Paul Bérenger: "Beegoo?... But that's life"

"Beegoo? Do you know the name of the lady from the Registrar of Cooperative Societies of Mauritius (Note: Geeta Beegoo)? She has chaired (Note: the position) brilliantly... her name is Madam Beegoo. But that's life," remarked Paul Bérenger, the Deputy Prime Minister, in response to a media question regarding Kishore Beegoo's resignation from the Air Mauritius board. A light-hearted comment from the MMM leader!

Before engaging with journalists, Paul Bérenger asked one of his bodyguards not to block their passage. "Never block the press," he told his guard.

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 23, the Deputy Prime Minister attended an onion harvest ceremony at the Agricultural Marketing Board headquarters in La Chaumière, organized by the La Chaumière Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd.

In his speech, Paul Bérenger highlighted the historical contribution of farmers to the country's development. "We owe them a debt. History acknowledges their contribution..." he stated.

Speaking before him, Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Cooperatives, reminded that cooperative societies in Mauritius "work to combat poverty and preserve the dignity of farmers." He noted that there are around 1,400 cooperative societies across the island, encompassing 87,000 members, including 150 agricultural societies representing 2,100 farmers.

Regarding the La Chaumière Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Society Ltd, the minister specified that the cooperative, established in 1967, mainly grows onions and potatoes on 63 acres of land.

The presence of Rajesh Bhagwan, Minister of Environment, Deven Nagalingum, Minister of Sports, and Fabrice David, Junior Minister in Agro-industry, did not go unnoticed.

Marc Pierre and Rajmeela Seetamonee