Arianne Navarre-Marie, Deputy Prime Minister: Her Journey
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the President of the Republic, Dharam Gokhool, appointed Arianne Navarre-Marie, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, as Deputy Prime Minister, following the advice of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam. The appointment is effective immediately, according to a press release issued from the presidency that evening.
Arianne Navarre-Marie, born to Chagossian parents, grew up in Port-Louis. At 65 years old, she is currently part of the collegial leadership of the Mauritius Militant Movement (MMM) after Paul Bérenger's departure from the government and the MMM. She has also been the elected representative for constituency No. 1 (Port-Louis-West/Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest) since 2024. She is one of only two politicians, alongside Paul Bérenger, to have participated in three elections marked by a historic score of 60-0.
Her childhood, shaped by her father Louis Dervillie Permal’s work as a dockworker and her mother’s role in raising their seven children, instilled in her a strong sense of community and responsibility.
From an early age, Arianne Navarre-Marie became involved in social work, supporting the education of children from Dockers Flats and participating in religious movements. Inspired by the political climate of the time and her contact with the Port-Louis Harbour and Dockers Workers’ Union led by Paul Bérenger, she turned to activism early on.
In 1982, she made history by participating in Mauritius's first 60-0 electoral victory, winning constituency No. 14, Savanne–Rivière Noire. She later represented constituency No. 1, Port-Louis-West, in several elections.
As Minister of Women’s Rights, Child Development, and Family Welfare (2000–2005), Arianne Navarre-Marie initiated major reforms, including the sexual discrimination law and measures enhancing protection against domestic violence. She also worked to reduce poverty through projects aimed at empowering women.
Since November 2024, Arianne Navarre-Marie has returned to office at the head of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, a field she is well-acquainted with. She is committed to protecting women, children, and families.
For her, family is a place of love, sharing, protection, and unity, where every child deserves to grow in a supportive environment. Aware of the challenges many Mauritian families face, she has made it her mission to assist them in leading more peaceful and fulfilling lives. She is focusing on the 2025–2030 action plan to address these issues and improve the quality of life for Mauritian families.
With a background in economics and management, Arianne Navarre-Marie has also been a journalist and teacher. As a wife and mother of two children, she aspires to an island of Mauritius where freedom, inclusion, and equality thrive.
Brief Bio
Education
• Bhujoharry College
• BA (Hons) in Economics with Management – Napier University (2001)
• Diploma in Public Relations – London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1990)
• Intermediate Level Law Diploma – University of London (2010)
Professional Experience
• 2006–2014: Teacher, Bhujoharry College, Port-Louis
• 1995: Editor (Business Magazine)
• 1993: Communication Advisor, Ministry of Housing and Land
• 1991–1992: Public Relations Officer, Mauvilac Group
Political Experience
• 2000–2005: Minister
• 1996–1997: Junior Minister
• 1982–2014: Member of Parliament