Mauritius Reclaims Its Voice: Democracy, Reform, and Growth

Titbits

By Jan Arden

Many of our cadres, in their prime forties or fifties, may not be directly aware of the conditions and atmosphere leading up to national independence, but we have all come to agree that the event was momentous and defining for our island.

Despite erudite academic reports that foresaw little future for us, the portrayal of an overcrowded barracoon ravaged by frequent devastating cyclones, or the forlorn aspirations for integration into the UK or even retrocession to France, the moment was seized, and history was ultimately made under the stewardship of Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam (SSR). Inspired, no doubt, by the ideals of Fabian socialism, initiatives such as free primary and secondary education, healthcare, social security, school food programs, and the expansion of infrastructure — including roads, public institutions, the MBC, and the University of Mauritius — bore the unmistakable imprint of both SSR and his government.

A largely pacified Mauritius looks ready for celebrating Independence Day with style and fervour. Pic – AFP

Where SSR was visionary was in foreseeing the need for social and political equilibrium as a cornerstone of national development. Alliance with the Labour Party’s opponent, the PMSD, paved the way in the 70s to some new dynamism on the industrial and tourism development front, both benefitting from the literate workforce and the participation of a private sector that was constituted largely by the sugarcane and land barons. But we remained largely a mono-crop plantation economy, where life in towns and villages depended on crop and harvest seasonality and the vagaries of nature, with activities beginning before dawn and ceasing at sundown.

What is perhaps better known are the industrial development phase of the eighties and nineties, when an energized push by the Alliance Bleu-Blanc-Rouge, corralled investors from Taiwan and Hong-Kong to bring here footloose industries, particularly from those wishing a second passport. The rapid textile development brought a socio-economic revolution, easier money or travel and certainly a liberation from agricultural seasonalities. 

Social equilibrium and political triangulation grew increasingly complex, but the island of the dodo was emerging as a noteworthy model for international agencies. It was poised to take flight into its second economic revolution, transitioning into financial and tertiary services — bolstered significantly by a series of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) designed to attract high-net-worth investors and related activities. However, this momentum was eventually challenged by issues such as round-tripping, tax avoidance, and crackdowns by foreign authorities, making it increasingly difficult to sustain such investments against more agile international competitors.

*  *  *

Turning the Page: Rebuilding Institutions and Strengthening Sovereignty

Ten years ago, the country still had a good reputation, healthy monetary reserves and a buoyant middle-class with a decent per caput income and standard of living and, perhaps more importantly, a knack for making social equilibrium and inclusivity, institutional checks and balances, investor confidence and political mores work by and large for the benefit of the country. Political alliances changed and upheavals went their way in 1995, 2000 or 2005, but transition did not change those fundamentals and maybe we all assumed that they offered enough in-built resilience to carry us through choppy political waters.

Sadly, it was this fundamental tenet that was overturned in 2014 and we need not go over recent history, nor over how and why the Jugnauth regime were booted out by the population in November last. The present regime, led by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, his Deputy Paul Bérenger, and Attorney General Gavin Glover, has made it clear that a return to democratic normalcy requires institutions to operate independently — free to investigate without fear or favour — and to transmit their findings to a revitalized Office of the DPP for prosecution and legal action.

That the days of political bosses exerting influence over the Police, the ICAC/FCC, or financial regulatory institutions, the days of using these bodies to hound, harass, manhandle, handcuff, or plant evidence at political opponents’ residences, the days of mass surveillance of Mauritians’ phone, mobile, and social media activities are over is a significant first step, rightly applauded even by high-profile suspects now queuing at the FCC headquarters. The FCC itself, a prime example of legislative abuse purporting to declare almost suo motu who is guilty and who is not, is fittingly destined for replacement by a National Crime Agency — not a product of unchecked imagination but one inspired by proven international models.

The stash of cash in suitcases smack of corruption, but also begs the question whether similar suitcases laden with valuables and forex have already exited the country discretely through the airport. The FCC investigators have obtained a Supreme Court order to analyse all phone and IT equipment of the Jugnauth family and other protagonists and conduct a full financial forensic trail of their bank and other assets.

The authorities have promised a catalogue of changes to ensure that neither the Parliament nor institutions supposed to be free and independent and act as constitutional checks nor those marshalling or guiding foreign investment can be derailed to suit powerful private agendas. On the social dereliction front, nothing seems more urgent than a vigorous plan to counteract the import and distribution of hard drugs by financial barons, while releasing the pressures on personal and recreational use of cannabis.

On a separate note, it is fitting that the excision of the Chagos Archipelago — imposed on Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam by the UK as a coercive condition for granting Mauritius its independence — now seems to be calling upon his son, Dr. Navin Ramgoolam, as Mauritius’ full sovereignty over the territory may soon be recognized by both U.S. President Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The details of the deal are yet to be confirmed, but it should allow the nation to turn a page on that chapter while our best brains endeavour to chalk out our maritime future, with the help of international friends and allies.

Of those who have stood by our side through thick and thin, India has been a steadfast partner. Prime Minister Modi’s acceptance — despite his demanding schedule — of Prime Minister Ramgoolam’s invitation to be the guest of honour at our upcoming National Day celebrations holds particular significance, not least for the concrete avenues it opens to expand our collaboration. We can expect PMO, several Ministries, India House and even State House to be working overtime to make best use of those 48hrs. A largely pacified Mauritius looks ready for celebrating this national day with style and fervour.

Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 7 March 2025