Latest news with #Ramgoolam
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Mauritius aims to halve budget deficit next fiscal year
Mauritius aims to halve its budget deficit to 4.9% of GDP in the fiscal year that starts in July, its prime minister said on Thursday, adding urgent changes were needed to improve the health of public finances. Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, elected in November, accused the previous government of falsifying the country's GDP, budget deficit and debt figures for years. He kept the finance ministry portfolio for himself to keep a close watch over the Indian Ocean archipelago's economy. 'Our commitment is to bring the budget deficit, the borrowing requirement and debt to sustainable levels within the next three years,' Ramgoolam said in a budget speech. Budget documents showed overall spending was expected to rise to 261-bn Mauritius rupees (R102.6bn) in the upcoming fiscal year, from a revised 252-bn (R98.1bn) rupees in 2024/25. Revenue was projected to increase to 224-bn rupees from 182-bn rupees. The government's borrowing requirement is seen falling to about 40-bn rupees in 2025-26 from 76-bn rupees in the current fiscal year. The former finance minister has not responded to the prime minister's allegation that key economic indicators were misstated. He and the ex-central bank governor have been charged with fraud over alleged embezzlement at a state-owned company. They have denied wrongdoing and are out on bail. Mauritius markets itself as a link between Africa and Asia and has shifted its focus from sugar, textiles and tourism towards financial services, business outsourcing and luxury real estate in recent years. Its economy grew 4.7% in 2024, and its statistics office forecasts growth of 3.3% this year.
Business Standard
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Suchhi Kumar Set to Elevate Mauritius Art & Culture with Presidential and Prime Ministerial Blessings
VMPL Port Louis [Mauritius], June 2: In a vibrant moment for Mauritius, the island nation's cultural landscape is poised for a transformative leap, led by actor and visionary Suchhi Kumar. With the blessings of President Dharam Gokhool and Prime Minister Navinchandra Ramgoolam, Kumar's ambitious initiatives aim to position Mauritius as a global hub for art, film, and destination weddings, promising economic and cultural dividends for the nation. Kumar, a seasoned artist with over 20 Indian and international film projects to his name, has already left an indelible mark on Mauritius' entertainment scene. His reality shows, Perfect Player: The Real Game Mauritius and Beauty Queen Mauritius, have captivated audiences, becoming top-rated programs on local television. Now, Kumar is channeling his creative energy into a groundbreaking project: a state-of-the-art film city in Mauritius. This sprawling studio, designed to streamline film and web series production, is expected to create over 100,000 jobs, offering a significant boost to the nation's economy. "This film city will not only showcase Mauritius' stunning landscapes but also its rich cultural heritage," Kumar said in an interview, his enthusiasm palpable. The Mauritian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Ramgoolam, who was sworn in for his third term in November 2024, has embraced Kumar's vision. Ramgoolam, alongside President Gokhool, recently took time to launch Kumar's novel, Once Upon a Time in Mauritius, a heartfelt ode to the island's history and spirit. The launch, attended by Lady Sushil Ramgoolam, was a testament to the government's commitment to fostering cultural endeavors. "It's a moment of history and a personal honor," Kumar wrote on social media, expressing gratitude for the leaders' support. "Their encouragement fuels my drive to elevate Mauritius' art and culture." Beyond film, Kumar is positioning Mauritius as a premier destination for Indian weddings, capitalizing on the island's turquoise beaches and lush landscapes. In 2024, India's wedding season saw an estimated 4.8 million weddings between October and December, generating Rs6 trillion (approximately $71.4 billion USD, based on an exchange rate of $1 = Rs84). Kumar envisions Mauritius capturing a slice of this lucrative market, attracting Indian couples seeking extravagant, culturally resonant celebrations. "Mauritius has the charm and infrastructure to become the next big wedding destination," he said, noting the potential for tourism-driven revenue. President Gokhool, known for his affinity for Indian culture, has lauded Kumar's efforts to bridge Mauritius and India through art. The president's recent engagement with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who gifted him Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh during a March 2025 visit, underscores the deep cultural ties between the nations. Kumar's projects align seamlessly with this synergy, promising to amplify Mauritius' global cultural footprint. As Kumar's initiatives unfold, from the film city to wedding tourism, Mauritius stands on the cusp of a cultural renaissance. With the government's backing and Kumar's relentless drive, the island is ready to shine as a beacon of art, creativity, and celebration. For a nation rooted in diversity, this is more than a moment--it's a movement. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Observer
22-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
UK signs Chagos deal with Mauritius to seal future of US-UK air base
LONDON: Britain signed a deal on Thursday to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after a London judge overturned a last-minute injunction and cleared the way for an agreement the government says is vital to protect the nation's security. The multibillion-dollar deal will allow Britain to retain control of the strategically important US-UK air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, under a 99-year lease. The signing went ahead after a carefully choreographed ceremony was postponed when lawyers representing a British national born in the Chagos Islands were granted an interim injunction at the High Court in the early hours of Thursday. Judge Martin Chamberlain then lifted that injunction following a hearing, saying Britain's interests would be "substantially prejudiced" if the injunction were to continue. The government, which has been criticised by opposition parties for pursuing a deal they say is overly costly and would play into the hands of China, has long said the agreement is essential to secure the future of Diego Garcia. "The strategic location of this base is of the utmost significance to Britain, from deploying aircraft to defeat terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan to anticipating threats in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific," Prime Minister Keir Starmer told a news conference. "By agreeing to this deal now, on our terms, we're securing strong protections, including from malign influence, that will allow the base to operate well into the next century." The signing ends months of wrangling over the deal, the details of which were first announced in October, after the then-Mauritian leader Pravind Jugnauth was replaced by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who raised concerns about it. It was further delayed after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January, with London wanting to give the new administration time to examine the details of the plan. In February, Trump indicated his backing for the deal. Ramgoolam welcomed the deal, saying it had been a long fight to get to this point. "With this agreement, we are completing the total process of decolonisation," Ramgoolam said in a televised broadcast, speaking in the local Creole language. "It's total recognition of our sovereignty on the Chagos, including Diego Garcia." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the deal saying it "secures the long-term, stable and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia". The injunction was the latest legal challenge to the deal in the last two decades brought by members of the wider Chagossian diaspora, many of whom ended up in Britain after being forcibly removed from the archipelago more than 50 years ago. — Reuters
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
UK signs Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius to secure future of US-UK air base
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaking at a press conference on May 22, after signing a deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, under which it retains control of the strategically important US-UK air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Indian Ocean archipelago. PHOTO: REUTERS LONDON - Britain signed a deal on May 22 to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, after a London judge overturned a last-minute injunction and cleared the way for an agreement the government says is vital to protect the nation's security. The multibillion-dollar deal will allow Britain to retain control of the strategically important US-UK air base on Diego Garcia, the largest island of the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, under a 99-year lease. The signing went ahead after a carefully choreographed ceremony was postponed when lawyers representing a British national born in the Chagos Islands were granted an interim injunction at the High Court in the early hours of May 22. Judge Martin Chamberlain then lifted that injunction following a hearing, saying Britain's interests would be 'substantially prejudiced' if the injunction were to continue. The government, which has been criticised by opposition parties for pursuing a deal they say is overly costly and would play into the hands of China, has long said the agreement is essential to secure the future of Diego Garcia. 'The strategic location of this base is of the utmost significance to Britain, from deploying aircraft to defeat terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan to anticipating threats in the Red Sea and the Indo-Pacific,' Prime Minister Keir Starmer told a news conference. 'By agreeing to this deal now, on our terms, we're securing strong protections, including from malign influence, that will allow the base to operate well into the next century.' The signing ends months of wrangling over the deal, the details of which were first announced in October 2024, after the then-Mauritian leader Pravind Jugnauth was replaced by Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, who raised concerns about it. It was further delayed after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January, with London wanting to give the new administration time to examine the details of the plan. In February, Mr Trump indicated his backing for the deal. Mr Ramgoolam welcomed the deal, saying it had been a long fight to get to this point. 'With this agreement, we are completing the total process of decolonisation,' Mr Ramgoolam said in a televised broadcast, speaking in the local Creole language. 'It's total recognition of our sovereignty on the Chagos, including Diego Garcia.' US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also welcomed the deal saying it 'secures the long-term, stable, and effective operation of the joint US-UK military facility at Diego Garcia'. Latest legal challenge The injunction was the latest legal challenge to the deal in the last two decades brought by members of the wider Chagossian diaspora, many of whom ended up in Britain after being forcibly removed from the archipelago more than 50 years ago. It was granted following action by Ms Bertrice Pompe, a British national who was born in Diego Garcia and has criticised the deal for excluding Chagossians. Mr James Eadie, the government's lawyer, said the delay was damaging to British interests and 'there is jeopardy to our international relations... (including with) our most important security and intelligence partner, the US.' It is one less headache for Mr Starmer, who is under fire from his own governing Labour Party for implementing welfare cuts to try to better balance Britain's books. But Mr Starmer's political opponents were again critical of the accord, arguing it was both costly and by ceding sovereignty, China could further deepen its ties with Mauritius, benefiting Beijing's influence in the Indian Ocean. Members of the Chagossian diaspora, including Ms Bertrice Pompe (left) and Ms Bernadette Dugasse (centre), had challenged the Chagos Islands handover at London's High Court. PHOTO: REUTERS More on this Topic Chagos handover to Mauritius has a message for China 'Labour's Chagos Surrender Deal is bad for our defence and security interests, bad for British taxpayers and bad for British Chagossians,' Conservative Party foreign affairs spokeswoman Priti Patel said on X. The financial component of the deal includes £3 billion (S$5.2 billion) to be paid by Britain to Mauritius over the 99-year term of the agreement, with an option for a 50-year extension and Britain maintaining the right of first refusal thereafter. The base's capabilities are extensive and strategically crucial. Recent operations launched from Diego Garcia include bombing strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in 2024-2025, humanitarian aid deployments to Gaza and, further back, attacks on Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan in 2001. REUTERS A satellite image shows six logistical Stratotanker aircraft, for in-flight refuelling, on the tarmac at the Diego Garcia base in the Chagos Islands. PHOTO: AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Zawya
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Prime Minister addresses the Indian Diaspora and Friends of India at a Community Event in Mauritius (March 11, 2025)
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, along with the Prime Minister of Mauritius, H.E. Navinchandra Ramgoolam, today addressed a gathering of the Indian community and friends of India in Mauritius at a special event held at the Trianon Convention Centre. The event saw enthusiastic participation from the Indian diaspora, including students, professionals, socio-cultural organizations, and business leaders. It was also attended by several Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries from Mauritius. Welcoming Prime Minister Modi at the event, Prime Minister Ramgoolam announced that Mauritius would be conferring its highest civilian award 'Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean [G.C.S.K]' on Prime Minister of India during the National Day celebrations. Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to him for this exceptional honour. In his address, Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister of Mauritius for his warmth and friendship and for his contribution to strengthening the vibrant and special ties between the two countries. In a special gesture, he handed over OCI cards to PM Ramgoolam and his spouse, Mrs Veena Ramgoolam. Conveying greetings to the Mauritian people on the occasion of their National Day, Prime Minister recalled the shared historical journey of the two countries. He paid tributes to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, Sir Anerood Jugnauth, Manilal Doctor and others who fought for Mauritius's independence and noted that it was an honour for him to attend the National Day celebrations of Mauritius as Chief Guest. Highlighting the shared heritage and familial connections that form the bedrock of the close people-to-people ties between the two countries, Prime Minister appreciated how the Indian origin community in Mauritius had preserved and nurtured their cultural roots. To further strengthen these bonds, a special carve out for Mauritius has been made whereby OCI cards can be made available to the seventh generation of the people of Indian origin in Mauritius. Prime Minister underscored that India would be supporting several initiatives to nurture the Girmitiya legacy. Prime Minister noted that India was privileged to be a close development partner of Mauritius. He further elaborated that India-Mauritius special ties played a key role in India's SAGAR Vision and its engagement with the Global South. Speaking about tackling the shared challenge of climate change, he appreciated Mauritius's partnership in the International Solar Alliance and the Global Biofuels Alliance initiatives. In this context, PM also highlighted the Ek Pedh Maa Ke Naam ( Plant4Mother) initiative under which he planted a sapling at the historic Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden earlier in the day. Full address of Prime Minister may be seen here. The event featured a captivating cultural programme, with performances by artistes from Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture (IGCIC), Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) and Anna Medical College. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
