Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Trust Fund for Excellence in Sports was established under the Finance and Audit Regulation 2002. Following the reconstitution of the management committee in February 2025, Mr N.V. was appointed as Chairperson. In accordance with established governance principles, the Chairperson chairs the management committee, which establishes policies and develops strategies for the fund. On the other hand, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for the operation and day-to-day management of the Fund by executing the decision and policies of the management committee. Unfortunately, my attention has been drawn to the fact that due to the persistent interference of the Chairperson in the day-to-day management of the fund, problems started to escalate. I personally met Mr. N.V. on several occasions in the presence of officers of my Ministry and clearly explained to him that there should be clear demarcation between governance and administration. He was also reminded of his role as a Chairperson. Despite these repeated interventions, there was no noticeable improvement. In addition, I have been made aware that certain decisions were made by the management committee for the personal benefit of the Chairperson, which were totally against established procedures in the public sector. Hence, with a view to restoring serenity and ensuring that the principles of good governance are held at the level of the fund, I had to take a bold decision to revoke him in the interest of the institution and its beneficiaries and replace him by a new chairperson. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as regards part (b) of the question, I'm not aware of any allegation or irregularities thereat made by the former Chairperson. In so far as the alleged interference of the Chief Executive Officer is concerned, I need to stress that his co- responsibility in the discharge of his duties is to give effect to the decision of the management committee. He cannot and is not allowed to change these decisions. I have never been made aware of any change brought by the Chief Executive Officer to the decision of the management committee. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as far as the governance structure of the fund is concerned, it is clearly defined in the regulations which established the fund. In addition, there is a well- established governance framework for public sector organisation to which this fund subscribes. The House may rest assured that I will leave no stone unturned to continuously improve the administrative processes in the parastatal bodies that fall under the purview of my Ministry so as to give satisfaction to our stakeholders.

Yes.

M. le président, l'honorable ministre peut-il dire à la Chambre si une enquête indépendante et impartiale, j'ai bien écouté sa réponse, a été menée avant la décision de révoquer monsieur N.V. ou s'agit-il d'une mesure prise de manière précipitée et sans procédure transparente ?

I can assure the hon. Member that at the level of my Ministry, officers have conducted all inquiries and have come to that conclusion.

L'honorable ministre a informé la Chambre qu'il n'est au courant d'aucune allégation d'ingérence du Chief Executive Officer, comme l'a bien fait mention monsieur N.V. dans ses déclarations à la presse …

Put your question.

Oui, j’arrive. Et j'aimerais savoir de l'honorable ministre pourquoi il n'y a pas eu, suite à la déclaration de monsieur N.V. dans les médias, une communication claire et publique jusqu'ici ; ou au moins une enquête interne par rapport aux allégations qui ont été faites par monsieur N.V. ?

Let me assure the hon. Member, I am in receipt of a complaint on workplace conduct and concern relating to the CEO from a staff member of the fund. Same was also addressed to the Chairperson and members of the fund. Given that this complaint is an internal matter for the fund, which is the employer of the complainant, my Ministry has left same to be attended to the management committee of the fund. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, in respect to the complaint letters received from the employees, I would like to draw the attention of the House that after explaining her predicament, she stated as follows – “Finally, I wish to clarify that this correspondence is not intended to undermine the authority of the CEO.” In addition, in the same correspondence, she stated that she was seeking clarifications as to whether the actions of the CEO amounted to intimidation or harassment. In fact, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, once a new Chairperson is appointed, I will request him, in the next board, to look into the matter and give his reply.

The hon. Second Member for Mahebourg and Plaine Magnien. SPECIAL MOBILE FORCE MUSEUM, VACOAS – RENOVATION & REOPENING DATE