14th Month Bonus Financial Support to SMEs

In a press conference held on Monday, November 4, at the SunTrust Building, former Minister of Gender Equality Kalpana Koonjoo-Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing financial difficulties. This announcement follows the Prime Minister’s remarks during an Alliance Lepep gathering in Phoenix on Sunday, November 3, where he unveiled plans for a 14th month salary bonus.

Koonjoo-Shah explained that while the funding for the 14th month bonus would be primarily provided by the public sector to benefit public employees, the private sector would also be expected to contribute.

She emphasized the need for private companies to ensure that their employees receive this bonus.

To assist struggling SMEs, the government will implement a financial support scheme through the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), ensuring all workers can benefit from this bonus.

Addressing inquiries from journalists, Koonjoo-Shah highlighted that many major private companies have seen substantial profits, with earnings skyrocketing by over 225%, increasing from Rs 12 billion in 2019 to Rs 39.1 billion in 2023.

She asserted that a fair distribution of this wealth necessitates that the private sector be responsible for funding the 14th month bonus.

During the rally in Phoenix, members of the Alliance Lepep expressed that the gathering exceeded their expectations, with a sense of renewed confidence from their supporters.

Koonjoo-Shah, along with other candidates such as Aurore Perraud from constituency No 12 (Mahébourg/Plaine-Magnien) and Toolsyraj Benydin from constituency No 15, celebrated their ability to engage the public effectively in what they termed “the battle of the crowds” against their primary rival, the Alliance du Changement.

Toolsyraj Benydin declared the Phoenix rally a comprehensive success, asserting that the public has made a definitive choice regarding their political allegiance.

Aurore Perraud referred to the recent announcements made by the Prime Minister as “historic measures” that have been met with enthusiasm from the populace.

She took the opportunity to remind attendees of the Alliance Lepep’s recent accomplishments and expressed optimism about the “courageous measures” planned for the future, insisting that the alliance is committed to fulfilling its promises.

Criticism was also directed towards the Alliance du Changement, which was accused of orchestrating a campaign based on animosity, notably referencing controversial videos involving “Missie Moustass.”

Koonjoo-Shah cautioned that should the Alliance du Changement come to power, their administration could engage in illegal and dangerous espionage practices, warning that the populace is already aware of these potential threats.

She further supported the Prime Minister’s decision as crucial in preventing potential communal tensions, stating, “Pravind Jugnauth made the necessary decision to avoid communal clashes in our country.”

The conference concluded with a unified message from the Alliance Lepep, expressing a steadfast commitment to addressing the needs of the population and maintaining social harmony.

Source: Le Mauricien