Issues of great concern

The reply of the Acting Prime Minister and Leader of the House, Mr. Xavier-Luc Duval, to the Private Notice Question (PNQ) of the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Paul Bérenger, on Tuesday has shed light on a number of aspects of the Air Mauritius saga. 

First and foremost, we have ultimately learnt that the Prime Minister Sir Anerood Jugnauth was very much aware of the situation that was prevailing at Air Mauritius.    

THE PM WAS APPRISED OF CERTAIN INTERNAL PROBLEMS

“With regard to Parliamentary Question B/891, I have been informed by the Prime Minister that he was apprised of certain internal problems relating to Air Mauritius Ltd and that the situation had deteriorated to a point where it was no longer possible to carry on with the former Chief Executive Officer.  He was of the view that if that was the case, then the Board of Directors should do what was right for the Company, taking into account the interest of the Airline and its Stakeholders,” stated Mr. Xavier-Luc Duval, who was in fact replying to the PQ of Mr. Alan Ganoo. Mr. Xavier-Luc Duval replied to the PNQ and to the PQ together. 

If the Prime Minister was informed of the situation at Air Mauritius (how could he not be?), why did he chose to keep telling the media that he did not know anything or he gave enigmatic replies? Would it not have been healthier, in the name of transparency as promised by the Alliance Lepep during the campaign prior to the December 2014 general elections, that the Prime Minister’s Office communicated officially on that issue, thus dispelling all doubts?  

Then, thanks to the reply of Mr. Duval, we came to know that eight members of the board were present at the special meeting held on Friday 28 October,2016 and that seven board members were absent with apologies. Mr. Duval also stated that the special meeting was convened at 14hrs48 for the meeting scheduled at 16hrs on the same day. He added that “a convocation and an agenda were sent to all Directors entitled to attend the meeting, including Mr Megh Pillay.” However, Mr. Duval could not produce a copy of the agenda in the House. 

It is worth noting that Mr. Xavier-Luc Duval took all precautions while replying to the PNQ and PQ B/891. First, he took the trouble of reminding that “Air Mauritius is a listed public company quoted on the Stock Exchange of Mauritius and is governed by the provisions of the Companies Act, Securities Act and Listing Rules of the Stock Exchange.”  He added almost ceremoniously that “the listing rules provide for an appropriate forum for disclosure of information relating to the Company’s affairs and matters relating to day-to-day administration, especially those which may affect the share price.”

“Further, I am informed that the termination of employment of the former CEO may be the subject of litigation before the Courts,” said the Acting Prime Minister in a bid to avoid disclosing sensitive information.  

“Given the above, the House will appreciate that while I have chosen to reply to this PNQ, I shall restrict myself to limited matters which may fall within the purview of Government,” concluded the Acting Prime Minister in his introductory remarks. On the whole, the Acting Prime Minister had to resort to a delicate balancing act for two reasons: first, the sensitive nature of the issue and second his own opinion on the issue.    

DRUG PEDDLING: A GROWING CONCERN 

Another matter that is now a growing concern is drug peddling. The seizure of 42.6  kilograms of heroin, having a market value of some Rs 600 million by authorities of Réunion Island in the night of Thursday 10 November, 2016 to Friday 11 November, 2016 confirms that there exists a network between some Indian Ocean Islands. 

It would appear that it was one Mr. Alain Rousseau, president of the “Animation du Port de Sainte Rose,” who found abnormal the presence of the yatch “Sweet Love Mama” in this small port, known as Sainte Rose. Réunion Island police intercepted the boat and three Mauritians were arrested. Two Réunionese and their mother were also arrested. One of the two young men was released. So far, five persons are behind the bars, pending the police enquiry.  

Earlier, more precisely on Tuesday 25 October, 2016, Police constable Arvind Hurreechurn was arrested by the Anti-Narcotics Section of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA). Two kilograms of heroin, having a market value of Rs 35 million were found in his suitcase. The police constable was handed over to the ADSU (Anti Drug Smuggling Unit). Two other suspects, including a police officer, were also arrested.      

“That leads us to another question. Is there a link between the politics and those involved in drug trafficking? How far has this so-called “mafia” infiltrated the police? Who is the real “big boss”? Till when will this state of things continue? "

There are a few disturbing facts in this case. First, constable Hurreechurn was apparently shivering when he was cornered at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Second, it is reported that he tried to plead by uttering these few words:  “Mo ène garde, laisse mo aller” ( I am a police officer. Let me go). Third, some say that he was on the red list of the Anti-Narcotics Section of the MRA. The fundamental question is the following: why do the Police not suspect its officers who travel too regularly to a particular place? 

Now, the Police Constable Hureechurn was detained at the Moka Detention Centre. He was found unconscious in his cell (number 14) in the night of Saturday 29 October, 2016 to Sunday 30 October, 2016 at around 00hrs15. He was immediately taken to the nearest hospital, the Moka Eye Hospital where he was declared dead. 

Here again, there are a few disturbing facts, as revealed by none other than the Acting Prime Minister in reply to a PQ from  MP Mr. Veda Baloomoody. “I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that no video recording nor photographic recording of the body of Mr A. H. prior to removal thereof from the cell are available.” How can that be?  Is there not a protocol to be strictly followed in such circumstances? 

But there are more surprises in the reply of the Acting Prime Minister. “ In addition, no CCTV footage of what actually happened inside the cell is available as the recording mode of the Camera Surveillance System in place at the Moka Detention Centre is currently defective.  I am informed that this system dates back to 2003 and has been found to be outdated and beyond economical repairs.  Since 2014, two successive tender exercises for the replacement of the Camera Surveillance System have not been successful.  Police have thus had to work out the project anew and a fresh tender exercise will be launched shortly.” Mind-blowing, isn’t it? 

The interview of Me. Hervé Lassemillante from the Human Rights Commission  in Le Defi Quotidien of Thursday 17 November,2016 is yet another eye-opener regarding the death of Police Constable Hurreechurn.  

The Leader of the Opposition and of the MMM, Mr. Paul Bérenger, was bold enough to reveal at one of his press conferences (on Saturday 5 November,2016)  that the “big boss” is related to an MP from the majority. No sooner had  he made this revelation than he was summoned to appear at the sitting of the Commission of Enquiry on Drugs on the coming Thursday ( November 10,2016). He revealed the name of the “big boss “ on a piece of paper. The next day, the so-called “big boss” gave an exclusive interview to Radio Plus, in which he denied the allegations that he is a drug peddler. He insisted that he is an international businessman but that he was arrested by the police for alleged “distribution” of drugs.  

That leads us to another question. Is there a link between the politics and those involved in drug trafficking? How far has this so-called “mafia” infiltrated the police? Who is the real “big boss”? Till when will this state of things continue? As an end-piece, the Chagos files are yet to find a solution. Now the British are brandishing a 40 million pounds compensation.