Dhaneshwar Damry: "Each institution works independently"

On the occasion of the fourth World Statistics Day, Statistics Mauritius held a workshop on October 22 at the Maritim Resort and Spa in Balaclava. This event served as an opportunity to reflect on the institution's role in producing reliable data and its place in the development of public policies.

Speaking before the press, Dhaneshwar Damry, Junior Minister of Finance, emphasized the importance of credible statistics to support economic reforms. "The decisions we make must be based on data. There should be no doubt about their quality and integrity," he stated.

According to him, efforts have been made to strengthen the independence and efficiency of Statistics Mauritius, particularly through international audits.

He also mentioned the possibility of introducing legislation to regulate data manipulation while reiterating that institutions operate independently.

In response to questions about the figures published under the previous regime, Mukesh Dawoonauth, the interim director of Statistics Mauritius, defended the methodology used: "We follow international recommendations. It is the processes that ensure reliability, not opinions." He noted that the law has been amended to reinforce the independence of the institution and that independent evaluations are expected.

However, nearly a year after the regime change, there have been no prosecutions for data manipulation against the former government, including the ex-Minister of Finance.

Dhaneshwar Damry expresses his belief in the independence of institutions. "The Financial Crimes Commission (FSC) does its work. We do not interfere with institutions. Each institution works entirely independently."