Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Gaël Rangain
Published on 2024-03-13 12:00:46
Harvesh Seegolam, GCSK: “Recognition for preserving trust and stability”
“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for the trust. This distinction is a recognition of the efforts of the Bank of Mauritius in recent years to preserve trust and stability in the country’s financial system. Preserving the financial system is also preserving the economic machinery, the trust in the country so that economic actors can continue their activities. This distinction is also a recognition of the work done by all employees, the team of the Bank of Mauritius, the actors in the banking system of Mauritius. It is a great honor for me.”
Jean Claude Autrey: “I am very moved”
“I was very moved when I learned that the GCSK distinction had been awarded to me by the Mauritian state, which I thank through the President of the Republic, Prithvirajsing Roopun and also the Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. “During my 56-year career, which coincides with the 56th anniversary of independence, I wanted to work for the advancement of the country in the areas that are specific to me, namely scientific research and the academic field. “I wanted to contribute to the country because I believe in Mauritius. This country has all the potential to continue to progress both economically and scientifically. I am particularly thinking about the developments in the pharmaceutical industry and biotechnology and especially to accelerate and enhance the level of agricultural production to ensure our food security.”
Olivier Bancoult (Chagos Refugees Group): “Recognition for the Chagossian community”
“We welcome this decoration with great joy. I say we, because it is not only about me. It is a recognition for the entire Chagossian community. For all those who have fought. I have a special thought for all those women and men who started the fight before me and who are no longer in this world. “Receiving the highest distinction of the republic is also a culmination of our struggle. Because it was very difficult for us in the past to celebrate March 12, because of our painful history. The government’s approach to fighting together with the Chagos people brings some relief. “It’s not just about legal actions. There is also a relocation plan, to which the State has committed. It is a hope for us. The Chagos struggle is a struggle for human rights. We have proven it to international bodies. “Receiving the highest distinction from the State is a recognition of our struggle. It is a great day for the Chagosian community.”
Loga Virahsawmy: “Dev deserved this recognition in his lifetime”
“I thank the Prime Minister and his team for awarding the highest distinction of the State to Dev posthumously. However, I have a heavy heart because Dev deserved this in his lifetime. His commitment to the Creole language was known to all, but no government rewarded him for his work. “Dev was an architect of the Creole language. He was the first to do his thesis on the Creole language when he was at university, which I myself typed for him. Back in Mauritius, he continued his fight. When we walked in the street, people insulted him because of that. They told him: what Creole are you speaking? Speak French, English… But he never gave up. If today the Creole language has reached where it is, Dev has greatly contributed to it. “As a poet, author, he has over 4,000 publications. He has done a lot for Mauritian children in education. At his death, many people, professionals, former laureates came to see me saying that it is thanks to Dev that they have become what they are today. “I thank the government for this distinction, but once again, I would have liked Dev to be there to savor this recognition.”
Denis Claude Gaspard (son of Jean Claude Gaspard, MBE, singer): “My father is moved to tears”
“My father and the whole family are very proud of this state distinction. It is a recognition of my father’s contribution to the music field. We thank the Mauritian public who appreciated his songs and made him a great figure in Mauritian music. His efforts have paid off. He has done a lot for his country. He has contributed to culture. “Even though he cannot sing today, my father is very happy with this distinction. He is moved to tears. I thank the Prime Minister and his team for this recognition. I thank God above all for giving him this talent that he was able to share with his country. “He dedicates this distinction to the youth and tells them to be inspired by his journey.”
Rita Venkatasawmy, GCSK, (former Ombudsperson for Children): “Happy with this recognition”
“I am very happy with this state recognition for my contribution to children’s well-being. Now that I am a Senior Citizen, it warms my heart. This state distinction also takes me back in time. “If many people know me as the Ombudsperson for Children, I started in much more difficult conditions. When I founded CEDEM to work with vulnerable children, there were not the same facilities that we have today. There was no CSR, we made do with what we had. I worked without a salary for years. It took a lot of love and perseverance. “I was only 15 years old and still a student at QEC when I developed a sensitivity for vulnerable children. It is work I did voluntarily. I will continue to work for child protection.”
Arnaud Martin (GOSK): “Mauritius has given me a lot”
“I accept this decoration with pride and a sense of accomplishment, which I dedicate to all those I have encountered throughout my life; you have all brought me a lot through your noble sentiments. “Mauritius has given me a lot and I am full of gratitude towards all those who have accompanied me during my journey. Mauritius has been, and will remain, a wonderful and welcoming country. Mauritius is blessed with an exceptional people, improves with age, and tomorrow will be better. I thank the authorities for their gratitude, which I am very appreciative of.”
Dr. Hemant Bessoondyal, GOSK, (Director, MIE): “Very honored by this trust placed in me”
“I am very happy and very honored to receive this state distinction. I thank the government for the trust placed in me. My contribution in the educational sector is the result of collective work with other institutions, with the MIE staff, and other colleagues. “We all work for the well-being and education of Mauritian children. I will continue my work by putting the child at the center of concerns, in order to advance the Mauritian nation.”
CP Anil Kumar Dip, GOSK: “I dedicate this distinction to the police force”
“I thank the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister for this distinction. Through me, it is a recognition of the good work done by the police force to ensure public safety. I dedicate this distinction to the police force, especially for their sacrifice and duty towards the population.”
Sudhamo Lal, GOSK: “This award belongs to MRA’s Management Team”
“This prestigious national award belongs to MRA’s Management Team and all our Staff who have toiled over almost two decades to make the MRA the organization it is today. Together, we have reformed revenue administration in Mauritius by facilitating both tax compliance and trade. “I humbly consider that one of my greatest achievement as Director General of the MRA has been to improve the efficiency in tax collections. It was critical that the MRA provides adequate financial resources to the State to support the Welfare State and promote socio-economic development. The sustained increase in tax revenues by an average of 18% every year since I assumed office as Director General of the MRA is indeed an exceptional achievement. “I am extremely grateful that the small contribution that I and my team have been making over the years to the development of our country and in enriching the lives of many citizens, by raising interalia optimal tax revenues, has been duly recognized through this G.O.S.K award. Indeed, such an award motivates us to work smarter for our country and its people.”
Read the original article(French) on Le Mauricien
