Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-03-13 08:00:32
The increase in old-age pension to Rs 13,500 from April for all those aged 60 and above, as well as the promotion of 1,785 police officers, are the two main announcements made by Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth in his address to the nation on the occasion of the 56th Independence Day and the 32nd Republic Day.
“On this special day, we are pleased that our elders who have contributed to the development of our country are living better. I will continue to do so even if my opponents criticize me for it. They even filed a petition before the Supreme Court of Mauritius and a case before the Privy Council in England. They alleged that this increase was an electoral bribe. Fortunately, their challenge was rejected. Today, the elders have been able to retain their pension. I remind you that on January 1, I announced that all those aged 75 and above will receive a pension of Rs 13,500,” said Pravind Jugnauth.
“I had mentioned that this upward revision will soon be extended to all categories of pensioners. I do what I say and I work for it. That is why on this special day, I have the honor and pleasure to announce that starting next month, all our elders who have reached the age of 60 will receive a pension of Rs 13,500,” declared Pravind Jugnauth.
The Prime Minister also announced that the government will honor its promises regarding the police force and announced that based on service time and seniority, 1,785 officers will be promoted. This includes 1500 new sergeants, 125 inspectors, and 40 chief inspectors. “This will allow the recruitment of more police officers to strengthen law and order within the republic,” he said.
At the beginning of his address, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the population, demonstrating that Mauritius is a great nation moving in the right direction. He cited the development recorded in all the islands of the republic as evidence. He expressed confidence that hand in hand, the population will work to overcome new challenges. He noted that during his first full five-year term as Prime Minister, he feels a sense of satisfaction that much has been achieved despite the two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, during which the government made tough decisions in the interest of the population.
Pravind Jugnauth believes that his priority remains maintaining peace and security in the country. “I am grateful for the support given to me by many Mauritians. Today, the country is an example to the world. We have a reputation as a hardworking people with strong values that strengthen our economy. If we lose these principles, everything we have built will be destroyed. I have no doubt that the silent majority agrees with me,” he emphasized.
The Prime Minister is pleased that Mauritius enjoys the support of several major powers. He mentioned the presence of the President of India in Mauritius for the national celebrations. “We have witnessed the unprecedented assistance provided by India to Mauritius,” he said.
Continuing his address, he regretted that 56 years after independence, “it is sad that we still have to fight for the complete decolonization of its independence. We deplore the fact that until now, the United Kingdom has not respected the judgments, international agreements, and United Nations resolutions on the Chagos. I reiterated my call to the British Prime Minister to conclude our negotiations for the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos as soon as possible. We will move forward with the return of our compatriots and especially the Chagossian compatriots to the Chagos archipelago,” maintained the Prime Minister.
Pravind Jugnauth also had a thought for all the women working for the country. “I tell them that I will work in their immediate interest. I will continue to fight against domestic violence,” he made clear. Regarding the youth, he emphasized the importance of digital technology. He thanked them for their support in the fight against drug trafficking. “I am fully involved in this project and ask the youth to support me in this fight. I am convinced that we share the vision of a country without these evils,” he added. For the Prime Minister, one of the main challenges facing the country remains climate change.
The Prime Minister praised the builders of the republic, including planters, fishermen, entrepreneurs, educators, tourism sector employees, construction sector workers, public servants, informal sector workers, non-governmental organizations, artists, media, essential services, and others.
He finally had a special thought for the young people who experienced a tragic fate in Arsenal last week. “This tragedy has shaken the entire nation,” he said, emphasizing the need to remain united and supportive so that the country can move forward.
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
