Good governance, fight against drugs and appointments: Bérenger denounces unmet commitments

During a press conference held this Wednesday, Paul Bérenger detailed the reasons that led him to resign from his position as Deputy Prime Minister last Friday. In a previous statement, he had mentioned topics he could not disclose while still in government, indicating he would elaborate more after the celebrations of March 12. This morning, the leader of the MMM delivered a harsh critique of the current governance, citing a lack of rigor in appointments, unmet commitments, and priority issues left unresolved.

Controversial Appointments and Loss of Trust

Right from the start, Paul Bérenger condemned the quality of appointments made at the heads of parastatal bodies and government banking institutions. According to him, several appointed individuals are not qualified, while others have questionable intentions.

He specifically focused on the appointment at the head of prisons, which he described as "horrible." He claims to have repeatedly warned Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam against the appointment of Dev Jokhoo. He states that subsequent events—such as riots and a death in custody—would have been "covered up." He believes clarity will come from the inquiry led by Paul Lam Shang Leen.

Drug Trafficking

The MMM leader also addressed the drug issue, expressing concern about the rising prevalence of synthetic substances, particularly among the youth. He praised the work initiated by the Anti-Drug and Smuggling Unit (ADSU) while emphasizing the need for additional resources for its new head, particularly in terms of rank and resources. "They appointed someone without a rank to lead the ADSU. Give them their rank and the tools needed to do the job," he asserted.

He pointed out that the Melrose prison is a location where drug trafficking is particularly rampant. According to Paul Bérenger, the government has wasted too much time addressing drug trafficking in the country.

Air Mauritius: "A Heritage at Risk"

Very critical of Air Mauritius's management, Paul Bérenger mentioned an incident that occurred that very morning, where a delegation from Comoros failed to secure an appointment with the national airline. He sees this as a sign of serious dysfunction.

Believing that the company is "headed for a crash," he lamented that his recommendations were not followed, particularly the one to appoint Megh Pillay to lead Air Mauritius to rectify the situation. He claims this appointment was later sabotaged, illustrating a "lack of commitment."

Electoral Reforms and Unkept Promises

Politically, Paul Bérenger expressed distrust regarding the implementation of electoral reform. Although a principle agreement was reached with Navin Ramgoolam, he criticized the accumulated delays and the absence of firmness against certain opposing voices within the Labour Party.

He indicated that he would now follow this matter outside of government, while reminding that it is a significant commitment.

Injustices and Slow Corrections

The former Deputy Prime Minister also condemned the slow progress in correcting the "injustices" inherited from the previous regime of the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM). He cited concrete cases, including that of a MMM associate deprived of a hunting ground by the former regime, which had been handed over to a Labour Party member. However, the Prime Minister's promise to rectify this situation has not been fulfilled.

"Good actions that needed to be taken to rectify injustices are being done too slowly," lamented the former Deputy Prime Minister.

The Port, A Vital Issue

Finally, Paul Bérenger emphasized the urgency of modernizing the port, which he considers the "lifeblood of the Mauritian economy." He warned that Mauritius is lagging behind concerning regional competitors like the Port of Toamasina (Tamatave).

"We need to implement the plan that the Council of Ministers has approved. It's a matter of life or death," he concluded.

In conclusion, Paul Bérenger hinted that his resignation stems from a buildup of profound disagreements with the government's management, characterized by unmet promises, a lack of strategic vision, and a loss of trust.