On this 1st May 2022, we are celebrating the ‘International Workers Day’ which is more commonly known as the Labour Day in Mauritius. Like in many countries across the world, the 1st May is a national holiday. In Mauritius, traditionally, on that day all political parties used to hold their grand meeting until a few years back where this day is being commemorated through laid of wreaths in front of statues of people who have fought for the working class in Mauritius over the years.
Pravind Jugnauth : Minimum wage and Portable pension are the two historic measures
As mentioned, this morning, members of the Militant Socialist Movement Alliance (MSM) and the Muvman Liberater (ML), including Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, laid wreaths in front of the statue of Sookdeo Bissoondoyal, at the Place d’Armes and were also present at the Saint-Jean cemetery, Quatre-Bornes. Deputy Prime Minister Steven Obeegadoo, Transport Minister Alan Ganoo, as well as other ministers and MPs were present.
Still in the same context, the Prime Minister (PM), Pravind Jugnauth, reminded the population that; Minimum wage and “Portable pension” are the two historic measures introduced by the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) in favour of the workers who remain one of the pillars of our country.
In a video posted on the Sun Party’s Facebook page this morning, the PM and MSM leader said he was confident that the country would rise to the challenges despite the difficult economic situation. Pravind Jugnauth paid tribute to the two great pillars of the Sun Party, namely the late Sir Anerood Jugnauth and Karl Offman. “Zot ti non selma de kolonn nou parti, me osi de gran travayer. Sacrifice and dedication are the principles that these two great personalities have bequeathed to us (…) Following their same principles, the succession is ours,” said the Head of Government.
Navin Ramgoolam: “The history of the Labor Party and the history of our country are linked
This morning, members of the Labour Party participated in a wreath-laying at Guy Rozemont Square. Present were party leader Navin Ramgoolam, as well as several other members like Patrick Assirvaden, Arvin Boolell and Osman Mahomed.
“The history of the Labor Party and the history of our country are linked. The battle that started in 1936 is still alive because the Ptr has always said that it will save this country. When people take to the streets, it is not just one category of people as others try to make it seem. When people are hungry, no one looks at color, religion or community, everyone stands together,” said Navin Ramgoolam.
“The history of the Labour Party (PTr) and that of our country are linked.” This is the statement of Navin Ramgoolam, who was answering questions from the press this morning. “The battle of Dr. Maurice Curé, Emmanuel Anquetil, Pandit Sahadeo, Guy Rozemont among others, begun in 1936, is still alive.” Reason why, explained the leader of the reds, pou bizin PTr pou sov sa pei la. He added: “La ankor mem sitiasyon.”
Paul Bérenger : an opportunity to remember the great trade unionists and the great victims…
The MMM also commemorates this special day; “May 1st is an opportunity to remember the past, namely the great wrestlers, the great trade unionists and the great victims… ». Remarks made by Paul Bérenger on the occasion of Labour Day. This morning, members of the MMM participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Azor Adelaïde, Emmanuel Anquetil and Guy Rozemont among others at the Saint-Jean cemetery in Quatre-Bornes. In addition, they gathered in front of the tomb of Sir Gaëtan Duval. “Lane prosenn nou ava gete kot nounn arive,” says Paul Bérenger.
Xavier-Luc Duval: the government does not care about the pain of the workers
The leader of the opposition, Xavier-Luc Duval, met with some workers and residents this morning at the PMSD headquarters in Port-Louis. He said that Labor Day is celebrated in sadness today because the working class suffers from the high cost of living. Xavier-Luc Duval maintains that the government does not care about the pain of the workers of our country. According to him, the minimum wage should be increased by 2000 rupees as well as the old age pension.
Earlier, the PMSD leader and several members of his party paid tribute to the founders of the political party. A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the graves of Sir Gaëtan Duval and Jules Koenig at the St. John Cemetery in St. John.
Cardinal Maurice E. Piat : the crisis we are going through is much more serious than Covid-19
Another important event of the 1st May is the traditional Mass which this year is celebrated in St. Helena, Curepipe. The Bishop of Port-Louis pleads for a round table with the various actors of the economy, because, he says, the crisis we are going through is much more serious than Covid-19. He also stated that political party in power must work for the common good of the people, especially for the most vulnerable.
Members of the Verts Fraternels demonstrated in front of Government House on May Day to protest against the ban on rallies. They also demanded the easing of restrictions in the country.
Lalit gathered its members at its headquarters in Grande-Rivière-Nord-Ouest on the first of May. Rada Kistnasamy and Ram Seegobin, took the floor and animated a debate around a double theme: food security and “no to war”!
The General Workers Federation, the All Employees Confederation, the Joint Negotiating Panel of Cane Sector Unions, Rezistans ek Alternativ and the Centre for Alternative Research and Studies also celebrated Labour Day in Sable-Noir on Sunday. The theme was “Valer Lavi Travayer” and Lall Deonath, who was speaking at the event, said that social benefits should be increased to Rs 15,000 and the minimum wage to Rs 13,500. The president of the Artisans and General Workers Union called on the government to help the most vulnerable.
