NATIONAL ASSEMBLY – SEATING ARRANGEMENT – ALLOCATION & ADJUSTMENT

Hon. Members, I have an announcement this morning. At the Sitting of Tuesday last, I informed the House that I was awaiting a correspondence from hon. Paul Bérenger, hon. Chetan Baboolall and hon. Ms Joanna Bérenger prior to effecting any changes in their seating arrangements within the Chamber. I am now in presence of a letter dated 13 April 2026 from these hon. Members informing me of their resignation from the MMM and of their wish to sit as an Opposition group in the National Assembly. In the exercise of the powers vested in me under Standing Order 6 of the Standing Orders and Rules of the National Assembly, I have, accordingly, allocated seats to these Members to sit on my left on the second rank, behind the Leader of the Opposition and the Opposition Whip, as you can see. At the same time, hon. Members, I have taken the opportunity to make some adjustments to the seating arrangements on the Government side to ensure that no seat remains unoccupied, except for that reserved for the Deputy Prime Minister. Hon. Jhummun has been reassigned to the seat formerly occupied by hon. Baboolall as I cannot see him when the hon. Leader of the Opposition is on his feet. I am glad that he is smiling! I have also made certain adjustments to the seating of hon. Junior Ministers by moving them further right, including hon. Damry, who does not seem to be here right now. But after hon. Ms Foo Kune-Bacha, we will have hon. David, and then, we will have hon. Damry next to the Minister. I do not see why we should separate you. Seats have been temporarily allocated to hon. Lukeeram and hon. Ramdass alongside hon. Junior Minister Ms Leu-Govind having regard to concerns that they have raised several times in relation to the air conditioning system. I thank you for your attention. For those who are listening to me, maybe in the House or outside, Happy Varusha Pirappu! Thank you.