Obituary

Remembering Dev Manraj

Mauritius mourns the passing of Dev Manraj, who breathed his last, last week, at the age of 75. Born on March 30, 1949, Dev Manraj was not only a distinguished civil servant but also a pivotal figure in shaping the economic landscape of the nation.

Dev Manraj embarked on his illustrious career in 1974 as a Principal Accountant in the public sector, steadily rising through the ranks over the next few decades. By 1990, his leadership qualities and financial acumen led him to the prestigious position of Financial Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, a role he fulfilled for many years under different governments.

Educated at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, Dev Manraj earned accolades as a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA). His academic achievements were matched by his significant impact on Mauritius’ economic development, particularly through his stewardship of key government and semi-governmental enterprises.

As Chairman of entities like the State Bank of Mauritius (SBM), the State Insurance Corporation of Mauritius Ltd (SICOM), and the Airport Development Corporation Ltd (ADCO), Dev Manraj played a pivotal role in advancing strategic initiatives such as the Ebene Cybercity. He also played a key role in the establishment of crucial institutions like the Financial Services Commission and the State Investment Corporation.

Internationally, Dev Manraj represented Mauritius as the Alternate Governor at the World Bank, contributing significantly to bilateral agreements such as the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement. His expertise was instrumental in strengthening Mauritius’ global economic relations and positioning the country as a hub for investment and financial services.

Dev Manraj’s meticulous approach to fiscal policies and budget formulation set a benchmark for excellence in governance, inspiring countless civil servants and economists during his tenure.

As we reflect on Dev Manraj’s legacy, it’s also important to acknowledge that the British colonial legacy bestowed upon their former colonies a robust civil service. This legacy propelled the best and brightest individuals to the pinnacle of leadership.

Those fortunate enough to have served in the civil service before independence and in the early post-independence years can recall the names of some top civil servants whose contributions left an indelible mark on the departments under their watch: Hinchey, Craig, Simpson. Their minutes were renowned for being “succinct, precise, coordinated, and decisive.” They meticulously scrutinized every aspect of issues before making decisions and remained steadfast against undue influence from petty politicians.

It was this tradition of delivering results and prioritizing the country’s interests that fostered the emergence of dedicated Mauritian civil servants such as the Burrenchobay brothers, Hervé Duval, Honoré, Maudave, Adolphe, Tirvengadum, Bram Ghoorah, Régis Yat Sin, Rundheersing Bheenick, Madhukar Baguant, Dawood Zamanay, Vishwanaden Sooben, and so many others in the central government, parastatal bodies and State Owned Enterprises. They shared common traits of rigour in their work, visionary drive, and a commitment to flawless execution. Importantly, they left behind a legacy of substantial achievements and improved public service, building the foundation upon which modern Mauritius stands today. Dev Manraj contributed his bit to that enterprise.

In this time of sorrow, our heartfelt condolences go out to Dev Manraj’s family. His contributions to Mauritius’ economic development will be remembered as foundational pillars upon which our nation continues to build its future.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 28 June 2024