https://www.facebook.com/839619922577753/

When Power Silences Responsibility: A Crisis of Leadership, Curepipe (2026)

24/08/2026

The growing burden of cancer among Mauritians over the past year should be a wake-up call for all of us. While cancer has many causes and cannot be attributed to lifestyle alone, we must place greater emphasis on prevention, healthy living and early detection.

In recent months, we have seen screening initiatives being carried out across the country. A big appreciation to the Minister for giving greater attention to cancer screening. These initiatives are important, and we are already seeing the value of detecting cases earlier. Screening must continue regularly and reach people across all regions of Mauritius.

Now, alongside prevention and early detection, we must also focus strongly on treatment and patient care. We need to ensure that patients have access to the best possible treatment, appropriate medicines and the care they deserve. I sincerely hope the Minister will continue to ensure that essential cancer medicines are consistently available and that patients never have to worry about medicines being out of stock when they need them most.

At the same time, our lifestyle choices deserve attention. Our malls and fast-food outlets are often packed with people choosing meals outside the home, while balanced, home-cooked food is becoming less common for many families. We also need to build a stronger culture of regular physical activity among our youth and across all age groups. Walking, sports, cycling, fitness and other forms of exercise should become part of our everyday lives.

A healthier Mauritius requires a collective effort-to eat better, stay active, screen regularly, ensure timely treatment and take our health seriously before illness forces us to.

26/06/2026

Annual Fees on Personalised Registration Numbers: A Breach of Consumer Trust?

Among the numerous fiscal measures introduced in the recent Budget, one announcement has generated widespread dissatisfaction among vehicle owners: the introduction of an annual fee on personalised vehicle registration numbers.

For many Mauritians, this is not merely another tax. It represents what they perceive as a breach of trust between the State and consumers.

When individuals purchased personalised registration numbers, the common understanding was that the payment made at the time of acquisition secured the exclusive right to use that registration number. Many invested substantial sums, believing they were making a one-time purchase, much like buying any other government-issued entitlement. Now, years later, they are being told that retaining the very same number will require an annual payment.

It is understandable why many feel deceived.

The issue is not necessarily the amount of the annual fee. It is the principle behind it.

Consumers make purchasing decisions based on the information available at the time of the transaction. If a personalised registration number was sold without any indication that recurring annual charges would later be imposed, buyers could reasonably have believed that their payment granted them ongoing rights to use that number, subject only to the normal legal requirements for operating a vehicle.

Changing those conditions after the purchase alters the very basis on which consumers made their decision.

In any marketplace, certainty matters. Whether dealing with government or private businesses, people expect that the terms under which they purchase a product or a right will not be fundamentally changed after the fact.

Some have argued that the new fee is no different from the annual declaration or road tax paid by vehicle owners.

That comparison misses an important distinction.

Road tax is linked to the use of a vehicle on public roads. It contributes to road maintenance, regulation, safety and transport infrastructure. Every vehicle owner understands that using public roads carries recurring obligations.

A personalised registration number is fundamentally different.

It is not a licence to use the road. It is a unique identifier purchased by an individual, often at considerable expense, because of its personal or sentimental value. The registration number belongs to the purchaser's allocation and has already been paid for.

Charging an annual fee simply to continue using something that has already been purchased creates a very different perception from paying an annual tax for the operation of a vehicle.

The situation also raises broader questions about consumer protection.

One of the core principles of consumer protection is that consumers should know the terms of a purchase before committing their money. When new recurring charges are introduced after the sale, consumers may understandably feel that the original transaction has changed in a way they never anticipated.

Whether the measure complies with existing legislation is ultimately a legal question. However, from the perspective of consumer confidence, many vehicle owners believe the policy undermines the principle that purchases should be transparent and predictable.

Public confidence depends not only on legality but also on fairness.

No one disputes that governments need revenue to fund public services. Taxation is an essential part of public finance.

However, the way revenue is raised matters just as much as the amount collected.

When measures create the impression that citizens are being asked to pay twice for the same entitlement, they risk eroding confidence in public institutions. Once trust is weakened, rebuilding it becomes far more difficult than collecting additional revenue.

If additional fiscal resources were genuinely required, there were arguably other avenues available. Broad-based tax reforms, improved tax collection, measures targeting luxury consumption, or initiatives to stimulate economic growth may have achieved similar objectives without altering the conditions of purchases already made by citizens.

Ultimately, this debate is about more than personalised number plates.

It is about the relationship between the State and its citizens.

When government sells a right or privilege, people expect the conditions attached to that purchase to remain stable unless there are compelling reasons to change them. Retrospective financial obligations create uncertainty, not only for vehicle owners but for anyone entering into transactions with public authorities.

Good governance is built on predictability, transparency and trust.

Citizens accept paying taxes when they understand the purpose and the rules are clear from the outset. What they find difficult to accept is being asked to make recurring payments for something they genuinely believed they had already purchased.

In public policy, trust is one of the government's most valuable assets. Measures that risk undermining that trust should always be approached with caution, because once confidence is lost, the financial gains may prove far smaller than the long-term cost.

26/06/2026

Paid Menstrual Leave and Extended Maternity Leave in Mauritius: A Progressive Reform with Complex Employment Implications

The recent Budget 2026–2027 presented by Prime Minister Hon. Navinchandra Ramgoolam marks a significant milestone in Mauritius' social protection framework. Among the headline announcements are the introduction of paid menstrual leave and a substantial extension of maternity leave to twelve months, comprising six months on full pay followed by an optional six months on half pay. The measures also include an extension of paternity leave to six weeks. These reforms have been widely welcomed as progressive policies that recognise women's health, motherhood, and the need for greater work-life balance.

From a social perspective, these initiatives acknowledge biological realities that have often been overlooked in workplace policies. Menstrual health has increasingly become a subject of public policy worldwide, with countries such as Spain, Japan, Indonesia and South Korea recognising some form of menstrual leave. Likewise, longer maternity leave aligns with recommendations that encourage exclusive breastfeeding, maternal recovery, and early childhood development.

However, alongside the applause has emerged a quieter but equally important conversation within the women community and among employers. Many professional women fear that these well-intentioned benefits may inadvertently affect their employability.

Employers, particularly in the private sector, naturally evaluate the cost and operational impact of every recruitment decision. Where extended paid leave becomes a statutory obligation borne by employers, businesses may perceive women of childbearing age as presenting higher employment costs compared to male candidates.

Although employment discrimination is prohibited under Mauritian law, recruitment decisions often involve subjective assessments that are difficult to monitor. The concern expressed by many women is not necessarily that employers will openly refuse to hire them because of these benefits, but that unconscious bias may become more pronounced during recruitment and promotion processes.

This apprehension is not unique to Mauritius. Labour economists have long observed that generous maternity benefits, when financed primarily by employers rather than through national social insurance schemes, can sometimes reduce employers' willingness to recruit young women, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises.

For employers, especially SMEs, replacing an employee for an extended period presents practical challenges.

These include:

* Recruitment and training of temporary replacements.
* Reduced continuity in specialised roles.
* Additional payroll costs where temporary staff must be hired.
* Administrative complexity in workforce planning.

While larger corporations may have the financial and organisational capacity to absorb these disruptions, smaller businesses often operate with lean staffing structures where the prolonged absence of one employee can significantly affect productivity.

Consequently, some employers may become more cautious when hiring women in their twenties and thirties, even if they do not explicitly acknowledge this consideration.

Many women have expressed mixed feelings about the reforms.

On one hand, they appreciate greater recognition of reproductive health and family responsibilities. On the other hand, they worry that these additional rights may reinforce outdated stereotypes that women are "more expensive" or "less available" employees.

Professional women aspiring to leadership positions may also fear being overlooked for promotions if employers anticipate lengthy future absences.

Some have argued that genuine gender equality should ensure that motherhood does not become solely an employer's financial responsibility.

The proposal for paid menstrual leave has generated equally diverse reactions.

Supporters argue that severe menstrual pain, endometriosis and related conditions can significantly impair productivity and should be recognised similarly to other temporary health conditions.

Critics, however, caution that the policy may unintentionally reinforce stereotypes that women are less reliable employees. Some women themselves have questioned whether mandatory menstrual leave could expose them to workplace stigma or intrusive scrutiny regarding their personal health.

The success of such a policy will therefore depend greatly on how it is implemented, ensuring confidentiality, preventing abuse and protecting employees from discrimination.

Many labour policy experts argue that the long-term success of family-friendly policies depends on distributing their costs across society rather than placing them primarily on employers.

Countries with high female labour-force participation often finance maternity benefits through national social security systems or government funds, thereby reducing employers' financial incentives to discriminate during recruitment.

Similarly, stronger paternity leave encourages shared parenting responsibilities and helps reduce the perception that childcare is exclusively a woman's responsibility.

The government's reforms represent an important commitment to gender equity and family welfare. Better maternal health, improved child development outcomes and recognition of women's health issues are legitimate public policy objectives.

Nevertheless, policymakers will need to monitor unintended labour market consequences carefully. If women begin experiencing greater difficulty securing employment or career advancement, complementary measures may become necessary. These could include government-funded maternity benefit schemes, tax incentives for employers, anti-discrimination enforcement and flexible workplace arrangements that support both businesses and employees.

Ultimately, the challenge lies not in choosing between workers' rights and economic competitiveness, but in designing policies that achieve both. Mauritius now has an opportunity to demonstrate that progressive labour reforms can strengthen families while preserving equal opportunities in the workplace.

The true success of these reforms will therefore be measured not only by the rights they create, but also by whether Mauritian women continue to enjoy equal access to employment, career progression and economic independence.

18/06/2026

Mauritius Budget 2026: Expectations vs Reality-Employment and the Expatriate Workforce

As Mauritius prepares for its upcoming budget, one of the most important issues remains employment, labour participation, and the increasing reliance on foreign workers across several sectors of the economy.

Expectations: More Mauritians in the Workforce

The expectation from many citizens is clear: more Mauritians should be present in the local workforce and occupy jobs that are currently being filled by expatriate workers.

However, the labour market has evolved significantly over the past decade. Today, Mauritians generally fall into several categories:

1. Those Who Choose to Work in Mauritius

Many Mauritians prefer to remain in the country for family reasons, personal commitments, or quality of life considerations. They continue to contribute to both the public and private sectors and form the backbone of the local economy.

2. Public Sector Employees

Traditionally, the public sector offered long-term job security and pension benefits. While job stability remains attractive, the concept of retirement planning has changed. Increasingly, individuals are looking beyond traditional pension schemes and seeking personal investment opportunities to secure their future wealth.

3. Private Sector Employees

The private sector is often viewed as offering greater earning potential, performance-based rewards, health insurance benefits, and faster career progression. Many young professionals are attracted to private employment because it provides opportunities for higher income and professional development.

4. The Self-Employed and Digital Entrepreneurs

The rise of social media platforms such as TikTok, e-commerce, online marketing, and digital content creation has created new paths to wealth creation. Some entrepreneurs have achieved significant financial success through online businesses and digital sales channels. These new forms of income generation are transforming traditional employment models and encouraging more people to become self-employed rather than seek conventional jobs.

5. Those Seeking Opportunities Abroad

Many Mauritians continue to leave the country in search of better salaries, international exposure, and long-term career growth. For some, migration is not only about employment but also about establishing a future for themselves and their families overseas.

The Reality: Labour Shortages Remain

Despite these various employment options, Mauritius continues to face labour shortages in several industries, particularly in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, hospitality, and certain service sectors.

Many employers report difficulties attracting local workers for positions that are physically demanding, involve shift work, or are perceived as offering limited career progression.

As a result, businesses increasingly depend on expatriate workers to maintain operations and meet production targets.

The Debate Around Expatriate Workers

The role of expatriate workers remains a sensitive topic.

Critics argue that a significant portion of the income earned by expatriates is eventually transferred abroad, reducing the amount of money circulating within the Mauritian economy. In many cases, employers provide accommodation, transport, food, and other facilities, resulting in lower local consumption compared to resident workers.

Businesses also incur substantial costs in recruiting, housing, managing, and complying with regulations related to foreign labour.

However, employers counter that without expatriate workers, many sectors would struggle to operate effectively due to insufficient local labour supply. Production levels could decline, investment could be affected, and certain industries might lose competitiveness.

Finding the Right Balance

The challenge for policymakers is not simply reducing the number of expatriate workers but finding the right balance between economic needs and local employment opportunities.

The upcoming budget presents an opportunity to address several key questions:

- How can Mauritius encourage greater participation of local workers in sectors facing labour shortages?
- What incentives can be provided to make these jobs more attractive to Mauritians?
- How can productivity and wages be improved?
- What training and reskilling programmes are needed to match labour market demands?
- How can foreign labour be managed efficiently while protecting opportunities for local workers?

Expectations vs Reality

The expectation is that more Mauritians will take up available jobs and reduce the country's dependence on foreign labour.

The reality is more complex. The economy continues to require expatriate workers because labour shortages persist in key sectors. At the same time, many Mauritians are pursuing opportunities in higher-paying industries, self-employment, digital entrepreneurship, or overseas careers.

The upcoming budget will therefore be judged not only on its fiscal measures but also on whether it presents a credible strategy to strengthen the local workforce, improve productivity, and create an employment model that serves both businesses and Mauritian citizens in the long term.

13/04/2026

13 April 2026: The resignations of Paul Bérenger, Chetan Baboolall, and Joanna Bérenger today mark a defining and deeply unsettling moment in the political history of Mauritius.

For weeks-if not months-there had been a growing sense of inevitability. Observers, analysts, and even ordinary citizens could feel the tension building beneath the surface. It was a political climax everyone anticipated, yet still hoped might be avoided. Today, that lingering uncertainty has given way to stark confirmation.

At the heart of this moment lies the departure of Paul Bérenger, the founder and long-standing pillar of the MMM. His resignation is not merely the exit of a political figure-it represents the closing of a chapter that shaped modern Mauritian politics. For decades, Bérenger stood as a symbol of resilience, opposition, and ideological conviction. His voice carried weight, especially in times when the nation required firm leadership and clarity.

That is precisely why today feels so heavy.

The timing of these resignations raises profound questions. The world is currently navigating a period of instability, particularly with the ongoing tensions between Iran and United States. This geopolitical strain has created ripple effects across global economies, security frameworks, and public confidence. In such an uncertain climate, nations-especially small island states like Mauritius-depend even more on steady, experienced leadership.
Yet, at this critical juncture, three prominent figures have chosen to step away.

This contradiction is difficult to ignore. How does one reconcile the urgency of global instability with the decision to accelerate internal political transitions? How can a government confidently push forward with its programme when the international landscape itself shifts daily, shaped by forces far beyond its control?

These are not merely rhetorical questions-they reflect the unease felt by many citizens today.

Leadership, particularly in turbulent times, is not only about governance but also about reassurance. It is about standing firm when uncertainty looms large. The resignation of figures like Paul Bérenger, alongside Chetan Baboolall and Joanna Bérenger, risks creating a vacuum-both symbolic and practical-at a moment when continuity is most needed.

At the same time, one must also consider the possibility that this decision, however abrupt it may seem, is part of a broader recalibration. Political movements evolve, and leadership transitions, though painful, can signal renewal. But such transitions demand careful timing and clear communication-two elements that, in the eyes of many, feel insufficient today.

What remains undeniable is the emotional weight of this moment. For supporters of the MMM and for those who have followed Mauritian politics over the decades, this is more than a political development-it is a personal and collective loss. A sense of stability, long associated with familiar figures, has suddenly shifted.

Today will be remembered as a turning point-a day when expectation met reality, when speculation became fact, and when the nation was left to grapple with both.

In times like these, the question is not only who steps down, but who steps up-and whether they will rise to meet the challenges of an increasingly uncertain world.

-D.P

11/04/2026

Bread and Hunger: A Quiet Crisis in Mauritius

Bread has always been more than just food in Mauritius. It is a symbol of daily survival: simple, affordable, and filling. For many families, a loaf of bread is not just breakfast; it is sometimes the only meal they can count on in a day. Yet today, even this basic staple is becoming harder to afford.

Behind the image of a developing and progressing nation lies a quieter, more painful reality. Many low-income families are struggling to put food on the table. Rising living costs, inflation, and economic pressures have pushed essentials - including bread - beyond the reach of the most vulnerable.

In homes across the island, parents are forced to make difficult choices. Do they buy bread, or pay for transport? Do they feed their children, or keep the electricity running?

The most heartbreaking impact is seen in our children.

Every morning, some children walk into classrooms with empty stomachs. They sit through lessons trying to focus, but hunger distracts them. They watch others open lunchboxes while they have nothing. Some quietly rely on the kindness of friends. Others depend on a caring teacher or school staff member who shares a piece of bread or a snack.

This is not how childhood should be.

Education is meant to be a pathway out of poverty, yet how can a child learn effectively when basic needs are unmet? Hunger affects concentration, energy, and dignity. No child should feel ashamed because their family cannot afford food.

Today, with the increasing price of bread due to global and local factors - rising production costs, supply chain disruptions, and economic instability - the situation risks becoming even worse. What was once the cheapest and most accessible food is slowly slipping away from those who need it most.

This brings us to an important question:
Should we bring back school food programs like bread, butter, and milk - as it used to be?

Such initiatives once ensured that every child, regardless of background, received at least one proper meal during the school day. It was simple, practical, and effective. Bringing it back could be a lifeline for many families today.

But beyond policies and programs, there is a deeper question we must ask ourselves as a society:
Do we care enough?
Do we see the child sitting quietly in class without food?
Do we recognize the parent who skips meals so their children can eat?
Do we acknowledge that hunger still exists among us?

Mauritius has always been known for its solidarity - for people helping one another in times of need. This is a moment to revive that spirit. Whether through government action, community support, or individual kindness, we all have a role to play.

Because no child should go to school hungry.
No child should depend on charity to eat.
And no child should go to bed with an empty stomach.
Bread may be simple - but for many, it is everything.

D.P

08/04/2026

Leadership en question : l’indécision au sommet

Dans le paysage politique mauricien, la capacité à prendre des décisions claires et assumées reste une qualité essentielle pour inspirer confiance et crédibilité. Pourtant, certaines figures publiques semblent éprouver des difficultés à incarner cette fermeté attendue.

Paul Bérenger, figure emblématique de la scène politique, est souvent reconnu pour son expérience et son engagement de longue date. Toutefois, des critiques récurrentes émergent quant à son incapacité à trancher dans des moments clés. Cette hésitation, perçue par certains comme un manque de leadership, peut fragiliser la cohérence de son action politique et laisser place à l’incertitude.

Dans ce même contexte, Joanna B. et Chetan B. apparaissent également comme des acteurs marqués par une certaine indécision. Leur difficulté à adopter des positions claires et constantes alimente un sentiment de flottement, tant auprès de leurs partisans que du grand public. Cette posture hésitante peut être interprétée comme un manque de vision ou de stratégie à long terme.

Or, en politique, l’indécision peut coûter cher. Elle ralentit les réformes, affaiblit la confiance des citoyens et ouvre la voie à des critiques parfois sévères. À une époque où les défis économiques et sociaux exigent des réponses rapides et efficaces, les dirigeants sont attendus sur leur capacité à agir avec détermination.

Ainsi, la question du leadership ne se limite pas à l’expérience ou à la popularité. Elle repose avant tout sur le courage de prendre des décisions, même difficiles, et de les assumer pleinement. Sans cela, le risque est grand de voir s’installer une forme de paralysie politique, préjudiciable à l’ensemble du pays.

D.P

02/03/2026

The celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Labour Party marked an important milestone in the political history of Mauritius. Ninety years is not just a number - it represents decades of struggle, reform, nation-building, and democratic consolidation.

Crowd & Participation: The gathering showed a respectable turnout, with a good number of supporters present to commemorate the occasion. The atmosphere reflected loyalty and historical attachment to the party. However, one noticeable aspect was the relatively low presence of youth. While the attendance was decent overall, the limited youth participation raises important questions about intergenerational engagement and the party’s connection with the younger demographic. For a party with such a long and influential legacy, stronger youth representation would symbolize continuity and future leadership.

Absence of Women Speakers: One major shortcoming of the event was the absence of any woman delivering a speech. In today’s world, where gender equality and inclusion are central values, this was a significant oversight by the organising team. Celebrating 90 years of political progress without a single female voice on stage sends an unintended but powerful message. Marking such a historic anniversary with a woman delivering at least one keynote speech would have been symbolic and aligned with modern principles of equality and representation. Inclusion should not only be spoken about - it must be visibly practiced.

Positive Impact of the Labour Party Over 90 Years: Over the past nine decades, the Labour Party has undeniably played a transformative role in shaping Mauritius into the stable and democratic nation it is today.

1. Workers’ Rights and Social Justice: The party was instrumental in advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and improved labor conditions, laying the foundation for a more equitable society.

2. Democratic Development: It contributed significantly to the democratic framework of the country, strengthening parliamentary governance and political participation.

3. Independence and Nation-Building: The Labour Party played a leading role in the movement toward independence in 1968, helping Mauritius transition from colonial rule to sovereign nationhood.

4. Free Education and Social Policies: Its policies expanded access to education and social welfare, allowing many Mauritians to move into the middle class and strengthening national development.

5. Economic Diversification: Through successive governments, the party supported the diversification of the economy beyond sugar into tourism, textiles, financial services, and other sectors, boosting national growth and resilience.

6. Social Stability and Unity: Over the decades, it contributed to maintaining social cohesion in a multicultural society.

To conclude, the 90th anniversary was an important and symbolic event. While the turnout demonstrated continued support, greater youth engagement and meaningful female representation would have strengthened the message of renewal and inclusivity. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge the profound and lasting contributions the Labour Party has made to the political, social, and economic development of Mauritius. Its 90-year journey remains deeply intertwined with the nation’s progress - and the future will depend on how well it adapts to the expectations of a new generation.

19/01/2026

An Education System That Has Failed Our Children

The painfully low pass rate in recent School Certificate examinations is not an isolated accident or a sudden decline. It is the visible outcome of years of poor decisions, misplaced priorities, and a collective failure to protect the future of our children. Today’s results are not merely statistics; they are evidence of a broken education system that has failed us badly as a nation.

At the heart of this failure lies the ill-conceived nine-year schooling system, a policy decision taken by a former minister and embraced by the government without adequate review or accountability. Marketed as a progressive reform aimed at inclusivity and equality, the system instead weakened academic standards, diluted discipline, and removed essential academic checkpoints. Rather than strengthening foundations, it allowed students to advance through the system without mastering basic literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking skills.

One of the most damaging consequences of this reform has been the lowering of credit pass standards at School Certificate level. Credits, once a mark of solid academic achievement, have been gradually devalued to inflate pass rates and create the illusion of success. This cosmetic approach to education reform has fooled no one except those who benefit politically from it. Employers, tertiary institutions, and society at large are now facing the consequences: students holding certificates that no longer reflect real competence or preparedness.

Even more destructive has been the policy of automatic promotion. Promoting students regardless of performance has been presented as a compassionate measure to protect children from failure. In reality, it has done the exact opposite. Automatic promotion teaches children that effort is optional, that failure has no consequences, and that excellence is unnecessary. It robs students of motivation, undermines teachers’ authority, and creates classrooms filled with learners at vastly different levels, making effective teaching nearly impossible.

Teachers, once respected as pillars of national development, have been left demoralized and powerless. Their professional judgment has been overridden by political directives, and their role reduced to managing a system designed to produce compliance rather than competence. No education system can succeed when educators are stripped of authority and students are denied accountability.

But the blame does not rest on policymakers alone. We have failed as a nation. We have allowed ourselves to be distracted and divided by political rhetoric, party loyalty, and empty promises. We have accepted mediocrity in education because it was packaged as progress. We did not protest loudly enough. We did not demand evidence-based reforms. Most tragically, we did not fight hard enough for our children.

Our population has been blinded by politicians who prioritize short-term popularity over long-term national development. Education has been used as a political tool rather than treated as a sacred responsibility. The result is a generation of young people entering adulthood unprepared, frustrated, and betrayed by a system that promised them opportunity but delivered failure.

If we are serious about national development, we must be serious about education. That means restoring academic standards, ending automatic promotion, re-empowering teachers, and courageously reviewing failed policies - no matter who introduced them. Most importantly, it means putting children above politics.

The low School Certificate pass rate is not the problem; it is the warning. The real tragedy would be to ignore it again.

When Power Silences Responsibility: A Crisis of Leadership

24/08/2026

26/06/2026

26/06/2026

18/06/2026

13/04/2026

11/04/2026

08/04/2026

02/03/2026

19/01/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request