Kavy Ramano’s Former Role as Minister-Notary Under Investigation

In the corridors, a tempest brews around the Square Deal Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, casting a shadow over former Environment Minister Kavy Ramano’s dual role as both minister and notary. Suspicion looms large, as current Environment Minister Rajesh Bhagwan raises the alarm over potential irregularities concerning the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) certification linked to this cooperative society.

In a pointed question, Stéphanie Anquetil pressed the Minister for clarity on whether Ramano, in his former capacity as Environment Minister, had been involved—either directly or indirectly—in the approval process of the EIA certificate for Square Deal Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Ltd.

Should the answer be affirmative, Anquetil demanded to know what actions would be taken.

The signs suggested that Ramano’s dual role will necessitate a thorough investigation by the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC) to uncover any conflicts of interest that may emerge from this troubling affair.

Minister Bhagwan confirmed that inquiries into the EIA application surfaced for the first time in the National Assembly on 12 June 2024, raised by Arvin Boolell during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition.

A response came forth from then Attorney General Maneesh Gobin, who lately found himself ensnared in the judicial scrutiny of the Black Label and Stag Party saga.

On 8 May 2014, Square Deal Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited submitted an EIA licence application to the Environment Ministry, seeking approval for a residential and commercial subdivision in Queen Victoria.

However, Bhagwan revealed that the application was fundamentally flawed—lacking the essential notarised signature required by law, having been signed instead by an unidentified individual.

On 21 May 2024, the project promoter and their consultant were summoned to provide a new notarised certificate.

Remarkably, within just 24 hours—on 22 May 2024—a new, duly signed notarised document was promptly submitted to the Ministry.

Minister Bhagwan expressed astonishment at the quick turnaround, suggesting that the initial submission’s lack of proper notarisation, coupled with the rapid production of the new certificate, indicates a troubling collusion involving the then-Environment Minister, responsible for solid waste management and climate change, and Ramano’s notarial practice, which was alleged to have been “not only functioning but trading.”

Bhagwan underscored that Gobin’s response to Boolell’s question was misleading concerning multiple facets of the EIA application, suggesting a deliberate attempt to protect Ramano, a fellow minister, from scrutiny.

“In light of the EIA request from Square Deal Multipurpose Cooperative Ltd, my ministry is currently undertaking an internal audit to determine whether other instances of collusion exist between the former Environment Minister and his notarial office,” Bhagwan stated decisively.

“There are reasonable grounds to refer the matter to the Financial Crimes Commission to ascertain whether Ramano acted in violation of existing legislation regarding conflicts of interest and the misuse of public office for personal gain and influence peddling,” he concluded.

In a follow-up, Stéphanie Anquetil acknowledged the Minister’s intention to escalate the matter to the FCC.

She pressed Bhagwan on whether he would also approach the Notaries’ Chamber to instigate a thorough investigation into Ramano’s adherence to the code of conduct, potentially leading to sanctions under the Law Practitioners Act.

Minister Bhagwan assured that every avenue would be pursued to ensure clarity and accountability in this scandal, promising no stone would be left unturned in unveiling the truth behind the murky dealings that tarnish the integrity of the office.

Source: Le Mauricien