DR. ABU KASENALLY

Yes, hon. Prime Minister!

Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that we learnt of the demise of Dr. Abu Twalib Kasenally on 27 April of this year. Dr. Abu Kasenally was born on 10 August 1941 in Rivière du Rempart. After his secondary education at the Royal College of Port Louis, he pursued medical studies in the United Kingdom, specialising in vascular surgery at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. He returned to Mauritius in the early 70s’ and became a pioneer in vascular surgery. His cutting-edge surgical prowess and commitment to healthcare earned him the high esteem of his colleagues and patients alike. His work not only saved lives, but also significantly enhanced the standard of specialised medical care in Mauritius. He joined the Ministry of Health as a Specialist in Surgery in 1974, and rose through the ranks to serve as Regional Health Director, and subsequently, as Principal Medical Officer. Madam Speaker, Dr. Abu Kasenally was always driven by a strong sense of national duty. He devoted his life selflessly to the well-being of the public. After resigning from the health service, he joined the Mauritius Labour Party in 2000, and he was a candidate at the general elections in Constituency No. 3 under the banner of the Alliance Parti travailliste-PMXD, but he was not returned. He took part in the 2005 general elections, in Constituency No. 15 under the banner of Alliance Sociale, and was elected as the First Member. On 07 July 2005, Dr. Kasenally was appointed Minister of Public Utilities, a portfolio he held until September 2008 when he was appointed Minister of Housing and Lands, a post he held until May 2010. In 2010, he again stood as a candidate for the Alliance Parti travailliste-PMSD-MSM in Constituency No. 13, and was elected as Second Member of the said constituency. On 11 May 2010, he was appointed Minister of Housing and Lands, a portfolio he held until December 2014. Dr. Abu Kasenally has always served his professional and ministerial responsibilities with distinction. His integrity, diligence and vision have contributed meaningfully to our country’s development. Not only was Dr. Kasenally a very able and competent Minister, but he also displayed a sense of profound humanity. He leaves behind a legacy of professional achievements, generosity and compassion that has touched countless of lives, irrespective of their origin or their religion. With these words, Madam Speaker, may I request you to direct the Clerk to convey the deep condolences of the Assembly to Mrs Kasenally, the family and all those afflicted by his passing. Thank you.

Thank you. Yes, Leader of the Opposition! The Leader of the Opposition (Mr G. Lesjongard): Thank you, Madam Speaker. On behalf of the Opposition, I fully associate myself to the tribute paid by Dr. the hon. Prime Minister to late Dr. Abu Twalib Kasenally. Madam Speaker, may I kindly request you to direct the Clerk of the National Assembly to convey our deep condolences to the bereaved family. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you, Leader of the Opposition. Hon. Members, I associate myself with the tribute paid to the memory of late Dr. Abu Twalib Kasenally, former Member of Parliament, by the hon. Prime Minister and the hon. Leader of the Opposition. It happens that I have known Dr. Kasenally as a doctor and also as a minister. I, therefore, direct the Clerk to convey the deep condolences of the Assembly to the bereaved family. Yes, hon. Leader of the Opposition, your Private Notice Question.