A Press Officer Holding Two Positions

A question has caught the attention of the majority regarding Deven Anacootee, former press officer for Minister Sudheer Maudhoo.

In response to a question from MP Ram Etwareea regarding the work of the ‘advisor’ at the DBM, the Prime Minister confirmed that Deven Anacootee was hired as a part-time service provider. He was tasked with media monitoring for an initial period of six months, from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021, for a monthly fee of Rs 25,000.

The contract has since been renewed three times under the same conditions:

• First renewal: July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2021.
• Second renewal: January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.
• Third renewal: January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

At the end of December 2023, a new contract was proposed, this time as a part-time communication consultant. It spans a one-year period, from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, with an all-inclusive monthly package of Rs 35,000. The Prime Minister clarified that the initial contract and each renewal were approved by the board of directors of DBM Ltd at the time, upon the recommendation of management.

In total, Deven Anacootee has received Rs 1,250,000 between January 2021 and October 2024. Additionally, he held dual roles, being affiliated with the Ministry of Fisheries while also providing his services to the Development Bank of Mauritius.