Sobrinho case: President Gurib-Fakim speaks up for the first time

Since weeks, the President of the Republic, Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, has been facing harsh criticisms in the case of Angolan investor Mr Alvaro Sobrinho and Planet Earth Institute (PEI) headed by the business tycoon. 

In an address to the population broadcast on national radio stations on Thursday, she gave her explanations regarding recent allegations against her in the press regarding her involvement in the PEI and connections to the Mr Sobrinho, who also heads PEI.

“I was elected President in June 2015, I have always said that I will use my scientific background and entrepreneurial experience at the service of Mauritius. I have also said that I will encourage sustainable development, science and culture as to allow our young people to face the world where jobs are becoming rare. Today, I want to clarify my role and involvement in the organisation PEI.”

She revealed that in July 2016, she received an invitation from Lord Paul Boateng from the UK House of Lords to talk in a conference in London where several trustees of PEI were present. “PEI is an official organisation, incorporated in London under the Charity Commission, well regulated and which submits all audited report annually. PEI suggested me to have a branch in Mauritius to help the development of science on the African continent.”

In November 2015, PEI was set up in Mauritius and launched several scholarships in November 2016 whereby ten Mauritians were selected for a Ph.D. project. “However, there were some obstacles such as Brexit and riots in South Africa which delayed the programme. PEI had to turn to local universities to help the candidates. PEI also helped children aged 11 to 13 to encourage them to remain in the field of science through a program known as STEP. More than 600 children benefited from this programme. My role and implication with PEI stops here.”

She further explained that in the mean time, Mr Alvaro Sobrinho decided to invest in Mauritius. “When he contacted the Office of the President, he was directed to the relevant institution. My role as the President stops here. It is true that as President, I am invited to attend various scientific conferences. I have been honoured to represent Mauritius in various conferences like the UN Summit. Often these people invite me as President, scientific or entrepreneur to talk and promote science around the world. I believe that science is important for the development of Mauritius and Africa. Whatever I have been doing till now, it has been in the interest of Mauritius only. The visibility of Mauritius is very important and a positive image of our country helps in attracting investors.”

She made an appeal to the press and the political leaders to be prudent and responsible in their statements. “We all respect and know the importance of the freedom of expression and constructive criticisms but we should avoid personal attacks. If we want to see more women in politics, we must empower them. When insinuations and allegations are made against them, they will be discouraged. The past weeks have been very tough for my family and I do not wish it upon someone else.”

In order to preserve the image of Office of the President, Dr Gurib-Fakim is resigning from the PEI and will continue to work for the youth. “If we fail to work for them, they will never forgive us. Let’s all work for the future of our country,” she concluded.