The official celebrations marking the twentieth anniversary of Rodrigues’ autonomy took place at the Camp du Roi on Wednesday in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Chief Commissioners and Commissioners, Lady Sarojini Jugnauth and many guests. The Prime Minister, Mr. Pravind Jugnauth, was the guest of honor at the official celebrations.
The ceremony began with a very pointed and non-partisan speech by the Chief Commissioner, Johnson Roussety. The Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues praised the work of the regional government. He reminded us how 20 years ago Rodrigues had its administrative autonomy. A decentralization of central powers to Rodrigues. On October 12, 2022, 18 members of the Assembly were sworn in to serve Rodrigues for administrative and political autonomy. Johnson Roussety is proud of the path taken, the work accomplished, and the values of the different administrators. Autonomy is a means to move Rodrigues forward. It must be said that since then, Rodrigues has developed a good working relationship with the central government, which has always supported Rodrigues.
The road to autonomy is a long one. The first claim was made in 1915 with the petition asking for a representation of Rodrigues as a district. This was a courageous act; we pay tribute to this struggle by placing the petition of 1915. Subsequently, many Sir Gaetan Duval became interested in Rodrigues and together with Clement Roussety, they put a case in court claiming that the elections of 59 and 63 did not include Rodrigues, and that the Assembly was poorly constituted and illegal. In ’67, Rodrigues participated in the 1967 elections which saw the election of Felicity and from then on, his name is associated with Mont Lubin College. We do not forget how the boat could not dock the airstrip.
For the Chief Commissioner, we must write the proper history. He wanted to salute the contribution of Mr. Serge Clair who, since 76, has participated actively in politics.
He then spoke about what he describes as the father of autonomy. He reminds us that autonomy was obtained under the MSM-MMM government with SAJ as Prime Minister and Paul Bérenger as Deputy Prime Minister. Without SAJ, we would not have had a Regional Assembly, and we must remember that at that time there was opposition to this decentralization. Some people said that we should not go too far with this autonomy.
We must preserve our identity, build a better future, put our heads together, says Johnson Roussety, who at the same time congratulated the members of the Assembly, who participated in an exemplary commemorative session on autonomy.
He is for a sustainable development while preserving the environment. He invites the Rodriguan people to rally with the leaders to build, when we have a lease that must be built and in the legality. It is necessary to encourage the young people, the sportsmen, it is necessary to respect the forest and the reserves, the sorting of waste, not of illegal practice… It is necessary to respect the people. It is necessary to live in honesty. We are at the service of the population…we must give everyone a chance to advance. We attach great importance to education.
“Thank you for the confidence of the people of Rodrigues for a young team. We must be up to the task. We will solve the water problem; he stressed the creation of the Rodrigues Public Untilites Cooportaion for water management. There is a lack of workers, a renovation of our reservoirs. The central government. Health, social, and development we must ensure that the money is well served, to make the economic circuit turns, without the officials who served Rodrigues. We must salute the elders; Rodrigues has made the Republic proud. There is a young team to take over. There is a young team to take over. He also spoke about the electoral system that deserves a change. The electoral system must be improved.” Said Johnson Roussety.
He also recalled the role of the first Chief Commissioner of Rodrigues, Jean Daniel Spéville, who was later awarded the Honorary Freeman. The same title was awarded to Franceau Grancourt, who had a great political career in Rodrigues.
The development of all the inhabitants of our Republic at the heart of government action.
Then it was the turn of the Head of Government to speak. He spoke of a moment of great pride for the Republic of Mauritius. The remarkable success of Rodrigues is the result of the concerted efforts of the central government and the Regional Assembly, he said.
Mr. Pravind Jugnauth praised the vision of Sir Anerood Jugnauth for the island adding that he, the architect of autonomy, has always believed in the ability of the people of Rodrigues to take their destiny in hand.
The Prime Minister also recognized the work done by the various Commissioners and administrators who have been at the service of Rodrigues, including Mr. Serge Clair who held the position of Chief Commissioner for thirteen years.
“I would like to say bravo to our Rodriguan sisters and brothers who have lived up to the trust that Sir Anerood Jugnauth and myself have placed in them,” added Mr. Pravind Jugnauth.
He said he was pleased to see that the majority of Rodriguans recognize the efforts made to provide them with more opportunities while allowing them to continue to progress. The Prime Minister referred to the progress in road infrastructure, the port and airport, water supply, education, health, housing, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, environmental protection, and the IT sector.
The Prime Minister said that his government will continue to work for the progress of the island. His priority remains the improvement of water supply. Mr. Pravind Jugnauth pointed out that the government has already invested in the construction of 5 desalination units which has increased the volume of drinking water from 4,500 to 9,000 cubic meters.
Three tanks with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters each and equipped with structures for collecting rainwater have been built. He added that in the last budget the central government announced a sum of Rs. 1 billion for the construction of additional desalination units and Rs. 36 million to improve water catchment.
The head of government also said that the airport of Plaine Corail will be provided with a new runway, which he said is imperative for the socio-economic development of the island. Following the last-minute withdrawal of the French Development Agency regarding the financing of the project, the government has initiated discussions with the World Bank for the implementation of the project. The Prime Minister also affirmed his support for the Airport Town project proposed by the regional administration.
Housing also remains a priority issue. The Prime Minister announced that following his last visit to Rodrigues, he asked the Ministry of Finance to work on a new housing plan for Rodrigues to relieve the needy inhabitants. A technical team will soon travel to Rodrigues to discuss the modalities.
Mr. Pravind Jugnauth also mentioned his willingness to promote more organic farming in Rodrigues adding that the island has a crucial role to play in ensuring our food security. The Prime Minister reiterated his determination to offer the same opportunities to each inhabitant of our Republic. He stressed that it is a top priority for him to connect Rodrigues to the high-speed Internet through the MARS cable, the upcoming construction of a Technopark in Baladirou at a cost of 260 million rupees should create more opportunities for the youth of Rodrigues. The Prime Minister also highlighted the measures taken to protect our Republic from the effects of climate change while encouraging the use of renewable energy. He also reiterated his determination to continue his fight against drugs.
The Prime Minister said that political stability is necessary to allow the development and progress of Rodrigues, hence the need to review the proportional system applicable to the island. This opinion, added the head of government, is shared by the Chief Commissioner. Both men agreed to hold discussions in order to find a consensus in the interest of Rodrigues.
The Prime Minister recalled that he had proposed a draft electoral reform for the general elections to the National Assembly in 2018. This proposed that Rodrigues be represented by three members of parliament, including at least one woman, but the opposition in Mauritius did not support the bill.
“I remain convinced that electoral reform is still necessary to encourage more women to join politics but also to introduce a dose of proportionality that will not affect the verdict of the First Past the Post,” Mr. Pravind Jugnauth will say.
The Head of Government says that the development of the people of Mauritius, Rodrigues and Agalega remains his highest priority. Mr. Pravind Jugnauth concluded by thanking the people of Rodrigues for their warm welcome while affirming that he remains confident in their ability to face challenges.
