[Parliament] Last Q&A Session of the Year

In the session held on Tuesday, December 9, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam addressed a series of parliamentary questions covering a wide range of topics, including the modernization of public services, economic governance, financial investigations, prison conditions, and cannabis regulation. This transparency exercise was marked by several significant announcements.

MBC Rodrigues: Rs 12.7 million to Overcome Years of Neglect

Regarding MBC Rodrigues, the Prime Minister confirmed the critical state of the audiovisual equipment at the Citronelle station, which has long been forced to operate with outdated materials, sometimes sourced from Mauritius. A technical audit conducted in March 2025 highlighted inadequacies in the equipment for modern broadcasting. Technical interventions and staff training have already improved production quality, and a budget of Rs 12.7 million has been allocated for the purchase of new cameras and studio equipment. The goal is to ensure audiovisual services equivalent to those in the rest of the country.

Port Charges: Rates Frozen for 25 Years Under Review

When questioned about port licenses, the Prime Minister revealed that the fees paid by shipping agents—Rs 15,000 per year for 34 companies—have not been revised since 1999. A new Port Tariff Study, commissioned in October 2024 for Rs 7.2 million, is currently seven months behind schedule, with no penalty clause in the contract. An internal investigation is underway at the Mauritius Ports Authority, and recommendations are expected to lead to a revision of the Port (Fees) Regulations in 2026 to align rates with regional and international standards.

Loans to Dhyanavartam Ltd: Over Rs 3.1 Billion Under Investigation

The Prime Minister also provided an update on the investigation by the Financial Crimes Commission concerning loans totaling Rs 3.1 billion granted by SBM and MIC to Dhyanavartam Ltd, operator of Maradiva Villas Resort & Spa, which is now in liquidation. The investigation, opened in February 2025, has already led to several arrests, including that of former SBM CEO Premchand Mungur and Sanjiv Kailash Ramdanee. No recovery procedures have been initiated yet, as the loans are secured by charges on the company's assets.

Exchange Rates: Rupee Stabilized After a Year of Corrective Measures

Economically, Navin Ramgoolam stated that the Mauritian rupee has stabilized after a period of significant depreciation. Between January and December 2025, the currency appreciated by 3.4% against the dollar and limited its depreciation against the pound sterling. This improvement is attributed to interventions by the Bank of Mauritius, monetary tightening, currency injections, and measures aimed at increasing the supply of foreign currencies. Inflation is now at 3.5%, within the target range.

Prisons: 2,848 Inmates, 359 People Living with HIV

The Prime Minister presented the state of the prison population, which totals 2,848 inmates, including 214 women. Among them, 359 individuals are living with HIV, all diagnosed prior to or upon admission. No cases of transmission have been reported in custody. All inmates receive continuous antiretroviral treatment, supported by awareness campaigns conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and NGOs.

Rodrigues: Rs 150 Million in Tax Revenues, But Rs 10.1 Billion in Investments

Despite average annual tax revenues of about Rs 150 million, Rodrigues benefits from significant state financial support, according to the Prime Minister. For the current fiscal year, Rs 10.1 billion has been allocated for the development of the island, particularly for infrastructure, water, subsidies on basic products, and the construction of the new Plaine Corail runway.

Cannabis: Towards Regulated Decriminalization Discussion

On the issue of cannabis, a technical committee of experts has been established to study models of decriminalization and regulated legalization. The work, conducted in collaboration with the WHO and UNODC, is expected to yield legal and health recommendations by mid-2026.

Banks: Increased Monitoring of Fees and Commissions

The Prime Minister reminded that the Bank of Mauritius closely monitors banking fees to prevent abuses. Banks must regularly submit their fee schedules, which are published transparently, while a comprehensive study on fees and commissions is planned.

Elections 2024: Ongoing Investigations into Electoral Expenses

Finally, regarding the 2024 general elections, several candidates are under police investigation for possible violations of electoral spending limits. The cases will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions once investigations are complete. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the current limits, unchanged since 2001, have become unrealistic and will need to be reviewed as part of a broader reform of political financing.