5 Shocking Audios: MTC’s Champ de Mars Lease Termination

A letter sent to the Mauritius Turf Club (MTC) by the Port Louis municipality in 2022 announced the cancelation of its lease for the Champ de Mars, sparking significant controversy. On the afternoon of Friday, November 1, new audio recordings were released on the “Missier Moustass” YouTube platform.

These recordings, consisting of three videos, primarily discuss the MTC’s lease termination.

Among the figures featured in the recordings are Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Raouf Gulbul, an attorney and husband of Chief Justice Bibi Rehana Mungly-Gulbul, Finance Minister Renganaden Padayachy, Kobita Jugnauth, and PM advisor Dev Bheekary.

In the first audio clip, a voice attributed to Raouf Gulbul recounted a conversation with Prime Minister Jugnauth.

Gulbul expressed his refusal to sign a document intended for the Port Louis municipality, fearing it may lead to conflict with the MTC.

He also voiced concern about his name being made public, recalling past difficulties during his tenure as Chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA).

Despite assurances from Jugnauth that his name would remain confidential, Gulbul remained firm in his refusal.

The document in question had already been prepared and merely required the signature of a senior counsel.

The discussion concluded with the need to find another lawyer willing to sign.

To provide context, on April 22, 2022, the MTC and the Mauritius Turf Club Sports and Leisure (MTSCL) opposed new licensing conditions imposed by the GRA for ‘Horse Racing Organizers.’

MTC directors found three additional clauses unacceptable, leading to their refusal to sign the document and complete the necessary payment.

Consequently, on April 27, the Port Louis municipality opted to terminate the 20-year concession agreement signed in 2008.

The municipality justified its decision by stating it had been informed by relevant authorities that the MTC lacked a valid racing organizer license and was subletting the Champ de Mars to MTSCL.

The second audio clip reportedly features a heated exchange between Prime Minister Jugnauth and Minister Padayachy regarding the MTC situation.

In the recording, Jugnauth expressed frustration and called for an individual referred to as P… to come to his office immediately.

Minister Padayachy responded, stating, “I am bringing him here and those officers.”

This discussion related to a letter that needed to be attached to other important documents.

The final audio clip involved a conversation between Kobita Jugnauth and PM advisor Dev Bheekary.

This discussion occured after Kobita learnt that Radio Plus was planning to cover illegal constructions undertaken by People’s Turf PLC at the Champ de Mars.

Bheekary reassured her that the necessary permits would be granted but acknowledged that construction work by People’s Turf PLC had already commenced.

Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth did not elaborate on this issue during his press conference on Friday, November 1.

Source: Defi Media