Storm in a teacup or the first tremor within the post-Johnson Roussety government? One thing is certain: there was a commotion within the regional government of Rodrigues in the past week.
It appears that the outgoing chief commissioner, Johnson Roussety, expressed his dissatisfaction on his Facebook page, stating that his instructions given before his departure were not followed.
Subsequently, he deleted his comments, but in the meantime, his opponents and government partners took screenshots of his statements.
In one of his posts, the outgoing chief commissioner stated that he had given instructions for the distribution of 100 registration cards to fishermen, but someone had blocked their distribution.
In a second post, he promised to help farmers whose applications for agricultural land leases or planter cards had been rejected. He had scheduled a meeting with them in Baie-Lascars.
The commissioner responsible for Agriculture and Fisheries is Louis-Ange Perrine, a member of the Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD)-Rodrigues and a co-candidate of Johnson Roussety.
The PMSD-Rodrigues is also an alliance partner of the Rodrigues Patriotic Front, led by Johnson Roussety. Vincent Perrine, president of the PMSD-Rodrigues, alerted Louis-Ange Perrine about these posts, leading the commissioner to file a complaint with the police.
Meanwhile, Pravind Jugnauth was greeted by Franceau Grandcourt at Plaine-Corail airport on Tuesday, March 19, to attend the consecration of Bishop Michel Moura.
In Rodrigues, the fishing community is extensive. Some fear that with Johnson Roussety’s publication, fishermen may take to the streets to protest.
Rodrigues residents remember the 2006 fishermen’s demonstration outside the office of then-chief commissioner Serge Clair.
The police and his supporters had to escort him home. Attempts to obtain a response from Johnson Roussety and the new chief commissioner, Franceau Grandcourt, were unsuccessful.
According to information received, both leaders were occupied with the delegation attending the consecration of the apostolic vicar, Bishop Michel Moura.
The Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, was welcomed by Franceau Grandcourt at Plaine-Corail airport on March 19.
The Vice President of the Republic, Eddy Boissézon, was also on the island, along with the opposition leader and PMSD, Xavier-Luc Duval, who came to attend the religious ceremony. “I have already said. My visit is linked to the ordination of Bishop Michel Moura. It’s a local political problem. I leave them to manage this matter,” he stated.
The Agriculture commissioner, Louis-Ange Perrine, did not respond to calls.
However, the direction of the PMSD-Rodrigues held a press conference on Monday to address the issue, with Louis-Ange Perrine being a key speaker.
He emphasized the importance of respect among partners in government and the legality of his actions regarding the distribution of fisherman cards. He stressed the PMSD’s commitment to Rodrigues’ interests and urged unity in governance.
A government alliance member stated that “everything is back in order” and that is why Johnson Roussety removed his posts.
Source: l’Express
