Mr. S. M., Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board, he will, for the benefit of the…
(No. B/494) Mr R. Beechook (Second Member for Flacq & Bon Accueil) 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 Mr. S. M., Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain information as to – (a) his date of appointment and the terms and conditions thereof, and (b) the circumstances under which his contract was renewed, indicating the terms and conditions of his new contract.
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Economic Development Board that Mr S.M. was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive Officer on 11 April 2023 on a 3-year contract. This post was neither advertised internally nor externally. Mr S.M. was handpicked by the previous Board. The terms and conditions of his appointment were as follows – (a) a basic monthly salary of Rs 400,000 with an annual increase of 3.2%; (b) a gratuity of 20% of the annual basic salary, payable at the end of each year; (c) passage benefits equivalent to 5% of the annual basic salary, and (d) a chauffeur-driven car. I am further informed that at its meeting held on 16 March 2026, the Board of Directors of the EDB did not renew the contract, but extended it for a further period of one year, on the same terms and conditions. The decision to extend his contract was taken by the Board of Directors of the EDB because they felt that since the CEO of the EDB will be leaving by the end of May 2026 to take another appointment abroad, it might be better to extend his contract for a period of one year to ensure continuity at this important economic institution.
Yes, hon. Beechook!
Madam Speaker, will the hon. Prime Minister tell us whether the post of Deputy CEO, which is not part of the statutes of the EDB and ought to have been advertised, therefore, will he consider nullifying the renewal of this contract because right from the beginning…
No, no! No statements!
…this post was supposed to be advertised and go through job interviews, etc.?
As I said, it was not advertised at the time. But it is the Board that decides, not me. They decided because of continuity; to ensure continuity, they extended the contract for one year. Already some months have passed.
Yes, okay. Now, I shall call on the Second Member for Grand Baie & Poudre d'Or, hon. Beejan! CYBERCRIME UNIT – CURRENT COMPOSITION – REPORTED CASES – CAPACITY STRENGTHENING