the fight against corruption in Rodrigues over the past three years, he will, for the benefit of the House,…
(No. B/534) Mr F. François (Second Member for Rodrigues) asked the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Finance, Minister for Rodrigues and Outer Islands whether, in regard to the fight against corruption in Rodrigues over the past three years, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Financial Crimes Commission, information as to the number of cases currently under investigation thereat, indicating the number of public officials, service providers and contractors who have been or are facing investigation, particularly, in relation to the award of Government projects and/or resources.
Madam Speaker, I am informed that in September 2007, the then Independent Commission Against Corruption opened a sub-office in Rodrigues for a more efficient implementation of its mandate in relation to education, prevention, and investigation. I am also informed, Madam Speaker, that at present, 27 cases are being investigated by the Financial Crimes Commission sub-office in Rodrigues and the number of officials who have been facing or who are facing investigations in Rodrigues is 29. As regards service providers and contractors who have been or who are facing investigations, nine service providers are currently undergoing investigations in connection with the award of contract of government projects.
Yes, hon. François!
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I thank the hon. Prime Minister for his answer. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister whether, from the 29 officials, there is any high- profile person involved, not to say serving politician for conflict of interest, bribery, influence on decision of procurement, allocation of State lands, fraud by abusing his/her position, for a direct or indirect interest for himself/herself or any close relatives?
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I am not able to say that, Madam Speaker, because the investigation is ongoing.
Of course!
A second one, Madam Speaker. Following a letter from the Rodrigues Public Service Union, Platform Syndikal Rodrig addressed to the hon. Prime Minister, I am in copy, may I also ask the hon. Prime Minister whether he is agreeable to use his good office to request the Commission, in line with the principle of good governance, to liaise with unions and the Regional Assembly for the setting up of anti-financial crime practices in Rodrigues to eliminate financial crimes?
I cannot really give instructions to the FCC, but I can pass on the message.
Thank you. Hon. Second Member for Rivière des Anguilles and Souillac! PUBLIC SERVICE – SALARIES & BENEFITS – FOREIGN CURRENCY POLICY