assist the Financial Intelligence Unit and any other relevant organisations such as the National Crime Agency, which we will legislate very soon, in due course, in tracing and detecting money laundering and forensic financial trades related to drug trafficking. The Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Division will work in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the NGOs and the Drug Users Administrative Panel for the treatment and rehabilitation of persons who use drugs, and their social integration back into society. It will also establish and manage, in collaboration with the private sector and relevant Government organisations, vocational training and employment programmes for persons who are recovering from drug use disorders. The Prevention and Public Awareness Division will lead national awareness campaigns, carry out workshops, and develop and implement a family-based drug prevention programme. Section 9 of the Bill provides for the setting up of a Drug Control Board for the administration and management of the NADC. There will be a chairperson and

104 representatives of various ministries and organisations as well as representatives of civil society. Section 18 of the Bill provides for the Agency to prepare an Annual Report and submit to the Minister together with an audited statement of accounts in every financial year – this was totally lacking before. Section 21 of the Bill provides for no liability, civil or criminal, shall attach to the NADC, the Board, a board member, a committee member or any officer in respect of any act done or omitted to be done in good faith – it has to be in good faith – in the discharge of its function under the Act. Section 25 of Bill provides for the protection of whistleblowers to encourage reporting of illicit activities. We will be careful because we know how Mauritius is. There will be some fake whistleblowers as well; we will be very careful with this. No civil or criminal action shall be taken against any person who makes a report or disclosure; it has to be in good faith. If it is a false accusation, they will have to pay the consequences. Madam Speaker, the success of this initiative depends on a unified approach. The fight against drugs cannot be won in isolation. It is not a question of Government on one side and Opposition on the other; we have to work together on this. Il faut une prise de conscience collective. Il faut responsabiliser chaque Mauricienne, chaque Mauricien pour briser cette prolifération de la drogue qui est en train de faire des ravages dans notre pays, dans notre société et tuer notre jeunesse, notre avenir. Government institutions, law enforcement agencies, non-governmental organisations and the community at large must work together hand in hand. The NADC will play a pivotal role in promoting cooperation and systemic coherence in ensuring that our interventions are aligned and effective. Furthermore, the Bill prioritises data collection and research to ensure that our strategies are continuously refined based on the latest evidence, enabling evidence-based policy making to tackle the evolving drug landscape. A real-time monitoring system with clear performance indicators will be implemented to track drug-related trends and assess the effectiveness of intervention programmes. The system will also be used to monitor patients on the methadone programme, thus ensuring better control and management. There have been, in the past, some complaints about whether methadone is becoming. We will also look at that.

105 The NADC will operate in 24/7 hotline specific for disclosures and work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure swift actions on credible disclosures with the utmost confidentiality and protection for individuals involved. During the last elections, not just in my constituency, in many constituencies across the island, probably all constituencies, we could see people dealing with drugs; nothing was being done. I get the feeling they were being given drugs so that they could disrupt the election; that was my feeling. What else? Don’t forget, Wakashio! Why did Wakashio come at the time that it came? We must ask ourselves questions. We are also positioning an HIV/AIDS Division under the agency within the Prime Minister’s Office and this will bring several key advantages such as enhanced intersectoral coordination. HIV/AIDS is a cross-cutting issue as we all know, but it cannot be addressed just by the health sector alone. Locating the division within the agency at the highest level of governance will ensure all relevant ministries, that is, health, education, youth, gender equality, social security, and justice are all bought together under a cohesive national framework fostering a whole of Government approach. Placing HIV/AIDS Division within the NADC will ensure better alignment between harm reduction strategies and national drug control, particularly regarding needle exchange programmes. This is where the connection is: opioid substitution therapy and rehabilitation initiatives. This integration will lead to smarter, more efficient, and more compassionate policies for vulnerable populations. Madam Speaker, a centrally located division will better coordinate national budgets, donor funding technical support. It will facilitate synergy between the various partners and avoid what has happened in the past – duplication of efforts. And it will ensure that our national strategies are guided by consistent policies and unified vision. Madam Speaker, the National Agency for Drug Control Bill is not merely a piece of legislation. It is a national commitment; it represents our collective resolve. We need to safeguard the future of our youth, as I said earlier, protect our communities, and ensure that Mauritius does not fall victim to the far-reaching consequences of drug abuse. Madam Speaker, we have a duty to our children, to our families, to our nation to act decisively. I urge all Members of the House to support this Bill as it is a decisive step towards a drug-free Mauritius.

106 Let us stand together in demonstrating our unflinching resolve to fight drug abuse and trafficking, and secure a healthier, safer and a more prosperous future for all. Unless means are found to stop the decline and decay we have witnessed for the last decade, every one of our children is at risk. No Mauritian family is immune from this threat. Far too many have awoken up one day to the tragic realisation that a son or a daughter has fallen prey to the predators and parasites who seek to prosper from this disgusting criminal trade. I remember, Madam Speaker, I went to a wedding at Camp Fouquereaux. When I came out, as usual, people wanted to take pictures with me; even when I was in the Opposition. One guy came up to me and asked – “Can I take a picture with you?” I said, “Yes, no problem.” He stood there, he gave the phone to one of the policemen with me, and he said to me – “You know, I want to tell you something. I had voted against Labour Party last time, but now I am praying every day that you come back to power because my son has fallen into drug abuse. He is coming at home; he is beating up his mother, beating up the father, stealing money, stealing jewellery, just to be able to buy drugs.” This is what we have to stop. This I why I say we have a duty to act decisively. Unless, as I said, no Mauritian family is immune from this threat and we have to stop them. In this battle against drugs, none of us should look the other way. All of us must bear the responsibility of playing our part in defeating the social poison; this social poison that they have inserted into the lifeblood of our nation. That is what they have done. And, in that battle, each one of us, Madam Speaker, is on the frontline. I commend the Bill to the House. The Deputy Prime Minister rose and seconded.

Thank you! Hon. Leader of the Opposition! (5.45 p.m.) The Leader of the Opposition (Mr G. Lesjongard): Merci, Madame la présidente. Si vous me permettez, je vais, avec la permission du Premier ministre, démarrer mon intervention en empruntant une phrase qu’il a mentionnée, surtout qui est en relation avec une

107 prise de conscience collective et c’est vrai parce que le sujet est d’ordre national et c’est un fléau qui fait beaucoup de tort au pays. Madame la présidente, je suis conscient du désarroi des parents qui sont affectés par ce fléau. Je suis père de famille, je suis grand-père et je note de jour en jour que la situation s’aggrave dans le pays et que cette jeune génération que nous avons, petit à petit, s’enfonce dans ce fléau qu’est en train de ronger notre société. Ayant dit ceci, Madame la présidente, we are today debating on a Bill which will replace the NATRESA by a new agency called the National Agency for Drug Control. And, I understand from the Explanatory Memorandum, that this agency will have a number of new attributes and the agency will provide additional support to authorities concerned in the combat against drug trafficking and drug use. Like I said, Madam Speaker, it is indeed a subject that needs to be addressed quickly because the situation on our streets is getting alarming day by day. And one drug, in particular, which we commonly call synthetic drug. Our citizens are being transformed, we have seen that on the social media, into zombies, Madam Speaker and in some cases being led to their death and government seems to be helpless in the wake of this situation. We understand, Madam Speaker, that the National Agency for Drug Control will be the apex body which will address drug issue prevention and drug control issues. Madam Speaker, let me tell the House that there are three major components in this struggle. First one is harm reduction, then supply reduction and demand reduction and all those three components aim at making Mauritius a better place to live but having different mission statements. Let me say something with regard to harm reduction, Madam Speaker. It is the identification by the health authorities of the best practices as regards to medical treatment for the proper detoxification of drug addicts. The demand reduction comprises of the demand reduction strategies with rehabilitation possibilities in residential or daycare centres and for the follow up. Madam Speaker, it must be remembered that addiction is the consumption of one or several substances meaning that after detox, if one restarts consuming drugs again, we are back to square one and we have to start the process all over again. Madam Speaker, it should be noted also that participation to all above mentioned services should be inclusive of HIV/AIDS carriers. It is also understood, Madam Speaker, that drug demands strategies, also include another important part which is to carry out

108 extensive prevention programmes where we target workplace, women, youth, schools, be it pre-primary, primary, secondary or tertiary and also the community at large. Madam Speaker, we have no other choice today than to prevent new cases of addiction and help those already hooked up to start back a new and responsible life. With regard to supply reduction, this sensitive issue, Madam Speaker, must be left to the competent authorities of the country, that is, the Government, the Judiciary, law makers, the Police and the MRA, to be addressed at their respective levels. But they will have to work in collaboration with other stakeholders whereby those stakeholders can submit their suggestions and proposals to these authorities for consideration. We should also, Madam Speaker, understand the difficulty faced by substance abusers to quit. These difficulties, I understand, are la peur du manque, Madame la présidente, ce qu’on appelle fat yen, et le plaisir de l’aiguille for those who are injecting, that is, nissa zegui. Madam Speaker, if we understand the above, addressing this scourge will be much easier. I heard the hon. Prime Minister speak about methadone treatment. Madam Speaker, methadone is being proposed as maintenance or substitution therapy. Here, again, c’est à la liberté du toxicomane de choisir. Methadone was introduced in Mauritius not to stop drug addiction, but to break the fast spreading of HIV/AIDS disease among injecting drug users. In fact, Madam Speaker, it must not be forgotten that methadone is a high addictive opiate and it will be more difficult for an addict to detox from it. It is a pity today, Madam Speaker, that more than 10,000 methadone users are on maintenance therapy which is almost imposed on them. I believe that they should be left with the decision to use it on a temporary basis until they are clean. If I am not wrong, the proposed dose to start the treatment is 40ml. How can you, Madam Speaker, expect a substance abuser, on 100ml methadone maintenance, to quit? Another issue which I want to raise today, Madam Speaker, in this piece of legislation is related to the Certificate of Character. People having already undergone their sentence for mere consumption of drugs and petty larcenies should be allowed to have a clear Certificate of Character, Madam Speaker, so that they can start back a new and responsible life. Someone cannot pay Rs500 for possession of drugs and be sentenced for life with a Certificate of Character which will prevent him to get a job. In short, Madam Speaker, what I

109 am proposing in this House today is to give serious consideration to an amnesty for all those in such situations. Madam Speaker, let me now come to some sections of the Bill. At clause 3 (5), Madam Speaker, it is mentioned that – “The Chief Executive Officer shall attend every meeting of the National Drug Control Commission.” However, at clause 5 (3), it is said that – “Subject to this Act, NADC shall, in the discharge of its functions and exercise of its powers, not be under the direction and control of any person or authority.” I can hardly imagine a CEO of such an agency, Madam Speaker, who is being nominated by the hon. Prime Minister, forced to attend meetings chaired by the same Prime Minister and make decisions that will go against the will of the very Prime Minister, Madam Speaker! I believe, Madam Speaker, that this new agency should have been fully independent with no interference from the Executive, that is, the Cabinet of Ministers, but answerable to Parliament. It is only through this way, Madam Speaker, that would be guaranteed the collect and analysis of real data on the situation of drugs prevailing in our country. I must say, Madam Speaker, I have no qualms with my friend, the proposed CEO of the National Agency for Drug Control, who has spent most of his life combatting scourges that affect our youth, including drug abuse. He was also one of the assessors on the Commission of Enquiry against Drugs instituted in 2017. However, il va m’excuser pour ce que je vais dire. I believe that his views and methods might be outdated in comparison to what is being implemented in other countries to combat drug use. I will comment further on that at a later stage. Mais je le souhaite bon vent et qu’il réussisse dans le travail qu’il va entreprendre. Comme mentionné, Madame la présidente, dans le projet de loi, cinq divisions vont opérer sous cette commission. Je voudrais faire deux commentaires. Le premier concerne the Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Division. I hope it will look into the pharmacological and physio social treatment.

(Interruptions)

110 Yes, I said pharmacological and physio social treatment! Le second concerne le Supply Reduction and Coordination division. I hope the role and responsibilities of that division will be clearly spelt in order to avoid any misunderstanding with the law enforcement sector. Madam Speaker, clause 7 deals with the objects of the National Agency for Drug Control. I wish to refer the House to clause 7 (b). My question with regard to clause 7 (b) is whether it will also include precursor chemicals and other chemical substances used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs? Toujours, concernant cette section 7 (b), Madame la présidente, je cite – “7. Objects of NADC (b) to coordinate the supply reduction of drugs by preventing, reducing or disrupting the entry, production and availability of drugs.” Ma question est : est-ce que cette section veut dire que la NADC va participer à la saisie des drogues ? Si c’est le cas, Madame la présidente, je ne pense pas que ce soit une sage décision de mélanger saisie de drogues, arrestation, réhabilitation et réinsertion. À la section 24 de ce projet de loi, il y a une clause sur la confidentialité et une amende pouvant aller jusqu’à R 100,000 et une peine de prison pouvant aller jusqu’à deux ans d’emprisonnement contre toute personne qui, sans aucune excuse valable, va à l’encontre de cette section. Soyons sérieux, Madame la présidente ! An hon. Member: Ah bon? Ah bon?

Dix an to’nn dormi!

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member: Met serye to mem!

(Interruptions)

Let him develop his ideas! Allez-y !

Nous savons tous, Madame la présidente, qu’un baron de la drogue peut récompenser une taupe avec deux, voire dix fois cette somme pour une précieuse… An hon. Member: To bien kone!

111

…une précieuse information qui permettrait d’éviter de perdre une importante cargaison de drogues, voire même de se faire arrêter. Et d’une façon générale, je pose la question, sommes-nous pas en train d’ajouter une lourdeur administrative inutile sur un processus qui se devait être discret, efficace et une entité qui aura à sa disposition un budget colossal ?

(Interruptions)

Madame la présidente, nous sommes en train de remplacer la NATReSA que j’estime avait fait un bon travail…

(Interruptions)

…par le National Agency for Drug Control, Madame la présidente.

NADC.

Ma question est : est-ce qu’il y a eu consultation avec ces acteurs avant de proposer ce projet de loi à la Chambre ?

(Interruptions)

Les acteurs ? Les partenaires vous voulez dire ? An hon. Member : … partenaires.

(Interruptions)

Madam Speaker, under the previous Government, whether they agree or not, a huge step was made by amending the Dangerous Drugs Act in 2022.

(Interruptions)

La possession de drogue à usage personnel a été décriminalisée depuis trois ans. Comme c’est le cas dans plusieurs pays, nous avons décidé de traiter les usagers de drogues comme des patients qui sont ainsi placés sous des traitements par le ministère de la Santé. Dans la même foulée, Madame la présidente, nous avions introduit l’utilisation du cannabis médical et c’est cette décision qui a donné lieu au débat sur la légalisation ou non du cannabis à usage récréatif et j’estime que la question mérite d’être posée. J’aimerais bien que le Premier ministre dans son summing up nous donne les chiffres du nombre de saisies de drogues synthétiques effectuées depuis le début de l’année.

(Interruptions)

112 Bien sûr, Madame la présidente, je ne fais que relancer le débat mais cela ne veut pas dire que je suis pour la légalisation du cannabis.

(Interruptions)

Comme le Premier ministre adjoint l’avait affirmé sur une radio privée à la veille des dernières élections générales, je pense moi aussi que la question mérite d’être posée, Madame la présidente. Concernant l’utilisation de la méthadone, malheureusement nous avons deux écoles de pensée dans le pays ; ceux qui estiment que la méthadone aide à réduire les risques de transmission du VIH sida en diminuant l’usage de seringues et en aidant un usager de drogue à arrêter la consommation de drogues dures, et d’autres qui pensent que c’est une perte de temps. Il faut faire une évaluation…

(Interruptions)

…il faut voir ce que disent les chiffres et évaluer sa réussite. En tout cas, Madame la présidente, le trafic de cette substance est problématique et dans certaines régions de l’île, les habitants ne veulent plus voir des centres de distribution de méthadone et il y a aussi une stigmatisation terrible envers ceux qui prennent de la méthadone. Madame la présidente, la section 8(1)(b)(iv) de ce projet de loi fait mention d’un Real Time Tracking system. Est-ce que le Premier ministre peut donner à de la Chambre plus de détails sur ce système et comment cela va se passer dans les faits ? Madam Speaker, I welcome the initiative to introduce the education sector on the agenda of the NADC. It should start with our youths; they should understand why it is not an act of bravery to consume any drugs. Obviously, there is peer pressure and lack of maturity. I am sure, we had all seen the video of a student inhaling what seems to be some kind of deodorant from a plastic apparatus and I hope the Minister does not claim that this happened when the previous regime was in power. We need to act, our children need to realise that their lives are at stake and such behaviour, Madam Speaker, is not tolerable. Taking on board the education sector, is, I believe, a step in the right direction when it comes to drug use. Madam Speaker, with regard to HIV/AIDS, I notice that the Bill also includes the prevention and reduction of risks of transmission of HIV/AIDS. There is clause 8(1)(d), an HIV and AIDS Prevention and Care Coordination Division which as stated in the piece of legislation, has clear functions. I would like for the hon. Prime Minister to enlighten the

113 House as to what will happen to the NGO PILS whose sole function, Madam Speaker, is exactly what this Bill provides for. May I ask the question, has there been proper consultations with that NGO before coming forward with that proposal, Madam Speaker? Madam Speaker, we need to bear in mind that NGOs are essential in dealing with such matters as this subject is extremely sensitive and we know how reluctant people are to go to government services to benefit such facilities. To conclude, Madam Speaker, like I said earlier, the drug problem has three axes namely: harm reduction, demand reduction and supply reduction, and right now, we are trying to place all these three components under one umbrella. Like I said, let us give time to time and see whether this will work out. Le fléau de la drogue ne date pas d’hier. An hon. Member : … ti ena dizan pou sa…

Dizan !

Le gouvernement précédent avait pris le taureau par les cornes…

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member : Taureau sa? An hon. Member: Ki li pe koze do!

N’importe quoi !

To kone to pe koz manti!

(Interruptions)

… avec une commission d’enquête sur la drogue ; cela c’est un.

(Interruptions)

An hon. Member : … seconde commission ! Deuxième, les amendements à la Dangerous Drugs Act. Maintenant c’est au tour du ce gouvernement de maintenir la cadence.

(Interruptions)

Maintenir la cadence!

Voire, d'essayer de faire mieux, Madame la présidente. Pendant…

(Interruptions)

114 Soyons sérieux ! Pendant que nous sommes en train de débattre sur ce projet de loi, n’oubliez pas ceci, au même moment, il y a un jeune qui est en train de consommer de la drogue synthétique ou de s’injecter de la drogue dure dans ses veines. Il y a un père, une mère, une famille meurtrie par la perte d’un être cher emporté dans l’enfer de la drogue. Tout cela, Madame la présidente, c’est pour vous dire que j’ai des doutes sérieux, aujourd’hui, sur la capacité de cette nouvelle institution à fournir des résultats mais je reste optimiste… An hon. Member: Prophète de malheur!

Profet maler !

Je reste optimiste car cela concerne l’avenir de nos enfants. J’en ai dit, Madame la présidente.

Pendant ce temps qu’est-ce que tu vas faire ?

Duval mem pann reste pou ekout sa.

Yes, hon. Minister of Health, please! Yes! (6.10 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, this is not simply a legislation; this is a bold, historic and unparalleled step, a herculean task to reclaim our society, to rescue our youth and to restore public trust. We have to congratulate the Government in taking this revolutionary decision because we know everybody in the streets will tell you – “enough is enough, we have had enough of it, never again can we allow this scourge to afflict our society and our family”. Just imagine a father who loses his son or even his daughter or grandson, carrying the corpse of his young son to the cemetery or to the cremation ground. How must that person be feeling? And that, we witness almost every day in this country. And so, this is a scourge which has to be washed out and we have to congratulate this Government. At least, it had the courage to come forward with such a legislation. We are here today to establish a National Agency for Drug Control under the direct aegis of the Prime Minister. I heard the Leader of the Opposition stating that this should not have been under the Prime Minister’s aegis. I do not understand him. There cannot be any other person, any other institution better than the head of the Executive to undertake such a work and he deserves all of our congratulations.

115 This is a decisive structure, an important structure to lead the fight against drug epidemic that has crippled our nation for far too long. This Agency will represent a complete overall of our national drug response. It will strengthen our institutions, it will coordinate intervention with precision and compassion; ranging from education and prevention, to treatment and rehabilitation, to harm reduction, social integration and supply control. At the centre of this national revival, stands a man of courage, foresight and conviction, the Prime Minister. It cannot be any other authority better than this. Despite shouldering the monumental task of running a nation which is economically and financially shattered, a nation which is today on its knees and rescuing these shattered finances inherited from an MSM-led Government, he has chosen to take the personal responsibility for the leadership of this Agency. It is a mark of conviction, not convenience! Madam Speaker, this is what true statesmanship looks like. I salute him for it and I salute the Deputy Prime Minister for the support and the contribution that he has brought to this project and I know how many hours he has spent in supporting this move. Madam Speaker, if this new Agency represents our future, let us confront our past. The past is dead and buried but it is important for us to have a peep at it, to have a look at it so that we can forge ahead in the future. It is a past that is marked by criminal and political negligence, institutional decay and human suffering. It is a past that was shaped by the MSM- led Government whose record on drug is one of complete failure, a complete disaster and it was a complete curse for our country. We all know how heroin flooded Mauritius in early 1980s under the MSM-led Government and more recently, how synthetic drugs started to destroy our youth since they took office in 2014. How can we forget the dark days when MSM goons and drug peddlers would claim from housetop that gouvernman dan nou lame. We still remember that. We remember the crime that was committed in early 80s in bazar Port Louis where criminals were openly moving up and down the streets and claiming – ‘nobody can touch us because Government is in our hands’. We still remember how four Members of Parliament had just – the Prime Minister spoke about it – been arrested abroad. The then High Commissioner of Mauritius in England was arrested. Those were darkest days of our Mauritian history, the shameful acts committed by political nominees and potentates and goons made us bow our head in shame. Internationally, we had lost all our respect and credibility. The recent case of tractopelle and gas cylinders before the nose of the Prime Minister and Ministers and involvement of the

116 famous zanfan lakaz was disgusting; all of us know about it. It is therefore no wonder that substance misuse exploded under their watch and the numbers are undeniable. Madam Speaker, in 2021, 7.4% of Mauritians aged 18 to 59 reported using illicit drugs. Today, we have a population ranging from 55,000 to more than 100,000 of substance abusers. By 2024, drug abuse had become so widespread that 37% of citizens, according to Afrobarometer, identified it as one of the top two national issues; second only to the cost of living. The survey indicates widespread dissatisfaction with Government’s effort to combat the drug crisis. 70% of citizens perceive these strategies as inadequate. The simple question that we asked when they had all these facts and figures was – ‘what action had they taken?’ You go to any street, either village or city or the towns, everybody knows the adda, the centres, the pivoting points where drugs are sold but no action was taken because these were the goons who had voted for them to bring them back to power again. That is the reason why they allowed their political ambitions to go higher than the interest of the Nation and the interest of the common men. Madam Speaker, our streets are overrun by synthetic drugs like ‘Black Mamba’ and ‘Rambo’. They are cheap, they are potent and widely available, particularly among our youth. Heroin trafficking through Madagascar has surged. In 2022, heroin was linked to 40.3% of all drug-related arrests. According to National Drug Observatory Report, in 2022 there were 1,008 drug-related admissions in public hospitals. 50.1% due to synthetic drugs, 30.7% due to opioids. Most patients were aged 20 to 37, the backbone of our future, that is, our youth were involved in that. While young people fought for their lives, our support system collapsed. This is so because a study among Mauritian male addicts published in 2022 showed that 17% were able to abstain from drugs for a period of only one to three years. That is not a reflection of moral failure, that is a reflection of systemic abandonment. Hardly, they will get out of it and they go back again to it. What was the MSM Government’s response? Let me state this clearly. As soon as they came to power, in December 2014, the then Minister of Health tried unsuccessfully at that time to stop Methadone Programme forthwith and National Aids Secretariat was removed from the Office of the Prime Minister deliberately. That was another nail in the coffin of those who are fighting against HIV and Aids and against the drugs. They dismantled NATReSA and just now, I heard the Leader of Opposition stating that NATReSA is being replaced but NATReSA was dead and gone at that time. They had destroyed it, killed it!

117

(Interruptions)

It is not the replacement; this law is not replacing NATReSA. NATReSA is finished, they had finished it and from that time, NATReSA was eliminated till today. See the harm, that calamity that has befallen the Nation and for this, they have to be condemned and never again allowed to take the wheels of power. Madam Speaker, NATReSA was dismantled. The National Agency for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Substance Abusers which had been the cornerstone of coordinated care and rehabilitation. With NATReSA gone, it left a void. And the consequences, as I said, were devastating. Drug peddlers had the complete freedom to do as they liked. Just imagine, they were so powerful and so strong that they could defy anybody. To such an extent that even our gods and goddesses in Ganga Talao were not spared! This is what they have done!

(Interruptions)

Madam Speaker, on one hand, the Labour-led Government once proudly claimed – I remember, we used to claim when we were in power – the Prime Minister used to say that our aim was to produce one graduate per house. The work of the previous government was to produce at least one drug addict in every house! That is the difference between our aim and their aim! So, that is a grim and shameful legacy that they have left us with! That is their achievement. Instead of finding solutions, they were building illusions. To deceive the world, they set up a Commission of Inquiry on Drugs. That was a grand display to show the world that they were really concerned. The truth is that they ignored most of its recommendations. It was a slap on the cheek for those who claimed that they were working wonders. They publicly congratulated the very people who are blamed by the commission of inquiry for the drug situation in our country. We all know it! Under the MSM government, the drug problem evolved into a public health catastrophe. It had a devastating impact on our HIV/AIDS response. Not to forget, in 2005, the MSM-led government left the country at the height of an HIV crisis. 925 new infections in one year, many among prison inmates with histories of injecting drugs. But the Labour-led Government took bold, evidence-driven and internationally acclaimed actions. We implemented the methadone substitution therapy.

118 I heard the Leader of the Opposition questioning the utilisation of methadone. But the methadone induction and follow-up are carried according to la Protocole de la prise en charge de l’usage de drogues à Maurice, validated by the Ministry of Health and Wellness in 2023! Its elaboration was supervised by experts, including David Mété from Reunion Island. Methadone is the gold standard as per WHO’s recommendation. And the dosage recommended – he was talking about the dosage – is 80 mg to 120 mg. So, he can say whatever he wants, but we know what we have done! They introduced medical cannabis. This was introduced, I think, in 2022. As at date, only six patients have been recommended and approved by Medicinal Cannabis Therapeutic Committee and they are undergoing treatment. Only six! There was an amendment to the Dangerous Drugs Act in November 2022 and the Drug Users Administrative Panel (DUAP) became operational. It became operational in 2024. But over the past months, a number of intercepted individuals for drug possessions prefer the criminal justice system rather than DUAP. The DUAP needs to be revisited, and if need be, necessary amendment should be brought to it. I was talking about the decisions that the Labour Government had taken. So, we – • implemented the Methadone Substitution Therapy; • introduced the Needle Exchange Programme; • brought in HIV/AIDS legislation; • set up the National Aids Secretariat under the Office of the Prime Minister, and • developed a Harm Reduction Framework that reversed the trend from 2006 to 2010. HIV cases among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) dropped significantly to about 50 per month. Up till 2014, we maintained real and true control. There was full vigilance. But with the MSM back in power, we saw a terrifying resurgence. In 2024, 549 new HIV infections were detected. A 44% increase! Among men, infections rose by 60.3%. Among women, infections rose by 15%. 243 new cases were found among People Who Inject Drugs, with 70% identified at the point of entry in prisons. The epidemic has shifted.

119 Injecting Drug Use now fuels 45% of new infection while 50% comes from heterosexual transmission. This means that the virus is moving beyond high-risk groups into the population, carried by the back of unsaved behaviours stigma and reduced harm reduction coverage. The Needle and Syringe Programme (NSP) and the Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST), once effective, are now under-resourced and under-utilised. As HIV became more manageable, thanks to modern treatment, it is undetectable and, therefore, untransmittable. Hence, there is complacency. Added to that, were the devastating impact of stigma, discrimination and legal barriers, with bright people leaving from services. People living with HIV are struggling with addiction, are forced into hiding. When they hide, the virus spreads. The addiction deepens. But, Madam Speaker, we are here, today, to change all that. The National Agency for Drug Control will be a coordinating powerhouse, a unifying body across Ministries and communities, institutions and NGOs, prisons and private clinics, homes and schools. It will coordinate public education and prevention, demand reduction among use, rehabilitation that works, harm reduction that protects, social reintegration that restores dignity, supply reduction that disrupts trafficking networks. Critically within this agency, we will establish a dedicated HIV and AIDS Coordinating Division to integrate the National HIV response with our drug policy. It will ensure alignment with UNAIDS 95-95-95 SDC and the Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026. The 95- 95-95 means 95% reduction in new HIV infections, 95% access to antiretroviral treatment and 95% viral suppression. It will roll out community-based testing treatment and prevention. The new agency will monitor and evaluate progress in real time. It will mobilise resources both nationally and internationally and drive right-based advocacy to end stigma and discrimination. Madam Speaker, this is not merely a Bill. It is a blueprint for national salvation. This is a message of hope to a mother who is despaired and distressed to see her child slip into addiction. This agency will be your ally and your friend. To the young woman afraid to seek HIV testing, this agency will protect your rights. To the man behind bars, ready to rebuild his life, this agency will open that door. This is the moment of redemption.

120 This is our Government fulfilling its mission and its promise. This is the Prime Minister showing once again what leadership, vision, empathy and courage can accomplish. This is what true leadership means: to lead, not to mislead; to guide, not to misguide; and to serve the nation, not make the nation serve you. I, again, thank the hon. Prime Minister and the hon. Deputy Prime Minister and I will say, you have worked wonders. Thank you.

Thank you, hon. Minister. Mrs Leu-Govind! (6.29 p.m.) The Junior Minister of Arts and Culture (Mrs V. Leu-Govind): Merci, Madame la présidente. Ce projet de loi, Madame la présidente, représente une lueur d’espoir pour notre nation. Il marque une volonté sérieuse de structurer notre réponse à la crise nationale à travers une institution dédiée avec des objectifs bien définis. Madame la présidente, dans ce projet de loi, trois mots clés ressortent et méritent toute notre attention : la réintégration, la prévention et la réhabilitation. Ces trois piliers doivent devenir des fondements d’une politique cohérente, humaine et efficace contre la drogue. Madame la présidente, permettez-moi d’abord d’aborder clairement les différents points en lien direct avec le projet de loi sur la création de la National Agency for Drug Control. La clause 2 (b) est un point central dans la lutte contre la drogue. Si nous ne réussissons pas à perturber la chaine d’approvisionnement, hélas, tout ce que nous allons mettre en place sous la clause 3 (b) sera en vain. Je tiens donc à féliciter le ministre du Tourisme, l’honorable Richard Duval, pour l’initiative à venir équiper tous les bateaux de plaisance d’un Automatic Identification System. Ceci permettra de mieux contrôler et surveiller les déplacements ainsi la chaine d’approvisionnement de la drogue sera fortement perturbée. Madame la présidente, je voudrais humblement demander à l’honorable Premier ministre de bien vouloir modifier le First Schedule de cette loi afin d’inclure le ministre responsable du tourisme dans la liste des ministres dans la Commission nationale du contrôle des drogues ou utilisé sa prérogative comme lui permet, sous la clause 3 section 2(f) du bill.

121 Ce ministère joue un rôle important dans la lutte contre la drogue, contre l’offre de drogue dans notre pays car il règlemente et surveille les licences des bateaux de plaisance. Deuxièmement, il devrait inclure dans leur campagne aux touristes que Maurice impose une peine sévère pour les importateurs de drogue avec une peine maximale pouvant aller jusqu’à soixante ans. Madame la présidente, en examinant les articles 3 à 7 de ce projet de loi, je constate que les trois points clés mentionnés précédemment sont traités par une division spécifique de la NADC. Le Conseil de control de drogue, composé de fonctionnaires et d’organismes qui agissent dans l’application des lois, ONG et d’organisation communautaire tels que définis dans l’article 9, gèreront la NADC. Il ne faut pas qu’avec une telle structure la lutte contre la drogue, la réinsertion, la prévention et la réhabilitation des toxicomanes s’enlisent dans les procédures administratives lourdes, ce qui empêcherait notre pays de mener à bien ce combat crucial pour libérer notre jeunesse de cette menace et pour cela je fais confiance à la National Agency for Drug Control. Venons maintenant à la clause 8(1)(b) de ce projet de loi traitant de la Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Division. Nous devrions inclure des dispositions pour faciliter les démarches administratives concernant la garde des enfants dont les parents sont toxicomanes. Une prise en charge simplifiée par les membres proches de la famille est nécessaire afin d’éviter des problèmes administratifs dans des écoles et des hôpitaux ce qui soulagerait les parents en cours de réhabilitation et les grands-parents qui souvent s’occupent de leurs petits enfants abandonnés par leurs parents toxicomanes. La clause 8 (1) (c) liée à la préservation doit absolument prendre compte la réalité douloureuse – la prostitution infantile associée à la toxicomanie, Madame la présidente. Des jeunes dépendants se tournent malheureusement vers cette pratique pour financer leur addiction. La NADC doit donc prévoir des mesures spécifiques en collaboration étroite avec des ONG spécialisées pour protéger des enfants et leur offrir une alternative durable. Toujours dans la clause 8, il faudrait donner à la Policy Research Strategy Division la responsabilité de revoir les procédures concernant les allégations et charges provisoires, Madame la présidente. Imaginez-vous si Monsieur Peroumal Veeren avait fait des telles graves allégations de financement de trafique de drogues à l’encontre d’un simple citoyen : arrestation, pas de caution, charge provisoire, Madame la présidente ? Pour l’ex Premier ministre, comme on dit en créole, ‘dilo lor bred sonz’.

122 Madame la présidente, ce traitement différencié et injuste, doit immédiatement cesser. Nous devons assurer une justice équitable pour tous où chaque citoyen indépendamment de son statut social reçoit un traitement juste et impartial. Il faut impérativement redorer le blason de nos institutions et je salue le courage de l’honorable Premier ministre, le Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, qui a nommé un Commissaire de police digne de ce nom dont le travail a commencé à porter ces fruits avec les récents démantèlements et des saisis de record de drogue dure. Madame la présidente, concernant la clause 8(2)(l) qui traite de la collaboration avec le secteur privé, il est essential de rappeler que la réhabilitation des toxicomanes et des ex- détenus doivent être sérieusement repensée. Aujourd’hui, le certificat de moralité représente une énorme barrière à la réinsertion sociale et professionnelle, Madame la présidente. À Maurice, ce certificat est exigé pour enregistrer une ONG, pour obtenir une carte de pêcheur professionnelle, pour effectuer des démarches administratives et pour trouver du travail pour subvenir aux besoins de sa famille. Pourtant, étrangement ce même certificat n’est pas requis pour être candidat aux élections législatives et devenir un membre de cet auguste Assemblée pour gérer les biens et les fonds publics. Cette incohérence est inacceptable et profondément injuste, Madame la présidente, d’où la valse des défilés des voleurs à col blanc à la FCC sans menottes et en plus, petite pochette à la main jusqu’à la fin, Madame la présidente. Nous devons mettre fin à cette hypocrisie flagrante ; toute personne ayant payé sa dette à la société, mérite une seconde chance. Je propose donc qu’après une période de 10 ans ou plus, sans récidive, une grâce présidentielle automatique soit accordée sur les casiers judiciaires de ces personnes. Il est injuste que cette grâce soit sélectivement accordée comme ce fut rapidement pour le fiston de l’ancien Commissaire de police, Dip. Alors que les autres citoyens sont traités autrement, cette injustice doit prendre fin. Madame la présidente, nous devons aussi intensifier les campagnes de sensibilisation auprès des jeunes en leur expliquant clairement les lourdes conséquences légales liées à l’implication, même indirecte, dans le trafique de drogue. Il est essentiel de faire une distinction claire dans nos lois entre consommateur et trafiquant afin de mieux protéger les consommateurs en leur offrant une aide adaptée plutôt qu’une sanction sévère. Par rapport à la clause 25, concernant la dénonciation anonyme, il est essentiel d’établir un cadre clair et juste. Actuellement, le mécanisme est trop souvent utilisé par les trafiquants pour éliminer leurs rivaux. L’ADSU doit arrêter ce system ou gro pwason manz ti pwason. De plus, Madame la présidente, l’ADSU doit être équipé des tests rapides de détection de drogue. Qui

123 ne se souvient pas de cet artiste arrêté par l’ADSU pour des faits de trafique de drogue qui a passé deux mois et demi en détention pour que finalement le rapport du FSL vienne dire que c’était de la nourriture pour poisson ? Madame la présidente, deux mois et demi en détention exposé à la drogue, au VIH, pour une simple nourriture de poisson, c’est très grave, Madame la présidente. Madame la présidente, le lien entre la toxicomanie, la prostitution et la propagation du VIH est aussi très préoccupant. Je suis ravie de voir qu’il y aura au sein de la NADC un VIH and AIDS Prevention and Care Coordination Division avec l’intégration des programmes spécifiques : réduction des risques. Les mesures et les campagnes permettront à réduire significativement la transmission du VIH parmi les toxicomanes. Je vais dire ce que le leader de l’opposition n’a pas eu le guts pour dire, concernant la clause 27 de ce projet de loi qui propose des amendements au Dangerous Drug Act. Il est aussi crucial d’amender le First Schedule afin de retirer le cannabis de la liste des drogues dangereuses, Madame la présidente. Cette recommandation est en parfait cohérence avec la décision historique prise en 2020 par la Commission des stupéfiants des Nations Unies qui a voté en faveur du retrait du cannabis du quatrième Schedule de la Convention de 1961. Reconnaissant ainsi ces usages médicaux, plusieurs pays ont déjà emboité le pas, pourquoi pas Maurice ? Ces pays ont compris que le cannabis ne présente pas le même niveau de dangerosité que la drogue de synthèse. À Maurice, nous faisons face à des décès liés aux drogues synthétiques alors même qu’aucune donnée ne signale un seul cas de décès par overdose de cannabis. Il est donc temps de concentrer nos ressources et nos efforts là où l’urgence sanitaire est réelle et de reconsidérer sérieusement de mettre fin à la criminalisation excessive de nos jeunes qui consomment du cannabis. Madame la présidente, rappelons-nous que la drogue n’est plus seulement un problème isolé mais bien une pandémie qui nous concerne tous directement ou indirectement. Tant que nos infrastructures sportives, nos centres de jeunesse et nos espaces culturels resteront peu fréquentés et sans vie comme les a laissés le gouvernement MSM. Le problème de la drogue continuera à s’aggraver. Il ne faut pas oublier que nos artistes locaux mènent un combat contre la prolification de la drogue depuis des décennies et font un gros travail de sensibilisation et de prévention. À

124 travers leurs chansons, slam, l’art entre autres, il faut leur donner une plate-forme et beaucoup plus de ressources et des moyens pour s’exprimer. Pour conclure, Madame la présidente, je fais un appel aux honorables membres d’agir ensemble. Seule la volonté, la solidarité parviendront à surmonter ce fléau national. Je vous remercie, Madame la présidente.

Merci! Hon. Minister, Mr Pentiah! We try and keep the time, please. (6.43 p.m.)

Yes, I will try very hard and I shall be guided by yourself. Madam Speaker, at the outset, I am perplexed as to whether I should follow what I have to say or respond to the Leader of the Opposition first but I shall be patient. Madam Speaker, today marks a watershed moment in our nation’s fight against the scourge of drugs that has plagued our society for far too long. As a member of this august Assembly, as the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, as a father and a citizen of this country who believes deeply in our nation’ potential, I stand before you with profound sorrow but renewed hope. Our country is facing an unprecedented drug scourge which is destroying the lives of thousands of youngsters who fall prey to these marchands de la mort. Such an alarming situation is unparalleled and indeed very bold initiatives are warranted to combat this evil. Therefore, as I make my humble contribution to the debate on the National Agency for Drug Control Bill, I do so with full weight of our government’s mandate; a mandate written in the quiet suffering of parents, watching their children disappear into addiction, in the frustrated dedication of police officers whose arrests led to nowhere, in the fading dreams of young people who deserve better protection from this scourge from a more responsible government. Madam Speaker, this is not an instance of coup de tête. We go back to our Manifeste itself. If I may, Madam Speaker, refer to page 56 of our Manifeste and that, Madam Speaker, was not drawn or written; it was calculated from the sufferings of people we have witnessed and listened to and were very alert. We write, at page 56 –

125 « Aucun Mauricien ne dira qu’il y a moins de drogue dans le pays depuis l’accession au pouvoir du présent régime. Aujourd’hui la consommation de drogue s’est répandue dans tous les coins et recoins du pays. Cette situation a selon de nombreux observateurs aussi occasionné une recrudescence des vols et autres crimes dans le pays. Le combat contre le trafic et la consommation des drogues sera une des grandes priorités de notre gouvernement. Il faut absolument mettre fin à la souffrance des familles et de la société en général. Ce combat sans relâche sera accompagné d’une politique d’aide à l’élimination de la dépendance sur les drogues néfastes à la santé de nos jeunes et à leur avenir. » Madam Speaker, we started there and then, while we started our fight against an irresponsible government taking our youth to the dead end with this evil of drugs. We did not stop there; we go even further. Our Government Programme presented by the President of this country, His Excellency spoke lengthily and he went to page 28, Paragraph 56, where he mentioned in clear lines the following words, Madam Speaker – “The fight against drug trafficking and use will be one of the major priorities of Government. Additional resources will be provided to the Police to increase its capacity to deal more efficiently with drug trafficking and related issues. Government will adopt bold measures to end the suffering of families and society in general, as a result of the significant increases in drug trafficking over the last few years and the breakdown in law and order.” Madam Speaker, therefore, what the hon. Prime Minister has presented to this august Assembly, to the House, is not a surprise in any way. It is something that this government has the solemn duty to answer to the needs of our youth, our future, the suffering families and the people together in this battle, in this fight. Madam Speaker, the recent electoral landslide victory that drew this government to power was in many ways a referendum on the failure to protect our citizens from the scourge of drugs. While the previous government commissioned enquiries and produced reports including the notable Commission of Enquiry on Drugs, the harsh reality is that most recommendations gathered dust on shelves while our communities, our families, our children continued to suffer. Madam Speaker, this pattern of neglect, this pattern of inaction, this pattern of a lack of will to do something good for our children, I almost think it is deliberate on the part on those

126 who were responsible. Had it not been deliberate, then how can we explain, Madam Speaker, the sudden discontinuation of a system which was working as mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition himself – NATReSA? Overnight, that whole institution was closed down, overnight! There was nowhere for our children, our youth, the people suffering from drug abuse to go. They were left dismayed; they were left without help but, then again, was that also deliberate, in the hands of responsible people because had those people addicted to drug had nowhere to go, who they would turn to? Supply and demand! The higher the demand, the better the supply. Did we not witness this as well? We have heard many a times from hon. Anil Bachoo. We have heard how from Veeren Peroumal to Franklin to tractopelle, to marsan bredsonz and what so, to mention. These people in their turn, in their guts, thought they were fighting against drugs. What did they do? At the end of the fight, the people of this nation thought they had some hope when there was the Striking Team, when they had a group of people identified by the then Prime Minister as the group chosen to fight against drugs. But what happened then? There was planting, organised allegations and mistreatment. I have one thing to say to the gentleman – I shall not take his name – who was responsible of that team: ‘my dear friend, you also have hope because this Government is acting responsibly. The child arrested in Montagne Blanche with possession will not be treated as a vulgar offender of the law. He will be given his chance to be rehabilitated through this law. He will be given his chance to be reinserted through this law. He will be given his chance to be reaccepted by the society through this law!’ Madam Speaker, allow me, please, to refer to the experience I have gathered at the bench. I am happy to see comrade Lauthan amongst us. I call him ‘comrade’ because he knows very well that we go a long way. I am so pleased that our hon. Prime Minister and hon. Deputy Prime Minister have chosen you, Sir, to lead us in the right way together with your colleagues. I knocked at his door so many times when I was a magistrate. I begged for his support and his guidance when I was a magistrate. I was amongst the few magistrates, and I can say it loud and clear, Madam Speaker, who sent few people in custody with addiction problems. Most of the times, I knocked at the door of my comrade, Mr Lauthan. I requested him to guide me on how to help these people. Briefly my friend, hon. Anil Bachoo, mentioned how difficult it is for a parent to carry someone who has passed away.

127 Madam Speaker, there was a homicide at Ruisseau du Pouce a while ago. I was sitting at the bench. A lady came for soliciting for the eighth time. Together with her, there was another young girl and two men. It so happened that the young girl was the daughter of this lady, who was also working on the street. It so happened that the man next to her was her seventh concubin who was involved in that homicide, and the other young man was her son. Madam Speaker, all this was related to drugs. I was inclined to find a person soliciting for the eighth time to send her into custodial sentence. But I did not. Instead, I went to visit where she was living. She was living in Karo Kalyptus. I went there wearing a pair of jeans and a cap just to see the conditions she was living in. I came back and I contacted my friend for rehab. I also contacted the church for Community Service Order (CSO). I did not send the person to jail. Madam speaker, there are so many examples where sufferings prevail. There is this person, Madam Speaker, who stole the rice from the bal diri qu’on a à la maison quand on fait nos courses. He took the rice out of the bag and he sold it to buy himself drugs. He replaced it with pebbles and rock sand. Then, he covered that with some of the rice. Imagine the dismay of the mother when she went to cook the rice, and she found that! Worst of all, this person lives in our constituency. The father came to see me and was he crying so much. He wanted to get the son out on bail as he was the only son of the family. He sold his mother’s jewellery, which she possessed when she was married to the father. He went to steal next door. He was then forecited for theft. In this background, against these calamities, this Government is taking is such a responsibility. Yet, the hon. Leader of the Opposition stands here lecturing what to do and what not to do with the law! I was sitting here, patiently waiting, kan li pou dir kouma met tiyo CWA! I was waiting, Madam Speaker, that he would say something about his expertise of being an engineer and explain to us why is there a mess at the Ministry of Energy and Public Utilities! Instead, he lectures us on something that he does not even understand! For the past ten years that he has been sitting in government, should he have understood the miseries of the families, of the kids, of the society, he should have opened his mouth to the then Prime Minister and said to him, tempête dans un verre d’eau, your Minister is saying ferm NATReSA! Your Minister is talking rubbish because he is inclined to send people suffering from drugs to Brown Sequard Hospital, treating them as mad people! He should have said ‘let us open a centre better equipped to rehabilitate these people!’

128 Madam Speaker, you and I come from the same background. We are lawyers. We know that the philosophy/principle of jurisprudence has taught us about retribution from ages ago. We then moved into rehabilitation. Some jurisdictions have gone into restitution already. I pray that our jurisdiction goes further into redemption. These three hours will dictate the future of the young, of our people, of the future of our country, in the capable hands of the competent people who have spent a lifetime fighting against the evil side of drug abuse. Allow me, Madam Speaker. Mr Lauthan is someone who does not see a person abusing drugs; he saw a son suffering. He did not see a person to be sent into custody; he saw a father in need of help to take care of his family. In his own capacity, within his own means, he carried on a battle together with a team. If I say it is only him, it will not be just. You know I am very sharp, but I am just. Mr Lauthan, you and your team fought for a battle by yourselves.

Address me, please!

I am, Madam Speaker, pleased to be part of a Government who is standing united for the welfare of our children, our country, our future, to give support to such competent people, to provide policy decisions, to provide legal framework to ensure that there is a one stop shop somewhere. I do not know which part of the law the hon. Leader of the Opposition read to say that the NADC is going to substitute itself to the Police or the MRA. I do not know which part of the law he misread or if it is because he has the virus of the previous government, he deliberately, once more, misread and misdid everything. Should he have taken the care to read plain English; this is one of the pieces of law, which I said to the AG earlier on, is well drafted, sharp, clean, clear and easy to apply. This is a good piece of drafting to make law and legal provisions available to those in need. This piece of law is going to be a symbol in itself to provide our country with hope for the future, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, in line with our manifest, in line with our programme with at heart the future of our youth, the welfare of our country and our incessant fight against the evil of drug, we stand united and we vouch for this Bill. I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you very much. Ms Collet! (7.00 p.m.)

129 Ms M. R. Collet (First Member for Rodrigues) : Merci beaucoup, Madame la présidente. A bridge to the future, que la République de Maurice soit à nouveau la République de Maurice. Nous avons tous ce souhait est nou pe met serye. Madame la présidente, imaginez un futur où chaque citoyen, où des jeunes des quartiers animés aux parents et grands-parents dévoués vivent dans une communauté protégée des désordres et des ravages des drogues avec des autorités publiques, des ONG est une société civile activement engagés à la coordination, de bonne foi, entre eux avec une gouvernance exemplaire. Imaginez ! Un futur où les vies ne sont plus définies par les dépendances mais par des opportunités, de empowerment, coming clean, staying clean dans une société saine. Consommons des fruits et des légumes et non les drogues illicites. Ce rêve bien que lointain pour certains, pourrait devenir une réalité grâce à l’introduction du projet de loi sur l’Agence nationale de contrôle des drogues. En version raccourcie, la NADC. Il est clair que parmi les grandes priorités du gouvernement actuel, comme annoncé dans le Programme gouvernemental de 2025-2029, l’une des priorités majeures de ce gouvernement est la mesure contre ce fléau national qui est le trafic, usage et l’abus de drogue. La drogue, Madame la présidente, est défini dans ce projet de loi comme étant une substance naturelle ou synthétique, licite ou illicite. La lutte contre les drogues à travers la République de Maurice dépasse les simples chiffres et les débats politiques. C’est une lutte pour des vies, pour la sécurité mentale et physique pour les familles ; pour une jeunesse qui mérite mieux qu’un avenir brisé par-dessus des dommages psychologiques. Partout à travers la République, des parents pleurent leurs enfants, des quartiers voient leurs lumières s’éteindre et des destins prometteurs sont balayés par une dépendance implacable, des hallucinations, des violences, des troubles mentaux, zanfan vinn zombi avek zombi. Crystal Meth est le nouveau bijou de la tentation ou Black Mamba, on croirait que c’est une danse, dance performance de K-POP, n’est-ce pas ? Pourquoi de tels noms de drogues ? Sûrement pour expliquer leurs effets dans le corps de ceux qui en abusent. Madame la présidente, la septième Assemblée avec nos prédécesseurs avait commandité un National Drug Control Master Plan 2019/23. À la page huit du National Drug Control Master Plan 2019/23, si vous me le permettez de reprendre un extrait dans cette Assemblée, Madame la présidente, je cite – “The Island of Rodrigues, being part of the Republic of Mauritius, is included in this Master Plan. While it is understood that the severity of drug use and trafficking is

130 limited, relevant necessary actions as defined in the log frame will be undertaken to protect health and combat drug-related crime. According to ADSU reports, cannabis is the main drug used in Rodrigues. It is cultivated and distributed throughout the island. A few cases of use of heroin and synthetic drugs have also been reported.” Madame la présidente, au moment où ce plan directeur a été développé pour la période 2019-2023, bien que l’on comprît que la gravité de la consommation et du trafic de drogue était limitée, on préconisait que les actions nécessaires définies dans le cadre logique allaient être mises en œuvre pour protéger la santé et lutter contre la criminalité liée aux drogues. Selon les rapports de l’ADSU de l’époque, le cannabis était la principale drogue consommée à Rodrigues. Il était cultivé et distribué à travers l’île. Quelques cas de consommation d’héroïne et de drogue synthétique étaient également signalés. À la page 15 de ce plan directeur, on voit le tableau cinq affichant « Arrests for drug offences in Rodrigues in 2017 and 2018 ». En moyenne une soixantaine d’hommes, quatre femmes et de jeunes avaient été arrêtés pour des délits liés aux drogues. Cette Assemblée constaterait, Madame la présidente, que Rodrigues, longtemps vierge préservée, ressent désormais le point d’une autre réalité et chaque jour, la détresse grandit. Les statistiques à ce jour sont alarmants. Nous ne pouvons plus détourner le regard. Plusieurs villages bien fréquentés, des écoles plus précisément deux collèges pour le moment, et plusieurs familles sont touchées par les fléaux de la drogue et les conséquences directes et indirectes. Les dealers, les marchands des drogues s’infiltrent. La consommation et l’abus de drogue augmentent. Les autorités publiques, les ONG ont des difficultés de coordination soutenue entre eux pour lutter contre cela efficacement. Certains ONG, telle que Crac Anti-Drogue, figurent comme association engagée activement dans la prévention. Le soutien des psychiatres, psychologues et éducateurs dans les écoles, je pense reste prépondérant. J’apprécie beaucoup les films d’horreur avec zombi, Madame la présidente, toutefois, moi, et je pense cette Assemblée aussi avec nos collègues, nous ne souhaitons pas avoir des transformations en zombie dans nos îles, nous ne voulons pas de cartel contrôlant les marchés illégaux. Nous ne voulons pas de martin criyant ‘Polico Crapo’, quand il y a des landings. Nous ne voulons pas des décès dus à des overdoses, nous ne voulons pas des récidives de ceux ayant déjà été dan yenn. Nous souhaitons protéger notre peuple et garantir la sécurité de nos familles. Le projet de loi sur l’Agence nationale de contrôle de drogue, Madame la présidente, incarne une

131 réponse, un espoir, une main tendue à ceux qui sombrent dans le silence de la tentation de trafiquer, dans la tentation de consommer les drogues et bien sûr l’addiction. Avec un représentant de Rodrigues, cette loi marque un tournant, un engagement vers une approche qui ne se limite pas à punir, mais cherche plutôt à guérir et à reconstruire, à prévenir, le dit bien ce dicton, « mieux vaut prévenir que guérir ». Et je pense, Madame la présidente, qu’il s’agit d’un signal fort, celui d’une société qui refuse d’abandonner ses citoyens à leur sort. La NADC, sous la supervision directe du Premier ministre qui est aussi Ministre du Rodrigues et des îles, deviendra le pilier de cette transformation dans notre société Rodriguaise et Mauricienne. Grâce à une stratégie fondée sur la prévention, le traitement et la réhabilitation, elle offrira à chaque personne une chance de reprendre sa vie en main. Car chaque individu mérite bien plus qu’un simple verdict, il mérite de retrouver sa dignité, de renouer avec l’espoir de se reconstruire dans une société qui croit en lui et nous croyons bien sûr en notre peuple ou ce segment du peuple qui est affecté. Ce projet de loi créant la NADC est nécessaire, Madame la présidente, puisque la NADC sera l’organisme centrale chargée de la prévention et du contrôle de drogue dans la République. La NADC aura des responsabilités élargies, avec des pouvoirs plus vastes que ceux de l’ancienne NATReSA, c’est sûr. Et, la NADC sera gérée par un conseil. La NADC certainement aura peut-être à débattre de mesures pour ou contre la dépénalisation entre autres. Et, je vois qu’avec la création de la NADC, l’accent est mis sur la prévention de la consommation des drogues, la coordination du traitement, de la réhabilitation et de la réintégration sociale et des stratégies de réduction de risques pour limiter les conséquences sanitaires et sociales, y compris la prévention des maladies transmissibles tel le VIH Sida et l’hépatite C. Toutefois, Madame la présidente, nous ne pouvons pas nous contenter d’une initiative inachevée. Nous devons l’adapter, la renforcer, l’améliorer pour qu’elle puisse réellement changer des vies, malgré les ressources limitées, compte tenu de l’état de notre économie, et bien sûr, peut-être un manque d’expertise et de techniciens formés dans ces domaines. A travers le monde, des programmes similaires ont connu des succès et des échecs. Certains ont permis une meilleure coordination et un accompagnement humain, tandis que d’autres se sont enlisés dans une bureaucratie pesante où on négligeait l’aspect social du combat. La République de Maurice, elle, doit tirer des leçons de ces expériences et veiller à ce que ce projet de loi soit porté par une gouvernance solide, une transparence sans faille et un engagement profond de la société civile. Pour que cette réforme soit véritablement efficace, il

132 est essentiel de mettre en place des mécanismes de suivi accessibles à tous, de favoriser des partenariats internationaux et d’assurer une formation rigoureuse des professionnels qui y sont impliqués. Surtout, nous devons faire de cette lutte un combat collectif, Madame la présidente, car aucune loi aussi bien pensée soit-elle ne peut fonctionner sans l’implication des citoyens, des communautés, des familles ; en gros, du peuple. Nous sommes à un tournant, nous avons l’occasion de prouver que nous sommes capables de nous unir pour offrir à notre peuple un avenir qui ne soit pas marqué par l’angoisse et la souffrance liée directement ou indirectement aux drogues. Ce projet n’est pas seulement une réponse politique, c’est un appel à la solidarité, un cri du cœur pour que nous ne perdions plus personne dans l’oubli. Chaque vie compte, Madame la présidente, chaque individu mérite une seconde chance. Ensemble avec détermination et humanité, le peuple peut et doit être plus fort que ce fléau national, et aujourd’hui, nous avons la responsabilité de faire en sorte que cette promesse devienne une réalité. Et pour ces raisons, Madame la présidente, au nom du peuple, j’accueille favorablement ce projet de loi. Merci.

Je vous remercie ! M. le ministre, Dr. Boolell ! (7.13 p.m.)

Madam Speaker, I have listened very intently to all speeches, and of course, I paid particular attention to the speech delivered by the hon. Prime Minister. His speech was poignant and very powerful and he has conveyed a message, loud and clear and the underlying theme of his speech is support that we have to dispense to those who are victims of this scourge but we want to wage an intensive war on those who are drug traffickers. When I listened to the speech delivered by the hon. Prime Minister, the underlying theme and the message that has been conveyed is biopsychosocial problems and we have to address these problems. This is not only the responsibility of a responsible Government but it is the responsibility of the Nation and the Nation has to arise, be awake and not stop till we defeat those who are killers of our children and we have to stand up, put up a common front and say ‘no’ to those who are doing harm to our children. We have to make the difference and to

133 make the difference, the Nation has to come together. There should be no fear, there should be no prejudice but as a Nation, we have to stand up. The message is not only being conveyed here but it has to be heard loud and clear by one and all. I feel sorry that the Leader of the Opposition has chosen to make an exit. I will not say whether it is a dishonourable exit but he has chosen to leave the room and more so, when we are discussing an issue that cut across political differences but of course, what had to be said had to be said. To a large extent, the previous Government was responsible for the proliferation of this scourge because of the nexus it had with the mafia. Under the previous regime, Mcmafia ruled the waves but we are saying the tide will not rise, it will be low tide and we are going to be forceful. We are going to mobilise all our resources to ward off threats from those who think they can disrupt our social life. There are some people who said that yet, another Bill. No, the Bill before the House is not just another Bill; it is a Bill with broad ideas. It is a Bill which has been prepared after wide discussion at the bar of public opinion. It is a Bill which has taken onboard input from all stakeholders and there are lessons and lessons have been learned and drawn from the experience of the National Agency for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Substance Abusers. We as a Government, have said it and I will reinforce what we have said. We are resolute and determined to weed out the worst scourge faced by a Nation. And when I look at the provisions of the Bill, notwithstanding clause 4, the Commission will be chaired by the Prime Minister and it is the strong signals which are being conveyed. The Prime Minister is not only first among the equals. Together with the Deputy Prime Minister, decisions will be taken to ward off those threats and to tell those killers, those who are maiming our children that we are going to make the difference and we are warning them to stay away. And we will see to it, and I will come to that at later stage when I will talk on the importance and relevance of the Financial Anti-Money Laundering Act. So, what is the relevance of this Commission being chaired by the Prime Minister? He will engage with the public through advocacy and awareness campaigns, highlighting the risks of medication misuse and promoting informed healthcare choices. And the keywords have been highlighted by all of us. The keywords are demand reduction and supply reduction and there are provisions made for the setting up of this National Drug Agency Control Commission but I will draw attention to 4(f) that progress will be made, will be monitored by drug departments through the setting up of performance indicators and it reminds us of the relevance and importance of pharmacovigilance.

134 I will come to section 8(1)(a)(ii) where it is stated unequivocally that for the National Agency for Drug Control to attain its objectives, it shall – “(ii) coordinate and facilitate efforts at national level towards the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan, the National Action Plan for HIV and AIDS and any other drug control strategy;” Yes, a report has been submitted, an action plan has been submitted but if there was seriousness of purpose, if there was willingness on the part of the previous Government to be aggressive, to wage war intensively against the mafia, against the drug traffickers, they would have sent this action plan to the different Ministries. That plan would have been cloistered. But we have given commitment that there will be implementation of the action plan and the masterplan. Not only are we giving commitment, but we will mobilise our resources to implement the National Drug Control Masterplan. There is seriousness of purpose. The Prime Minister has seen to it that there are provisions in the Bill in relation to the action plan and National Drug Control Masterplan. Not only are we determined and totally committed, I expect and I hope our Forensic Science Laboratory will not let us down. It has all the reagents and the up-to-date equipment to conduct tests. I hope I do not hear of false positive test or false negative results. The lab is here to serve and it has to deliver specific results. This is the relevance and importance of the Forensic Science Laboratory. We know what happened in the past when dirty fingers manipulated results. Under the previous government, anything went because of the nexus with drug traffickers. We still have a parallel economy. As I have stated, we have a clear mandate to break the nexus between the drug mafia and those who manipulated power to corrupt. The fight does not ignore the use of technology. We know what is happening and we have to put an end to it. There is payment, and payment is being done with crypto currency to launder money. This is how payment is being effected! This is why, we, as a government, are resolute in our fight to wage war on drug traffickers. We are determined and we have the political will. This is the will of the l’Alliance du Changement. As we say, the only factor in life which remains constant is change. There will be fundamental change in relation to the war that we are waging on drug traffickers.

135 This parallel economy, Madam Speaker, has flourished with the complicity and duplicity of the MSM regime. Why did the former Prime Minister fail to depose before the Commission of Inquiry, chaired former Justice Lam Shang Leen? I deposed as a responsible politician and spoke fearlessly because you have to put the safety of our kids and of our people first. They are our best assets. Findings of the report were damning against the MSM MPs and lawyers close to them. This has been stated and canvassed fully, and I will not come back to it. But let me say, unfortunately, the previous government did not learn any lessons. I am not going to highlight what my good friend, hon. Bachoo, has stated in relation to the famous rave party during the peak of COVID in a chassé in the vicinity of Ganga Talao. This was a scandal of epic proportion. Drugs were freely circulated in the vicinity of Ganga Talao! Madam Speaker, I mentioned earlier, FIAMLA prevents drugs’ money from being rinsed, from being dried and from being spin-dried. But we have to follow the trail and we have to beat the traffickers who are laundering dirty money. As I have stated earlier, are you surprised that payment is made in crypto currency? Can the trail be followed? Yes! Leering to obscure, the origin will fail this time. Sharing of intelligence to uncover hidden connections and unravel the entire money laundering network is inevitable, as I say, because we have the will and we will do it, and because we have reliable friends. We have traditional partners who are willing to be together with us because our fight is their fight. We have to see to it that we deliver on promises made. Unlike the previous government, we are not looking into the eyes for certificate of merits to be issued. This is over! First, we have to know who the client is and we have to understand the very meaning of diligence. The narco-traffickers, as I have said, are still there, although some are on the run and operate undercover. But there is still, as I have said, an inherent fear. I know of teachers who shake in their boots and turn a blind eye. Yet, they have to put their best endeavour to protect our kids. Today, it is sad when you see and you hear young kids who are drugs pushers, walking with bundles of paper money. I have seen it. Madam Speaker, as I have said, we are not going to retreat nor surrender whether the war will be fought inland or at sea. The National Parks Conservation Service, the Forestry Division, together with Customs, CCID, ADSU, National Coast Guard and MRA, have to act collectively to wage war on drug barons. We have to be mindful of transshipment at sea. I

136 have impressed upon Ministers when I attended a meeting in Reunion Island, that we should have a strong regional plan for control and monitoring of transshipment of fish and drugs. Sometimes, drugs are hidden in the bellies of fish. Monitoring, close surveillance and use of helicopters, drones and AI is becoming a common feature. Copernicus and other satellite agencies can see with precision the location of fish trawlers sometimes involved in drug trafficking, even if control, monitoring and surveillance is switched off. The Canal of Mozambique, Madam Speaker, is known for all illegal transaction, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) transshipment and also of drugs. Madam Speaker, we have a vast Exclusive Economic Zone. If we compute the total EEZ of Comoros, Mauritius, Madagascar and Seychelles, it is about 10% of the Indian Ocean, that is, 7.3 billion km2. It is not easy to exercise proper control, monitoring and surveillance. But with the support of the EU and the French Government, surveillance programme to combat IUU and drug trafficking is becoming effective. Our National Coast Guard has to be reinforced and the QUAD and the French Army based in Reunion certainly are strong allies. India tilts the balance with information that it relays to us. Madam Speaker, the sentences have to be harsh and the specialised Police Force has to undergo proper training. But the Police has to make sure that those who are on conditional bail do not run drug reigns. Hardcore traffickers are likely to be on conditional bail. However, there are cases of alleged traffickers on bail. Madam Speaker, let me say a word in relation to whistleblowers. There are provisions in the Bill for whistleblowers to speak without fear and prejudice, to blow the whistle and say where the trafficking is going on. They need confidence. We have to make sure that the information, which is going to be relayed or conveyed or disclosed, has to be disclosed to people who are reliable. As of now, there is still an element of mistrust. Who do I talk to? Can I trust the person? Is he or she reliable? This is the climate that we are going to introduce to dissipate fear, to inculcate values of standing up and to say loud and clear: ‘yes, we are not afraid to denounce those who are maiming and killing our children.’ We need to muster the courage and say it without fear or prejudice.

137 As I say, it is a biopsychosocial problem. First and foremost, a societal problem. There should be no alienation and no stigmatisation, no child or any human being should be allowed to drift. It is this problem, as I say, we need to address with firmness and care. We have talked of psychological support but we need to enlist the services of one and all. In this battle, we all have to put our best endeavour, whether we are sitting in Government House, in Parliament, in a backstreet or in Réduit, we all have to be on board, we have to wage war. The war has to be intensive and there is no retreat when we have to face drug traffickers, Madam Speaker. Let me end by talking on Pharmacovigilance, the Unit which is run by Mrs Mawlaboccus, Acting Director Pharmaceutical Services. First of all, in relation to methadone, as the hon. Prime Minister has stated, methadone substitution therapy was officially introduced in Mauritius in November 2006 under the Labour Government as part of a broader harm reduction strategy to address the country’s high rate of opiate use and HIV transmission among people who inject drugs. After 18 years, there is a call to have a formal study because, whether we like it or not, the merits of this substitute drug, far outweigh any of the demerit. Today, we know that it has a longer shelf life but we have to make sure that it is used judiciously and the person who take the drug has the potency which is relevant to the pharmacological relevance of this drug. Madam Speaker, we have travelled a long way and today we have a government which has won the heart, the mind and the soul of a nation and we have to live up to their expectation and this is precisely what we are doing. We will not retreat whether we have to take difficult measures or measures which are popular. But we will take measures to redress and address forcefully psycho-social problems. As a nation, we want our people to be on the move and to walk without fear and prejudice. This is a battle which we are going to win and win handsomely. Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Third Member for Pamplemousses and Triolet! (7.33 p.m.)

138 Mr K. Rookny (Third Member for Pamplemousses & Triolet): Madam Speaker, pour commencer je voudrais dire à cette vieille chachi dont je ne dirai pas le nom pour des raisons évidentes qui habite à Maheshwar Nagri, dans ce beau village de ma circonscription qui est Triolet, que nous ne vous avons pas oublié, que vos cris de cœur sont en passe d’être entendus et qu’on va faire ce qu’il faut pour extraire votre fils de 44 ans des griffes de ce démon qu’est la drogue. Madame la présidente, lorsque j’ai commencé mon combat contre la drogue, il y a deux choses qui se sont produites. La première, j’ai vu une avalanche de messages de soutien mais aussi d’information. Et là, je me suis demandé pourquoi ces braves gens étaient disposé à venir me donner l’information alors qu’il y avait la police. À eux, I want to tell them, à partir de maintenant ils auront des structures qui auront les épaules bien plus larges que la mienne pour avancer leurs doléances et je serais continuellement à leurs côtés dans cette bataille contre la drogue. À mes amis qui m’avaient cautionné de ne pas m’aventurer trop vaillamment dans cette bataille contre la drogue, eux aussi ils avaient raison. On le sait tous, aller contre les barons de la drogue peut avoir des conséquences graves pour la personne qui mène le combat et pour sa famille. À eux, je leur dis – si on ne se décide pas à mener ce combat, on finira par perdre nos enfants à ce même problème qu’est la drogue. Alors, Madam Speaker, for me there is no debate about what drug is doing to this beautiful country of mine. There is no doubt that drugs are being imported and also produced here. C’est évident that political will to curb this problem was non-existent until we came into power. Madam Speaker, we have the political will and we will give ourselves everything that is needed to take our country back from the claws of death. I thank the Prime Minister for coming up with this Bill within six months of taking control of the business of this country. Dear comrades, what haven’t we debated, seen and done in the past? We had the NATReSA that did its job in its time. We have had awareness programmes, we have had a rehabilitation programmes, we have the Methadone Distribution Programme that was brought in to address the HIV and drugs problem. We have drug repression measures. We have realised that drug addicts had to be treated as victims, as sick people in contrast to drug dealers who suck the lives of our families. We have ways and means, maybe not enough for preventing drugs from coming in and going out. Yet, here we are. Some are even coining us the name of Zombi Island. Catastrophe is knocking at our doors and I am not afraid to say that this did not start on 11 November 2024. The beast has been allowed in very long back.

139 Our people have got very simple questions. Why is it so hard to stop this problem of drugs? We heard that the other day when Mr Sam Lauthan was delivering a talk in Morcellement St André. A gentleman in the audience asked ‘why can’t we apprehend a drug user and ask him where did he buy his drugs from? And then we climb the chain to reach the big boss.’ I must say Mr Lauthan give him a very diplomatic reply. But we all know that had it been so easy to address, to apprehend drug barons, we wouldn’t be sitting here debating this Bill. How many times haven’t we heard about this refrain of ‘let’s bring capital punishment for the drug dealers.’ Is it going to be the solution? I don’t know. We have seen countries that have introduced or maintained capital punishment but haven’t seen a great decrease in the problem of drugs. Yet, there are other countries who have had better success like Singapore. I may not be the right person to dictate what we need to do about this but for sure, I will fight for us to have the right people in our institutions, to make the right recommendations so that we can all legislate on this matter. The National Agency for Drug Control is the first step of many that will come to create the appropriate structures and legal framework to help us combat the drug issue and other related problems. The issue of drugs is not only a problem of law and order, it is also a social issue which in my opinion is the main issue as it tears down families, it robs our very capable youth of their future and stigmatise them for the rest of their lives. It is also a painful economic problem, it may sound foolish but haven’t we seen bus drivers putting at risk the lives of their passengers, or just being immobilised in the middle of the road while they are in trance under the effect of drugs. Haven’t we seen people zombified on their motorbikes in broad daylight? It seems that drug is not something that addicts are hiding anymore, but it is in fact about enslavement where they have no choice over what they are doing. Having no choice is not a choice but we have taken the pledge of giving people a choice; be it in terms of our economy, our health or social tissue. That is why, Madam Speaker, it is urgent for us to have an Agency such as the one we have proposed. We cannot be good in one department of our lives and yet so bad in another department. That is why it has become important for us to have a modern agency that will not sit as a toothless bulldog but will have the relevant powers to look at the problem with a holistic view, to take action in all directions that are required to address the problem. Yes! We have to provide the appropriate treatment to those who have fallen prey to the scourge of

140 drugs but we also have to lift up families affected by this. We have to give our business community an able working population rather that just giving them as only recourse to import people from Bangladesh, Nepal or Madagascar. Madam Speaker, this law does not decriminalise any form of drug use or practice; it is not meant for that. It does better. It sets up the appropriate structures to consider this problem. The National Drug Control Commission will be chaired by the Prime Minister and will also be comprised of the Deputy Prime Minister and many other ministers; all of them at the apex of our executive. If this does not show how important we consider our fight against drug in Mauritius, I don’t know what will. This Bill also provides for the setting up of the Drug Control Board and I have no doubt that the most able people will be appointed to lead this organisation. The expectations of the population and all of us sitting in this august Assembly, are very high. The two organisations being set up will have the very difficult task of finding a solution to the new forms of drugs like fentanyl which has crippled the world and is now infecting our society. This is a very serious problem. The more so as these new forms of drugs have immediately crippled us in three ways. Firstly, they are available at such low prices that even a child attending a primary school can acquire it with his pocket money, let alone a working adult wasting his hard- earned money on a fleeting high. Secondly, these new drugs also mean that measures like legalising recreational cannabis would be of no use as the users of these synthetic drugs cannot use cannabis as a substitute. The reverse maybe true but the price at which synthetic drugs are available will not serve any purpose if we just legalise cannabis. From consultations I have had, I understand that there are also no synthetic substitutes for the new synthetic drugs and doctors can only treat symptoms. They are treating headaches, nausea and sleep disorders. Thirdly, the new synthetic drugs can cause sudden death even for a first-time user. Nowadays, synthetic drugs abusers who are administered methadone treatment are doubling up because they are also taking synthetic drugs. There you are – to the two bodies we are setting up, there lies your problem. The problem is a big one and is dynamic. This conclusion seems to echo that we do not have the solution for drug abusers. Indeed, we do not have a magic wand and there lies the problem.

141 Mais, on ne va pas rester les bras croisés. S’il y a une chose et qu’une seule qu’on pourrait réaliser jusqu’à la fin de ce mandat, ce serait de redonner le sourire à ces familles perdues à la drogue. Pour conclure, Madame la président, je sais que cette famille de Pointe-aux-Piments qui, ayant perdu un neveu a la drogue, nous écoute ce soir. Cette famille, unanimement, n’avait qu’une demande à nous formuler ; celle de casser les reins des barons de la drogue. À eux, je voudrais leurs dire, voici le premier pas. Madame la présidente, j’en ai terminé.

Merci beaucoup! Hon. Ms. Babooram! This will be the last speech before we break. (8.46 p.m.) The Junior Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare (Ms A. Babooram): Madam Speaker, it is with a deep sense of responsibility but also with great hope that I rise today to contribute to the debate on the National Agency for Drug Control Bill. This Bill, if implemented with sincerity and seriousness that it deserves, will be remembered as a pivotal moment in our nation’s fight against one of the most corrosive plagues of our society – drug abuse and unchecked empire of illicit trafficking. Allow me first, Madam Speaker, to congratulate the hon. Prime Minister and the hon. Deputy Prime Minister for having kept their promises which they made during the elections. The establishment of a National Drug Agency is not just a political achievement; it is a moral and historical necessity. It shows that this government is not content to rule for two days’ applause but is determined to leave a legacy, to build a safe and just future for our emerging generations. This is leadership; this is vision! Madam Speaker, a socialist government worthy of that name must strive for inclusiveness, justice and equity. These are not just ideological pillars; they are the foundation of a healthy society but let us not forget the recent past. The previous government which paraded itself as ‘Movement Socialiste Militant’ did the exact opposite. Under its watch, the fabric of society frayed; thousands of our children were marginalised. I think we cannot forget and we cannot forgive them for having introduced the 5-credit, imposed on our children, thus, marginalising thousands of them. They found themselves outside the educational system; a policy that punished the poor, the underprivileged, the voiceless. These

142 children were denied their basic rights to dream and what happened, Madam Speaker? How do we expect these children, these young souls to earn a living? They could not even rise up the social ladder. The doors of opportunity were slammed shut in their faces. The cost of living soared and you will see that they created les circonstances propices pour le trafic de drogue. En fin de compte, ils ont créé une clientèle pour la drogue et la politique de petit copinage, favoritism, nepotism flourished, while ordinary citizens were struggling to feed their families. Crime rates went up. Our prisons already creaking under pressure became overpopulated and as insecurity gripped our communities, a more insidious danger crept in – synthetic drugs! Il suffit aujourd’hui d’aller sur les réseaux sociaux pour voir des vidéos où les gens sont comme des zombies, and the zombie-like demeanour of those who fell prey to these poisons is something that we cannot ignore. Instead of showing compassion, many of those who use social media are sharing these videos. Are we to condemn these people or are we to treat them to give them the medical treatment that they need? Young people stripped of hope, wandering like shadows, victims of a system that failed them while drug barons grew richer, more powerful and more untouchable. Madam Speaker, how can we call this a democracy? How could we call this a democracy? In a democracy, a government is supposed to make law for its people. But they made law, such as the five credits, to impose that on the children so that they could be marginalised and finally become clients for drugs. A democracy is meant to be for the people, not for the profiteers. I must also raise a point that I have raised repeatedly in the past: our prison system. I cannot forget how our prisons became a passoire for drug lords. I say this with great concern, not as a mere political rhetoric. I have said it before the press in the past; I have said it before the Commission of Enquiry on Drugs, and I saw it myself when I visited prisons while I was at the National Preventive Mechanism Division of the Human Rights Commission. Yet, nothing changed! The same livreur de poissons seen in prisons was also seen on the Wakashio which, let us not forget, sank in deeply suspicious circumstances. Are we to keep ignoring such coincidences? What about the tragic and unexplained death of a Police Constable arrested with drugs at the airport and found dead at the Moka Detention Centre? I would like to, at this stage, quote late Mr Lassemillante, who was the Deputy Chairperson of the National

143 Preventive Mechanism Division, in his report, on 31 October 2016. The extracts are as follows – “The detainee was posted in Cell No. 14 where the CCTV camera did not work. During my visit, it was reported that the detainee hanged himself by using a towel attached to a tap situated at 3ft above ground level. This death is suspect. It is difficult for a man of medium height to hang himself with an object situated at merely 3ft from ground level. We noted that in some cells of the detention centre, the CCTV camera system was working. Yet, the accused, in an important drugs importation case, is detained in one of the cells which cannot be supervised by the CCTV camera.” This is not just suspicious; this is outrageous! How many more lives must be lost? How many more parents must watch helplessly as their children fall into addiction while those profiting from it dine in luxury. This is why, Madam Speaker, this Bill is more than just a legal framework. It is a moral reckoning. I truly trust that the National Agency for Drug Control will be the institution we need to attack this scourge from its roots. We cannot afford to leave the future of our youth in the hands of mafias, cartels or corrupt networks. Let us empower this agency to act independently without fear or favour. Let it operate free from political interference. Let it have the resources and the mandate to break down the criminal empires that have long held this country hostage. Today, Madam Speaker, we have something rare and powerful. We have hope. Hope for a society where no child is left behind. Hope for a future where prisons are not schools of crime, but institutions of reform. Hope for a nation where drug dealers are in jail, and not in government contracts. Hope for a Mauritius that belongs to its people again. Let us not squander this opportunity. Let us pass this Bill with a seriousness and the unity it deserves. Let history record that we stood on the right side, that when the tides turned, we chose justice, we chose life and we chose our children. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Hon. Members, I suspend the Sitting for one hour! At 7.58 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 9.05 p.m. with Madam Speaker in the Chair.

Please be seated! Hon. Mr Baboolall! (9.06 p.m.)

144 Mr C. Baboolall (First Member for Montagne Blanche & GRSE): Thank you, Madam Speaker. The National Agency for Drug Control Bill, as already stated by the hon. Prime Minister, will be of upmost importance to Mauritius and the generations to come. Madam Speaker, the Government Programme made it clear that the fight against drug trafficking and use will be one of the major priorities, and that the Government will set up the National Drug Policy Monitoring and Coordination Agency that will bring together various public bodies that will combat drug trafficking, provide rehabilitation and support families of victims of drug abuse. Madam Speaker, it was also mentioned that the legal provisions in respect of trafficking, consumption and treatment of drug addicts will be reviewed to cater inter alia for differentiated treatment of traffickers and consumers. Madam Speaker, if we have the NADC before this august Assembly today, it means that this Government means business. Under the leadership of the hon. Prime Minister and hon. Deputy Prime Minister, the whole population can see today that the reconstruction of our nation is underway. They are working tirelessly for Mauritius to be Mauritius again. Madam Speaker, 2014 to 2024 will always be remembered by generations to come that Mauritius had a fake government. It was a dark period where we have seen the drug proliferation. How can we forget the famous tractopelle? How can we forget the gas cylinders full of drugs? How can we forget the Wakashio saga and the presence of marsan pwason on it? How can we forget the rave party and minis serf? How can we forget the record recovery of drugs at Pointe aux Canonniers? Madam Speaker, the previous government has not been a responsible government when it came to drug control and money laundering. Instead, what can be seen today is that Mauritius has been heavily affected. A lot of families are suffering and the victims are left to themselves. It is very sad when we see how the youngsters have been victims of synthetic drugs and no measures were taken by the Pinokio’s government. Madam Speaker, even the previous government set up the Commission of Enquiry on Drug Trafficking in 2018, what was the outcome? To the nation’s astonishment, members close to the MSM party were mentioned in the report. Even Pinokio’s name was mentioned! The pragmatic recommendations were never adopted nor any laws were amended to stop the proliferation of drugs nor anything was done for the victims.

145 Madam Speaker, the previous government also did a National Drug Control Masterplan 2019-2023. But again, nothing was done! Why? Because they have always been antipatriotic. They have never cared for the children and citizens of this country. The only objective for them was to steal the wealth of this country. If we see the whole picture, it can be said that instead of condoning the drug business, they had an invisible hand supporting it to destroy the new generations to come because for them, it was money and power at all cost. Pinokio thought of himself as undefeatable as money can buy everything. Their Striking Team was ready to terrify anyone raising their voice against the then government. But, Madam Speaker, he forgot, as rightly pointed out by the hon. Deputy Prime Minister, lepep admirab was watching. The people knew what they had to do to get rid of Pinokio’s fake government on 10 November 2024. Madam Speaker, the NADC will be the apex body for addressing drug use prevention and drug control issues in Mauritius. It contains 28 sections and englobes almost everything that Mauritius needs to be able to look forward and leave a legacy for the generations to come. Madam Speaker, the NADC will be administered and managed by the Drug Control Board comprising of a chairperson and at least 20 members including representatives from different ministries, the Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner of Prisons, Secretary- General of the National Social Inclusion Foundation and members from the civil society having the responsibility to make policy decisions. Madam Speaker, the Board may set up such committees as it deems necessary to assist it in the discharge of its function in the fight against drug abuse. There will be a committee for each division such as Policy, Research and Strategy Division, Treatment and Rehabilitation Services Division, Prevention and Public Awareness Division, and HIV and AIDS Prevention and Care Coordination Division and a Supply Reduction Coordination Division. There will also be a Chief Executive Officer who will be the head of NADC and will be responsible for the control and management of the day-to-day business and operation of the NADC. Madam Speaker, this inclusive approach where all stakeholders will join hands together, will no doubt fulfil the very purpose of the NADC. It will be a golden opportunity and a unique chance to rethink the drug policy and repair the damages caused by the previous government. Madam Speaker, the NADC will no doubt find solutions for the victim of

146 substance abuse. They should not be looked at as only victims but they should be considered as patients suffering from a form of sickness and whose places are not certainly in prison but in rehabilitation centres and have to be taken care by health specialists. Madam Speaker, the dispensing of methadone at local police stations as per the methadone programme has to be revisited. Many of the victims are often left by themselves, abandoned by the family and do not receive psychosocial help and support to get out of the drug web. I have no doubt that the NADC will come with the appropriate solutions for the victims. Madam Speaker, every board member will have to take oath before assuming, functioning according to section 23 and they have to maintain confidentiality on any matter, according to section 24. Section 25 also gives protection to whistleblowers and there are severe penalties if there are victimisation or retaliation. All safeguards are present for the NADC to work perfectly. Madam Speaker, section 27 amends the Dangerous Drugs Act and gives the NADC powers to rehabilitate victims where the offender is willing to undergo therapy, to overcome his addictive behaviours to drug. This as well will enable the NADC to play it a pivotal role in the fight against drug abuse. Madam Speaker, the war on drug abuse will not be easy. Once the NADC has been set up, being at the apex and deciding on policy decisions, we are sure that representation will be made to evaluate the debate in relation to cannabis. Madam Speaker, it will be for the NADC to decide whether to prevent the deadly uncontrollable proliferation of synthetic drug, cannabis use will be seen the way forward or not. There has always been a raging debate between legalisation versus decriminalisation, recreational and its use for medical purposes. Madam Speaker, the NADC, we hope, will be able to draw the line and come with the right policy decision. The NADC will have to refer to the best practices in various countries and come up with the best solution in our fight against drug abuse. Madam Speaker, everyone should join forces together in pursuit of the common purpose to have a healthier society with less crimes linked to drug abuse and protection of the vulnerable. A healthy society rests on the three fundamental pillars; the Government, the private sector and the civil society where each has a distinct role to play. It is also crucial to ensure that there is a healthy population, capable of contributing to the sustainable economic

147 development and growth of the country. This will be possible through education, poverty alleviation, the bonding of family values and a change in the perception of the people. Madam Speaker, the NADC will no doubt be the laying foundations where the collaborations of the public and all the stakeholders including the law enforcement agencies will enable the nation to move forward with a clear collaborative goal for the nation’s future. I thank you again the hon. Prime Minister and the hon. Deputy Prime Minister for bringing in this Bill. Thank you.

Thank you for keeping the time, Mr Baboolall. Mr Quirin! (9.15 p.m.) Mr F. Quirin (Third Member for Beau Bassin & Petite Rivière): Madame la présidente, nous débattons en ce moment d’un projet de loi crucial, le National Agency for Drug Control Bill. Un texte de loi tant attendu car le pays est actuellement en état d’urgence sur le sujet de la drogue. Au risque de me répéter la situation dans le pays aujourd’hui est telle que les bonnes intentions contenues dans le projet de loi ne suffisent pas. La société devrait aussi avoir son mot à dire, des nombreuses ONG militent pour que Maurice emboîte le pas à des pays développés qui ont assoupli leurs lois sur la consommation du cannabis. Une question que je me pose, Madame la présidente, est-ce qu’un projet en faveur de la dépénalisation du cannabis aidera à combattre la dangereuse montée des drogues de synthèse et anéantir ses effets désastreux sur notre société ? De nombreux experts en sont convaincus, certains parlent même de légaliser le cannabis. À un moment où nous sommes en train de repenser nos manières de lutter contre la drogue et de faire plus d’efforts pour la prévention et la réhabilitation, il ne faut pas laisser nos réflexes passéistes nous empêcher de prendre des décisions courageuses. Qu’en pense le Gouvernement ? Madame la présidente, je réitère ma demande au Gouvernement pour lancer un débat national et d’organiser, si besoin est, un référendum sur la dépénalisation du cannabis. Je suis d’avis, Madame la présidente, que le National Agency for Drug Control Bill devrait faire provision pour la décriminalisation des drogues ou, s’il y a consensus, la dépénalisation du cannabis. Ce projet de loi met uniquement l’accent sur la réduction de la demande, la prévention, la réhabilitation et la réduction des risques. L’absence de mention de la décriminalisation ou de la dépénalisation peut être interprétée comme une volonté de maintenir une approche répressive malgré les débats internationaux sur les bienfaits des

148 politiques plus progressistes – comme celles, par exemple, du Portugal ou de certains états américains. Certains experts estiment qu’appliquer une politique répressive sur les consommateurs de drogue peut entraver leurs accès aux soins et à la réinsertion sociale. Il faut aussi, Madame la président, revoir le programme de la distribution de la méthadone qui de toute évidence n’apporte pas les résultats voulus. La méthadone qui est la base d’un produit de substitution pour les toxicomanes, est devenue un produit d’addiction. Actuellement, l’honorable ministre de la Santé, lui-même, l’a affirmé récemment environ 8000 personnes sont sous traitement de la méthadone. Certains patients dénoncent des conditions de distribution difficiles, notamment dans les postes de police et plaident pour une décentralisation vers des centres de santé. D’autres estiment que le traitement ne fonctionne pas comme prévu et qu’il faudrait revoir le protocole. De plus avec plus de 65 000 consommateurs de drogues injectables et non injectables recensés ; seul 8000 bénéficient de la méthadone, ce qui met en lumière un manque de ressources pour répondre aux besoins. Le programme aide certains à stabiliser leur consommation mais son efficacité est entravée par des problèmes logistiques et sociaux à tel point que les patients sont toujours sous traitement après plusieurs années, voire 10 ans ou plus. Je souhaite donc, Madame la présidente, que l’Agence de contrôle et le ministère de la Santé se pencheront sur le problème et prendront en considération des alternatives, si besoin est, à la méthadone comme la buprenorphine et la naltrexone. La buprénorphine réduit les symptômes de manque et a un risque de dépendance plus faible, alors que la naltrexone empêche toute sensation d’euphorie en cas de rechute. Je note également que même si le projet de loi prend en considération la corrélation entre drogues et le VIH/Sida dans le but de minimiser la transmission du VIH et de l’hépatite C, il reste néanmoins centré sur la répression et le contrôle du trafic. Il faudra donc une approche de réduction des risques inspirée des modèles comme celui, encore une fois je le cite, du Portugal. L’absence de mention explicite de la décriminalisation ou de la dépénalisation pourrait limiter l’accès aux soins pour les consommateurs de drogues, freinant ainsi les efforts de prévention du VIH/Sida. Madame la présidente, je me pose également la question de savoir quel sera désormais le rôle du National Drug Secretariat et du National Aids Secretariat avec l’entrée en vigueur

149 de la National Agency for Drug Control Act. Ce serait bien si le Premier ministre puisse nous en dire davantage lors de son summing up. Madame la présidente, pour revenir au National Agency for Drug Control Bill, je relève des points d’attention que le gouvernement ne doit pas ignorer. Donner trop de pouvoirs à une seule agence sans mécanisme de contrôle fort, peut mener à des dérives bureaucratiques ou à des lenteurs administratives. Il en est de même sur les moyens réels dont disposera l’agence. Aura-t-elle les moyens humains, financiers, et techniques pour remplir sa mission ? Le projet de loi ne donne pas de détails concrets sur le budget – ce qui est compréhensible probablement – ni sur la formation du personnel, ou les outils de suivis. Plusieurs aspects, à mon avis, doivent être améliorés pour rendre ce projet de loi plus complet et plus conforme aux attentes modernes. Comme l’ambiguïté sur les mesures de réduction des risques dans les sections 6(f) et 6(g) du projet de loi, ces clauses ne définissent pas clairement les pratiques de réduction de risques acceptables comme l’échange de seringues ou les sites de consommation supervisés. Cela pourrait entraîner une mise en œuvre incohérente à travers le pays. De même, Madame la présidente, le projet ne mentionne pas explicitement les droits fondamentaux des personnes qui consomment des drogues, tel que le droit à la santé, la non- discrimination, et la protection de la vie privée. Il est donc crucial d’inclure ces protections pour garantir que les services soient éthiques et respectueux des droits des usagers. Si on s’arrête aussi à la section 8, bien que la société civile soit représentée dans le conseil d’administration, le projet ne précise pas comment ces représentants seront choisis, seront sélectionnés, ni leur influence réelle sur les décisions de l’agence. Par ailleurs, la section 16 du projet de loi établit un fond de contrôle des drogues mais il manque, à mon avis, des détails sur les sources de financement, les critères d’allocation, et les mécanismes de surveillance de ce fond. Il faut également faire attention, Madame la présidente, que certaines ONG très actives sur le terrain depuis des années, ne soient pas marginalisées. Je propose donc, Madame la présidente, un renforcement de la prévention dans écoles et les quartiers sensibles. Il faut tout un programme éducatif dès le primaire sur les risques liés aux drogues, adapté à l’âge. Les collèges devraient être dotés de clubs anti-drogue encadrés par des jeunes leaders formés. Les ONG et éducateurs devront animer des ateliers réguliers dans les zones à risques. Des centres devront être accessibles dans chaque région de l’île avec un accompagnement médical, psychologique et social. Il est donc important de déstigmatiser l’usager, former la police, les juges, les médias et dans la foulée une formation obligatoire pour la police sur les nouvelles

150 approches centrées sur l’accompagnement plutôt que la répression, mais également, encourager les juges à recourir à des peines alternatives comme les thérapies et les travaux d’intérêt général pour les consommateurs. Mais, pas de pitié pour les trafiquants ! Ce projet, Madame la présidente, suscite de l’espoir, mais aussi des interrogations. Autant que j’accueille favorablement, autant je vais répéter ce que j’avais annoncé lors de mon intervention sur le Discours Programme. Il nous faut des moyens illimités en termes de ressources humaines, de technologies modernes, et de l’approche à adopter pour mener à bien la lutte contre les trafiquants qui pullulent le pays et tuent notre jeunesse avec leur poison synthétique en faisant preuve d’ingéniosité et sans doute, avec la complicité malheureusement, de certaines brebis galeuses au sein de la force policière. Madame la présidente, les discours et les mises en garde ne servent malheureusement pas comme effet dissuasif. Nous voyons tous les jours des chauffeurs sous l’effet de drogue, inconscients dans leurs véhicules qui causent des accidents. Un jeune a été trouvé en possession de drogue dans une école primaire. Des jeunes collégiens ont été surpris en train de sniffer – d’autres avant moi l’ont dit – du déodorant et d’autres produits et j’en passe. Le Premier ministre a révélé récemment à la Chambre que la quantité de drogues saisies de novembre 2024 à mars de cette année s’élève à plus d’un milliard de roupies. Ce chiffre, Madame la présidente, peut paraitre énorme, mais il indique aussi que les trafiquants ne reculent devant rien. Ils font même davantage appel à des ressortissants étrangers, surtout d’Europe, pour faire entrer de la drogue dans le pays. Et dans tout cela, Madame la présidente, il y a l’épineux problème des drogues synthétiques. On en fabrique dans les laboratoires clandestins, on en trouve sous toutes ses formes, facilement accessible aux petits comme aux grands et plus prisé, car à prix abordable pour toutes les bourses. Nous sommes témoins au quotidien de la zombification de nos jeunes, des dégâts causés à la santé mentale des jeunes consommateurs et avec une recrudescence des cas de violence physiques et sexuelles. Et cela, s’est répandu dans villes et villages, n’épargnant aucune couche sociale. En somme, Madame la présidente, je soutiens ce projet de loi, mais pas de façon aveugle. Je le soutiens avec exigence car la lutte contre la drogue mérite mieux que des intentions, elle mérite des résultats. Donc, approuvons ce texte. Je termine, mais veillons à l’accompagner, à le surveiller, à l’ajuster pour qu’il ne devienne pas une énième réforme qui meurt sur papier mais bien un levier de transformation réelle pour notre jeunesse, nos familles et notre pays.

151 Je vous remercie.

Yes, hon. Member, you mentioned a referendum. I stand under the correction of the Attorney General, of course, we do not yet have a method of referendum even if the word exists in our Constitution. Do you agree, hon. Attorney General?

Yes, I agree.

But it is a good thing to bear this in mind. Now, I have hon. Narsinghen! (9.29 p.m.) The Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (Mr H. Narsinghen): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me the floor. Drug trafficking and drug addiction are among the most serious scourges affecting our society. Madam Speaker, it is very unfortunate that at a time, when we are discussing about this important Bill, we see that the two Members of the Opposition are not present and this is really very unfortunate. We criticised in the Opposition for nearly ten years and we also made it very clear in our Government Programme that we will tackle this scourge of society in the most frontal and steadfast manner. The present Bill, Madam Speaker, is a testimony of our commitment to crack down on drugs. We do not brag; rather we act. Our Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister mean business, unlike others in the previous regime. The Bill marks a radical departure from previous practices. I will highlight the marked differences between NATReSA and the present National Agency for Drug Control. The previous regime was the champion of rhetoric. They were saying ‘mo pou kass lerin mafia ladrog.’ They mentioned that a couple of times. Instead, we have seen an unprecedented surge of drug trafficking and drug consumption during the reign of MSM. The series of unsolved scandals are still vivid in our mind. A number of speakers before me mentioned tractopelle, gas cylinders in nature, Wakashio, and Navind Kistnah who was on the run, en cavale. It is true that we cannot track down completely on drug. Let us not be demagogical. In my own constituency, we are witnessing the damage being done by this pernicious scourge. But it is a legacy of the previous regime. I listened carefully to what the Leader of the

152 Opposition has been saying. We have seen the death of two young by overdose in my own constituency. Madam Speaker, il ne faut pas se voiler la face. It is also apposite, Madam Speaker, to analyse the status of drugs in two leading reports. Let us not forget the famous Rault Report and the Lam Shang Leen Report. One was in 1987 and the other one was in 2018. Around 1987, heroin and brown sugar were the fashionable drugs and a craze at that time. Also, at that point in time, we witnessed the slow creeping of Subutex whereas, today, it is synthetic drug. Even more dangerous! Now, the drug traffickers are targeting the poor more and more, as we have seen in the surge of prices in cannabis. Both reports, at that point in time, pointed out the involvement of some politicians and the close circles of politicians. Both reports put on record the corruption at the level of the Police, especially those who were supposedly to be trustees and guardians of the system. Justice Lam Shang Leen mentioned about the need to dismantle or to restructure ADSU. Have we done it up to now? Today, we have a very competent and dedicated Commissioner of Police, but we must also address this recommendation regarding the restructuring of ADSU. I have to confess – I still have very bad echoes regarding the functioning of ADSU. Therefore, it must not be mere restructuring, but also, a careful selection of competent officers. More importantly, we need men of integrity. Integrity is of essence. Unfortunately, integrity is becoming more and more a rare commodity in our country. The Rault Report explained the importance of strong political will. Yesterday, we did not have it. But today, we have this strong political will. This is the marked difference. Madam Speaker, resolving the drug scourge is not only a question of tracking down and inflicting punishment. It is also important to address the issue of prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and coordination and research. Decisions on such an important issue cannot be capricious according to the whims and fancies of a Maximo leader as we had, as it used to be. Strategic decisions must also be backed on data, figures and scientific information. Now, for the first time, we are witnessing such high-level engagement. The new legislation, by virtue of section 3, sets up a National Drug Control Commission. Who are the protagonists? No more than the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister along with the Minister of Health, the Attorney General and other Ministers. It is sad to note that the Leader

153 of Opposition was criticising such sort of nomination. It seems that the Leader of the Opposition does not understand the basic principle of separation of powers. This is part of the Executive. In all institutions, we have the political dimension and the administrative dimension. So, it is unfortunate that the Leader of the Opposition has not understood the basics. It may also include, and this is a very good point, the Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues. We have not forgotten Rodrigues. We know the commitment of the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister, and also, the commitment of the Minister of Health, Mr Anil Bachoo, and the commitment of the Attorney General. We have no doubt that the political will is now a reality. It is, in fact, the NDC Commission which will set national objectives and goals. In fact, it is very important to have a vision because we cannot afford to run without a sense of direction. Overall coordination at the highest level is critical and this will be ensured by the Commission. There will be also, Madam Speaker, a Real Time Monitoring System (RTM) and publication of an analytic bulletin on a quarterly basis. Really impressive! Now, coming to the National Agency for Drug Control, it is important at this juncture to compare the defunct NATReSA with the new National Agency for Drug Control. As you know, NATReSA was focused on treatment and rehabilitation whereas the new National Agency for Drug Control adopts – this is important to put on record – a holistic and integrated approach, which did not exist under NATReSA. Its mandate goes beyond treatment to include – very important to note – prevention, control, enforcement, policy coordination and data management. Such approach aligns itself with international best practices. It is a more balanced approach between public health, law enforcement, unlike NATReSA, which operated under the Ministry of Health. The new institution will be more autonomous. It is very important for it to be autonomous. At the same time, it will be a better coordinated agency. It is very important to note that now, there is also clear inter-ministerial cooperation. It now ropes in the PMO, DPMO, the Ministry of Health, Justice and Education. So, what we are doing is a multi-sectoral approach to tackle the drug scourge. This inter-agency model reflects the framework of the UNODC, (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime). It lays a lot of emphasis on human rights also and on public health. I consider it to be a paradigm shift. It moves away from a purely punitive model to a more holistic one.

154 Now, the Bill includes explicit policies on harm reduction strategies and access to evidence-based treatment. It also caters for vulnerable groups, such as women, children and people with mental problems. There is more emphasis on voluntary treatment and to reduce criminalisation and drugs usually for small consumers. Madam Speaker, NATReSA was a single agency. It could be sensed that the agency was overstressed at times and it could not deliver whereas the new agency will now comprise multiple divisions. One is harped on policy, another one on research and strategy, another on treatment and rehabilitation, yet another one on prevention and public awareness, especially addressing HIV and AIDS. So, each unit will be spearheaded by a Coordinator and coordination and cross-fertilisation of knowledge will be of essence. I will now focus on the important role of the Research Unit. As a researcher and an academic myself, I know the importance of research. Robust research data is fundamental to develop an evidence-based drug policy. In fact, research can provide critical insights into the complex dynamics of drug abuse. Madam Speaker, decisions cannot be capricious and subjective. Regular surveys are important, especially school-based surveys. Treatment based on data is essential, for example, to know the types of drugs being used, demographics of clients and reasons for seeking help. Socio-economic impact data is also critical, Madam Speaker. Cost associated with drug use versus costs and benefits of different intervention must be made. Social impacts studies are critical to formulate informed decisions, both qualitative and quantitative research can show the consequences on drug use on families, communities and public health. We also know the impact of drug on marginalised communities or regions. The Research Unit must be capable to evaluate programmes; rigorous evaluation is required. Madam Speaker, we are today having an important Bill. We know that this Government means business. We know that the Prime Minister means business. We know that the Deputy Prime Minister means business. We know that all Members of this Parliament possibly except the two, we mean business, we want to crack down on drug and we are going to do it, we must do it. Because the future generation will not excuse us if we cannot tackle this very important scourge is in our society. Thank you.

Thank you, very much.

155 Mr Etwareea, keep an eye on the time if you can, please! (9.41 p.m.) Mr R. Etwareea (Third Member for Grand' Baie & Poudre d'Or): I will. Madame la présidente, je suis particulièrement heureux qu’aucun des orateurs avant moi n’a affirmé que le problème de la drogue est une fatalité et que nous devons vivre avec. Ce soir, je suis heureux de faire partie de ce gouvernement qui après cinq mois aux affaires, présente un projet ambitieux – la lutte contre le poison qui a déjà fait des milliers de morts et ruiné autant de familles. Je remercie le Premier ministre, son enthousiasme et sa fermeté qu’on a vu ce matin, sont tout à fait contagieux. Je remercie aussi le DPM. Je ne veux pas révéler la teneur des discussions que nous avons chaque semaine lors de nos réunions de bureau politique au MMM mais je peux dire que le DPM nous a, semaine après semaine, témoigné d’une certaine impatience mais beaucoup de volonté et la sincérité du gouvernement de foncer avec la National Agency for Drug Control Bill. Beaucoup a déjà été dit depuis tout à l’heure, il ne me reste pas grand-chose à ajouter. Toutefois, Madame la présidente, je vais pour ma part tenter de décortiquer l’aspect socio-économique de la consommation de la drogue. Ce phénomène concerne selon des spécialistes entre 20,000 et 30,000 personnes de toutes âges et toutes les religions et de toutes les régions. Je m’empresse d’ajouter que ce fléau – et je viens à mon point essential – est la pure conséquence et la manifestation de notre société qui roule à deux vitesses. Il n’appartient pas à ce projet de loi ou à la loi ou l’institution qui sera créée au bout de régler les problèmes d’une société à deux vitesses mais je le fais comme une piqure de rappel pour dire que aussi longtemps que le problème de la pauvreté ne sera pas vaincu d’une certaine manière, d’une certaine hauteur, les problèmes de la drogue risquent de perdurer. Oui, malheureusement la drogue c’est une affaire de riche et de pauvre, de toutes les façons. Je ne vais pas parler des trafiquants qui font d’immense fortune sur le dos des consommateurs, des malheureux passeurs, des mules, ou des petits revendeurs qui se font exploiter par les grands trafiquants ou encore des états mal ou sous-équipés qui ne font pas le poids face au moyen gigantesque des trafiquants. Dès lors, il est évident que c’est la population à bas revenue vivant dans des quartiers défavorisés qui sont les premières victimes. Des études avancent que 95% des

156 consommateurs de drogue viennent des quartiers défavorisés. La came frappe là où les infrastructures sociales sont absente, où les jeunes sont délaissés à eux-mêmes et où l’horizon parait bouché. Il y a une corrélation directe entre le niveau économique des gens, des consommateurs et la consommation de la drogue. Diverses études à Maurice mais aussi à l’étranger concluent que les enfants des familles démunies sont vingt fois plus susceptibles de se droguer que les gosses des familles aisés et de niveau éducatif plus élever. La drogue est certes consommée de plus en plus par des personnes aisées mais la drogue est plus dangereuse pour les personnes en situation de précarité. Ces problèmes nous ramènent aussi à des difficultés d’accès aux soins et à la prévention. Les pauvres meurent plus que les riches d’intoxication. Ils entrent dans un cycle infernal qui les mène au désarroi, à la violence et à la prostitution. Toute la population défavorisée ne se shoot pas au synthétique mais sa précarité la rend vulnérable. Cette population pauvre a recours aux drogues synthétiques, moins chère, facilement accessible, très addictive et dangereuse. Les riches sniffent de la cocaïne à R 3,000 la ligne dans le confort et l’intimité de leurs salons. La bonne nouvelle par rapport à ce projet de loi qui fait débat ici, est qu’il fait une grande place à la prévention. La prévention ici dans ce projet de loi constitue un axe fort contre la consommation. Il s’agit de réduire la demande par le biais des campagnes d’information, de sensibilisation de ce que représentent les dangers. Mais, attention la sensibilisation qui doit bien sûr commencer à la maison, à l’école ne suffit pas à elle seule. Je souhaite que la future National Agency for Drug Control mette en place un mécanisme pour détecter les victimes de façons précoces avant qu’il ne soit trop tard. J’avance l’idée, Madame la présidente, de former une armée de travailleurs sociaux de proximité. On a déjà parlé de la police des proximités, je parle d’une armée de travailleurs sociaux de proximité qui pourront prévenir la descente aux enfers. Le fossé entre riche et pauvre est aussi manifeste en matière de réhabilitation qui est l’autre axe fort de ces projets de loi. Ce n’est pas donné à tout le monde de se payer une cure d’intoxication. Des riches, gosses ou adultes, s’en vont discrètement en inde, en suisse, dans des cliniques spécialisées et se paient des traitements couteaux quid de la population défavorisée. Où va-t-elle se soigner pour autant qu’elle a été convaincue de le faire ? À l’heure actuel, l’état ne peut prendre en charge que quelques 200 personnes au Brown Sequard, à Montagne Longue ou encore à Mahebourg. Les organisations non- gouvernemental, l’église en particulier, font un travail immense mais tout cela n’est pas suffisant vu l’ampleur du mal.

157 Madame la présidente, c’est réjouissant de noter que le père fondateur de la National Agency for Drug Control accorde une place prépondérante à la réhabilitation de ceux qui sont tombés dans le piège de la drogue. Avec plus de moyen, avec un encadrement mieux fourni et plus engagé, la nouvelle institution viendra aussi combler le fossé entre les nantis et les moins nantis en matière de réhabilitation. Je ne vais pas rentrer dans le sujet du trafic de la drogue qui est largement commenté ici. Je vais conclure, Madame la présidente. Nous pouvons et nous devons déclarer la guerre à la drogue. Cette institution est un instrument à le faire. Nous gagnerons cette guerre contre la drogue seulement si nous remportons la guerre contre la pauvreté, contre les manques de perspective pour nos jeunes et nos moins jeunes mais surtout dans les milieux défavorisés. Merci, Madame la présidente.

Je vous remercie. L’honorable Seeburn ! (9.50 p.m.) Mr M. Seeburn (Second Member for Vieux Grand Port & Rose Belle): Thank you, Madam Speaker. We have reached a critical situation with the drug problem in Mauritius which the previous Government has failed to tackle. Madam Speaker, the introduction of the National Agency for Drug Control Bill is a concrete step for fight against illegal drugs and it is in the right direction to restore the trust of the nation. We have an obligation to protect our children, to protect our youth and the people of Mauritius from the risk and harm of drugs. This government was elected on a promise of change to pledge and deliver in creating a new Mauritius in the 21st century where we now see changes happening, step by step, with a view to make Mauritius a better place to live. Madam Speaker, there is no doubt that this Bil lays down strong foundations to tackle drug problem together with a fresh and long-term approach, not only with the establishment of the National Agency for Drug Control under Section 5 of the Bill as the apex body but also, with the establishment of the National Drug Control Commission where, Madam Speaker, we see the voluntariness of this government going that extra mile and where the Prime Minister himself, standing as the Chairperson of the Commission and the Deputy

158 Prime Minister as the Vice-Chairperson. This shows the seriousness of the drug problem and the firm commitment of both leaders to deal with the issues. Madam Speaker, this Bill empowers the Commission to set national objectives in the fight for the scourge of drugs and further empowers the Commission, independently, to oversee all drug control activities in Mauritius and evaluate the implementation of the National Drug Control Masterplan. The main objectives of the National Agency for Drug Control shall be to emphasise on the demand reduction of the drugs through the prevention treatment and rehabilitation of persons who use drugs and their social integration in the society and, at the same time, minimising the negative health and social consequences. Madam Speaker, Amnesty International says that criminalising drug does not decrease their use or supply. Instead, it drives the trade underground, increases the harm in using drugs and fuels organised crimes, corruptions and violence. Evidence from several regions around the world shows that the war on drugs fails to decrease the use and availability of drug despite severe law enforcement with death penalty for drug offences in Malaysia, China and Singapore, mass incarceration on the United States of America and torture in Mexico for drug offense, unless tackled otherwise. This is how we see the former President of the United States, Barack Obama, adopted a different approach and announced in a press conference in Atlanta to tackle drug problem with a demand reduction where he said – “The most important thing to do is to reduce demand and the only way to do that, is to provide treatment.” And, he went on to say, Madam Speaker – “It is to be seen mainly as a public health problem.” And hence, proposed during his mandate, a Drug Control Budget where he tried to walk on the steps of the former United States’ President, Jimmy Carter, who had previously pledged to spend more on treatment and prevention than law enforcement. However, Madam Speaker, the White House officials adopted a balancing exercise to split the financial budget of that year for public health side and law enforcement side to a 50/50 approach to combat the drug problem. Perhaps a similar approach could be exercised with more efficiency for Mauritius with better results.

159 Madam Speaker, the Bill empowers the National Agency for Drug Control under Section 8 of the Act, to facilitate the implementation of the National Drug Control Masterplan and operate in accordance with the international standards and guidelines of the United Nations’ office on drugs and crimes and further conduct research to determine the magnitude of the social and economic impact of the drug use in Mauritius. Madam Speaker, the Bill further makes provision through the Treatment and Rehabilitation Service Division of the National Agency for Drug Control to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the NGOs and mobilise resources locally with the private sector for vocational training and work placement programmes for persons recovering from drug disorders. The Bill further empowers the agency through its Prevention and Public Awareness Division to lead national campaigns, sensitise people at large and conduct local awareness through workshops, community events and promote awareness of the risks involved in consuming drugs. The Bill also provides the Agency to work along with the Ministry of Education to implement drug use prevention curriculum, if possible, in all educational institutions by emphasising in promoting sports and life skills training programmes to keep youth engaged in activities. Madam Speaker, the Bill makes provisions for the National Agency for Drug Control through its Supply Reduction Coordination Division to emphasise on enforcement of drug control laws and facilitate cooperation with the police, with the customs and with the Mauritius Revenue Authority. As rightly emphasised in our Government Programme, we shall work to enhance the regional maritime security to combat illegal drugs on the high seas and at the same time, increase our surveillance capacity with the help of regional member states. The Bill rightly makes provisions for a confidential hotline access for individuals and families seeking help, for reporting drug use and trafficking problems. Madam Speaker, this Bill introduces the most independent institution to tackle the vicious cycle of drugs in our society that has wrecked several lives, broken families and threatened several communities.

160 Madam Speaker, we have pledged to protect our community and ensure that decent opportunities are available and we cannot conclusively achieve this if we do not take control of the fight against drugs. We shall aim to continue tackling inequalities through the largest programme to get more people at work and bring reforms for a better welfare state with a better education system, health services, justice and for a better economy. We have inherited dire economic situations from the previous government. Hence, we need to improve the efficiency and coordination to achieve better results. There is a need to ensure that this strategy is translated into concrete actions as there is a real chance of reducing drug problems and creating a healthier society. Before I conclude, Madam Speaker, one should know that the drug problem is not in isolation. It is often tied up with other social and family problems. It is a serious threat to health. Today, illegal drugs are widely available than ever, exposing a serious threat to our children, to the community and people at large which may lead to drug related crimes. Thus, the fight for drug is not just a matter for the government. It is also a matter for the teachers at school, for the parents at home, for the NGOs in the community at large and for everyone who cares for the future of our society. Madam Speaker, this is an ongoing fight. We owe it to our children; we owe it to our family and friends and we owe it to our motherland. The Bill comes from a truly imaginative solution where the compliance and implementation will have positive impact to overcome the current drug problem in Mauritius and save lives of our people. We have a duty to stand together with a unified approach to face drug problems as stated by the Prime Minister earlier. Madam Speaker, I take this opportunity to congratulate the hon. Attorney General for coming forward with this legislation and his team for working on this Bill with clarity and further convey my sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to the hon. Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister for their unwavering commitment to join hands together and do whatever it takes to combat the current drug problem and once again, make Mauritius a better place to live. Madam Speaker, with these words, I support the Bill.

Hon. Edouard, you are the last speaker, I think. (9.59 p.m.) Mr J. Edouard (Fourth Member for Rodrigues) Thank you, Madam Speaker.

161

Keep an eye on the time!

I will be very brief, I suppose. This is a wonderful piece of legislation from a government with a clear vision to address the drug problem in the Republic of Mauritius. This Bill is most welcome. This Bill translates a will and a promise because on the campaign trail, we promised to take care of our fellow citizens. With this Bill, the hon. Prime Minister is telling us, it is time for action. As you know, actions speak louder than words. This Bill toils the start of a fight in a relentless battle to overcome this issue of drugs in the republic. For my part, I will emphasise on Rodrigues and on section 2 (b) of this Bill, that is, disrupting the entry, production and availability of drugs. C’est malheureux quand même qu’à Rodrigues, il y a une polémique malvenue et stérile sur la nécessité de porter une attention spéciale à ce problème de drogue. La croyance, c’est qu’à Rodrigues, le problème n’est pas aussi alarmant qu’à Maurice. C’est vrai que nous avons un problème avec les drogues douces comme l’alcool et la cigarette qui nécessitent aussi une attention spéciale. Mais avec votre permission, Madame la présidente, je vais citer les findings of a survey from 2022. These findings are important – • “12.4% (95% C.I, 11.0% – 13.8%) of people aged 15-64 years, residing in Rodrigues, had ever used drugs (19.9% among males, against 3.8% among females). • 2.3% (95% C.I, 1.8% – 3.0%) of residents of Rodrigues, aged 15-64 years, were currently using drugs (3.9% among males, against 0.6% among females). • 19.0% of young people of Rodrigues aged 20-24 years had ever used drugs, against 2.7% who were currently consuming drugs. • Among all young people aged 15-19 years in the Island of Rodrigues, 4.6% had ever used drugs and 2.2% were currently on drugs. • 6.6% of students 15-24 years had ever used drugs, while 1.3% of them were currently consuming drugs. • Approximately 100-300 adults had ever used heroin, just around 50 -150 had ever used cough syrup, about one hundred had ever used multiple drugs,

162 comprising combinations of two or more drugs such as cough syrup, cannabis, heroin, psychotropic tablets and new psychoactive substance (synthetic drugs).” Among the current users, I think is very important for us to pay a special attention to – • Among current users of drugs, 30.8% admitted it was easy or very easy to get access to drugs for consumption purpose. • Almost all residents in Rodrigues, 97.9%, reported cannabis herb was available in Rodrigues, while 26.5% believed heroin was also available and 28.8% that new psychoactive substances were also a trendy drug in Rodrigues. • Among residents of Rodrigues who had ever used drugs, 34.1% had consumed their first drugs in the main Island of Mauritius, while 62.7% had the first drug experience in Rodrigues itself. So, for me, the situation of drugs is alarming because though it is only one gram, its one gram de trop. We must fight to disrupt the entry of drugs, especially synthetic drugs in Rodrigues. Some also say that there is also production of synthetic drugs in Rodrigues. We are happy that section 9 (2)(o) makes provision for Rodrigues to be represented on the Drug Control Board. But under section 3 (3), again, as I said the other time, the Chief Commissioner may attend meetings of the National Drug Control Commission. We have had a bad experience with this ‘may attend.’ We have had a bad experience in the Rodrigues Regional Act where it is said the Chief Commissioner ‘may attend Cabinet meetings.’ It never happened! We ask ourselves why, as Head of Rodrigues, the Chief Commissioner is not a member of the National Drug Control Commission. I most humbly beg the hon. Prime Minister to include the Chief Commissioner in section 3 (2) so that he becomes a member of the National Drug Control Commission. Now, I come to the visualisation of control of drugs in Rodrigues. I imagine a handful of Police Officers in Rodrigues who have to look after the port, the airport and cruising vessels who come very near the reefs of Rodrigues. I heard before, other colleagues were talking about Wakashio and what may have happened. We were also asking ourselves in Rodrigues why do these large vessels cruise so near to Rodrigues. Why do they cruise so nearby? So, we have to pay attention to this as well.

163 In the endeavour to control drugs in Rodrigues, we must think that Rodrigues is not a district as the other districts in Mauritius. Rodrigues is an island. That is why I am saying a handful of Police Officers is not sufficient to address this drug control problem. We know that the Lam Shang Leen Report on drugs has pertinent recommendations for Rodrigues. There is a need to invest in equipment in Rodrigues necessary for the control of the entry of drugs in Rodrigues. There is a need in Rodrigues to have systematic scanning of all containers reaching Rodrigues because now, as it is, containers are leaving the port area unchecked. So, there is a need to have systematic scanning of all containers leaving the port area. This is the wish of the Police Officers who are responsible for the control of drugs in Rodrigues. Also at the airport, there must be systematic scanning of all luggage in the airport. So, we see that it is not that alarming. I can see, but we must pay special attention to disrupt the entry, the protection and the availability of drugs in Rodrigues. I recall my late godfather who, very often, used the term ‘cunning like a fox.’ We know that the dealers are cunning like a fox. There are many ways to get away with trafficking. We must also pay attention in Rodrigues as we all see and know that there is money laundering. We must see what is happening in the different cultural and leisure activities where it may be an opportunity for money laundering. This is a wonderful piece of legislation. I thank the hon. Prime Minister for this. He is calling us for action, and I am happy to support this Bill. Thank you very much.

Hon. Deputy Prime Minister!

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I beg to move for the adjournment of the debates. Mr Bhagwan rose and seconded. Question put and agreed to. Debate adjourned accordingly. ADJOURNMENT

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this Assembly do now adjourn to Tuesday 22 April 2025 at 11.30 a.m.

164 The Deputy Prime Minister rose and seconded. Question put and agreed to.

The House stands adjourned! Thank you everybody. Thank you for having stayed for almost 11 hours. Thanks to the staff from everywhere who have been with us from this morning. At 10.12 p.m., the Assembly was, on its rising, adjourned to Tuesday 22 April 2025 at 11.30 a.m.