Dr. R. S., he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Bank of Mauritius (BoM), information as to…
(No. B/900) Mr A. Duval (Fourth Member for Port-Louis North & Montagne Longue) 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 Dr. R. S., he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Bank of Mauritius (BoM), information as to the basis of the calculation of the sum of Rs5.5 million paid thereto as compensation on his resignation as Governor of the BoM indicating, during his tenure of office, the total – (a) remuneration drawn, and (b) number of days spent abroad on official missions.
Madam Speaker, as I have stated in my reply to the Private Notice Question of the hon. Leader of the Opposition on 07 October 2025, an amount of Rs5.5 million is payable to Dr. Rama Sithanen following his resignation as Governor of the Bank of Mauritius. I wish to highlight that this is not a compensation as is being alleged in some quarters, but actually dues payable to him. I am informed by the Bank of Mauritius that the sum of Rs5.5 million includes refund of unutilised annual and sick leaves, encashment of accrued passage benefits, and payment of pro-rated end of the year bonus and 3 months’ emoluments in lieu of notice. With regard to part (a) of the question, I am informed by the Bank of Mauritius that, during his tenure of office, Dr. Sithanen has drawn a total remuneration of Rs9 million as per his contract of appointment. Concerning part (b) of the question, I am informed that Dr. Sithanen spent 35 days abroad on official missions.
First question, Madam Speaker: how can someone who has resigned be paid compensation payment in lieu of notice?
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This is according to the law, Madam Speaker. Section 18 of the Bank of Mauritius provides for a Governor to either give a three-month notice in case he intends to resign. He did not manage to give the three-month notice but I asked him to resign. But in fact, in reality he was given a three-month notice. This is why it went like this.
It does not make any sense – contractual law.
We are not in a court of law.
Yes. May I ask the hon. Prime Minister without passing any judgement on Mr Rama Sithanen in view of the serious allegations that have surfaced whilst he was Governor and since he has resigned – why is it that whilst the investigation is ongoing, decision has been taken to pay Mr Sithanen, who, if it turns out has committed breaches of contract, may not be entitled to any compensation whatsoever under contractual law?
May I ask the hon. Member if the investigation takes five years, so he waits for five years? Tell me! You tell me!
Yes, this is what happens.
In that case, I ask him: who do you think will want to take important positions in Mauritius if that is the way you are going to treat people? Think again.
Okay, next question! Hon. F. Quirin, yes! NADC – CEO & CHAIRPERSON - SALARIES & BENEFITS