Mauritius Passes Amendment Bill on National Symbols

The National Flags, Arms of Mauritius, National Anthems and Other National Symbols (Amendment) Bill was passed without amendments by the National Assembly on August 7. Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth emphasized that the purpose of this legislation is to consolidate all symbols representing the Republic of Mauritius under a single legal framework, as they were previously governed by various laws.

During the session, Jugnauth explained that the arms of Mauritius are used on official government documents.

However, for practical purposes, the Government Printing department often employed monochrome, greyscale, and line art versions of these arms, which were not provided for in the 2022 law.

The 2024 amendments will thus accommodate these different versions, acknowledging that color printing of the arms is more expensive and time-consuming.

Some government departments, including the police, prison service, and fire services, had been using modified versions of the arms that were not recognized by law.

With the passing of this amendment, they will now be able to utilize these versions without legal complications.

Jugnauth noted that similar adaptations of national symbols exist in other countries; for instance, Australia boasts three versions of its arms, while India has two.

Under the revised National Flags, Arms of Mauritius, National Anthems and Other National Symbols Act 2022, the adapted versions—monochrome, greyscale, and line art—will be permissible for use in official correspondence, provided they receive the Prime Minister’s approval.

Jugnauth expressed gratitude to government members who contributed to discussions on the bill, suggesting that the absence of opposition debates indicates a consensus regarding the amendments.

Cultural Significance of National Symbols

Parliamentary Private Secretary Vikash Nuckcheddy highlighted the historical and identity significance of national symbols, stating that promoting them fosters national unity.

He referred to the book “Untold Stories” by the late Sir Satcam Boolell, emphasizing that amendments to Sections 3 and 7 are aimed at encouraging respect for national symbols like the national flag, arms, and anthem.

Nuckcheddy pointed out that in a time characterized by divisions, it is crucial to promote symbols that reflect national unity.

He articulated that true patriotism involves working for one’s country and respecting its Constitution, while criticizing those who promote division.

He recounted a historical moment from Boolell’s book, recalling that in January 1968, just two months before the first independence celebration, the design of the Mauritian flag had still not been finalized, until Sir Abdool Razack Mohamed proposed the idea of a quadricolore.

Symbols of Sovereignty and Heritage

Avinash Teeluck, Minister of Arts and Heritage, echoed similar sentiments, stating that national symbols are integral to the nation’s identity and heritage, serving as embodiments of its sovereignty.

He pointed out that the 2022 law had lacked consistency in the reproduction of the Republic of Mauritius’ arms, which sometimes made it difficult to reprint them on various materials, such as uniforms.

Teeluck welcomed the changes brought by the Amendment Bill, which promises to standardize the reproduction of national symbols.

He affirmed that the government is taking proactive steps to preserve Mauritius’s cultural heritage, ensuring that the symbols are accurately reproduced regardless of the medium used.

He concluded by asserting that national symbols are an essential part of Mauritius’s identity and cultural heritage, reinforcing the nation’s sovereignty.

Source: Le Mauricien