At the Heart of the News - Roshan Jhummun, MP of the PTr: "We need competent people, not supermen"

In the latest episode of "At the Heart of the News," Roshan Jhummun, the Labour Party MP, emphasized the need for capable individuals rather than extraordinary figures in leadership roles. This discussion arose amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding Kishore Beegoo's resignation from the chairmanship of Air Mauritius. The topic was highlighted on Friday’s show hosted by Ashna Nuckcheddy-Rabot, featuring guests including Harish Chundunsing, a former journalist, Raj Ramlugun, an ex-trade unionist, and Jean-Claude de l’Estrac, a political observer.

From the outset, it became clear that Beegoo's resignation signifies more than just a mere administrative disagreement; it underscores the vulnerabilities of a company still recovering from years of financial and institutional turbulence.

Jhummun stated that context is crucial, asserting, "I am not here to judge the work of those operating at Air Mauritius." He emphasized the importance of restoring stability within the national airline, noting that the primary concern should be its recovery. He also advised caution in drawing conclusions without considering all perspectives involved in this matter.

When questioned about the Labour Party's alleged lack of support for Beegoo, Jhummun advocated for a balanced view of political solidarity, stating, "Everyone should be able to do their job properly. Do, but don’t overdo it. Too much can kill, as we have seen. We need competent people, not supermen." He refrained from confirming any rift within the party, clarifying that he has not heard any public attacks against Labour members.

As the discussion shifted to strategic partnerships, particularly with Qatar Airways, Jhummun expressed caution, questioning the implications of such collaborations. He insisted that Air Mauritius should rise above political disputes, emphasizing a moral obligation to safeguard the national airline and suggesting that the government must balance oversight with autonomy.

Former journalist Harish Chundunsing remarked that political statements have complicated the situation, suggesting that the Prime Minister should have addressed issues internally to prevent public disputes from escalating. He acknowledged that Beegoo made certain courageous decisions but noted concerns regarding transparency and accountability, particularly regarding ongoing audits and potential conflicts of interest.

The need for clear strategies for Air Mauritius was highlighted, with calls for transparency and public bidding processes to select the best partners. The discussion concluded with a reminder of the detrimental effects of political interference, drawing parallels to past leadership changes that negatively impacted the company’s performance.

In summary, the episode brought to light significant discussions about the future of Air Mauritius, the need for stable governance, and the importance of competent leadership in navigating the complexities of the aviation industry.